At a recent service appointment, one of our customers mentioned that there wasn’t a simple way to find the top motorcycle routes near Vancouver, something he thought would be more available to the local riding community here in the Lower Mainland. That sparked a conversation at the shop, one that led to us talking internally and with the community about motorcycle day trips from Vancouver, scenic rides, and the best journeys we’ve taken in and from the city. 

After a few weeks of discussion, we think we’ve narrowed it down to a few favourites. Some of these are day trips, while others require a bit more planning and cover multi-day journeys. 

For each of these incredible rides near Vancouver, we’ll start by highlighting a rough ride duration, the length of the journey in kilometres, and what kind of riders we think would enjoy the trip. Another note for our readers is that you’ll notice these trips are of the longer variety, the kinds of routes you might want to add to your riding bucket list. If you’re looking for shorter routes near the city that are half a day or less, we recommend checking out some of the recent additions on MotoWhere, like the ride to Harrison Hot Springs or the UBC Loop. We’ll also follow up this article with a list of shorter routes within Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley that we love, so stay tuned to our newsletter for that story. 

That said, let’s get to the motorcycle day trips Vancouver riders frequently flag as the top routes in our beautiful corner of the province. We’ll start with one you probably already know and love. 

Vancouver to Pemberton on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99)

Estimated Length: 100km (each way)

Riding Time: Roughly 2.5 hours (each way)

Best For: Sport and touring motorcycles

Difficulty: Easy to moderate riding

We had to start our list with the Sea-to-Sky Highway, no list of the top motorcycle routes near Vancouver can really leave this one off of it. Locals will know the route well, and out-of-town visitors typically add this ride right to the top of their list. 

What makes it unique is the views of Howe Sound, view that we sometimes take for granted here in BC. If you’ve ever brought a friend from somewhere else in the country along for this ride, you’ll immediately see that this is not a view you can find anywhere else. We love the winding roads, the high-altitude mountain passes, and the well-engineered curves (many of which were significantly improved in the run up to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics). 

The stops are another key selling point along the way to Pemberton. Of course, the views of the Stawamus Chief are a highlight (as is the view of a cold pint at Backcountry Viewing in Squamish), but there are plenty of other spots to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Shannon Falls Provincial Park, Porteau Cove, and Whistler Village are three of our favourites. 

High Altitude Riding on the Duffy Loop Through Lillooet

Estimated Length: 350km loop

Riding Time: Full day or overnight

Best For: Adventure and sport touring motorcycles

Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced riding

Challenging but rewarding, the Duffy Loop delivers a little bit of everything. Elevation, isolation, and a serious test of your riding skills should all be expected, but we think a full-day or overnight journey through Lillooet is one of the best rides you can set out on in BC. 

Untouched mountain terrain and adrenaline-inducing switchbacks are what you get on this ride. The route runs in a big, breathtaking loop from Vancouver to Whistler and onto Pemberton, east to Lillooet, and back home via Highway 1. Steep grades and sharp corners leave little room for error, so it demands your attention, but the payoff is massive. There’s a stretch on this route with over 200 corners in just 70 kilometres. 

Cell service is spotty, traffic is light, and the air’s a bit thinner. But if you love the isolation, you’ll enjoy the loop. It’s just you, your bike, and the mountains for the majority of the trip. Stops could include any of the places we mentioned above on the Sea-to-Sky journey, and beyond that you’ll won’t want to miss the lookout at Seton Portage. The glacier-fed lake has incredible colours bouncing off of it year round. 

The main thing we want to stress about the Duffy Loop motorcycle route is to plan ahead. The weather can change fast in this part of the province during the spring and fall, and the summers are unfortunately seeing more wildfires in the region. That said, June through August gives you a better shot at warm temperatures and dry pavement, which would be our recommended season to take the ride.  

One last note, be sure you fill up in Pemberton. The stretch beyond is extremely quiet, part of what makes it so unforgettable. 

The Tunnel Experience Through Hell’s Gate

Estimated Lenght: 250km (one way)

Riding Time: Full-day ride

Best For: Cruiser and adventure motorcycles

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

A little wildlife, a little history, and some of the coolest tunnels you’ve ever seen are what make this such a unique experience. The ride up the Fraser Canyon is another local favourite and a top motorcycle route near Vancouver. A highlight for us is passing through a series of rock-cut tunnels that hug the mountainside. 

You won’t be short of stops along the way on this route. Make time for the Othello Tunnels in Hope, the Hell’s Gate Airtram, and the Alexandria Bridge near Spuzzum, BC. It’s a steel arch-span bridge crossing the Fraser River that’s worth your time. All of these stops make the ride a memorable one. 

June to November would be our recommended time to take this route. September offers warm weather, less traffic, and crisper air, if you can swing it. Just be aware that the later in the year you go, the colder the canyon gets when the sun drops behind the rock walls. 

In terms of wildlife, you’ll want to keep your eyes on the road. You’re more than likely to see eagles, bears, and bighorn sheep through this stretch, making it one of those rare spots in the world where the road, landscape, and wildlife all demand your attention in equal measure. 

Coastal Highways on the Vancouver Island Loop

Estimated Length: 500+km

Riding Time: 2-3 days

Best For: Adventure and touring motorcycles

Difficulty: Moderate

This one takes a bit more planning, but the payoff is Lotto-Max-huge. The Vancouver Island Loop consists of coastal highways, forested backroads, and ocean views. One or two of those three features is present at all times, really. It’s the multi-day ride that should be at the top of your bucket list. 

The route starts with a ferry ride to Victoria, where you’ll work your way from the waterfront to the Pacific Rim Highway and head towards Tofino. This stretch alone is worth the trip. You’ll ride past moss-covered trees, foggy inlets, and winding rainforest-surrounded roads with wide curves. 

There are tons of stops along the way, but Cathedral Grove is a definite highlight. You’ll see 800-year-old Douglas firs towering over the highway, something you won’t find on the other routes on this list. On the way back, you can cruise through Nanaimo and catch the ferry back to the mainland, rounding out this 500-kilometre loop on the water. 

Spring is a great time to go. March through May offers cooler temperatures, but you’ll want to pack accordingly because rain threatens the area regularly. There’s a good mix of high-speed sections and scenic detours, so it’s up to you whether you want to push the pace or take it easy. Either way, the Island delivers. 

Lakefront Cruising Through the Okanagan

Estimated Length: 600+km

Riding Time: 2-4 days

Best For: Touring and cruising motorcycles

Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking for a longer, smoother ride, the Okanagan is tough to beat. This route take you on a motorcycle route from Vancouver through Kelowna, Penticton, and Osoyoos, with long stretches of highway flanked by vineyards, orchards, and blue water. 

Once you’ve made it up the Coquihalla and across the connector, spend a night in Kelowna, West Kelowna, or Peachland before you embark on the most scenic part of this route. You’ll have long stretches of highway flanked by vineyards, orchards, and lakefront views. It’s a relaxing ride ideal for cruisers and touring bikes. 

The trip through the Okanagan is built for comfort, with well-maintained roads and wie curves spread throughout the valley. This is less technical riding, you’ll find yourself settling in and finding a rhythm that let’s you take in the amazing views. For us spring and fall are the best times to go, as the summer months can get pretty scorching hot (not to mention the traffic increase). 

The sunsets last a little bit longer in the fall, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way. Float down the channel in Penticton, stop for lunch at Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, and spend a night at the Safari Beach Resort in Osoyoos. It’s a little motel we always book in advance, with a pool and beachfront access, you’re always just a few steps from the water. The perfect place to relax with a beer or two after a long ride. 

This one’s all about pace. No rush, no pressure. Just you and the open road. 

Wrapping Up the Top Motorcycle Day Trips from Vancouver

We hope this gives you a few ideas when it comes to motorcycle routes near Vancouver. The nice thing about our corner of the province is that there’s really something for everyone, whether it’s carving corners on the Duffy Loop, cruising coastal highways on the Island, or rolling through lake country in the Okanagan. The best part is that they’re all within reach. 

If you’re looking for help prepping your bike before a long ride, or just want to chat about routes, swing by the shop or shoot us a message. We’re always happy to talk rides, gear, and the best places to stop along the way. 

We’ll see you out there.