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Aerial photograph off the west coast of Vancouver Island

Pristine wilderness, wildlife and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world are yours to experience on Cycle BC’s “Totem Tour,”. Vancouver Island lies westward of the mainland of British Columbia. Running southeast to northwest a distance of some 650 km’s and at the widest, from east to west about 200 km’s. Easily accessed from cities such as Seattle or Vancouver by ferry or air travel, the Island is a jewel in the Pacific.

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Distance

1700 km
(1055 mi)

Duration

8 days
(7 nights)

Daily Ride

300 km
(4-5 hours)

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.

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.

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

The starting point for all of our tours is Vancouver. If arriving early enough, bikes are collected and then back to the hotel. Alternatively, bikes can be collected the next morning.

Overall route map for Vancouver Island Totem Tour

On day two you will get to experience the best of what British Columbia has to offer, the mountains and the sea. You will cross the famed Lions Gate Bridge, look straight ahead to see the two lion's head mountain peaks which give the bridge its name. A short ferry ride brings you to the Sunshine Coast for an exciting ride up to Powell River.

Map of Vancouver to Powell River

Catch the ferry from Powell River to Comox. You will head north through Campbell River, the last major town before continuing up the island. As you journey out of town you will be greeted with 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.

Map of Powell River to Telegraph Cove

Begin your day with a 3 hour whale watching tour and then continue down to Campbell River, nestled on the East coast of central Vancouver Island. Long known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and more recently as an adventure and eco-tourism hub, Campbell River is a great place to experience BC's natural surroundings.

Map of Telegraph Cove to Campbell River

Today you will travel across the island to be rewarded with views of the wide open Pacific Ocean. You will travel to the small community of Gold River, before turning around for a climb into the mountains. In the afternoon to will be treated with a stop at the top of Mt. Washington, Vancouver Island's largest winter ski resort. Ocean views and mountain vistas will keep you entertained throughout the day.

Map of Campbell River to Courtenay (via Gold River)

So far you have traveled the Northern part of the 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.

Map of Courtenay to 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.

Map of Tofino to Victoria

Map of Victoria to Vancouver
Overall route map for Vancouver Island Totem Tour
BMW F700GS on a mountainside highway

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

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.

“Had a great time! You are right, the weather was awesome!

Loved the room we had in Campbell River. It was a large corner room with a great view and a jacuzzi tub. We had great breezes through the room. Met some nice people on the ferry to Alert Bay. Had a great meal at Cuckoo's in Coombs at the Goats on the Roof marketplace. Loved the hotel in Tofino... great view, quiet, and quaint. Location in Victoria was great especially with the Canada Day celebration going on. Already planning to return so we can spend more time in some areas such as Tofino.”

— Debbie & Ken Martin, USA