Three Magnificient Motorcycling BC Day Trips

Credit: Catherine Roscoe Barr

BC has some of the best roads for a motorcycling adventure

BC has plenty of wonderful motorcycling roads, from little picnic jaunts to all-day adventures

Our best friends have a motorbike and we have a motorbike, so it just makes sense that we’d plan little outings together – and what a province we live in for road trips. British Columbia has some of the best motorcycling roads in Canada with breathtaking views, spectacular destinations, and twisty, exhilarating routes.

Here are three local rides we’ve done in order from shortest to longest route, with stop-free, roundtrip times from downtown Vancouver (but I like to stop at least every hour to stretch my legs so it takes us a lot longer).

Marine Drive to Horseshoe Bay (1.5 hours)

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Stop to enjoy the view at Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver (Image: Flickr/*_*)

This leisurely ride not only has gorgeous ocean and mountain views, it has gorgeous home views too, and the meandering route along the waterfront with lush, treed sections makes you feel miles from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Be sure to make a pit stop at lovely Lighthouse Park and, if time allows, bring the fixings for a picnic so you can enjoy the ocean views from the rocky shoreline.

Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish (2.25 hours)

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Pausing for a leg stretch and photo opp in front of the Stawamus Chief, Squamish

This newly improved stretch of highway is known for its world-class views and the twists and turns make for a thrilling ride. Once in Squamish, slow the pace down a bit and have a little ride around the smaller roads, like Centennial Way (pictured above) or head a little further north to Brackendale where you may catch a glimpse of a bald eagle.

Ferry to Sunshine Coast (5 hours)

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Getting the little BBQ fired up for a picnic on the beach in Sechelt, BC

For a full-day adventure, take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and explore BC’s stunning Sunshine Coast. Follow the Sunshine Coast Highway from Langdale to Secret Cove, with stops in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt (pictured above) and Halfmoon Bay.

One of the great things about taking a motorbike on the ferry is that you’re usually the first ones on and the first ones off, so not only do you spend less time in transit but you feel like a bit of a VIP.

Safety First

Ryan, Lisa (left) and Randy (right) don their protective gear before a ride

I’m well aware that I don’t look as cool and carefree as the people cruising around in their shorts and t-shirts. Believe me, it’s not comfortable to be stuck in traffic on a 30-degree Celcius day in head-to-toe leather, but I do my best to keep all my bones intact and skin attached by wearing the following protective gear: a DOT or Snell certified helmet and armoured gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. 

Even Randy the Schnoodle wears protective gear, like the Mutt Muffs pictured above, when he comes along on a ride. 

For more ideas on great BC rides, check out Destination Highways’ British Columbia edition.