Best of Both Victoria

Leaving Vancouver heading east, once you get out of the city limits and pass Hope, you start an exciting ascent into the Cascades Mountains. After a few stops for photos you quietly drop down sweeping corners into the Okanagan Valley, land of lakes and orchards.

As you leave Kelowna the surrounding landscape is fairly flat and arid, a sharp contrast to the towering peaks and green forest you will soon be riding through. You will soon enter the heart of the Kootenay's mountain region. This area is famous for a large number of ski resorts, many breweries, and fertile land for growing fruit.

Heading north on a fifty mile stretch with about a hundred corners. This is one of our favourite roads with a great view of the Monashee Glacier. After the Glacier you continue north to Nakusp, a great place to stop for lunch. Continue south to a relaxing ferry crossing making your way to our stop at Vernon. Another spectacular day.

Our day starts off riding through cattle lands and gently rising hills to reach the charming town of Falkland. After leaving Falkland you make your way to Lillooet where the real drama begins, get ready for the endless twisties of the Duffy Lake pass. After Duffy Lake you descend down into the Pemberton Valley and make your way to the world class resort town of Whistler.

Leaving Whistler southwards on the Sea to Sky Highway, you stop at the BC Ferries terminal at Horseshoe Bay to catch a sailing to Nanaimo. Motorcycles are first to load and unload, very civilized. From Nanaimo you head north riding through the Comox Valley, ending at the town of Campbell River.

Campbell River is the last major town before continuing up the island. When you journey out of town you will be greeted by wide open wilderness. The Northern region of Vancouver Island is a special place, due to the abundant wild and marine life that thrives along the coast. The area is home to orca whales, as well as humpback, grey and minke whales, seals, sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea otters, porpoises, salmon, eagles, black bear, Roosevelt elk, deer and cougars inhabit the region. Tours are available to mainland inlets to see grizzly bears.

So far you have toured around the Northern part of Vancouver Island, time to head west to experience one of our favourite places on Earth, Tofino. Today you will drive from Port Alberni to Tofino on the Pacific Rim Highway which has breathtaking views and awe-inspiring landscapes. This stretch of highway is one of best motorcycle roads on the island. The highway can become narrow at points, be careful about passing and watch out for camper vans.

Well we hoped 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 back across and then head 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 south.

Welcome to Victoria! This little city has a lot of charm. Today you will be traveling to a BC ferry terminal and taking the boat back to Vancouver. Remember that motorcycles load first, so don't worry if the terminal looks busy, you will make your boat. The trip over to the mainland is one and a half hours.