The trip begins
If BC wasn't where it is in Canada, it would have to be moved. You couldn't ask for a more dramatic way to start a bike trip. Even now in retrospect, BC is the main reason to want to do such a trip. Definitely wins award for most dramatic scenery in Canada.
Day 1 May 27 Vancouver to Mission 97km
We woke up early and were on the road by 7:30.Took the Lions Gate Bridge to Stanley Park for ritual bike dunk. Re-crossed bridge and followed Marine Drive to Ironworkers Bridge. The path across the bridge is very narrow and made for an unpleasant crossing. Jean managed to have her first crash and bruised an arm.
Followed Highway 7 to Mission. The road followed the Fraser River and we passed many logging operations. The smell of red cedar was everywhere.
Couldn't find a campsite so we stayed at a Best Western Hotel.
Day 2 May 28 Mission to Hope 89km
Beautiful ride to the sound of flowing water caused by melting snow. Our first black bear sighting.
Climbed to top of Allison Pass which proved to be the toughest climb of the whole trip. This was followed by a very welcome 10km downhill to Manning Park Recreational Centre where we stopped for a burger
Day 4 May 30 Manning Park to Keremos 123km
Left camp at 6:15. As we were leaving we were visited by Canada Jays (known as Campground Robbers) who took snacks right out of our hands. Another 15km downhill, made very uncomfortable by the cold early morning start, but we were happy to get some miles in before the sun came up. The 15km downhill was followed by a tough climb to the top of Sunday Summit. We ended up doing 59 km before coffee and breakfast at Princeton. After this tough start to the day we were rewarded by a very beautiful, long downhill
which followed the Similkameeri River all the way to Keremeos. Camped at Eagle RV Park where we enjoyed a much needed shower and a cold beer which the campground owner kindly gave us.We were amused by Road-Runner birds which continually ran by our tent.
Started the day with a great breakfast at Ranch Restaurant in Keremos after which we parted company with Suzi who was heading south to Osoyoos. We headed north on a steady climb to Yellow Lake where the fish are kept alive during the winter by adding air to the water. It was a lovely peaceful spot. We saw many Groundhogs today, we passed one rock where about 20 babies were taking the sun.
Day 6 Jun 1 Peachtown to Newport Beach 81km
Left camp at 6:30. The day began with a stiff climb out of Peachtown and the road was very busy. We stopped in Westbank for breakfast at McDonald's. Here we asked locals about the small road on west side of Lake Okanagan
which would avoid Kelowna and the busy route 97. Got conflicting opinions but decided to risk it anyway. It turned out to be a good choice. It was narrow, windy, up and down and very scenic. We met another biker, John, who turned out to be the guy Suzie had shared a campsite with in Hope. We passed by a logging operation and saw a tugboat hauling logs across the lake. It was a very hot day and after 80 km we were feeling a little tired. We decided to stop instead of pressing on to Larkin.We had a campsite right on the lake with a welcome breeze.
Spaghetti again.
Day 7 Jun 2 Newport Beach to Sicamous 93km
Woke up to a beautiful day and watched the sunrise over the lake while packing up. Left camp at 7:15.
Took back roads to Armstrong and had breakfast. Took 97A to Sicamous where we stopped for a delicious ice cream at Dutchman's Place. Talked to 3 German boys who were hitchhiking across Canada.
The road to Sicamous was lovely, mainly flat. Took highway 1 to Cedar Park Campground about 12km north of Sicamous at Malakwa. The only supplies we could get at the camp store were two cans of Chef Boyardee Ravioli.
A bear showed up at the campsite soon after we checked in. Being the only campers there we had a very restless night.
Day 8 Jun 3 Cedar Park Campsite to Revelstoke 65km
Left camp at 8:00
Visited site of the last spike. We had to go 16km before we found a truck stop where we could get breakfast. After last nights supper we were desperate for some real food. The road was beautiful with views of snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers and sparkling lakes. It was hot again today but every time we passed water flowing down the mountain we received a blast of cool air. We met a young man at the Revelstoke information center. He was doing the cross Canada trip but was going on to our tomorrow nights destination. (Nice to have young legs!) Bought mineral replacement capsules today as we were sweating a lot and were getting cramps. Camped in KOA Campground in Revelstoke.
Wieners and beans for supper.
Day 9 Jun 4 Revelstoke to Canyon Hot Springs 32km
Left camp at 7:30
Warm and sunny again today. Decided to stop for the day at Canyon Hot Springs and have a soak in hot mineral spring water to prepare for the climb to Golden tomorrow. The campsite is surrounded by snow-covered mountains a lovely spot. Probably why we paid $50 for camping and mineral spring soak. On top of this it cost $9 to do a load of laundry and $1 for 3 minutes of hot shower. We met a couple from North Calgary and questioned them about the roads in that area as we are still undecided about what route to take to avoid the city.
Day 10 June 5 Canyon Hot Springs to Golden 122km
Left camp at 5:45
Climbed for 35km to Rogers Pass where we stopped for breakfast. The climb wasn't as bad as we expected - not as difficult as Allison Pass. We were glad we started early as we had to go through 8 snow tunnels which would not have been pleasant if the roads had been busy. We followed Colorado River for 10km and camped in the municipal campground at Golden. The weather took a turn for the worse but we managed to get the tent up before it started to rain. We did groceries and then treated our selves to a meal and a couple of beers at Shanahan's Bar & Grill which was very good but a little noisy.
Today we passed our first time zone and lost 1 hour.
Day 11 June 6 Golden to Lake Louise 92km
Golden was not so golden this morning. The weather forecast was for rain so we decided to leave early.
Looking forward to breakfast as we had bought lots of food last night but to our dismay we discovered that all our supplies had been stolen. We left feeling a little down and on our way out found our lunch bag that looked as if whoever took it played football with it.
We had breakfast in a diner and began our long journey uphill out of Golden. Going through Kicking Horse Pass we saw a herd of horned mountain sheep.
Next came Ten Mile Hill followed by a stretch of road works.
As we entered Yoko Park the wind increased and the temperature plunged. We stopped at Field and decided to stop for the day but the hotels were very expensive and the only Hostel appeared deserted.
A couple told us of a good deal in Lake Louise so we opted to push on.
30km (27 uphill) against bitter cold winds. This turned out to be one of the most difficult days of the whole trip. We had to keep stopping to warm up and felt quite miserable. The hotel was a welcome sight and the hot shower even better.
Treated ourselver to an all-you-can-eat Roast beef dinner. Bob gave up after 4 servings.
Continued in Alberta
Click here for slideshow
If BC wasn't where it is in Canada, it would have to be moved. You couldn't ask for a more dramatic way to start a bike trip. Even now in retrospect, BC is the main reason to want to do such a trip. Definitely wins award for most dramatic scenery in Canada.
Day 1 May 27 Vancouver to Mission 97km
Followed Highway 7 to Mission. The road followed the Fraser River and we passed many logging operations. The smell of red cedar was everywhere.
Couldn't find a campsite so we stayed at a Best Western Hotel.
Day 2 May 28 Mission to Hope 89km
Left hotel at 7:45 and did 22k before stopping for breakfast. It was a beautiful day so we ate outside and enjoyed the view of snow capped mountains. Took highway 7 all the way to Hope. Lovely road with only two short climbs. We were bothered a little by gravel trucks - their drivers' didn't seem to appreciate our presence on the road. Wonderful views all day. Arrived at Hope at 3:00 and checked in at Coquihalla Campsite . Met Gary and Tug, schoolteachers from Nova Scotia, doing same trip as us. Suzie, a young British girl doing the trip all by herself, joined us later. I am writing this at our campsite sipping on a beer and eating liver sausage, brochette, potato salad, cheese and crackers, which makes me a very happy camper !
Today's weather helped us forget the rain in Vancouver. Bed at 9:30.
Day 3 May 29 Hope to Manning Park 78km
Left camp at 6:20 and had breakfast in Hope. Very tough climbs today made even harder by hot weather.
Beautiful ride to the sound of flowing water caused by melting snow. Our first black bear sighting.
Climbed to top of Allison Pass which proved to be the toughest climb of the whole trip. This was followed by a very welcome 10km downhill to Manning Park Recreational Centre where we stopped for a burger
since there was nowhere to buy provisions. Another 10km downhill after lunch to end day. We camped with Suzie, Gary and Tug at a provinical park with no facilities.
Day 4 May 30 Manning Park to Keremos 123km
Left camp at 6:15. As we were leaving we were visited by Canada Jays (known as Campground Robbers) who took snacks right out of our hands. Another 15km downhill, made very uncomfortable by the cold early morning start, but we were happy to get some miles in before the sun came up. The 15km downhill was followed by a tough climb to the top of Sunday Summit. We ended up doing 59 km before coffee and breakfast at Princeton. After this tough start to the day we were rewarded by a very beautiful, long downhill 
which followed the Similkameeri River all the way to Keremeos. Camped at Eagle RV Park where we enjoyed a much needed shower and a cold beer which the campground owner kindly gave us.We were amused by Road-Runner birds which continually ran by our tent.
Day 5 May 31 Keremos to Peachtown 90km
Started the day with a great breakfast at Ranch Restaurant in Keremos after which we parted company with Suzi who was heading south to Osoyoos. We headed north on a steady climb to Yellow Lake where the fish are kept alive during the winter by adding air to the water. It was a lovely peaceful spot. We saw many Groundhogs today, we passed one rock where about 20 babies were taking the sun.
After Penticton there was a tough climb up to Summerland followed by a stretch of road works that were very nerve wrecking. The road was very busy, narrow, slippery and hilly. We were also being buffeted by a strong wind. The Okanagan valley is a fruit and wine area a lovely part of the world. Tonight we camped at Ted's RV park in Peachland which is a real tourist resort.
Day 6 Jun 1 Peachtown to Newport Beach 81km
Left camp at 6:30. The day began with a stiff climb out of Peachtown and the road was very busy. We stopped in Westbank for breakfast at McDonald's. Here we asked locals about the small road on west side of Lake Okanagan
which would avoid Kelowna and the busy route 97. Got conflicting opinions but decided to risk it anyway. It turned out to be a good choice. It was narrow, windy, up and down and very scenic. We met another biker, John, who turned out to be the guy Suzie had shared a campsite with in Hope. We passed by a logging operation and saw a tugboat hauling logs across the lake. It was a very hot day and after 80 km we were feeling a little tired. We decided to stop instead of pressing on to Larkin.We had a campsite right on the lake with a welcome breeze.Spaghetti again.
Day 7 Jun 2 Newport Beach to Sicamous 93km
Took back roads to Armstrong and had breakfast. Took 97A to Sicamous where we stopped for a delicious ice cream at Dutchman's Place. Talked to 3 German boys who were hitchhiking across Canada.
The road to Sicamous was lovely, mainly flat. Took highway 1 to Cedar Park Campground about 12km north of Sicamous at Malakwa. The only supplies we could get at the camp store were two cans of Chef Boyardee Ravioli.
A bear showed up at the campsite soon after we checked in. Being the only campers there we had a very restless night.
Day 8 Jun 3 Cedar Park Campsite to Revelstoke 65km
Left camp at 8:00
Wieners and beans for supper.
Day 9 Jun 4 Revelstoke to Canyon Hot Springs 32km
Left camp at 7:30
Day 10 June 5 Canyon Hot Springs to Golden 122km
Left camp at 5:45
Climbed for 35km to Rogers Pass where we stopped for breakfast. The climb wasn't as bad as we expected - not as difficult as Allison Pass. We were glad we started early as we had to go through 8 snow tunnels which would not have been pleasant if the roads had been busy. We followed Colorado River for 10km and camped in the municipal campground at Golden. The weather took a turn for the worse but we managed to get the tent up before it started to rain. We did groceries and then treated our selves to a meal and a couple of beers at Shanahan's Bar & Grill which was very good but a little noisy.
Today we passed our first time zone and lost 1 hour.
Day 11 June 6 Golden to Lake Louise 92km
Golden was not so golden this morning. The weather forecast was for rain so we decided to leave early.
Looking forward to breakfast as we had bought lots of food last night but to our dismay we discovered that all our supplies had been stolen. We left feeling a little down and on our way out found our lunch bag that looked as if whoever took it played football with it.
Next came Ten Mile Hill followed by a stretch of road works.
As we entered Yoko Park the wind increased and the temperature plunged. We stopped at Field and decided to stop for the day but the hotels were very expensive and the only Hostel appeared deserted.
A couple told us of a good deal in Lake Louise so we opted to push on.
30km (27 uphill) against bitter cold winds. This turned out to be one of the most difficult days of the whole trip. We had to keep stopping to warm up and felt quite miserable. The hotel was a welcome sight and the hot shower even better.
Treated ourselver to an all-you-can-eat Roast beef dinner. Bob gave up after 4 servings.
Continued in Alberta
Click here for slideshow
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