Motorcycle Road Trip: Mountains, Rainforest, and the Inside Passage

The Sea-to-Sky Highway is a rite of passage for new riders, and before the highway was improved in 2010 it was also considered dangerous. Now the multi-lane highway is much safer, but it’s still easy to get distracted with twists and turns nestled between towering mountains and the Salish Sea. This route starts in Vancouver and follows the Sea-to-Sky Highway through Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton.

Don’t Miss

• Ascend the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish for early morning yoga with a view of Howe Sound.
• Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for views of Whistler Village and the surrounding mountains.
• Stop at Nairn Falls, 20 minutes north of Whistler.

When you continue along the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Pemberton, it turns into Duffey Lake Road. If motorcycles could dream, they’d dream of Duffey Lake Road. Be ready for sharper corners, steeper grades, and gorgeous lake and forest views. Take your time. There are plenty of opportunities to pull over and soak up the scenery.

Don’t Miss

• Stop at Duffey Lake Provincial Park for a picnic with a view.
• Visit Hat Creek Ranch for a little history with a side of pie and ice cream.

The Cariboo Highway is steeped in gold rush history. Years ago, traffic was mainly horse and wagon, and you can still find ranches on this route where you can stay and explore on horseback. Now, the pace of motor traffic has picked up. Perfect for me to see if my small motorbike could keep up—it did.

Don’t Miss

• Side trip on Highway 26 to Wells and Barkerville.
• Make time for a dip in Lac La Hache and Green Lake.

Highways 97 and 16 intersect in Prince George, making it an ideal base for exploration. Plan a hike, spend the day fishing, or stay in town for some craft beer and entertainment.

Don’t Miss

• Stop at the Huble Homestead Historic Site north of Prince George.
• Travel east on Highway 16 and wander through towering trees in the Ancient Forest.
• Visit some of the breweries along the Northern BC Ale Trail.

Traffic starts to lighten along this stretch of Highway 16. An adventurer’s playground, the area is known for its abundance of lakes, charming communities, rivers, and history.

Don’t Miss

• Keep an eye out for wildlife. We saw a stag and a bear on this section of the highway.
• Admire the view of Hudson Bay Mountain from Smithers.
• Make time for a stop at ‘Ksan Historical Village.

A hidden gem off Route 16 is the trip to Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. Follow Highway 113 (Nisga’a Highway) as it winds around Lava Lake, explore the lava beds, and visit one of the Nisga’a First Nations villages. Continue through the Nass Valley to Laxgalts’ap to visit the Nisga’a Museum.

Don’t Miss

• Pick-up an auto tour map at the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park Visitor Centre (built in the style of a traditional Nisga’a Longhouse).
• Stop for a dip in Aiyansh Hot Springs (a short walk from the highway).
• Try the fish and chips in Gingolx (Kincolith).
• Take a guided tour of the volcano.
• Make sure to fill your tank in Gitlaxt’aamiks (New Aiyansh) before you set off to explore.

Another highlight of the trip, this last leg of Highway 16 delivers with corners that wind through towering mountains and lush forest, leading to a breathtaking ocean view and the charming community of Prince Rupert.

Don’t Miss

• Side trip through Port Edward (just before Prince Rupert) and visit the North Pacific Cannery for a glimpse of life circa 1889.
• Stay in a unique waterfront guest house at the Cassiar Cannery, just down the road from the North Pacific Cannery.
• Catch a ride with BC Ferries and spend a few days exploring Haida Gwaii.
• Visit the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary.

The ferry from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island takes you on a 15-hour journey through the Inside Passage. Watch for bears, whales, and dolphins as the ferry weaves its way among the coastal islands of the Great Bear Rainforest.

Don’t miss

• Reserve your spot on the ferry in advance and don’t be late.
• For some extra comfort, book a sleeping cabin.
• Check out the lunch barbecue on the top deck.

The ferry docks at the north end of Vancouver Island in Port Hardy. Here our sea legs went back on our bikes for the journey down the island on highways 19 and 19A. Highway 19 is fast, and Highway 19A is a slower, scenic, oceanside ride.

Don’t Miss

• Stop in Telegraph Cove for lunch, or spend a day (or two) exploring the area on a whale watching or grizzly bear viewing tour.
• Take a short hike to Elk Falls near Campbell River.
• Stay in Cumberland for some outdoor fun and catch a live show at the historic Waverley Hotel.
• Before boarding a ferry back to Vancouver in Nanaimo, check out the Naniamo Bar Trail.

Last updated: November 30, 2020