Canada 2025

Legend

Cycling
Driving
Boat
Plane
Bus
Hiking
Train

Port Moody City Hall, Canada ‐ May 3, 2025

Arrived in Vancouver.
Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal ‐ May 6, 2025

52.9 km

Day 1. A tough ride through Vancouver suburbs to miss the highway. A beautiful, fulfilling feeling getting to a place I'd planned for years.

Tsawwassen Ferry to Vancouver Island
Swartz Bay

41.1 km

A very pleasent and comfortable ferry ride through stunning islands and calm waters. Arrived after dark with no accomodation booked.
Central Saanich

13.2 km

A frantic cycle to a average hotel for the night. Arrived at 22:30 exhausted.
Goldstream Dam ‐ May 7, 2025

69.9 km

Dropped into Victoria to get a photo at "Mile 0" which is the start of the Trans Canada Highway. Stopped at MEC for a puffer jacket. Took a look at the beautiful Victoria Government building and waterfront. Long, hilly ride up to my 1st Provincial campsite. Very rewarding day.

+2

Goldstream Provincial Park
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area ‐ May 8, 2025

74.9 km

A great campsite up the hill from River Jordan called Tent Ledge. Awesome views over the gulf. Grassy sites, warm shower. Friendly manager. A tough cycle up and down hills and into bays. Stunning views.

+2

Tent Ledge Campsite
Port Renfrew Hotel ‐ May 21, 2025

39.5 km

A place etched in my mind since I saw a video of hikers on the West Coast Trail ending their walk here. The bay was calm during my stay but the huge logs up on the shingle beach attested to wild storms. I took a couple of local IPA beers and a salmon dinner in the pub. An Englishman in Port Renfrew will find the pub. Clear water in the bay; cormorants and gulls and a Bald Eagle or two. And a hot tub to easy the legs.

+3
Lake Cowichan

62.5 km

A spectacular road up through wet rain forest to temperate woodland. Lakes, streams, ponds, birdlife and few vehicles. This was a magical ride. Had my 1st mechancial issue with a chain slip and a bloody shin. Gears to be sorted in a few days.
Ladysmith ‐ May 11, 2025

56.3 km

Quite rail trails from Lake Cowichan to Duncan and then most of the way to the small township of Ladysmith. Birdlife abundant meant time taken to shoot some shots. Warm sunshine and a cool headwind for the morning. Rain came for a few hours at lunchtime and then sun again. Very steep hills around the village meant a bike push for the 1st time on the trip. A very enjoyable evening with new found friends and a comfortable bed to sleep in.

+3
Snaw-Naw-As Campsite ‐ May 12, 2025

46.4 km

A beautiful waterfront campsite on a glorious sunny day. Passing through to the north of Nanaimo kept me away from most of the traffic. A wicked headwind slowed progress but the Granny "I'm No Hero" gear kept the wheels turning. Stunning views across the bay as I hit the coast again. Snow capped mountians in the distance. I great evening sitting and watching the water of the bay and birds dipping into the water.

+3

Snaw-Naw-As Campground
Island Hwy S 8250 Block (NB) ‐ May 13, 2025

66.8 km

A waterfront campsite again. The weather held out mostly sunny for the day. Past spectacular bays where oyster farming seemed to be the main industry. The mountains of the mainland accompanied me on my ride and a strong headwind kept the pressure on all day.

Lighthouse Bay Campgroud
Elk Falls Provincial Campground ‐ May 15, 2025

72.2 km

A long ride into another headwind day. Kept to the cycle trails above the town of Namaimo but it was a bit of a slog. All pain forgotten in the beautiful surroundings of the provincial park. A peaceful night in the campground but woke up to 3 days of heavy rain scheduled.

+2
Campbell River ‐ May 16, 2025

5.4 km

3 days of heavy rain and cooler temps and a feeling of slight exhaustion mean that a hotel room was called for. Didn't do too much except eat and rest. Bought some supplies and a replacement sleeping bag as I had been cold the last few nights. A relaxing and restful few days as it rained and rained and rained outside.

Campbell river
White River Campground, Sayward ‐ May 18, 2025

67.6 km

A couple of hours spent at the Elk Falls park before hitting the road. The falls and walking tracks are spectacular. The rain to Sayward was sprinkled with showers and took me inland away from the coast. Trees, lakes, hills and more trees was the order of the day. The sunshine was welcomed when I setup the tent in the afternoon and I even had tine for a short snooze before making dinner.

+2
Woss ‐ May 19, 2025

67 km

A day of rain and hills and trees. I was pretty wet when i reached Woss and didn't feel like putting up the tent in the rain. It was scheduled rain all night and all the next day. Packing down in the rain is no fun. The silence of the forest when there was no traffic compensated for the rain though. And i have good rain gear.

+2
Port McNeill ‐ May 20, 2025

67.5 km

Another day of rain but beautiful lakes and trees. Less traffic today as I head further north away from built up towns.

+2
Holberg ‐ May 21, 2025

83.1 km

The longest day's ride so far. Actually ended up being 96km to The Scarlet Ibis Pub in Holberg. This pub was one of the reasons I chose to follow some of the suggestions on the Tree to Sea backpacking route. Who could pass up the opertunity of craft beers with fish and chips at Vancouver Island's Most Northern Pub ! It was a bit of a Mutha-fucker of a ride though. I missed a left turn by 6km and then after sighting 2 BIG piles of bear poop on hideously steep and stony logging roads I decided to [...]
backtrack to the highway. The 45km gravel road in to Holberg was very hilly, stoney and pot holed. But, when I reached the Pub, realising a goal I'd planned for a long time, all discomfort was forgotten. Beers, food and good company around a campfire.

+3

Scarlet Ibis, Holberg
San Josef Bay

30.5 km

Recently voted as one of the Top 50 Beaches In The World how could I not endure a few more kms of gravel road. It did not disapoint. A beautiful sunny afternoon and with the low tide at 4pm the small islands housing Douglas Pine fur trees are accessable. The sand is white and soft on bare feet. The camping spots are endless on this wide bay and I picked one just up from high tide with a view across the bay. Almost alone for the night it was an evening of bliss, relaxation and my own private camp [...]
fire. Unforgettable.

+5
Port Hardy ‐ May 23, 2025

79.2 km

I woke at 5:30 to light rain and packed as quickly as possible. 79km back to Port Hardy on the same tough gravel as on the way in. 1km into the forest a pannier hit a log and for the 1st time on this trip I was flung off the bike. A tree stump broke my fall ! Then a portage over a large log. Then over a tree that had slipped in the night completly blocking the trail. All bags off the bike and a 1/2 hour of back and forth with gear and bike over a steep mud bank. The rain increased. And then on t [...]
he gravel road, my 1st pincture of the trip (where is Peter Hughes to fix a puncture when you need him?). The rain fell all day, the hills were relentless, but I put myself here and was stoic. I began talking to my bike "It is BETTER than working" was my mantra. A real sence of achievement when I was warm and well fed back in Port Hardy. My Vancouver Island adventure complete !

+3
Prince Rupert ‐ May 24, 2025

500.3 km

Stunning low hanging clouds clinging to the slopes of deep green slopes. Rain for most of the trip provided atmospere and steel grey waters. A long night in recliner chairs but suprisingly comfortable. The sun shone 50km south of Port Rupert and so my ride to a B&B was dry.

+4
Lower Skeena River Provincial Park (Kasiks and Exstew Sites) ‐ May 26, 2025

84.8 km

An overnight stay at a BnB in Price Rupert as we were late getting off the ferry. I managed to sneek in a couple of craft beers at the wonderful Wheelhouse Brewing Company on the waterfront. Local brewed craft beer and food - I took a pint of their Porter and a New Zealand IPA called Chilly Bin. I told them they should rename it Chullie Bun but the joke was lost on them. The ride was cold and wet but much like Fiordland in Aotearoa the rain bought out magnificent waterfalls and atmospheric mount [...]
ain sides with wispy clouds and mist. A night stay at the excellent Kasiks Lodge with food, warm room and good company.

+4
Terrace ‐ May 28, 2025

63.2 km

I have been reading about the Yukon Gold Rush for the last month as I have been slowly heading that way. Over breakfast this morning I listened in awe to a direct relative of Sookum Jim who found the first big gold nuggart that lead to the Yukon Gold Rush. The story that I heard from the decendent, and handed down through the 5 generations, was more attributed to the discovery being made by Sookum Jim, whereas the European version is as follows..... "The discovery of gold on Bonanza Creek in th [...]
e Yukon Territory in 1896, which sparked the Klondike Gold Rush, is attributed to Skookum Jim Mason, Tagish Charlie, and George Carmack. Skookum Jim, along with Charlie and Carmack, found gold on August 17, 1896, and staked the initial claims. It rained heavily all day. The Skeena River was flowing fast and strong. The bike needed attention so I stayed a night in Terrace and found another craft beer establishment.

+5
Kitwanga

95.3 km

Meandering along the highway alongside the Skeena River and between misty Mountain views, wetlands and deep forest. The hills continued up and down. The ups have me shifting to the "I'm No Hero" gear and the downhills have me standing up on the pedals wooping with joy and the freedom of cycle-touring. Where to eat and where to camp. The night was spent at the beautiful Kitwanga campground. Good to be in the tent again.

+2
Sideslip Lake ‐ May 29, 2025

87.3 km

May 30th in Aotearoa / New Zealand - my birthday. May 29th in Canada. A day of strong winds. At times tailwinds (joy) and at times headwinds (dispair). Seemed to be no rhyme or reason. It's just wind anyway, the peddling continues. I was lectured by a Native Indian on the history of his tribe and area. Some very strong views (in my opinion) on the origin of man, but interesting to hear local culture and belief. Wild camped by a lake that offered beautiful views between showers. Bear Vault held a [...]
ll food and bags strung up in the tree. It seemed there were no bear like visitors to the camp overnight.

+2
Meziadin Junction ‐ May 30, 2025

62.5 km

Happy Birthday to me on Canadian Timezone. And what a dreadful day as far as the weather was concerned. Woke to light rain bit had an hour gap in the showers to pack up camp and load the bike. The rain increased as the day moved on until eventually the rain didn't matter and the hills didn't matter because I was out on the road on my birthday. One hill so steep, on a right turn upward curve, I got off and pushed the bike. Bear poop on the rideside keep the radar on for growling, but all was swee [...]
t. And over that hill was a Service station with coffee and cookies and a work with basic rooms. Basic rooms with heating. Yep, a good Birthday present. Oh, the scenery? Trees, lakes, hills, trees, wetlands and the fast flowing, muddy Dees River.
Cassiar Highway;Hwy 37;Mehan Lake Restarea ‐ May 31, 2025

90 km

The previous day's rain let up slightly by the morning. However, it returned with a cold headwind as the day progressed. Leaving the accommodation at 8:30 am I was immediately confronted by a fairly large Brown Bear ambling along the highway. He/she was not particularly concerned with my presence, glancing back and eventually slouching off into the bush. And then, 2km later an even larger bear (could have been a grizzly) watching me from the edge of an embankment. An exciting start to a day that [...]
was head down peddling into wind and rain. A rest stop with a picnic table and a long-drop toilet next to a lake was the overnight stop. The lake was stunning and the mountains in the distance provided a backdrop that captured the evening light. A nice end to the day.

+3
Bob Quinn Airstrip ‐ Jun 1, 2025

48.4 km

A fairly short ride with a lot of hills and elevation. Up at 800 meters, we were level with still unmelted snow and alavance run-offs from the mountains. Stunning scenery made the hours and peddle-turning easier as did a travelling companion in the form of a 72-year-old Swiss Gentleman named Phil who is even crazier than me! We met a nice couple driving from Idaho to Anchorage who have connections with Aotearoa. At the end of the day, as we set up at Bob Quinn Rest Area, (Bob Quinn was a telegra [...]
ph operator at the Yukon Telegraph station here back in the early 1900s) a young couple doing #vanlife gave us a couple of beers. We sat on the picnic bench and talked over the highlights of the day which included letting off a bear-banger just to see what they did.

+5
Kinaskan Provincial Park ‐ Jun 2, 2025

63.2 km

The sun shone, it was a tail-wind day. This is what it is all about, days like these. Mountains, bears, rivers, snowlines and gorges. A great day of riding after a long start to the day. We met a Swiss guy who had been on the road for 17 months from Ushuaia. He looked tired and his gear was far from sparkling and new like mine. It seemed as if he was looking forward to the end of the journey. It made me realise that perhaps 18,000km in one trip would not be fun.

+4
Stikine River Northern Bank ‐ Jun 3, 2025

72.5 km

A beautiful overnight camp, on both of the banks of the Stikine river after another stunning day of fine weather and awesome views. This location was where a ferry crossed the river until the bridge was completed in 1973. The iron bridge is a marvel but noisy with traffic crossing it. Fortunately, even during the day traffic is light on the Cassier Highway as the main Alaska Highway is quicker for trucks. We camped on the northern bank on a grassy site near the beach ever vigilant with bear spra [...]
y cannisters. A heavy breakfast with lots of coffee set up for long climbs.

+5
Waters Edge Campground, Dease Lake ‐ Jun 4, 2025

53 km

Exiting the overnight campsite immediately into the longest climb of my cycling career. 32km and 700 meters of elevation took 4.5 hours. Road gradient alternated between 1 and 11% for the whole climb. For the 1st time, I put in earbuds, cranked the genre called "Rock n' Pop" and turned the peddles. It was a long slog, but after 4 weeks and 1600km of riding, I did not have much trouble with the hills and my 40kg bike. The scenery at the top of the pass reminded me of High Country Aotearoa with tu [...]
ssock grass, stunted trees and flowing rivers. The wildlife count was the best to date with a black bear, 2 porcupines and 2 Moose. Two nights of rest planned at the campsite after 12 days of continuous cycling.

+8
Bass Creek, Canada ‐ Jun 6, 2025

85.3 km

A climb of 32km with an average grade of 7% and at times 12% took 4.5 hours. But the scenery was stunning. In the evening a campsite next to the river. A couple with a young daughter caught some river fish and treated me to dinner. A comfortable nights sleep at a wildcamp site.

+2
French Creek Recreation Site ‐ Jun 7, 2025

62.8 km

A 92km ride today. 777 meters of elevation. I slept well this night. I passed through Jade City and marvelled at the craftsmanship. A highlight was seeing carvings in traditional Maori design as made by 2 New Zealand artists who lived there for a short period of time recently. Jade City was a "must see" location for me on this trip and I stayed at the cafe for a couple of hours. A major downside to the day though due to me dropping my phone and smashing the screen. By coincidence a German born N [...]
ew Zealand resident came to my rescue with a spare. I check and double check everything is secure before I ride away, but this time I guess I was lacking attension. No matter, it will get resolved soon enough.

+5
Watson Lake ‐ Jun 8, 2025

78.3 km

Yukon !! A memorable day. Stunning scenery and a fearce tailwind made this a special day of cycling. High up in an area ravaged by wildfires some years ago the barren land gave a rather other world feel. The views stretched for what seemed like 100s of miles in all directions due to the lack of trees. My joy at reaching the end of the Cassier Highway was immence. 775km from Kitwanga and 9000 meters of climbing and what seemed like only 1000 of desending. After burger and chips at the excellent c [...]
afe near the Highway 37 Junction it was a quick tailwind driven 22km blast to the outback town of Watson Lake. It had been a few days since I'd had shower and the strong westerly wind was set to blow for another 36 hours and so a hotel room was booked.

+5
Big Horn Hotel ‐ Jun 9, 2025

0.1 km

A day of laundry, photos, updates, provision buying and relaxing. The wind blow strong from the west/north west and so cycling today would have been very taxing. I strolled the township, looked around the stores and explored the Licence Plate Forest. Started in the 1940s the wierd and wonderful forest now has 120,000 plates and signs. I also took in the Northern Lights show at the visitors centre. The township reminded me of Outback Australain townships, but without the red dust. Indeed, the dus [...]
t here is brown and gritty. A nice relaxing day before heading on the AlCan Highway to Whitehorse
Continental Divide Lodge ‐ Jun 10, 2025

136.7 km

Biggest day on the bike - 136km, 8 hours 37 mins, 1312 meters of climbing. The west wind had dropped but still presented a headwind for most of the day. I dropped into the excellent Golden Nugget cafe for apple pie and ice cream at the junction of the Cassier Highway and Alaskan Highway. Highly recommended if you are in the area. The hills were brutal at times but the sky was clear and the views awesome.

+3
Teslin Lake ‐ Jun 11, 2025

94 km

The Alaska Highway proves to be busier than the scenic backwater of the Cassier Highway that I'd been on for the last 12 days. However periods of no traffic meant the silence of the bush returned. Silent except birdsong, the rumble of my tyres on the road and the ever constant wind in my ears. Teslin Lake was a welcome sight and quite beautiful. I pitched the tent on the grassy lake edge, enjoyed a couple of beers at the motel resturant and had a good night's sleep.

+2
Tagish ‐ Jun 12, 2025

A wonderful campsite awaited me on the edge of Tagish River in this small hamlet. Great historical significance to the area as a staging post for stampeeders making their way to the Yukon Goldfields. With the weather turning foul, the owners allowed me to sleep in the kitchen under a solid roof. The beach down by the river was truly beautiful even on an overcast morning.

+3
Carcross ‐ Jun 13, 2025

33.9 km

A short day's ride over a steep hill down into the historic town of Carcross. The town was on my original planned route from Vancou er to Anchorage and I was very happy to arrive. The weather continued to be cold and wet and so a cabin was sort. I'd decided to make a trip down to Skagway and so needed a place to store the bike. This was arranged with the owner at Chilkoot Cabins. I spent time exploring this neat little township and the pioneering history.

+3
Carcross ‐ Jun 14, 2025

10 km

A day exploring this historic township on foot. Soaking up the sights of a bygone era when Carcross was a major resupply route on the way to and from the Yukon Goldfields. Unfortuneately smoke from the forest fires to the south and east masked the highest mountains and the rail fell. It was a nice relaxing day off of the bike.

+8
Skagway, United States ‐ Jun 15, 2025

86.9 km

An incredible train journey through the White Pass into the USA and the township of Skagway, Alaska. The line follows the White Pass with the 1st train service happening in 1900. The line was used to carry goods and people over the Chilkoot Pass thus negating the need for a multi day hike by stampeeders heading to Dawson City. Tracking along Bennet Lake the line heads over the pass that still had snow and ice at its highest point. The smoke haze had lifted and with blue skys the mountains were [...]
magnificent to see. A stunning expience topped off with good food and beer in the evening.

+8
Carcross, Canada ‐ Jun 16, 2025

105 km

Back to Carcross by bus and back into Canada from the US. After returing back to my cabin I prepared my gear and bike for getting back on the road the next day. In the 24 hours I was away the smoke haze had cleared and I was able to see the mountains around the township.
Whitehorse ‐ Jun 17, 2025

72.8 km

A milestone city on this trip. At the start, I did wonder if I could cycle the approximately 2500km from Vancouver to Whitehorse. Cycling on the long downhill into Whitehorse was emotional in an elevated way, or maybe it was the dust from the windy, dry streets of the town. To my surprise, the town is full of artists, great food and interesting original architecture. Basing myself in a dormitory with backpackers was an eye-opener for this 61-year-old and took me back to my early days of cheap tr [...]
avel. The mighty Yukon River flows downstream through the town as it gathers strength heading north and east towards the Baring Sea. Five nights exploring the city and surrounding hills before embarking on an organised 20-day drift downstream to Dawson City.

+4
Carmacks ‐ Jun 23, 2025

225.8 km

The Yukon River was the main transport route for the Stampeeders and Gold Diggers during the Klondike Gold Rush 1897- 98. The history of the Gold Rush is the main reason I have chosen the route I have taken from Vancouver and under my own power. I visited the start of the Chilkoot Pass in Dyea, Alaska and now this canoe adventure over 22 days takes me on the Yukon River following the exact route taken. To move slowly, with the current has been an extraordinary experience. A rest day in Carmacks [...]
before resuming the paddling to the Stampeeders final destination of Dawson City and the Klondike Goldfields.
Dawson City ‐ Jul 8, 2025

325.1 km

A 15-day stint on the river tested my resolve. There were days of utter exhaustion and thoughts of why I was doing this. But there were also days of gentle pleasure and awe. The mighty river pushed me downstream at 8km an hour at times almost negating the need to paddle. Huge dune banks, vertical rock cliffs, challenging eddies and whirlpools and the infamous Five Finger Rapids made this an experience to remember. Camping on the riverbank always within sight of the water made for peaceful nights [...]
in the tent. However the ever presence of mosquitoes made for itchy nights and constant swatting. Wildlife was sparse, while wildfires were aplenty, leading to smoke-filled days of early light. I was glad to arrive in Dawson City after many days of no washing and no showering. 650km inna canoe from Whitehorse to Dawson City on the Yukon River meant I'd completed a journey from Skagway, Alaska, USA to Dawson City, Yukon, Canada following the route of the Klondike Goldrush stampeeders that I'd read about for many years.

+4
Moose Creek ‐ Jul 12, 2025

154.7 km

A long way between official campgrounds meant a long day in the saddle. It was great to be back on the bike again but the first few kms were tough on my legs, backside and balance. Soon enough though I was back in the groove and back in love with cycling. It seemed that in the 2 weeks off the bike summer had arrived; the grasses were greener and longer. The day was warmer, the air soft. It was a long day in the saddle. Infact my longest and furthest day so far. But the reward was a quiet, peacef [...]
ul campsite.

+3
Mayo ‐ Jul 13, 2025

76.3 km

Road construction north of the Steward Junction meant a ride in a Pilot car. This one proved to be very enjoyable as a First Nations Elder going by the name of Roy (from Dawson City) chatted with me for the 18km of road works. We covered many topics and it was a pleasure to hear his thoughts. On arriving in Mayo i discovered it to be the most mosquito infected township to date. My spirits were low as I cycled to long hill up to 5 Mile Lake Provitional campground. But the campground was set in s [...]
pruce trees next to a lake. Even though no wind, the bugs were almost non existant. A long day once again but joyful at the end.

+3
Pelly Crossing ‐ Jul 14, 2025

123.2 km

Fires on the roadside along the Mayo Road meant for an uncomfortable few kilometers up a hill before the Stewart Junction turnoff. Just east of Mayo at 8:30am a grey wolf crossed my path. A highlight of the day that beat the sighting of 2 brown bears the evening before. The campsite was quiet and peaceful as I packed up. I stopped at the shop in Mayo (less mozzies that morning) for a coffee and supplies for the day. Another pilot car ride with Kelsy (a Yukon local) who had worked road constructi [...]
on in Kaikora Aotearoa 10 years ago. A very interesting conversation. Part of the pleasure of cycle touring is not the boring conversations with other travellers but with locals. I was tired an my left knee was beginning to hurt by the time i arrived at Pelly Crossing so I took a motel room. Another awesome day amongst trees, rivers, lakes, wind, hills, smoke and wildlife in the Yukon.
Coal Mine Campground ‐ Jul 15, 2025

103.5 km

Waking in the motel room and my left knee was swollen. 103km to Carmacks was painful. I survived on codine, paracetemol, ibroprfin and Public Enemy on the speaker attached to the bike. As well as the pain I had a headwind for most of the day and a thunderstorm just ahead of me that threatend to break. It was a head down day and arriving at the campground was weet indeed. I had no hesitation to buy 4 beers and open one immeadiately. I booked a cabin for 2 nights and collapsed inside.

+2
Whitehorse ‐ Jul 18, 2025

182 km

On the morning of 16th I visited the Carmacks Medical Centre. A check by the doctor and an xray told me what I aleady knew "swelling, sprain, no riding for 2 weeks please". Well the only good news was that I had a break planned for the trip to Tuk and the flight to Edmonton, so the break was easy and convenient to achieve. I spent 3 nights in a cabin in Carmacks watching the Yukon flow past. On the Friday the wonderful Selena from the medical centre took me and bike and panniers in her car to Wh [...]
itehorse meaning I didnt have to cycle the 182km. I returned to Beez Kneez backpackers were I'd stayed 3 weeks ago and reintroducex myself to Whitehorse.

+4
Dawson City ‐ Jul 22, 2025

434.2 km

Air North to Dawson City with a 20 minute stop.
Inuvik

541.9 km

Air North flight to Inuvik. I had decided in June that I would not cycle the 926km Dempster Highway due to dust, heavy trucks, gravel roads and moquitoes the size of small birds. The flight from Whitehorse with Air North was pleasent enough offering views of, well trees, lakes and rivers. I did not really enjoy my time in Inuvik. The township has a forboding feel, or at least did to me, of good times going astray. Men loitered on street corners and the baren land, dusty streets and messy front y [...]
ards gave a feeling of sadness. The daylight was noticably brighter through the "night" hours. I spent time in the library as my booked hire car was delayed by 3.5 hours. I was pleased to leave eventually at 5pm and happy that the clouds had cleared to blue skys.
Tuktoyaktuk ‐ Jul 23, 2025

152.2 km

The northernmost point of my journey and a fulfilled dream and goal of dipping my body and mind into the Arctic Ocean (Beaufort Sea). Ditching the bicycle, as the Dempster Highway, for me at least, was to be too much of a challenge in terms of dust, trucks, corrugations, time, logistics and distance. I flew with Air North, dropping into Dawson City and Old Crow for an old-fashioned outback flight experience. Inuvik was not inviting. I did not feel good vibes in this dull, dusty and somewhat ru [...]
ndown town. I collected a hire vehicle and headed north on the top section of The Dempster Highway 150km to Tuk. The ecosystem slowly changed from small, stunted trees and bushes in Inuvik to treeless, grassy tundra as I journeyed North. Stunning lake views and a horizon that gave 360 degrees. I stopped and watched a Red Fox and her cub cavort and bounce around on the road in front of me. Birds and beavers made up the wildlife count, but no bears, caribou, elk or moose were to be seen. And then one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I have ever been to. This road to Tuktoyaktuk has only been open since 2017, and so tourism is not impacting the First Nations' way of life. 24-hour daylight meant that I was still seeing children out with parents helping with boats and fishing nets as I stayed up to watch a brief sunset at 2:30 am. Children waved and said "Hello" as I walked the streets. I felt humbled and privileged to be here, if only for 24 hours.

+8
Old Crow ‐ Jul 24, 2025

346.1 km

Air North flight to Old Crow
Whitehorse

795.4 km

Air North flight to Whitehorse. And so the dream and long planned for adventure to Tuktoyaktuk came to an end as the Air North flight bought me back to Whitehorse. I thought about the last 24 hours as the Northern Territory landscape rolled on below the aircraft. Surely one of the most amazing 48 hours of my travel experience. I will remember the ocean, the brief sunset, the children and the awe inspiring landscape. I hope that tourism and the encroachment of modern life does not spoil that beau [...]
tiful outpost.

+4
Edmonton ‐ Jul 27, 2025

1 515.8 km

And so my 7 weeks in the Yukon came to an end with an Air North flight from Whitehorse to Edmonton, Alberta. I disassembled the bike, packed it, along with two pannier bags and other bits, into a cardboard bike box, and ordered a taxi for 4:45 a.m. At check-in, when the box was weighed, quite embarrassingly, it was 40kg. They shook their heads at me and told me to get the bkx down to 32kg. Hastily repacking, we took off. Coming out of the clouds on approach, the 1st thing that struck me was the [...]
flatness of the landscape. Not a hill nor mountain to be seen. "This will be an easy ride", I said to myself, but I was wrong, as the next 12 days would show. I stayed two nights in a hotel and reorganised stuff. The city was bland, grey and seemed devoid of culture. I longed to be back on the bike, but was apprehensive about my knee.

+3
Municipality of Jasper ‐ Aug 3, 2025

411.9 km

Six days to Jasper. The landscape was NOT flat, but the small rises on Highway 16 - Yellowhead Highway - were nothing compared to the mountains to come. The highway was not particularly scenic, and the heavy truck and RV traffic became annoying and painful after a while. The shoulder I cycled was smooth and wide, offering protection from the traffic, and a tailwind pushed me along, but for the 1st time on this journey, I wore my earbuds and listened to music continuously whilst riding. Shortly a [...]
fter entering Jasper National Park, the landscape elicited exclamations of "Wow!" as mountains and wildlife returned. Two nights in the National Park campsite, as well as a shower, some restaurant food and a few beers, renewed my sanity. Within the campsite, elk wandered freely, unconcerned with campers.

+7
Banff ‐ Aug 8, 2025

290.7 km

One of the 3 major "must do" locations on this trip - The Icefields Parkway. Listed as one of the most beautiful roadways in the world, I'd also tag it as one of the hardest to cycle. The elevation had me cursing the added headwind. But the views were phenomenal. Sure, we got #glaciers in #Aotearoa, but these Rocky Mountain ones go on and on for over 200km. Out of Jasper for 30km, the evidence of last year's wildfires are to be seen in the burnt trees and undergrowth, but flora and forna are [...]
returning. I took my time to observe a very large #grizzly from a safe distance. It was as awe-inspiring as the glaciers. You get a primaeval fear watching these magnificent animals. The bear was happy just ambling along eating berries, not thinking about eating an old, skinny, smelly, cycle-tourist I reached the highest elevation I've ever been on a bike (2017 meters) and recorded the fastest speed on a downhill (74kmph). Many thoughts and emotions in this section; I hated the wind, I cursed the uphills, I wooped and yelled like a madman on the downhills, but I was elated with the exertion and the landscape at every moment. 300.39 km 2927 meters of climbing

+6
Moraine Lake ‐ Aug 10, 2025

71.6 km

One of the only touristy day trips I have taken on this Canadian Adventure was a whistle-stop shuttle bus tour to Lake Louise and Banff Moraine Lake. I joined hundreds of "normal" tourists at both locations on a warm afternoon. The views, of course, were spectacular, but I found the number of people overpowering. I walked the 2.2km return path to the Lake Louise lookout. At Moraine Lake, I sat at the water's edge, eating a hugely overpriced cafe-bought Italian salami wrap, contemplating mass tou [...]
rism. An interesting afternoon, if only to remind me of the joy, quietness and solitude of cycle touring.

+4
Port Moody ‐ Aug 12, 2025

788.6 km

Due to my left knee not yet ready to take the strain of crossing The Rockies from Banff to Vancouver I made the reluctant decision to box up the bike and take a bus. The 14 hour journey took me over the moutain passes that I would have cycled over the course of 14 days. I was reminded of the length of the hills and their steepness confirming that perhaps I had made the correct decision at this time. Spent a day wandering around Vancouver being a tourist.

+4
Whistler Village ‐ Aug 19, 2025

143.6 km

After a wonderful week hosted by best buddies in Vancouver I was itching to get back on the road again. Unfortunately the knee was not as keen as I was for the heavily loaded bike, so, with some regret I made a booking for a vehicle that would carry all the tenting gear and allow me to sleep inside if I could not find campsites. After a sightseeing tour of Vancouver, I loaded the car, downloaded an audio guide for the Sea to Sky Highway, and headed north. The splendour of the bays, islands, an [...]
d mountains lifted my spirits again as I cruised at 7 times my average bike speed. And then #Whistler - wow ! The two mountains are magnificent. The shear size of the ski fields mind-boggling (when used to NZ fields). The infastructure for skiing and #MTB downhill riding is awesome. I did the tourist thing by riding gondolas and walking the Skybridge at the top of Whistler Mountain. The knee stood up to a strenuous 5.7km hike on #blackcombmountain - the glacial views spectacular. Good to be on the road again

+6
Lytton ‐ Aug 21, 2025

191.2 km

The car road trip continued with a meandering drive through the tail end of The Rockies into the fruit a d wine region of BC. I was somewhat glad to be in a vehicle as the temperatures climbed into the mid 30 degrees C and the hills were long and steep. Due to the heat I camped for 3 nights at the Kumsheen Rafting Resort 10km out of Lytton. The resort is located on the high banks of the Thompson River afording magnificent views of the river and the long valley to the east. A highlight being the [...]
trains rumbling east and west on either side of the valley. An enjoyable chilled 3 night rest.

+6
Kelowna ‐ Aug 24, 2025

357 km

The weather was extraordinary - 36 degrees in a brillient blue sky. I passed two French cycle-tourists at about 11:30am. "Not a good day to be out on the bike" I thought as i wizzed past them. The scenery was stunning until the flatter lands of the valley. Hills turned into fields of grapes and orchards of stone fruit. Kelowna was a nice town which reminded me of The Gold Coast in Queensland due to the water, the heat that day, and a strip looking the same as Surfers Paradise. I went for a quick [...]
dip in the lake, before lodging the night at a Hi Canada hostel.

+4
Abbotsford ‐ Aug 26, 2025

454.6 km

Deciding to put in a long day I took the scenic route back towards Vancouver. The drive along Okanagan Lake was stunning due to the mountain ranges flanking the lake and the brillent blue sky. The valley is a fruitbowl with wineries seemingly every 100 meters. The road the provincial parks winds through gorges and forests. The land flattened agiain as I approached Abbotsford for the last night of this raod-trip.

+2
Port Moody ‐ Aug 27, 2025

51.3 km

A return to my Vancouver home base for this trip. In one of those wonderful unexpected things that happen when travelling one of my favourite bands Wilco were playing live in the Vancouver PNE. I'd scheduled this trip to complete today in order for me to go to mm the Wilco. It was a fantastic 1 hour 45 min gig. And so a very enjoyable road trip that almost ticked the final places I wanted to see in British Columbia.
Horseshoe Bay ‐ Aug 29, 2025

46.7 km

Back on the bike again, fully loaded with camping gear for 10 days around the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. The temps were high 20s and humid. Vancouver is a very hilly place and although bike paths are well signposted, there is a lot of weaving between traffic lights and major junctions to cross the city. 4.5 hours to cover the 46km from Port Moody.
Langdale

19.2 km

A short ferry ride from the ferry terminal at Horseshoe Bay to Langdale on the Sunshine Coast.

+3
Gibson’s RV Resort

7.7 km

On leaving the ferry the road climbs and then drops down to the funky village of Gibsons. I took a rest and a hot chocolate at a local cafe before heading up the steepest hill of my 4 months in Canada from the village. The initial 200 meters was a 22% climb ! Cycling up this was not an option, and even pushing the fully loaded bike was a supreme effort. I spent the night in a peaceful setting in a newly created campsite. It was so good to be back on the bike and camping again, despte the heat an [...]
d hills.
Area B (Halfmoon Bay) ‐ Aug 30, 2025

43.9 km

Following the main road that runs along the western side of the Sunshine Coast dropping into small bays at slowly climbing out again in the lowest Granny Gear. The eleveation for the days ride was greater than I had expected, but the views were delightful. Clear, clean water lapping stoney beaches. The small harbours and marinas offering up coffee shops and grocery stores allowing rest stops in shady locations. The hills were testing my legs again, at the heat crept up to the high 20s, but I was [...]
feeling so very energized to be cycling and camping again. A restful night at a campsite, at the top of a long steep climb topped off the day.

+2
Earls Cove

35 km

The beautiful late summer weather continued as did the hills of the Sunshine Coast. The winding road took me inland over a ridgeline dropping down into the small cove with the terminal back to the mainland at Saltery Bay.
Saltery Bay ‐ Sep 10, 2025
Powell River ‐ Aug 31, 2025

31 km

After departing the ferry at Saltery Bay, I cycled 12km to the wonderful campsite at Kieth's Cabins were I spent the night in a funky Cycling Cabin. The room was inside a wodden cabin that provided a wooden sleeping platform only. I had to use headtorch and my camping mat, but as a thunderstorm rolled through, it was nice to be inside and not in the tent. The ride to Powell River ferry terminal continued in a simikar vein to the previous few days - ups, downs, trees, beaches and couteous drivers [...]
.

+4
Little River

29.5 km

A 1.5 hour ferry across The Georgia Straight took me to the ferry terminal just to the north of Comox on Vancouver Island. The crossing was calm. We were lucky to spot humpback whales surfacing briefly. Too quick to take many photos, but magical nontheless. A quick ride into Comox was uneventful but pleasant in the lare evening as the sun set and the air cooled.

+4
Top Bridge Community Park ‐ Sep 1, 2025

67.1 km

Back on the same cycle paths I headed north on 4 months ago. This time south, with slight deviations. Cycling through built up areas slows the aveeage speed down considerably, but there is a lot to see and concentrate on. The campsite i spent the night at was on the edge of the Englishman Creek. The water was flowing and bubbling across the rocky bed. I had a great evening relaxing and just on dusk a Blue Heron landed oposite my camp site and strolled down the river's edge pecking at fish. A rel [...]
axing end to a long day.

+2
Duncan ‐ Sep 3, 2025

103 km

On my cycle tour up Vancouver Island I cycled the same paths as this ride today. Somehow though it felt different. I suppose I was more accostomed to the enviroment, and certainly i was stronger. The Cowichan Train is a gentle ride through forest and very pleasurable. I stopped for lunch with a new friend and stayed the night with another new friend. The loop was becoming compelete.

+2
Mill Bay ‐ Sep 4, 2025

22.6 km

Staying on the Cowichan Trail I crossed the massive Kinstel Testle which I did not see on my 1st trip north on the island. The rail trail rose on a 4% incline before dropping down through wooded forest and grasses. The trestle did not disapoint. The hills around Shawigan Lake were steeper than expected.

+2
Brentwood Bay ‐ Sep 11, 2025

11.6 km

A short ferry trip across the bay.
Ocean Island Inn Backpackers ‐ Sep 4, 2025

20.8 km

A short but hilly ride from the ferry terminal to Victoria. This town in the polital capital of British Columbia. I was able to spend more time here in this vibrant city doing some sightseeing. Downtown is rather seedy, but Chinatown is interesting and has the narrowest street in all of Canada.

+2
Swartz Bay ‐ Sep 6, 2025

34.9 km

A pleasent ride up the peninsular on roads I cycled on my 1st day on this trip. The weather was still warm, i stopped ofter for water and snacks. Once reaching the east coast of the penninsular the views across the bay were stunning.
Tsawwassen ‐ Sep 10, 2025
Vancouver International Airport ‐ Sep 9, 2025

27.3 km

And so, after a few more days with friends back in Port Moody (cycling there from the campsite at Tsawwassen) I boxed up the bike and headed to the airport. I had acheived all that I wanted during 4 months in this amazing country. Had my left knee not given me trouble I would have chanced an entry into the US, but that's for another time. I sat at the bar with a glass of red wine before the flight and reminised. Tuk was the highlight of my trip. I dipped into The Artic Ocean. A dream accomplishe [...]
d. The Rockies are as magnificent, the valleys huge, the lakes awe inspiring. I wondered if I'd ever return.

+2
International Terminal, Australia ‐ Sep 11, 2025

11 847.9 km

14.5 hours in an Air Canada 787 tests ones resolve. It was a good flight. As good as 11,800km in a tin can can be. I took an isle seat and as we flew through the night, and always over the Pacific Ocean, there was nothing to see anyway. And then, here I was back in Oz from Autumn to Spring in one day. Family commitments bringing me back here to plan the future. Always planning.