Part II - Vancouver Island Motorcycle Adventure
Week 1 – Calgary to Vancouver Island (And a Whole Lot In Between)
This was the moment of truth on the journey—where the rubber met the road, quite literally. After twelve days of relentless riding, surrounded by breathtaking views, I found myself reflecting on the sheer exhilaration of it all. Each day brought with it a sense of adventure, prompting me to consider how incredible it would be to experience this kind of freedom daily.
Bear Jams and Traffic at Glacier National Park:
Kicking off from Calgary through Waterton and into Glacier National Park was stunning, but windy! A bear decided to wander by the roadside, which caused a traffic jam that left me baking in my gear. Still, seeing it up close made it worth the wait.
Glacier National Park provided a unique, albeit challenging, backdrop for photography on that day. The absence of cloud coverage limited the dynamic range of the scene, resulting in a flat contrast that dampened the visual impact of the shot. The stillness of the water was further compromised by the presence of floating particles, possibly pollen, which distracted from the clarity of the image. Despite these challenges, the location holds iconic potential, making it a prime candidate for a return visit during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Capturing this landscape under changing light conditions would undoubtedly elevate the composition, revealing the true beauty of Glacier National Park.
Logan Pass and KOA Life:
Staying at KOA St. Mary’s and Whitefish provided the much-needed rest before returning to Logan’s Pass. Unfortunately, my timing coincided with peak crowds, which made the experience less enjoyable. To capture the serene beauty of the area, I decided to return the following morning, allowing for quieter moments ideal for photography. The early hours rewarded me with stunning landscapes, free from the hustle and bustle of tourists.
Twists and Turns, and Wildfire Detours:
Garmin XT had me winding through some incredible off-the-beaten-path routes, including a ferry crossing at Lake Roosevelt. Just as I was feeling good about the day, wildfire closures threw a wrench in the plan. Highway 20 was shut down, which is an epic ride by all accounts, and suddenly I was rerouting through Osoyoos in 43°C heat (or was I in Saudi Arabia?), sweating buckets, duck wadling the bike, while stuck in border traffic. There was no way I was going to hit Highway 101 in Washington, so the plan was to make it to Victoria in good time and enjoy the weekend.
The Ferry to Vancouver Island:
Hitting the Tsawwassen ferry was a rush, it felt like I was going on vacation as a kid. There's something about riding past cars in the long line ups to the front, knowing you're moments away from kicking back on the ferry with fellow motorcyclists, that feels like freedom. There were a few other adventurers on that ferry and we all had stories to tell. It’s such a cool community of motorcycle tourers and adventurers. Arriving in Victoria, I finally relaxed. The adventure of a weekend in Victoria was just beginning with great company, great, beer, great food and great weather. I just love Victoria.
Actual Itinerary for the 6 Days:
Day 1: Calgary to Chief Mountain Border Crossing, then to St. Mary, Montana
Day 2: St. Mary to Whitefish via Going-to-the-Sun Road
Day 3: Whitefish to Newport
Day 4: Newport to Winthrop (via an epic off-the-beaten-path route)
Day 5: Winthrop to Hope via Osoyoos (or was it Saudi? A moment to reflect!)
Day 6: Hope to Tsawwassen Ferry, then on to Victoria
