What we consider to be the best motorcycling roads of southern B.C.:

Vancouver Island

Highway  4 from New Island Hwy (Qualicum/Port Alberni offramp)  to Tofino/Ucluelet - This route takes you from the east coast of Vancouver Island over "The Hump" to Port Alberni.  From Port Alberni, the road winds and turns, climbs and descends past scenic lakes (Sproat & Kennedy), rivers and mountain peaks.  The road is extremely challenging, perfect for an easy cruise or a more sporting pace.  Accomodations in Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino.

Points of Interest - Village of Coombs, Alberni Harbour Quay, Long Beach (Pacific Rim National Park), Villages of Tofino and Ucluelet. Check with respective Chamber of Commerce offices for area details.
 

Nanaimo to Victoria - BACKROADS -  I'm not sure of the route numbers, but one of the most enjoyable rides I've ever done was this one.  South of Nanaimo, you turn off towards Cedar, and follow the backroads through Yellow Point to the North Side of Ladysmith, where you have to get back on the main highway.....but only for a few miles.  South of Ladysmith, turn off at the first exit to Chemainus, and follow the route past Crofton, Maple Bay, etc., to Duncan.  Once again, you're forced back onto the highway through Duncan, but just on the south side of Duncan, exit at the first turnoff to Cowichan Bay.  Stay on the back road, cross the highway and voyage through Cobble Hill and Shawnigan Lake south to the Malahat, where you're back on the main highway again.  South to Victoria,  north to Duncan/Nanaimo,etc., or turn around and head back down the way you came- this is a wonderful day trip at a leisurely pace.

Points of Interest - Chemainus, Maple Bay, Cowichan Bay, Cobble Hill, Shawnigan Lake (wow), Malahat.

Mainland British Columbia - South

Highway 3A/31/31A/6   - Nelson to Kaslo, Kaslo to New Denver, New Denver to Slocan City to Nelson-  This circle tour of the Slocan Valley/Arrow Lakes/Kootenay Lake Region is like taking a trip back through time, to the early history of British Columbia's mining days.   The highway from Kaslo to New Denver sits upon the rail bed of the K & S Railway, a narrow gauge railway constructed to access the riches of the silver mines that drew thousands to the area in the late 19th century.  This area was once the most productive silver mining region in British Columbia, and the highway layout reflects the "goat trail" style of early pioneers, prospectors and, strange as it may seem, rail engineers.  To the average car driver, this might be a detriment, but to those of us on two wheels.....well,  it's perfect!!!  There's barely a straight piece of road on the whole trip, which can be packed into one (long) day's travelling time. Plan for a few days to really take it all in though - there's so much to see and do in this area.  Those with extra time on their hands can head north from Kaslo, along the Lardeau River.  More panoramic views, ghost towns and snaky roads await, and the rider eventually finds his or herself   The nice thing about this area is that you almost never have to cross the same road twice - there's always a circle route available.

Points of Interest - City of Nelson, Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Glacier Park, Ainsworth Hot Springs, City of Kaslo, Valley of the Ghosts (Hwy 31A from Kaslo to New Denver), Ghost town of Sandon, City of New Denver, Lower Arrow Lake.

Highway 3A - Creston to Kootenay Bay to Balfour -  This route follows the east shoreline of Kootenay Lake past a myriad of small resorts and campgrounds, finishing at the ferry terminal at Kootenay Bay.   Another twisty two lane road that puts you in cycling heaven.  The ferry (which is the longest free ferry ride in the world) carries travellers to Balfour, 30 mins. northeast of Nelson on route 3A.

Points of Interest - Kootenay Landing (former sternwheeler landing site), Kootenay Bay, various resorts, Kootenay Lake.
 

Highway 3 - Osoyoos to Grandforks to Castlegar -  This tour starts in Osoyoos, one of Canada's few true deserts and climbs up and over high country to follow the Kettle Valley, site of the historic Kettle Valley Railway.  The valley is magnificent, there are plenty of small interesting towns and sights to stop and stretch your legs at, and the changes in the surrounding ecology are amazing (desert to grasslands to interior forests).  Past the history (and the borscht!) of Grand Forks, Christina Lake is world famous as a destination vacation spot.  More ideal riding!

Points of Interest - Rock Creek, Kettle Valley Railway, Greenwood, Grand Forks (try the borscht!), Christina Lake.

Highway 33 - Rock Creek to Kelowna-  Route 33 leaves Highway 3 (Osoyoos to Castlegar) at Rock Creek, and winds through a whole lot of natural scenery to wind up in Kelowna, in the Okanagan Valley.   Great if you want to get away from traffic, shopping and civilization.

Points of Interest - Curves, corners, twists and turns.  Oh yeah, and did we mention that the road is rather snakelike?