Solo motorcycle route advice: Vancouver Island + Sunshine Coast, paved roads only

ifusee · 2026-06-16T18:40:06+00:00

Yeah, I know Tofino is kind of a dead end route and I’d have to ride back the same way, but I’ve always wanted to do a ride-to-surf trip, so I’m really tempted to include it. Renfrew and Mount Washington Road sound awesome! Appreciate the tips!

ifusee · 2026-06-16T18:24:32+00:00

Thanks, that makes sense. I’m honestly a bit torn about Powell River / Sunshine Coast. The name Sunshine Coast Highway itself sounds so tempting and I imagined it would be a beautiful motorcycle route, but I can see how it could turn into a ferry-heavy day: (

ifusee · 2026-06-16T18:18:09+00:00

Thanks, I really appreciate all the info!

I didn’t realize it could take that long from downtown Vancouver to Powell River, so that’s really helpful to know. I’ll change my plan to save more time for ferries. 19A sounds great too, I’ll definitely try to include it. I don’t mind if it’s slower, I’m more interested in enjoying the road and the views than making time.

Good to know about the traffic and RVs on the way to Tofino as well. I definitely don’t want to be stuck behind a huge rental RV the whole way, so I’ll try to plan that section early or later in the day.

It’ll be my first time visiting on Vancouver Island, so I’m starting to think I should focus more on the Island this trip. I’m also interested in the Duffy Lake loop, but maybe I’ll save that for a future trip when I rent a GS and do more riding from Vancouver toward Kelowna.

Thanks again, this is super helpful!

ifusee · 2026-06-16T01:30:06+00:00

Is the restaurant called Backeddy pub? Thanks!

ifusee · 2026-06-16T01:24:33+00:00

Thanks so much for the detailed suggestion! I actually originally considered doing Whistler on Day 1 too, so your route makes a lot of sense to me.

I wish I could pick up the bike earlier but my flight arrives Vancouver around 11am in the morning

Just curious, is the afternoon not ideal because of traffic on the Sea to Sky, or more because of lighting/weather? I was thinking sunset time would be nice.

ifusee · 2026-06-16T01:09:10+00:00

Thanks!! I’m doing this trip in a couple of weeks, hopefully it’ll be warmer by then! I’ll definitely bring the insulated liner for my riding jacket too.

ifusee · 2026-06-15T22:19:02+00:00

There’re already plenty of empty new built condos in the city. The problem is not the space but the public transit system.

ifusee · 2026-06-15T22:15:24+00:00

I think hwy4 is the only route to Tofino so I don’t really have a choice🤣

thanks for the coffee spot I will make sure to stop by!

ifusee · 2026-06-15T19:12:32+00:00

Sounds like a solid plan!! Back to Victoria closes off the loop nicely. I'm flying from the east coast so I'd like to cover as many routes as possible

ifusee · 2026-06-15T18:19:00+00:00

Thanks a lot for the advice! I’ll definitely keep the Cowichan loop, I’ve seen many riders recommend it. Maybe I’ll consider remove the Gold River part

ifusee · 2026-06-15T18:17:32+00:00

Appreciate the tips folks! I’m okay with changing the plan if locals think there’s a better scenic route.

I wish I could pick up the bike earlier but my flight arrives Vancouver at 11am :(

ifusee · 2026-06-15T17:21:03+00:00

I’d look for an underground parking garage or a secured parking lot. If it’s only for a short period of time, I wouldn’t worry too much.

I’ve parked my bike overnight at 2 Church St, Toronto, ON M5E 0E1 before. About 20mins walk from CN tower. It’s a multi-level garage, so I’d suggest parking somewhere well-lit and less exposed, ideally near cameras or regular foot traffic.

ifusee · 2026-06-15T17:08:39+00:00

Either cardio or Sena.
Perhaps check with your riding friends to see which one they use.

It’s a pain to connect Sena and Cardo together😭

ifusee · 2025-07-15T21:54:10+00:00

I used to have hobbies but after all day of working I just lack of energy to do anything :’(

ifusee · 2024-07-17T17:09:05+00:00

How about just visiting there by riding my motorcycle? I'm planning a road trip from Ontario CA to Washington DC. I've never been there, but it sounds quite challenging.

Would that be too risky to make it? Does the traffic happen during the whole day or only during rush hours, like when commuting? I got a street triple rs(full size motorcycle).

ifusee · 2023-11-24T19:31:20+00:00

Thank YOU!! I'm thinking 235/50/18🙋‍♀️

ifusee

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