Scouting the Wild: A Recce Through British Columbia

There is a specific kind of electric anticipation that comes with a "recce" ride. Unlike a fully curated tour where every coffee stop is timed to the minute, a reconnaissance mission is about the unknown.

Okay, perhaps not entirely unknown- we have maps and we have hotels booked after all - but it certainly sounds better, doesn't it? Adventure should always have a dollop of the unexpected if you can help it.

For us, a recce is about taking some of that uncertainty out before we bring you along. Last June, myself, Big G, and six willing "guinea pigs" (dragged along kicking and screaming, of course) picked up a fleet of BMW GS motorbikes in Calgary. Our mission? To head into the heart of British Columbia and shape a polished tour for the following year.

And yes, "polished" might be a stretch when you’re covered in road dust, but that’s the point. A recce is about finding where the pavement ends and determining if that "shortcut" on the map is a hidden gem or a 100-mile detour of wheel-swallowing ruts.

It’s making sure your hotel isn’t a disaster, because ignoring that one grumpy TripAdvisor comment is a mistake you only make once.

Essentially, we did the hard work - and made the wrong turns - so you don't have to.

Here is what we found in the wilds of BC.

The Roads: Finding the Gold Among the Gravel

We rode some absolute blinders, but we also learned a valuable lesson: Canada is full of thoroughly practical roads designed to save time, not necessarily to stir the soul.

• The Learning Curve: We found that roads like the Cariboo Highway are

essential for commerce but (in our opinion) deadly dull for a motorbike trip. It didn't live up to the romance of its name, serving mostly as a reminder that sometimes the "long way round" is the one worth taking.

• The Ferry Debate: We tested the inland ferry route through the interior. While it had its merits and some real beauty, we felt it added too much cost for its rewards and left us a long way from anywhere. It’s been taken out for the final itinerary in favour of more fun on the bike and places you actually want to explore.

• The "Must-Rides": On the flip side, the Kootenays and the Icefields

Parkway are non-negotiable. The Parkway isn’t just a road; it’s a religious

experience for bikers, particularly if you take some of the back roads. Glaciers and peaks that touch the skyy, and of course, Vancouver Island - you simply cannot miss it.

•The Towns: From Alpine Peaks to Surf Breaks

Canada boasts some splendid towns with gritty histories and vibrant cultures. We have handpicked the very best for the final tour to ensure the evenings are as good as the days.

• Whistler & Fernie: High-energy alpine towns that scream adventure.

• Kaslo: A hidden gem that offers a change of pace with a wonderful heritage hotel at its centre.

• Tofino: The rugged edge of the world.

• Vancouver: No trip to BC is complete without a visit in the "City of Glass

and Steel."

The Bikes: The Right Tool for the Job

The BMW GS was the perfect Swiss Army knife for this trip - capable of devouring highway miles and eating up gravel side trails without breaking a sweat. However, we noted that they are tall beasts. If you are vertically challenged, a fully loaded GS can be a handful.

New for the main tour: We have acquired a fleet of Honda CRF300 Rallies. These are fantastic, agile machines for those who want to tackle the route with confidence on a lighter, more manageable bike. The choice is yours, though bikes of each type will be limited and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis.

The Wildlife: Bears, Boats, and Biology

The wildlife in BC is staggering. We lost count of the bears we saw from the saddle - safely spotting them from the road is a thrill you never get used to.

However, we decided we wanted to get you closer (but not too close). For the main tour, we are upgrading the experience in Tofino. Instead of just hoping for a sighting, we are chartering a private boat for a guided whale and bear-watching excursion.

Seeing a black bear turn over rocks on the shoreline from the water is a memory that sticks.

The Verdict

Riding British Columbia isn't just about the destination; it’s about the capability to say "yes" to every side trail. It is a province that demands everything from you but gives back double in scenery and spirit.

Last June wasn't just a scouting trip; it was a reminder that the best stories are found where the phone service fades and the adventure truly begins. We’ve smoothed out the rough edges, cut the boring highways, and kept the wildest bits just for you.

Are you ready to ride the polished route?

Canada Motorcycle Tour

Canada Motorcycle Tour

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