Vancouver for vacation....
#11
07-10-2010, 07:14 PM
Cruiser
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Abbotsford BC Canada
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I recommend the Circle Tour
or the Duffy Lake Loop
The circle tour takes in some awesome scenery and some great twisting roads along the coastal mainland. Take the ferry from Powell River to Comox on Vancouver Island. The trip from Comox to Nanaimo I've shown is the main Island Hwy but much more scenic and a bit slower if instead you take the old hwy and take in Qualicum Beach
or the Duffy Lake Loop
The circle tour takes in some awesome scenery and some great twisting roads along the coastal mainland. Take the ferry from Powell River to Comox on Vancouver Island. The trip from Comox to Nanaimo I've shown is the main Island Hwy but much more scenic and a bit slower if instead you take the old hwy and take in Qualicum Beach
Last edited by Adacas; 07-10-2010 at 07:38 PM.
#12
07-10-2010, 07:44 PM
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Okay, maybe DinoVelvet is correct about the length of the ferry ride. We also had to take a bus and it just seemed like a huge amount of wasted time. The nest time we took a float plane, but kind of pricey. However, I still don't think you can fix a breakfast for ****. I think the Buchart Gardens(don't know about spelling) was worth a look. DV can probably tell you more as this is a huge flower garden and may not be your thing. I'm from Texas, but be prepared, every Canadian speaks with an accent. No worries eh
#13
07-10-2010, 09:06 PM
Cruiser
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Abbotsford BC Canada
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
August 02/10 is a civic holiday for us so traffic around ferry terminals will be busy on that long weekend. Fortunately motorcycles are always assured loading and are first on and first off (other vehicles may have to wait 1 or 2 sailings with long lineups).
Keep in mind also many areas on Vancouver Island have deer problems. My bro in Nanaimo has 15 or so on his lawn several times a day, and that's in the middle of town. In Comox I once had to stop 3 times in a 1/4 mile stretch to let deer with fawns go by. Also in middle of town. Friggen things are everywhere.
Like DV says there are too many awsome rides around here to mention.
Keep in mind also many areas on Vancouver Island have deer problems. My bro in Nanaimo has 15 or so on his lawn several times a day, and that's in the middle of town. In Comox I once had to stop 3 times in a 1/4 mile stretch to let deer with fawns go by. Also in middle of town. Friggen things are everywhere.
Like DV says there are too many awsome rides around here to mention.
Last edited by Adacas; 07-10-2010 at 09:09 PM.
#14
07-11-2010, 01:52 AM
Tourer
Mind you, the stupid bald eagles tend to get in the way of views from time to time
Last edited by hornhonker; 07-11-2010 at 01:56 AM.
#15
07-11-2010, 03:08 AM
I believe the O.P. said he was getting the bike for a day
so all these suggestions are probably mute. Unless that is, he takes the bike for longer. A trip to the island on the ferries would eat up almost half his day just sitting on the ferry.
#16
07-11-2010, 03:11 AM
Isn't the ferry 1hr 40 min. one way?
the Ferry does not take HOURS one way.....the Departure Bay/Horseshoe Bay crossing is a titch over an hour..end up in Nanaimo...ride to Victoria over the Malahat...and catch the Swartz Bay/ Tsawwassen ferry back to the mainland.....a really cool day trip..and no there is no alcohol on them but if you happen to have a 6-pack in your saddlebags and your discrete...you can stay on the car deck by your bike and enjoy one while looking out over the water....if your not an ******* the ferry crew is pretty cool with you
#17
07-11-2010, 03:18 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Okay, maybe DinoVelvet is correct about the length of the ferry ride. We also had to take a bus and it just seemed like a huge amount of wasted time. The nest time we took a float plane, but kind of pricey. However, I still don't think you can fix a breakfast for ****. I think the Buchart Gardens(don't know about spelling) was worth a look. DV can probably tell you more as this is a huge flower garden and may not be your thing. I'm from Texas, but be prepared, every Canadian speaks with an accent. No worries eh
Butchart Gardens has fireworks every saturday night during the summer...pretty cool place but it's becoming pricey at roughly $25 per person just to get into the park....but a nice place to stretch your legs....expect to be there about 2 or so hours if you walk the whole gardens..and they have a place to grab some drinks and some grub too....these days the float plane is about equal to the cost of taking a car and 2 people on the ferry but the flight is 15 minutes....
and we DO NOT have accents!! you Mericans do!
#18
07-11-2010, 03:20 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
nah..the Malahat's not too bad..but when you hit Langford then ***** starts slowing down..
#19
07-11-2010, 06:14 PM
Oh my god! You guys are killing me! I should have rented it for a week but my funds won't allow it. Gotta take the kids white water rafting and other stuff. Thanks for everyones input. Probably gonna stick to the Whistler plan for now. Its just gonna be amazing riding somewhere other than here in Missouri. Just 3 weeks away! I can't wait. thanks again.
#20
07-11-2010, 06:22 PM
I would like to rent it for more than a day but I'm taking my two daughters with me and I need to do some kid stuff. I was there back in '02 but didn't rent a bike. My mother in law lives up there so we visit her about every 5 years. Thinkin about making this a habit.