Part IV -Vancouver Island Motorcycle Adventure
Week 2 – Vancouver Island to Calgary (The Long Way Back)
Riding into the Fire:
By the time I hit New Denver, wildfire smoke was thick. The air was yellow, and you could smell the fire on the wind. It was eerie. I spent the night with my gear on, just in case I needed to make a fast exit. By morning, we were evacuating.
Highway 6: From Beauty to Smoke
Highway 6 from Vernon to Needles is a motorcyclist’s dream—twisty roads, long curves, and stunning countryside views. This ride could easily become my go-to route if I ever call Vernon home. But as I left the ferry at Fauquier and rode north, the beauty of the journey took a dramatic turn. Smoke greeted me near Nakusp, a bad omen of what lay ahead. Hoping for clear skies, I pushed eastward to New Denver, unaware that I was heading straight toward one of the region’s raging wildfires.
New Denver: A Village on Edge
By the time I reached New Denver and pitched my camp, the fire's presence was undeniable. The air was heavy with smoke, and the heat radiated through the valley. Locals shared their concerns about the fire’s rapid progress—it was clear their community was in danger. My heart went out to those impacted, their lives disrupted by this relentless force of nature. As night fell, the fire seemed alive, pulling air up the valley with a constant jet-like roar. I stayed on high alert, ready to evacuate if needed.
A Sleepless Night Under Firelit Skies
That night, sleep came lightly, if at all. Dressed in my motorcycle gear, I kept one ear tuned for evacuation orders. The fire’s glow painted the sky an ominous orange-red, and its heat was palpable even from a distance. When several fire trucks pulled up nearby, we braced ourselves for the evacuation notice. It turned out the lead truck had made a wrong turn, but their presence reassured the locals. I couldn’t help but admire the firefighters' courage and dedication.
Morning Escape and Highway 31A
At first light, I made the call to leave. The fire’s intensity hadn’t waned, and I didn’t want to risk being caught in a worsening situation. Riding Highway 31A to Kaslo was bittersweet; the route is breathtaking, but the smell of smoke clung to my gear, a reminder of how close the fire had come. Later that morning, authorities evacuated New Denver and closed Highway 31A to all but evacuees. As I rode away, I couldn’t help but feel grateful that I wasn’t leaving behind my home, just the temporary smell of smoke on my belongings.
Gratitude Amidst the Ashes
The New Denver fire left an indelible mark—not just on the landscape but on the lives of those who call the village home. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the fire's devastation. It’s a reminder of nature’s power and the resilience of communities who come together in times of crisis. For me, it was an unforgettable journey, one that highlighted the fragility of our connection to the places we love.
Actual Itinerary for the 3 Days:
Day 1: Nanaimo to Tsawwassen, then on to Kelowna
Day 2: Kelowna to Vernon, continuing to New Denver via Highway 6 through Needles, Fauquier, Nakusp, and New Denver
Day 3: New Denver to Cranbrook
New Denver to Kaslo via Highway 31A
Kaslo to Balfour on Highway 3
Balfour to Crawford Bay via the ferry
Crawford Bay to Cranbrook
