N/NE of Powell River, on the north Sunshine Coast, is one of the world's grand hinterlands of backroads, lakes and forestry campsites, regularly used by the public. I've enjoyed a few adventures through this area, and put together a Fav backroads ride. There were a few far flung lakes and possible connecting routes (I love backroads connections) I still wanted to check out, so headed back for another 3 days. It was another fine summer ride (though real hot!), with my route connections working out, and some brilliant swimming. This pic is from the canoe landing on the south shores of Windsor Lake, reached via a short portage trail. This is part of the internationally renowned Powell Forest Ca
Most folks are not aware of Theodosia region, although it is not far north of Powell River. But it's grand territory, tough to get into, with stunning views and great summer camping. There's already two Fav rides north from Powell River up the Malaspina Peninsula, one for all cycle tourists, and a backroads ride up to Sarah Point at the far north. This ride heads north again, but into a whole new region, along a route I was not sure was even passable. You can see the route above, heading north from Powell River before branching up the east side of Okeover Arm, across from the Malaspina Peninsula. Distances were not great - something over 60+kms up to Theodosia Inlet, then NE along the Theodo
If you're looking for an excellent multi-day North Island ride, the Alice Lake Loop is a good place to start (not to be confused with Alice Lake near Squamish on the BC mainland). You can do a short version all on excellent paved roads, or do the return stretch of the "loop" on rougher, more remote northern backroads. The local communities and tourism offices of Port McNeill and Port Alice are promoting this trip, so you can expect company, at least in season, and any logging operations along the backroads will be keeping an eye out for members of the public. All this with the "out there" vibe and hospitality of this magical last frontier of Vancouver Island. From the southern shores of Lake
