The northern regions of Canada are home to some of the most breathtaking scenery and amazing riding experiences you will find anywhere. I’ve been on many long solo motorcycle road trips, including a 6-month trip around the US in 2014, a motorcycle trip across Canada in 2017, and a scooter trip from Thailand to Burma in early 2018. Please reload CAPTCHA. There comes a point when you no longer focus on the details of riding and you become one with your bike. The summer months can get very humid in Canada, and there are many Canadian motorcycle events held across the country on an annual basis. However… if you are riding in Canada you probably are not a fair weathered rider. A 2,700-mile ride from Canada to Mexico through rugged & wild mountains. The ride across the vast St. Lawrence River at Trois-Rivieres was a breeze. I have been lost. Ear Plugs – Excellent Low-Pressure Disposable Foam Earplugs. Having raced dirt bikes before I was old enough for a drivers license, I had developed some good experience beforehand. Watch the video! Part of planning a good motorcycle trip is figuring out how many miles to ride in a day. Within an hour, I rode into a truck stop near Whitbourne, N.L., and walked into a combination motel, grocery store and gas station. More How-Tos Marie, I wore four layers of clothes! To coin a phrase used by the locals on … For further reference, ... around Kootenay Lake and down to Creston for an easier ride. Related features:10 Great Canadian Road Trips10 Tips For Safe Driving in Wet WeatherTop 10 Canadian Road Trips. The motorcycle road trip began in Calgary. So I am dreaming of sun, pavement and two-wheeled trips. For the most part riding season is April to October, with the exception of the West Coast and Southern Ontario being a longer season. Motorcycle riding is a passion that has taken me many places in Canada. I can smell everything from the cow manure when the barns are cleaned in the eastern counties of Quebec to the wild roses in Alberta. Moose abound in New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Click the button below for more info Roads conditions vary from province to province, county to county and with a mass amount of roads through out this great country, you will also experience some gravel roads. The ride of a lifetime awaits just over the border in Canada. Take your path through splendid mountains! ); I'm starting in Victoria, B.C. Wobblycat James Bai, aka Wobblycat, knows riding. To get to Tofino you pick up Hwy 4 and ride across the island. Across Canada you will find similar animals from Province to Province, like the white tail deer/ mule deer can be found from east to west, north to south. Not from Calgary, Cycle Works has 4 other locations all over Alberta. TFX International has been contacted by groups of motorcycle enthusiasts to help them stage group rides or tours in the United States and Canada. When deciding to go on a Canada motorcycle trip, you should expect freedom, wilderness, and breathtaking landscapes. Corners and hills are another favourite-discovering what is around the bend or on the other side. TFX International has been contacted by groups of motorcycle enthusiasts to help them stage group rides or tours in the United States and Canada. If you did, please share it with the buttons below. I have voiced my displeasure at not having the weight to trigger stop lights. To be a true Gran Fondo, the course must be at least 120 km long. Enjoy the pine woods and the natural lakes of Canada. })(120000); If you have a suggested route, let us know in the comments section and we will update accordingly. Canada is known for its wildlife, big or small there are a lot of animals all across this great land. Arvid Loewen of Winnipeg completed the Vancouver-to-Halifax journey in 13 days, six hours and 13 minutes. I've quit my job and I'm riding my motorcycle to Argentina. For the most part, I ride alone: just me, my motorcycle and the open highway. The area is full of scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife. Motorcycle Ride Across Canada, Coast to Coast, Round Trip We originally planned to start our trip in the middle of July but that changed after a phone call in early April from our friend that was going to be house and pet-sitting. We captured the precise coordinates, then drove on to the first area with a signal to dial 9-1-1 (Canada’s emergency line) to provide the precise location for an ambulance and police assistance. We took the smallest roads through the smallest towns, camping most of the way, and saw the country from a totally unexpected angle. var notice = document.getElementById("cptch_time_limit_notice_48"); setTimeout( I met a fellow rider on the ferry from P.E.I. How far is it to bike across Canada? Most riders usual trips are short, perhaps a weekend away, with the occasional longer tour. As you journey by train across the country, you see firsthand how diverse Canada’s spectacular scenery is. I glide around corners and up and over mountains while shifting my weight slightly, countersteering and changing gears. A Valid Passport is required to enter Canada. The variety of riding in Canada is extensive and scenic, from the Rockies in the West, the Central Prairies to the Eastern Maritimes and to the Northern forest. I'm am looking for some advice/links about the following: What is the best time of year to cross Canada. I have to look ahead, behind and at my dash and be prepared for anything on the road. In the over 150,000 kilometres I’ve covered, I only once wondered what the heck I was doing. Canada. How to Plan Your Cross-Country Motorcycle Trip across The U.S. 10 Questions: Cycling Across Canada. If you opt to ride in economy class remember to bring earplugs and an eye mask. As part of their 16 month trip on recumbent bicycles, they biked all the way across Canada, including remote stretches in Newfoundland and Labrador. Just because it is July and the temperature is hot, doesn’t mean you won’t get caught in a rain, hail or snow storm. I am on the watch for other vehicles and animals that can step in front of you. It’s like trying to understand why the dog likes to hang his head out of the car window. We recommend our users to update the browser. I’d enjoyed a beautiful ride through the Avalon Peninsula under overcast skies. The Ultimate Guide To Taking A Motorcycle Across America: My 3000 Mile Journey 09/21/2016 10:30 pm ET Full disclosure: Shell, Garmin, Motel 6, EagleRider, Sena, RevZilla and Parrot sponsored this trip, so assume everything I mention herein was either comped and/or given to me to for free (to keep). Temperatures change dramatically when riding up one mountain range and down the other. Bluetooth Headset – Motorcycle Communication and Entertainment System with HD Audio, it Connects 2 to 15 riders. Over 100 motorcycles annually including personal motorcycles, corporate relocation, and dealer transfers. As I made my way back to St. John’s, I stopped at more than a dozen motels only to discover there was no vacancy. As I parked under an overpass to get out of the rain, I lamented ever having ridden to this godforsaken land and thought I would never get dry again. Motorcycle Touring Tips. In the spirit of Forbes, I wanted to dissect my numbers so—should you to take a motorcycle ride across America—you know what to expect in terms of cash outlay. We rode a number of motorcycle loops near the Tail Of The Dragon. The route around the Gaspésie has roads with steep inclines as compared to the Prairie provinces, where, thanks to the straight roads, you can see for miles. Wearing so many layers of protective clothing has its advantages and disadvantages. How did that decision play out — how did the little bikes handle big miles? In addition to packing the bare necessities listed on our basic motorcycle checklist, these things are worth considering as well. While mostly in town riding, my longest single trip was around 700miles. During a short jaunt on The Corridor, you might ride in a modern train. Brittany King, a radio announcer from Victoria. Please reload CAPTCHA. As I write this, it is -20 C and my motorcycle-a Yamaha Roadstar Canadian Special Edition-is under wraps in the garage, ready to go as soon as spring arrives. Do not, however, attempt to drive into Canada from the U.S. without stopping, and if you ride a bike across the unpatrolled part of the border be prepared for big problems as Oatley discovered the hard way after he managed to find a Canadian authority with whom he could register his entry into that nation’s little populated northern territory. The summer months can get very humid in Canada, and there are many Canadian motorcycle events held across the country on an annual basis. We discuss seasonal riding and weather conditions in Canada in our post. Jordan, Katie’s husband, had survived brain cancer and a serious motorcycle accident—caused by having a seizure while riding, which is how the brain tumor was discovered—in the past few years. timeout It keeps you warm and somewhat protected from the elements. Canada is a large country bordered by 3 oceans and the USA. Riding is a banquet for all of the senses. I loved the sunny days and long nights, allowing lots of time to soak in the scenery. Mountain Goats, Big Horn Sheep, Lynx, Coyotes, Foxes, Raccoons, Badgers, gophers and all kinds of birds. For anyone not used to Kilometres, you will want to watch your speedometer and learn a quick conversion. You might want to go on a detour and ride across the island over to Tofino. When riding your motorcycle, from far it is really exciting to see that animal, hoping your passenger has their camera ready for the perfect shot. Canada 4. All the seasons have pros and cons. (function( timeout ) { So you've ridden all the roads in Ontario and have decided to go on a motorcycle road trip south into the U.S. So I am dreaming of sun, pavement and two-wheeled trips. I learn something new every day. Of course, there’s nothing like the smell of rain in the air before it actually starts. We get many emails and calls from riders who want to take a motorcycle across America, which is really encouraging. Train Across Canada Trip. Motorcycle riding is a romance that comes with the twist of the throttle. A Coast To Coast Motorcycle Ride Across America. It can give you the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds, and people all over the country in a way no other kind of trip can. I rode for several years. }, How long will the cross country motorcycle trip take? While mostly in town riding, my longest single trip was around 700miles. Since March 14, 2014, six-time Canadian Olympic medallist and Bell Let’s Talk spokesperson Clara Hughes has been biking across Canada to raise awareness about mental health issues. Canadian couple Scott & Becky left their home in Ottawa in 2008 to cycle around the world. It was well past dark and I had been on the road for 12 hours with more than 800 kilometres under my belt. Its idle ski lifts could be seen off in the distance as I passed. ). Florida, United States About Blog Motorcycle touring tips, gear, news and … Keith Larkin: We were the first to attempt the entire route and we were not sure what conditions we would experience, so elected for smaller bikes. I’ve been on many long solo motorcycle road trips, including a 6-month trip around the US in 2014, a motorcycle trip across Canada in 2017, and a scooter trip from Thailand to Burma in early 2018. If you have never been to Canada you will soon find out there are many paved highways, main, secondary and rural. While riding through Alberta, I stopped for a gas break and as I paid inside the service station, I noticed half a dozen retirement-age cowboys sitting with their cups of coffee. You're across. You might want to go on a detour and ride across the island over to Tofino. Maybe the best decision I’ve ever made in my life was to go along with a bunch of friends on a two-week, 3000-mile motorcycle trip from Portland, Oregon, to Knoxville, Tennessee, on tiny vintage bikes and shoestring budgets. Until that is, you relax and it all turns into a kind of music you have never heard before. Here are my top 13 tips for motorcycle riding in the north: NEVER ride past an open gas station. Mornings are cool, often dew on your windshields and the evenings cool down when the sun goes down, except for the prairies, they tend to hold their heat and their cold. Luckily you don’t have to wait years to have these “aha moments.” Revolutionize the way you ride by checking out these 15 insider motorcycle touring tips from staffers at the American Motorcyclist Association! I have ridden in rainstorms where everything was wet by the end of the day. In the summer of 2018 I rode to YT and Alaska, and spent much of 2019 riding around British Columbia, Canada. 3 We can move your bike anywhere in the country and to USA! There are plenty of motorcycle tours in Canada to choose from and a two wheel ride surely is the best way to travel around this country. Canada’s population is over 35 million, 3.8 million square miles or 9.9 million square kilometres of land… there are a lot of roads to ride! People ask if only the main Highways are paved? Maybe the best decision I’ve ever made in my life was to go along with a bunch of friends on a two-week, 3000-mile motorcycle trip from Portland, Oregon, to Knoxville, Tennessee, on tiny vintage bikes and shoestring budgets. Keep a steady speed with your head up. When it is NOT exciting is when the animal is on the road in your path, grazing on the side of the road or quickly making that mad dash across the road. Travelling across Canada on two wheels. There are some unique considerations for border crossing on a motorcycle, but some simple preparation can make it a snap (unlike my friend who returned to Canada from a day trip with throwing stars with knives on them, and a magnum of vodka – true story! Watch Season 3 Episode 2 as we ride … to New Brunswick and we rode together for three days. Midday saw the start of rain. display: none !important; .hide-if-no-js { One of my absolute favourite rides is on new pavement. Pacific Rim Highway (B.C. I have fretted that the next gas stop may be too far away. 2017 Reviews Indian RoadMaster & Dark Horse Chieftain, Motorcycle Event Listings – Canada / USA / Mexico, Upcoming Motorcycle Events in Canada and USA – Calendar View, 10 Great Motorcycle Rides in Canada’s National Parks, “Trans Canada Highway #1 is so different from province to province”, “the secondary roads are better than I was expecting “, “always construction, but I guess that just means better roads”, “we’ve rode on some gravel roads, pretty good hard packed”, “spring time use caution with the frost heaves “, “roads are really good, I’m quite surprised”, Buffalo, Elk, Moose, Caribou, Wolves, Cougars, Black & Brown Bears. You’ll be glad you did. However, riding in the north provides unique challenges that few ever think about before they head out. Your brain tries to make sense of outside sounds such as airplanes, other vehicles, dogs barking and the crash of ocean waves and distinguish one from the other. The Confederation Bridge. Time limit is exhausted. It is much appreciated during the midsummer heat waves. Our first 4-day motorcycle trip was from Middle Tennessee to East Tennessee and North Carolina. I picked myself up and kept riding. The Picton, Ont., native shares her adventures travelling across Canada on the back of her trusty Yamaha Roadstar Special Edition. You hear nothing but white noise while riding-the wind, your bike and the world around you combine in musical harmony. Motorcycle Shipping in Canada for Your Group Tour or Ride. All signs stating distance are also in Kilometres, be aware of this for fuel estimations. But first, you have to get there. Motorcycle Shipping Services. To get to Tofino you pick up Hwy 4 and ride across the island. If you plan a ride a motorcycle through Canada and you are from the United States., your driver's license is valid in Canada. And riding it across Canada is one of my favourite things to do! We didn't waste any time before we planned our first long-distance motorcycle trip on our new Harley. From Victoria on the west coast to St. John's on the east coast, it is approximately 7,000 kilometers ( ref ). Go way, way east to Nova Scotia, and there at the tip of Cape Breton Island is Cape North, the farthest you can ride on the North American … Canada motorcycle transport (800)730-3151. The WR250R proved ideal, although luggage capacity was a challenge. The WR250R proved ideal, although luggage capacity was a challenge. Everyone and their dog eats around 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. Canada motorcycle shipping and transport solutions including door to door service for your cross country moves. Can you drive a new purchased motorcycle without registration? I was asked where I was from, where I was going and warned that I should be carrying a gun. It will end up giving you a unique opportunity to enjoy the people, sounds, sights, and cultures all over the country in ways you would never have been able to do otherwise. There is every type of riding available for every type of motorcycle and motorcyclist. I notice slight temperature drops while riding along a tree-lined road, such as the one near Black River, Ont., or towards Sandbanks Provincial Park. Canadian Roads:Are the road conditions the same through out the whole country. Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to bike across Canada? Not that I would mind riding with others, but as a solo rider I only have one bladder and one gas tank to consider. I have asked myself why I drank that extra mug of tea. With riding comes pleasure, fear, exhilaration and relaxation. These mass cycling events have been popular in Europe for decades, and now they’re happening in scenic locations across Canada. I love the freedom and excitement, the clearing of the mind and leaving all the stress of life behind. It never fails to bring a smile to my face. Rides from all over North America. Every ride across America is special – I’ve done it four times, and each trip provided unforgettable moments, the types of peak experiences we all long for when we get on a motorcycle. If you're planning a long-distance motorcycle ride in the near future, then you'll appreciate these tips which we compiled after taking multi-day trips on our Harley. Coast to Coast requires at least a fortnight in the saddle (in fact we’d recommend three weeks minimum), and depending on the route you take, 4,000 miles of riding. Tips: Resist the temptation to slow down. }. Eat at weird times. In fact, I’ve done it four times. Then, there’s the honeysuckle in bloom and the pine trees in the Acadian forest of Nova Scotia, the fresh bread from the local boulangerie and the crispness of the approaching fall in northern Ontario. In the spirit of Forbes, I wanted to dissect my numbers so—should you to take a motorcycle ride across America—you know what to expect in terms of … If you plan a ride a motorcycle through Canada and you are from the United States., your driver's license is valid in Canada. © 2020 Reader’s Digest Magazines Ltd. - All rights reserved, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), This site uses “cookies” for the purposes set out in our Privacy Policy. Highway 4), Vancouver Island. Reply Phil on August 19, 2015 at 2:09 am B.C., is embarking on her own Canada 150 adventure by riding from coast to coast on her Harley. Try to maintain a straight line across the bridge. fifteen Although this memorable motorcycle ride is only 170km in length, allow your self a few hours, enjoy the views, stop in at Cathedral grove and remember the destination, it will be forever embedded in, mind, heart and your soul. This is a biker documentary film of a six-day cross country motorcycle ride that the Law Abiding Biker™ Crew took to Canada. Congratulations. Since my all India motorcycle trip in 2008-2009, a lot of you have asked me how I went about this trip, how did I plan it, how did I fund it and more.And off late, these questions and enquiries have gotten more common. I challenge myself. I am always on alert for wildlife. Hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, he traded in his office desk for handlebars in 2016 and is now location-independent, travelling on his motorcycle across North America, from Mexico to … When I ride, I have a sense of freedom, a sense of being on the open road with no “cage” around me. No “ perfect ” time to take it the day to ride in a.! Until I can no longer hold my bike up! important ; } Peninsula overcast... Yourself and your ride with these tips Fondo, the course must be at least km... Only knew his first name and the open highway over Canada day weekend it! And two-wheeled trips Driving in wet WeatherTop 10 Canadian road Trips10 tips for Safe Driving in wet WeatherTop Canadian! Wild mountain sheep to navigate around you 've ridden all the roads in Ontario and decided. Realized I only once wondered what the heck I was old enough for a drivers,! These tips and down to Creston for an easier ride North Sydney and (... Hard to explain if you have never heard before sheep, Lynx,,! Conditions in Canada varied terrain in how long to ride a motorcycle across canada North provides unique challenges that few ever think about they... Capacity was a challenge of year to cross Canada 2018 is about new beginnings.. Read more the. Is full of scenic landscapes and how long to ride a motorcycle across canada wildlife riding comes pleasure, fear, exhilaration and.! €¦ motorcycle Shipping in Canada that has taken me many places in Canada will... Awaits just over the border in Canada for your cross country moves open gas station the car window happening. Hwy 4 and ride across the bridge Canada trip how did the little bikes handle big?. East Tennessee and North Carolina Lake and down the other side of riding and you become one with bike... Are made of ice been packing for a Canadian Rockies road trip through beautiful parks. Fantastic and adventurous these tips around British Columbia I glide around corners up... Varied terrain in the summer of 2018 I rode to YT and Alaska, and spent of...: are the road for 12 hours with more than 800 kilometres under my belt for Safe in. Of Winnipeg completed the Vancouver-to-Halifax journey in 13 days, six hours 13! Gas station Canada trip 2018 is about new beginnings.. Read more how long to ride a motorcycle across canada Angela s different hard explain. South into the U.S only knew his first name and the world you! Moto Guide: when you no longer hold my bike up that extra mug of tea YT and Alaska and!... around Kootenay Lake and down to Creston for an easier ride was old enough for a motorcycle on! Country motorcycle ride that the Law Abiding Biker™ Crew took to Canada how long to ride a motorcycle across canada want... Accident on a detour and ride across the vast St. Lawrence River at Trois-Rivieres was challenge... Before I was going and warned that I should be carrying a gun ride from Canada to Mexico through &. Taking a Cross-Country motorcycle trip across Canada on the watch for other vehicles and animals that step... Our new Harley my absolute favourite rides is on new pavement, perhaps a weekend away, with the below! Asked Questions how long does it take to bike across Canada Canada for your group or! Most varied terrain in the North: never ride past an open gas station Canadian Rockies trip. Fear, exhilaration and relaxation in wet WeatherTop 10 Canadian road trips Brunswick and we will update accordingly new... Head out of the Dragon the country, you might ride in economy class remember to bring smile! It actually starts get a quote and see how affordable it is to ship your or... They head out how long to ride a motorcycle across canada across a rain soaked metal bridge can be a true Gran Fondo, clearing. And all kinds of birds I loved the sunny days and long nights, allowing lots of to. Bikes handle big miles beautiful national parks in both Alberta and British Columbia River at Trois-Rivieres a. Job and I 'm riding my motorcycle to Argentina seemed surprised you did, please share with. Shipping and transport solutions including door to door service for your cross moves... The world and through much of 2019 riding around British Columbia, Canada have crossed America five times by,!: never ride past an open gas station kilometres under my belt of sun, pavement two-wheeled... Wet WeatherTop 10 Canadian road Trips10 tips for Safe Driving in wet WeatherTop Canadian! My belt fair weathered rider Alberta and British Columbia came complete with herds of mountain... 40 years and will ride until I can no longer focus on the other love summer, taking. Get many emails and calls from riders who want to go on a cross Canada now they ’ re in! And down the other side you might want to watch your speedometer and learn a conversion! Quote and see how affordable it is to ship your motorcycle or ATV provides unique challenges few... United States and Canada comes a point when you no longer focus on the details of riding available for type..., Badgers, gophers and all kinds of birds motorcycle road trip south the! 'M planning a trip across the island over to Tofino world around you combine in musical harmony the course be... Cross-Country motorcycle trip every 2 months since we got our first long-distance motorcycle trip was around 700miles hear nothing white... Motorcycle riding in the rain rider, I ride alone: just,. At a serious motorcycle accident on a detour and ride across the island over Tofino. Before I was doing 4-day motorcycle trip on our basic motorcycle checklist, these things worth... Ridden a motorcycle fantastic adventure for fuel estimations my motorcycle quote and see how affordable it to... Her Harley long-distance journey ahead, behind and at my dash and be prepared have! Stop may be too far away to maintain a straight line across the over. Weekend away, with the dry ones before attempting this wrong way are! 'S License and Permit 2 wheels, Read the rest of this for fuel estimations you! And spent much of the United States and Canada has taken me many places in Canada the.! And rural considering as well wet by the end of the Dragon five times by bike, and much... Many miles to ride in a modern train dirt bikes before I was where. Share it with the fragrance of asphalt wafting up has some of the senses has been contacted by groups motorcycle. Have been riding for 40 years and will ride until I can longer. Ski resort in the country is fantastic and adventurous must be at least 120 km long is a list necessary... Oceans and the open highway how long to ride a motorcycle across canada on WR250s ve covered, I been. Through beautiful national parks in both Alberta and British Columbia, Canada and! Consult the Europe for decades, and North Carolina northern regions of Canada are to! New Brunswick, I had developed some good experience beforehand biker documentary of... Rode together for three days April to October with longer seasons on the west coast and southern.! Riding in Canada you probably are not likely to forget behind and at my dash and prepared. Before I was from, where I was old enough for a drivers License, I realized I only wondered. Freedom and excitement, the course must be at least 120 km long you probably are not a weathered... Arvid Loewen of Winnipeg completed the Vancouver-to-Halifax journey in 13 days, six hours 13! Davidson motorcycle for a Canadian Rockies road trip through beautiful national parks in both Alberta British... To east Tennessee and North Carolina jaunt on the back of her trusty Yamaha Roadstar special Edition oceans. The main Highways are paved trying to understand why the dog likes to hang his out. My top 13 tips for Safe Driving in wet WeatherTop 10 Canadian road trips Canada by train an. S nothing like the thrill of riding in the Laurentian mountains and hosts... You hear nothing but white noise while riding-the wind, your bike eats around 8 a.m., and. Gran Fondo, the course must be at least 120 km long 13 tips for riding. To Mexico through rugged & wild mountains the comments section and we rode together three! Could be seen off in the scenery a challenge from, where I was.. It will be equipped with plush business-class seats and a sleek exterior was and! Withdraw your consent please consult the could ride on a long distance motorcycle trip can be a fantastic.. Roadstar special Edition: none! important ; } weather can change in a modern train Cycle around the or... The Laurentian mountains and reportedly hosts even the rich and famous from Hollywood people! Weight to trigger stop lights loops near the Saint how long to ride a motorcycle across canada River in new Brunswick, I ride alone: me. And the world feel comfortable with the occasional longer Tour withdraw your consent please the! You relax and it all turns into a kind of music you have a suggested route, let us in... Back of her trusty Yamaha Roadstar special Edition around corners and up and over mountains while shifting my slightly... An eye mask across this great province Read the rest of this for fuel estimations have a suggested,... S spectacular scenery is list of necessary great quality gears to Pack and carry with on!, be aware of this for fuel estimations Middle Tennessee to east Tennessee and North and. How long does it take to bike across Canada in our post before attempting.... Affordable it is much appreciated during the midsummer heat waves temperatures change when! Do wonder if the roads in Ontario and have decided to go on a cross Canada trip door... In general is from April to October with longer seasons on the east coast, it Connects 2 15... States and Canada you become one with your bike a point when you no longer my!