Hello lovely people! Spring is in the air, and I’m starting to plan this year’s summer trip. I have 4–5 weeks off in August, and one option I’m considering is British Columbia. I’ve done a few long trips before, with camping and cooking, but I only have a road bike.
How is traffic on BC’s paved roads? From what I can see on Komoot/Strava/Google Maps, there aren’t many paved options, and the ones that exist often seem to be highways, which makes me hesitate due to potentially heavy traffic. Anyone with experience?
My other options are Norway, from Tromsø to Oslo/Bergen, (potential bad weather) or looping around Hokkaido (expensive flights from Europe!). Since it’s August, I’d like to make the most of good weather and explore something relatively northern.
Any advice on BC traffic or general route tips are all very welcome!
Attached the picture as an impression of my set-up in Kyushu last year.
by Jeroennnn__
1 Comment
BC is huge, so it’s hard to generalize for the entire province, but I can try. If you’re accustomed to touring in Europe, you may be shocked at the vast distances between towns in BC.
Cycling is legal on highways, [with a few exceptions where it’s prohibited](https://gov.bc.ca/cyclingrules).
One stretch of highway of interest is Highway 99, also called the Sea to Sky Highway, between West Vancouver and Whistler. It is _world-class beautiful_, but also busy. I’ve done it a few times, and I’d say it’s barely tolerable if you pick a strategic time.
Consider riding on Vancouver Island. Drivers on the island tend to be more relaxed. The Sunshine Coast (Langdale to Powell River) is a quasi-island in spirit even though it is technically part of the mainland, so it’s also relatively quiet. Of course, you can take some ferries and go island-hopping, where it will be quieter still.
Hot tip, if you like camping and are a competent road cyclist who can handle the ride to Tofino: at the earliest opportunity, book a night or three for a walk-in site at the [Green Point campground in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve](https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/camping#walk-in). Those twenty spaces are a spiritual experience and in high demand.
If you venture north beyond Whistler, traffic will be sparse enough that it’s not much of a concern.
The Okanagan Valley is beautiful, but has a bit of a reputation for having some unruly drivers. It will also be hot there in August.
Sadly, in the last decade, August has become wildfire season in BC. There is a considerable chance that air quality becomes a concern, especially in the Okanagan Valley.