Not every ride needs to be a test of endurance.

Sometimes, the best roads are the ones that slow you down. The ones that wind through small towns, hug coastlines, and pause for ferry crossings that allow you to soak it all in.
This loop through Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast was one of those rides. Easy in its rhythm, big in its payoffs, and full of moments I keep coming back to.
Last August, I had the pleasure of exploring this region with Bailey, Hightail's Social Media Manager, and a Harley that a friend generously loaned me. Here's why we loved it and think you should put it on your moto bucket list.
Nanaimo & Cumberland: The Warm Welcome

After disembarking from our ferry ride, we headed to Nanaimo to meet up with some of their local Litas and personal friends. We were warmly welcomed and I was introduced to a delicious piece of Nanaimo Bar (thank you Pille!). They escorted us for a while on our ride up to Cumberland. When we arrived we were met with dinner, warmth, and a place to rest. Our friend Kate opened her home to us, and by morning we were sipping coffee and eating pastries from the café across the street. It was a pause we didn’t know we needed before the northern push.
Port Hardy & San Josef Bay: Wild Beauty
The ride to Port Hardy felt long in the best way—quiet roads, forest, and the feeling of being far from it all. The next morning we headed out to San Josef Bay by truck, and though it’s not an easy trek (an hour long gravel road, then a short hike), it’s one I’ll always recommend. Wild, wide, and breathtaking.

The Sunshine Coast: Mellow Miles & Marina Light
From Comox, we ferried across to Powell River and onto Sechelt. The vibe shifted immediately: less remote, but still relaxed. We camped at Bayside Campground, swam at Davis Bay, and ended our day with sunset drinks and dinner at the Lighthouse Pub.
There's beauty everywhere you look and the rides weren't too shabby either. Plenty of curves, a mix of elevation, and views of the coast and other waterways dotted all along.
Gibsons & the Ride Home
Our last day started with a hike at Smuggler Cove—a meandering trail that takes you through forests and passes by hidden inlets and tidepools. In Gibsons, we stopped for lunch, snapped some final photos, and then headed to board our last ferry. Watching the mainland grow closer felt like closing a perfect book.
What I Rode With
Bailey and I both wore our Hightails every day (of course!). It let me ride without thinking about what my hair was doing —or how I’d feel pulling my helmet off at the end of the day.
It’s one of those pieces of gear that just lets you stay present. Which is the whole point.
Want to Ride It Yourself?
- Don’t over-plan. Let the ferries guide your rhythm.
- Go north—you’ll be surprised how few people do.
- Trust local knowledge. Our friend Kate knew the best detours and several people recommended the Sunshine Coast which is why we headed there.
- Pack light. Let the ride be the experience, not the checklist.
If you’re craving a ride that feels like a true reset—where the only pressure is from your tires on the road—this one’s worth making time for.