Cross Country Touring Information
Wheel Life column - 8 April, 2000
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Reader David from Campbell River wrote us to inquire about a bike touring route to Calgary that he hopes to ride this summer. Here are some good sources of information we recommend for such a trip.

The Trans Canada Trail now under development (see note about today's festivities below) will provide an off-road route from Victoria to Calgary and beyond. Much of the route is completed, but there are still substantial missing links, and most parts are unpaved, suitable only for skilled mountain bikers. Some sections of the trail are through wilderness, so riders must be fully prepared - you must carry sufficient food and water, and protect yourself from wild animals.

Today's map illustrates the section of the trail through British Columbia. For information on the entire Trans Canada Trail visit http://www.tctrail.ca or call 1-800-465-3636. For information on the British Columbia route visit http://www.luco.gov.bc.ca/trancan/home2.htm or call 604-466-8456. Because the Trail is under development it is important to obtain the latest information when planning a trip.

Some of the best sections of the Trans Canada Trail through Eastern British Columbia follow the Kettle Valley Trail. For information see the Trails of British Columbia website at http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/trails.htm or read Dan and Sandra Langford's book "Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway," published by Rocky Mountain Books.

The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society organizes tours across the province and the country as well as regular day trips for retired people, though all who enjoy recreational riding are welcome. Membership (required for extended tours) costs $25, $35 for couples and includes a monthly Newsbrief. Upcoming tours include Victoria Hub and Spoke, May 10 to 14, Cross Canada 2000 (Sea to Sea), May 24 to August 31, and Hike and Bike Queen Charlotte Islands in May. The society tours the Alberta Rockies and the Pacific Coast toward summer's end. For more information, e-mail ccts@vcn.bc.ca, call 652-5990 (Victoria) or visit http://www.vcn.bc.ca/cccts.

Another good source of information is the "Cross Canada Bicycle Touring Frequently Asked Questions" by Colin Brander at http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/4542. He offers all sorts of useful advice: The prevailing winds in Canada are from West to East, so that is the best direction to ride. Install good quality, thick, handlebar grips to prevent injuries to the ulnar nerve in your hands. May through early October is generally a good time to go cycle touring, but it can snow near the mountain passes so June through August are the best times to cycle through these areas. He also offers a detailed recommended route from Victoria to Alberta along major highways.

Adventure Cycling Association (http://www.adv-cycling.org; phone 406-721-1776) is a nonprofit organization located in Missoula, Montana, dedicated to supporting long-distance bicycle touring. The organization sells detailed guides of various routes, and sponsors guided tours if you want to go with a group. Their Northern Tier route goes from Seattle (an easy ferry ride from Victoria) west through Washington, Idaho, and Montana, and then a short ways into Alberta, just south of Calgary.