Embark on an epic 13-day motorcycle adventure through the stunning landscapes of British Columbia and Alberta with the Best of the West Motorcycle Tour. Starting and ending in Vancouver, this incredible journey takes you through a diverse mix of winding mountain roads, lush rainforests, and rugged coastal highways. Ride through the sun-soaked valleys of Kamloops, past the towering peaks of Mount Robson, and into the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff. Experience the scenic beauty of Revelstoke, soak in the natural hot springs of Ainsworth, and cruise through the vineyard-laden hills of Kelowna. From the exhilarating roads of Whistler to the wild shores of Tofino and the charming streets of Victoria, every twist and turn brings a new adventure. With handpicked accommodations and a perfect blend of twisty roads and breathtaking scenery, this tour offers the ultimate West Coast experience you’ll never forget!

*Starting price includes 12 nights accommodation and a 13 day rental of a Honda NX 500 with insurance, luggage, GPS & day planner. Other models can be booked for an additional charge; see More Info section for a pricing table.

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Price starting

$6580.00 CAD*

Distance

3175 km
(1975 mi)

Duration

13 days
(12 nights)

Daily Ride

335 km
(4-5 hours)

This narrow 55km strip of water separates mainland British Columbia from Vancouver Island. Many islands, large and small, are spread throughout the straight. While on BC Ferries keep your eye out for migrating orca whales, porpoises and eagles.

Ferry through the Straight of Georgia

This narrow 55km strip of water separates mainland British Columbia from Vancouver Island. Many islands, large and small, are spread throughout the straight. While on BC Ferries keep your eye out for migrating orca whales, porpoises and eagles.

Duffy Lake Road winding through the mountains north of Pemberton BC

Duffy Lake Road

This high alpine pass has seemingly endless turns for you to test the limits of your bike.

Beach and coastal sunset near Tofino.

Tofino.

Imagine, all in one place, fishing, kayaking, whale watching, bear watching, bird watching, camping, hiking, storm-watching and First Nations cultural learning. Surfing is big here, and Tofino was named the best surf town in North America in Outside Magazine's 2010 Editors' Choice awards. Look forward to riding Highway 4, the road in to Tofino that winds across Vancouver Island.

Motorcyclist riding down a two lane highway with Mount Robson rising up in the background.

Mount Robson

At 3,954 metres, Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towers over the lesser surrounding peaks; winter or summer, this is one of the finest views in the Rocky Mountains.

A twisty mountain road in the forest.

New Denver to Kaslo

Quite possible the best road in BC. This is a 50 km stretch of back to back, perfectly cambered corners that travels through stunning mountain landscapes high in the Kootenays.

Kelowna Mountain overlooking Okanagan Lake

Okanagan wine country

Visit the Okanagan Valley with its stunning scenery, world-class wineries and beautiful lakes.

A tower lookout over the ocean

Malahat Skywalk

Before you ride down to Victoria you have to climb the Malahat highway. This stunning section of road connects the small town of Mill Bay to the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. Make a plan to stop at one of the many lookouts that offer views of Brentwood Bay. Stop at Goldstream Provincial Park to see cascading waterfalls and trees that are hundreds of years old.

An alpine waterfall with mountains in the background.

Athabasca Falls

The 23-metre Athabasca Falls is not very high by Canadian Rockies standards, but the size of the river makes it one of the most powerful falls to be found in the national park. Pouring over a layer of hard quartzite, the falls have cut into the softer limestone beneath, carving intricate features, including potholes and a short canyon.

View of a blue lake and mountains from a height. Forest and buildings by the lake, blue sky with white clouds, on a summer day

Lake Louise

Canada's "Diamond in the Wilderness," and the "Hiking Capital of Canada". This stunning emerald lake is situated in the heart of the Rockies, a sight that needs to be seen to believed.

Highlights

British Columbia is home to the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the world. In your tour itinerary we have outlined the highlights for each day so you will always be prepared for the adventure that lies ahead. Here are just a few of the main highlights you will see on your tour.

Itinerary

Your journey begins in the bustling city of Vancouver, known for its scenic waterfront, Stanley Park, and vibrant neighborhoods like Gastown. The day focuses on getting settled in at the hotel and picking up your motorcycle from Cycle BC. Alternatively, bikes can be collected the next morning.

A map of the Best of the West Tour

A big day to get acquainted with the bike! Leaving the Coast, you’ll head east along the Trans Canada Highway through fertile farmland and into the historical Fraser Canyon, a dramatic canyon once used by Gold Rush miners of the late 1800s. This part of the tour offers breathtaking views of the Fraser River and its deep gorge before reaching Kamloops, a semi-arid city known for its grasslands and rugged beauty.

A map outline of Vancouver to Kamloops

Travel north along the Thompson River with sweeping highways and potential wildlife sightings. You’ll encounter diverse landscapes, leaving the drier Kamloops area for lush forests and mountain vistas as you near the imposing peak of Mount Robson and the town of Valemount, gateway to the Rockies.

A map outline of the route from Kamloops to Mount Robson

This day is all about mountain grandeur. The route follows the Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most scenic rides in the world. You’ll pass by the towering Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, along with massive glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and the powerful Athabasca Falls. The journey ends in the iconic town of Banff, known for its mountainous backdrop.

A map outline of the Route from Mount Robson to Banff

For your rest day many options are available. Explore the charming town of Banff with its historic hotels, shops, and restaurants. Take short scenic rides along the Bow Valley Parkway, visit Lake Louise, or opt for a glacier tour along the Athabasca Glacier.

Banff

By now you should be an expert at navigating the Canadian Rockies. Say goodbye to Banff and get ready to ride the storied Kicking Horse Pass. The road to Revelstoke winds through the narrow valleys that helped link together Trans Canada Railway. You will experience enough switchbacks to make you dizzy. The end of the day will bring you to Revelstoke, a picturesque mountain town with a rich railway history.

A map outline of the route from Banff to Revelstoke.

A unique day of both road and ferry travel, passing through remote mountain roads, including the famous route from New Denver to Kaslo, known for its tight turns and stunning views of the Silver Rush ghost towns. You’ll also visit the historic ghost town of Sandon. After a long day's ride, reward yourself in the relaxing thermal baths of Ainsworth Hot Springs.

A map outline of the route from Revelstoke to Ainsworth

As you leave Ainsworth, the towering peaks and green forests of the Kootenay Mountain region transform into the rolling hills of the Okanagan. You’ll pass alongside the 275 km (170 mi) shoreline of Okanagan Lake This area is famous for its many ski resorts, wineries and fruit orchards.

Welcome to cowboy country! Rolling hills and the odd cattle ranch will be what you see as you leave Kelowna. Get ready for a dramatic climb into the mountains, following a series of interesting switchbacks as you work your way into the Coast Mountain Range. Making your way to Pemberton will be one of the best roads of the trip passing the high alpine pass of Duffey Lake. At the end of a long’s days ride you’ll arrive in Whistler and enjoy the many amenities this resort town has to offer.

A map outline of the route from Kelowna to Whistler

Todays ride begins with the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, winding past towering mountains, the deep fjords of Howe Sound, and cascading waterfalls. After reaching Horseshoe Bay, a ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia offers a chance to relax before continuing through Vancouver Island’s lush rainforests and rugged coastline. The Pacific Rim Highway twists through cathedral-like cedar groves and vast lakes, with misty ocean air greeting you as you near Tofino.

Tofino, a small coastal town on Vancouver Island, is a paradise of wild beauty, rugged shores, and untamed Pacific waves. Known for its world-class surfing, lush rainforests, and rich Indigenous culture, it’s a haven for outdoor adventurers and those seeking tranquility alike. Whether exploring the windswept beaches of Pacific Rim National Park, taking a whale watching tour, or savoring fresh seafood in a cozy seaside café, Tofino is the perfect stop for a rest day set against a backdrop of misty mountains and endless ocean horizons.

Beach and coastal sunset near Tofino.

Well we hope you enjoyed your time in Tofino. Unfortunately, there is only one way back. The good thing is that the ride always seems different going in the opposite direction. Today you will be travelling east and then heading south. The vast majority of Vancouver Island's population lives on the South end of the island. You will notice the city centers grow as you work your way down.

All good things must come to an end. Today is the final leg of your epic thirteen journey across BC! One more ferry to go to make your way back to Vancouver, by this time you should be an expert at loading and unloading. Once on the ferry head to the upper deck to soak in some sun and ruminate on all that you just experienced.

A map of the Best of the West Tour

What’s Included

  • The Best Bikes

  • Pre Ride Booklet

  • The Best Accommodations

  • Rider Care Kit

  • Quality Riding Gear

  • Emergency Roadside Kit

  • Comprehensive Day Planner

  • Complementary Storage

  • Garmin GPS

  • A Full Tank of Gas

More Info

  • BMW R 1300 GS, BMW R 1250 RT
    • Upgrade Fee: $1040
    • Total: $7620
  • BMW R 1250 GS, H-D Heritage Softail Classic
    • Upgrade Fee: $910
    • Total: $7490
  • BMW F 850 GS, BMW F 900 XR, Triumph Tigersport 800
    • Upgrade Fee: $455
    • Total: $7035
  • Suzuki V-Strom 800, BMW F 800 GS, KTM 790 ADV, BMW F 750 GS/Low, Yamaha Tenere 700, Triumph Speed Twin, Honda Transalp 750
    • Upgrade Fee: $325
    • Total: $6905
  • Suzuki V-Strom 650, Suzuki SV 650, Triumph Tigersport 660
    • Upgrade Fee: $195
    • Total: $6775
  • RE Interceptor 650, Honda NX/CBX 500, RE Himalayan
    • Upgrade Fee: -
    • Total: $6580

Requirements

Getting on a motorcycle and riding off for days at a time has a minimum set of requirements. Please review our quick checklist and refer to our Rental Policies for a detailed list of rental requirements.

Rental Policies
  • License

    A valid driver's license in either English or French with motorcycle endorsement (must be present at the time of pick up). An international driver's permit may be required depending on your country of origin.

  • Experience

    More than one year of riding experience on a similar sized bike to which you would like to take out.

  • Security Deposit

    A coverage deductible ranging from $2000.00-3000.00 depending on your choice of bike for the duration of the rental by means of credit card authorization only.

  • Age

    21 years of age or older.

At Cycle BC our job is easy, Canada has already provided us with one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world to stage our tours. All we had to do was provide the finest bikes the industry has to offer, combined with our unmatched service and you have the recipe for the trip of a lifetime.

On your tour you can expect to travel through Canada’s rugged wilderness on seemingly endless twisties finishing each day in a hand-picked, high quality accommodations with variety of options for great food. Along the way you will see unforgettable sights and experience some of the best roads Canada has to offer. From the first time we get in touch to when you are on your way home we look forward to having the opportunity to exceed your expectations every step of the way.