Tree to Sea Loop, Vancouver Island

• Ideal bike: A gravel bike with at least 45mm tires is reccomended, but a rigid mountain bike or hardtail wouldn’t be overkill. A reliable wide-range drivetrain is beneficial for some of the steeper climbs, and durable tires set up tubeless is a good idea. There aren’t many bike shops along the route, besides Port Hardy, Campbell River, and Courtenay, so a reliable setup is crucial. Bring a good repair kit and know how to use it.
• When to ride: The route is best ridden between May and August, as the majority of general stores and resupply points operate during these months. Spring and fall are best for lower daily temperatures, but also bring on higher chances for rain and cold nights. Expect rain and sudden weather changes whenever you decide to ride. Spring has a higher chance for winter blowdown and unfavourable/unrideable road conditions, be prepared to reroute if necessary.
• Route direction: The route is best ridden clockwise, as presented. Mainly to make it easier to plan your water taxi from Tahsis, and due to some steep descents that would be less enjoyable to climb up. However, it can be be ridden in either direction.
• Getting here: Comox can be accessed by water via the Powell River ferry, as well as by air via the Comox Valley Airport. The Vancouver Island Connector bus runs from Victoria to Oyster River or Campbell River and accepts packaged bicycles (box or bag) for a fee. See the Resources tab for details. BC Transit also has routes between Victoria, Fanny Bay, and Courtenay, which don’t require your bike to be boxed. Pacific Coastal has direct flights between Vancouver and Comox, which might be useful for anyone flying in from out of province. Otherwise, the ferry from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) is your best bet to link up with public transit to get north to Comox. There is paid long-term parking available at both the Comox Ferry and Comox Airport.
• Long-term access: As with most routes that follow forest service roads, there are sections that are susceptible to public closure without much notice. For continued access, we strongly suggest everyone spread the word of the route during your ride, or better yet, tell the local government, Ministry of Tourism, and Ministry of Forests about the route and the benefits that bikepackers can bring to these small communities.
• Large off-road logging trucks use these roads and will not get out of your way. It’s your responsiblity to get off the road to let them pass safely. Don’t wear ear buds and be aware at all times. There is the chance that you’ll pass through active logging areas, so follow all signage and be prepared for potential (though unlikely) detours. Most importantly, be friendly and wave.
• This area contains habitat for many wild animals, including bears, cougars, and wolves. Be bear and cougar aware, always carry bear spray, and hang your food at night. While riding, talk loudly and make noise. It is far too easy to come around a corner and startle a wild animal, and unnecessary interactions should be avoided.
• A water taxi is required to travel from Tahsis to Zeballos and must be booked ahead of time. Try Shorebird Expeditions, Zeballos Expeditions, or Air Nootka. We paid $400 and split it between eight bikepackers. Air Nootka has scheduled flights between Gold River and Zeballos throughout the week that could be useful for smaller groups or solo riders. Join the BC Bikepacking Facebook group and use the hashtag #TreeToSeaBoat to find other groups to split the cost with.
• There are Canada Post offices in most towns that can be used to send resupply packages ahead of time, if attempting in the off-season. Some potential and useful drop locations include Tahsis, Port Alice, Holberg, and Sayward. These post office locations are marked as POIs on the route map above.
• Cell service is spotty along most of the route. Telus seems to offer better coverage. Most libraries and some coffee shops/restaurants will have public wifi. It’s a good idea to bring a satellite communication device like a SPOT or Garmin inReach just in case.

• There are tons of BC Recreation Sites along the route for camping, the majority of which have fire rings, pit toilets, and picnic tables, as well as beautiful lake access for swimming and fishing. Some of our favourites include Leiner River, Atluck Lake, Bonanza South, Naka Creek, and Stella Lake. Some of the best sites are included on the route map, but there are many others.
• While the majority of campsites are free, some require a small cash-only fee of $10 to $20. It’s a good idea to bring some extra cash with you as ATM machines are few and far in between.
• There are a few resorts and cabin rentals available, as well as motels in Port Hardy and Port McNeil. Moutcha Bay Resort has yurts and the Scarlet Ibis Pub in Holberg has tiny heated Adventure Huts for rent with access to showers.
• There are also several private campgrounds and Provincial Parks on the route that often provide more amenities than the BC Rec Sites. Kitty Coleman Provincial Park just north of Comox is a great spot, as is the Gold River Municipal Campground, Sayward Fisherboy RV/Campground, and Elk Falls Provincial Park in Campbell River.
• A good portion of the route travels on privately owned logging land, and while wild camping is possible, it’s not necessarily legal. Stick to designated campsites if possible.

• There are basic resupply points every two to three days, depending on daily mileage. The more remote communities (Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos, Holberg, and Sayward) are often limited to smaller general stores selling dry goods and with listed hours that aren’t always reliable. Call ahead or plan accordingly.
• There are major grocery stores in Courtenay, Campbell River, Port Alice, Port Hardy, and Port McNeill. You’ll find fresh produce, toiletries, and pretty much anything else you might desire there.
• Freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers are abundant. Bring a filter and expect to carry at least two litres at all times, maybe more in the summer. Some coastal campsites won’t have access to fresh water, so bring extra to camp if you’re unsure.
• Some favourite food stops include Sea & Field Bistro in Gold River, Sally’s Grill in Tahsis, Foggy Mountain Coffee Co. in Port Alice, Scarlet Ibis Pub in Holberg, and the Ideal Cafe in Campbell River.
• There is liquid and pressurized stove fuel available at Valhalla Pure Outfitters (Courtenay), Timberland Sports Centre (Port McNeill), and the River Sportsman (Campbell River).

The Tree to Sea Mini

Looking for a shorter route that doesn’t require the boat charter between Tahsis and Zeballos? Try the Tree to Sea Mini. This 380km loop follows most of the southern half of the full route but follows some pavement between Campbell River and Gold River, skips the boat ride, but prioritizes beautiful gravel roads. This is a great option for anyone working up to the full route or for folks with less time.

A Sample 15-Day Itinerary

Here is a sample 15-day itinerary, based on an attainable daily mileage, lazy mornings, and spending lots of time exploring caves, taking photos, and time in towns. Depending on your fitness level, time of year, weather, and preferences, the route is easily rideable in 10 days or under or expanded into a 20+ day trip with rest days and side trips. The distances below are approximate.

Route Details

Comox to Gold River

The route starts and ends at the Comox ferry terminal, just south of Campbell River. While the Old Island Highway (19A) could be used to connect the ferry up to Campbell River, we opted to keep things interesting and away from traffic by linking several multi-use paths and side roads together along the coast, eventually skirting inland just north of Oyster River. From there, a short section of chunky gravel roads sneaks behind the Campbell River – Jubilee Airport, joining with the Elk River Mainline which runs parallel to the paved Gold River Highway (Hwy 28), taking riders all the way to Upper Campbell Lake and the Upper Campbell Reservoir Campground. The next 130 kilometers loop up and around Strathcona Provincial Park back down towards Gold River. This section is remote and without services or many established campgrounds. Some may opt to ride the highway to Gold River instead.

Gold River to Zeballos

Some of the most beautiful views of the entire route are between Gold River and Zeballos. After a coffee in Gold River, you’ll climb up towards Tlupana Peak, passing by Cala Creek Falls and Upana Caves along the way. It’s easy to spend a few hours exploring the massive underground cave system, and it also serves as a great place to have lunch. After the massive descent down to Moutcha Bay Resort, the route continues northwest to the beautiful Leiner River Rec Site and the town of Tahsis. Until the Unity Trail connecting to Zeballos is complete, a water taxi from Tahsis to Zeballos will need to be pre-booked to continue on the route. Otherwise, another option would be to head north from Gold Muchalat Provincial Park towards Woss, rejoining the route at the south end of Nimpkish Lake. Finding a group to split the cost of a water taxi makes for an amazing experience though, and is well worth it.

Zeballos to San Josef Bay

The wide gravel climb north from Zeballos leads to the next spelunking opportunity at Little Huson Caves. These caves are much larger than Upana, some of which are above ground and equally beautiful. From there, the route continues to the town of Port Alice, and the next major resupply point. Don’t forget to stop by Foggy Mountain Coffee Co. while you’re there. One of the more remote sections of the route is from Port Alice to Coal Harbour, looping around Rupert Inlet on forest service roads and sometimes rough doubletrack. Mostly rolling wide gravel roads run north along the long Holberg Inlet before a steep descent down to the town of Holberg and the Scarlet Ibis Pub. From there, it’s an easy ride out to Cape Scott Provincial Park, where some folks will choose to wild camp on the magnificent beaches of San Josef Bay. Don’t forget to stop into Ronning’s Garden on the way back to Holberg.

San Josef Bay to Woss

After a quick stop at the general store in Holberg, the route follows Holberg Road east to Port Hardy. Don’t forget to stop at the Holberg Shoe Tree at the eastern end of Kains Lake. Port Hardy is a well-established town with a few different campsites, a well-stocked grocery store, and a good coffee shop. Skirting on and off the highway, the route continues to Port McNeill, where you’ll find grocery stores, campgrounds, and most importantly, the world’s biggest burl. Those with extra time should consider an optional ferry ride to Malcolm Island and the charming town of Sointula, an old Finnish utopian settlement that is definitely worth a visit. Gravel roads lead to the northern tip of Nimpkish Lake, looping back to the coast and eventually Telegraph Cove. This popular tourist destination has options for lodging, camping, and wildlife tours, providing a great layover or lunch spot. Head south along the eastern shores of Ida and Bonanza Lake, two beautiful options for camping and swimming, before arriving in the small town of Woss, just off Highway 19.

Woss to Campbell River

The final stretch from Woss to Campbell River has some of the most scenic oceanside camping opportunities on the entire route. Naka Creek rec site, while popular and often busy, has great whale watching and is worth a visit. A long climb and steep descent lead to the small town of Sayward—head north off route to Kelsey Bay for more great views. Sayward Junction serves as an important resupply point along the route, with several different camping options nearby, as well as a pub (if it’s open). East of the Prince of Whales Range, the route passes by McCreight Lake and Stella Lake, both are great spots for camping. The last big climb of the route heads south from Elk Bay, towards the highway, and the Iron River Main FSR towards Elk Falls Provincial Park and Campbell River. The route rejoins with itself just north of Oyster River, following a multi-use rail trail and a short section of the Island Highway south from Campbell River.

Additional Resources

• North Island 1000
• Vancouver Island North
• Sites and Trails BC – Rec Site Map
• Zeballos Expeditions
• Vancouver Island Connector Bus
• Comox Valley Airport
• BC Transit – Fanny Bay / Courtenay
• BC Transit – Comox Valley
• BC Transit – Victoria
• Back Road Map Book-Vancouver Island North