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Last updated 13 June 1999
Day 1: Sidney, Vancouver Island to Saltspring Island
Assuming 1/2 day due to Ferry and customs delays:
Cycle from Sidney to Swartz Bay and catch the BC Ferry to Saltspring Island. Cycle to the main town, Ganges, and free-camp or stay at the local caravan park. Approx 30 K's.
Day 2: Ganges to Nanaimo
Cycle from Ganges to Vesuvius, where we can catch the BC Ferry to Crofton, Vancouver Island. Cycle North on the main highway (use caution) through Chemainus to Nanaimo. Look for free-camping North of Nanaimo. Approx 80 K.
Day 3: Nanaimo to Port Alberni
Continue North on the main highway to Parksville. Head West to Port Alberni. Look for free-camping around Port Alberni. Approx 90 K.
Day 4: Pacific Rim National Park Ferry Trip
Catch the scenic ferry from Port Alberni to Ucluelet. Cycle to Tofino and/or free-camp in the Long Beach area, depending on time and motivation. Approx 50 K to Tofino.
Day 5: Tofino to Lake Kennedy
Free-camp on the shores of Lake Kennedy with expert tour guide Jody, who travelled through this area in 1995. Approx 50 K.
Day 6: Lake Kennedy to Port Alberni
Climb over the MacKenzie Range and return back to Port Alberni. Free-camp in previous spot. Approx 75 K
Day 7: Port Alberni to Fanny Bay
Cycle to Fanny Bay. Free-camp at Fanny Bay or catch the ferry to Denman Island and free-camp there. Approx 90 K
Day 8: Mountain Biking on Hornby Island
Catch the ferry from Denman Island to Hornby Island. Setup camp, unload the bikes, and look for trails to ride.
Day 9: Hornby Island to Campbell River
Catch the ferries back to Vancouver Island and cycle North on the main highway (less traffic now) to Campbell River. Look for free-camping around the Campbell River area. Approx 90 K.
Day 10: Campbell River to Gold River
Climb over Strathcona Park. See the highest waterfall in Canada. Free-camp around Gold River area. Approx 90 K with some hard climbing.
Day 11: Gold River to Klaklakama Lakes
Cycle on a rough dirt road from Gold River to Klaklakama Lake. Approx 60 K dirt road mountain bike touring (hard and hilly).
Day 12: Klaklakama Lakes to Alert Bay
Back on sealed road to Alert Bay. Ferry out to nearby islands for sightseeing if desired. Approx 80 K easy.
Day 13: Alert Bay to Port Hardy
More sealed road to Port Hardy. Approx 60 K easy.