British Columbia | Motorcycle Ferry to Bella Coola

[@Wingnut_Stickman]

That campground looked more like a destination than an overnight spot. Good value for $30. Excellent video, thank you for sharing.

[@carlpop2324]

Yeah, and it is $30 Canadian, eh?

[@carlpop2324]

All I wanna say is THANK YOU, Sterling, for filming, narrating, and sharing this trip with us.

[@adventuremulemoto]

The discussion starting at 7:34 is so spot on. The reality of touring is quite different from the romance. Such a great series!

[@Alpha-bb1wl]

Nothing like anotha motorcycle travel vlog before church. Ayoo!

[@mikeokeeffe6163]

Excellent, excellent, excellent. You're a thoughtful dude. Thank you.

[@chrisd4283]

I am absolutely loving this series. 1) I never thought of BC as a riding destination but you have opened my eyes to that and made it appealing. 2) your comments on stopping vs the riding were spot on especially when solo. I tried to explain that to others but it’s hard to quantify. With my 23 day, 9K solo ride to Alaska fast approaching, your comments and perspective have brought some validation and comfort to what I am doing, and not doing. This series was perfectively timed for me and I will remember your wisdom during that trip to help motivate and calm me.

[@jeffbone8475]

I look forward to these episodes every week. Grew up in BC but live in Alberta now. These videos make my heart ache for "home". Might have to load up the bike and head back for a summer trip.

[@oldmanriding]

Awesome views, another great vid. Thanks.

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

Unless you've spent time motorcycle touring, one cannot appreciate how a picnic table can be considered a luxury. Great vid showing an area I never would have considered for a ride. Thanks Sterling, awesome work as always.

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Hay! Your videos are the BEST way for me start my weekend mornings! Regarding the BC ferries, I feel as you do, one of the BEST travelling experiences ever! Sadly I have only had the opportunity to sail on them a handful of times, however when I do I love it!

[@gregc6661]

You really know how to make us feel as if we are right there with you. Thanks for another wonderful video.

[@creamymoto]

What’s the most amazing is the honesty of ferry crew. Canada is the 1st western nation I’ve visited. I can’t forget their genorosity and kindness. So I decided to work in USA, and things are more ‘normal’ here😅

[@pigeonpallz1733]

Thank you for bringing me along on you absolutely amazing journey.

[@lessmore444]

Can’t get over how well you scored with the weather on this tour, super lucky to string together so many premium days in these parts

[@sunnyvalejedi]

He had a heat dome with record breaking temperatures and drought.

[@GSAirTherapy]

Another brilliant documentary! Thank you for taking me along. Your series is among the highlights of my week. - As a long-distance tourer myself, the contrast between time of exploration vs safety of belongings…I found this to be the main sticking point when I travel. Add to this that we only get an average of 10 days off per year and we try to cram as much as we can into a tour, just to find ourselves running and gunning, reducing our enjoyment and relaxation. It’s a struggle of “versus”.

[@jimthompson717]

I was a traveling salesman in my 20's and 30's I have seen every village and town in British Columbia, except Bella Coola. I love BC, born and raised, but without seeing Bella Coola or the road , I now don't need to. Thanks for this video Sterling.

[@brucegerken1063]

Great video thank you very well done Great ferry ride. Thanks for taking us along cheers to ya.

[@davidreed6817]

I'm just lost for words again, thank you.

[@timvilleneuve7244]

The great irony of motorcycle travel is that you experience the landscape on a intimate level yet find difficulty in experiencing it at leisure and on foot for all of the reasons you stated. It IS hard to slow down and take it all in, the road beckons its constant call. Thanks for going slow enough for us to enjoy the journey!

[@bklynz00]

Very nice journey

[@steverussell9340]

“ the motorcycle is designed to keep you on the move” DAM RIGHT!

[@cfrias99]

I can close my eyes and still see the views because you narrate and describe so well. Thank You.

[@clarson2916]

I really appreciate you for “doing the work” to film your travels. I’ve really enjoy watching all of your episodes. I try really hard to not worry about my “stuff” on a motorcycle trip. Everything I carry has been somewhat carefully considered, but I travel dirt bag style. All my gear, when packed in its random bags, and bungeed on the motorcycle, makes me look like a homeless person. Looking like you have nothing of value helps. I use a GoPro and my phone as my only electronics. Everything else is just clothes and camping gear. My motorcycle only cost me $2500.00. When I walk away with my, wallet, travel documents, phone, and GoPro, I’m only leaving behind probably less than $3500 of stuff including the motorcycle. It would be really inconvenient to loose everything, but it’s even more inconvenient to worry about it. Yet another reason to travel cheap.😂

[@MeerkatADV]

Not as much an option when you're a professional videographer.

[@clarson2916]

@@MeerkatADV Being a professional filmmaker or photographer does make it a unique situation. Especially when traveling on a motorcycle. I was a professional photographer for my career. I’m retired now. I don’t take my Canon cameras with me on my motorcycle travels because I don’t want to turn my little adventures into work. The insurance coverage I carried, during my career, was for replacement value. Expensive, but I often had equipment spread all over a location I was working in and I needed to concentrate on getting the photos, and not looking over my shoulder. I was a little paranoid about the exposed film, or digital files, I was carrying. Insurance would not cover reshooting the project. I would send film by FedEx back to my studio, if possible, every day. If the film was lost in shipping, it would only be one day of shooting. After the switch to digital, I backed up the data cards to a portable hard drive each day, but I never erased the data cards. I carried the data cards in a wallet on my person. At one time that many data cards was a substantial investment. Not so much anymore. An aluminum locking side case or top box should be sufficient security for the cameras, but honestly I think i would carry my camera, and my most versatile lens, when off of the bike. You can’t get the shot without the camera in your hand. Extra lenses, lights, and tripods, need to stay home or in the side case.

[@clarson2916]

@@MeerkatADV I’ve subscribed to your channel :)

[@RandyMcCotter]

Isn’tBella Coola and Williams lake cool places!!!! Beautiful road to ride!!! After sitting with you in your backyard and talking about the merino wool clothes, I now have some for my solo trip from Yuma to Canada in three weeks. Super comfortable clothing for sure Randy M

[@alainmaurice1271]

The reports are so interesting that I lose track of time. I am absorbed by the images and the explanations. Thank you so much. I hope one day to go camping at your campsite and meet you.

[@ant-1382]

Spent a summer back in the early 90's working in Bella Coola. The mountains are spectacular, the road leading in from Anaheim Lake is insane, simply referred to as the hill! I flew in, and that was one of the most frightening things I have ever done. Approaching the valley, the pilot began descending through a notch in the mountains, hard bank to the right, and a fast decent to the runway. My legs were quaking when I got off the plane. Didn't have a car so I walked everywhere I went, the people were so friendly, virtually every car that passed me stopped to ask if I wanted a ride.

[@MikeHcan2]

Bella Coola is truly one of the most scenic places in BC. Although I only live a few hours from there I've only been a few times, but I've always thought about going back. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@paulocarreiro5855]

Campground looked amazing!

[@Crittermoto]

Beauty campground at the end! This is a trip I’ve been wanting to do for sometime as well.

[@OKNGN]

Well, this video , Episode 19, is where I began my awareness of Sterling Noren, and The Motorcycle Travel Channel.... I have now worked my way back to this point where I started , curious how you got to this point. I landed here keen to take this ferry, and The Hill .... only to have my eyes widened to so many georgeous scenes, a way of back country travel, camping and cooking , and a great dose of philosophy , self awareness and introspection .... Thank You ! I concur with so many comments below....Bravo !

[@SterlingNoren]

Welcome to my channel. Glad you are here!

[@markfolkerts1849]

In my 30 years of motorcycling in Canada, I found that if you’re in small town Canada, especially in a place like Bella Coola, you can leave your bike and go for a walk, and everything will be just fine.

[@davidblackmore7750]

Fantastic job as always. If anyone is planning on doing this adventure I highly recommend doing it early to mid September. Less crowded and the weather is usually perfect

[@billroberts9182]

Beautiful area!

[@ianferrier235]

That was awesome Sterling, thanks

[@hrmacdonald4471]

Great video...loved the boat ride and campsite you found.

[@sheiladawson1648]

Thank you for all your filming efforts! So, glad that Bella Coola didn’t disappoint. Doesn’t matter how many days I get to spend in that area, it always calls me back…

[@Ferda1964]

What a great trip.I'm quite surprised how very few travel videos there are on YT about Bella Coola and then finally I came across your fine adventure channel.👍

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

Great episode, thank you! Yes the dilemma of being bound to your machine on the road certainly seems like a ball and chain in some circumstances. Most of my life my road trips were constrained by time and destination which tended to put my mind in "keep pushing on" mode but thankfully now I have 2 & 1/2 months off in the summer so my travel philosophy and mindset have evolved to a better place. I really love to leave early in the morning, make stops often for pics or breaks, find a place for lunch and decide where I can stop for the day by early to mid afternoon. I get it though, most people have business and family obligations that really put their time schedule at a premium.

[@peterhewitson71]

wow what a view every where you point a camera is magic , the ferry ride reminded me of a trip between the North and South Islands in New Zealand , made me home sick . Thanks for another great video Pete Western Australia

[@enduromotorradtouren]

What a difference a days makes. Yesterday miserable, today not even the dropped BMW on the ferry seems to make a difference to your good mood. Regarding your statement about motion for bike & rider: yes, we have to move like a rolling stone. I'll saddle my Transalp 600 tomorrow for maybe a glimpse of Indian summer. Happy days, Günter/Nürnberg

[@howarddawson252]

Good stuff as always. I enjoy the "no sugar coating attitude" . I think we get to see the good and bad of most routes. Thanks.

[@knickknickerbocker1842]

These are some of your Best Money Shots Sterling thanks for sharing as always the highs wouldn’t be so rewarding without the lows

[@shawngreenwood7288]

Looks like a bucket list place to visit. Thanks for showing us a beautiful place. 😍

[@JeremyKroeker]

That’s it. I need to make time to get out there myself. Thanks. ❤

[@sccharlie50]

Only if you write another cool book about it...

[@dreamawake3188]

This is soooo Epic.❤❤ This moment really feel like I'm already in there too....😅 Not yet finished watching so I'm gonna stick on that and can't wait for another episode.... loving it as a motorcycle rider and who always dream about travelling. Everything you do it's just so amazing 😍 keep doing for yourself and us too😅👍

[@wannaride304]

Beautiful scenery and weather. Perfect!

[@markust8904]

Bella Coola was always and still is on my list, i would be coming from the east in Alberta. I cant believe you had this great weather. The views incredible. It would be a tad different in the slop. The discussion of touring of course is right on point.

[@cjctucson7683]

You nailed it why motorcycle touring makes taking photos, or taking a pee, or walking around town tough. You have to find a place to park with firm ground for your kickstand. Then you take off your helmet, put on a hat or sunglasses, secure your stuff the best possible and walk around in stiff motorcycle boots. Get back to your motorcycle and reverse the whole process. That is the #1 reason that I take few photos on a motorcycle trip. Maybe a couple good pictures that remind me of all the other things, sights and places I saw on my tour. Keep up the great work.

[@veiledallegory]

I started wearing merino wool on my trips a few years ago. It’s the only thing to wear. I wear a lightweight long sleeve during the summer which helps you stay cool. Let it dry at night and there’s no stink the next day.

[@mikedenton6485]

Awesome camp ground! The views are beautiful. Thanks for sharing Sterling.

[@metalpolishshop]

The Queen Charlotte's are definitely something

[@mikekearsley2407]

Great vid, good storytelling. Hi from Seattle.

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Ridden the N Island several times and taken the Ferry to Prince Rupert, Riding Hwy 16. Which was also spectacular. Haven’t done Bella Coola yet. The Chilcotin yet it’s on my to do list. There are just so many roads to take.

[@kingkrimson8771]

Really enjoying this series, you articulated some of the pitfalls of motorcycle touring very well in this segment. Shame your bike fell over, this is why I always equip my bikes with a center stand if they don't already have one.

[@TomSkulander]

Hi Sterling, love your video. It’s great to see you enjoying your ride. I’m 7454kms into my ride round Australia. I agree entirely on your comments about what it’s like touring on a MBike. My friends say did you go here, did you see that. I usually answer with no because travelling by bike is an experience in itself. They usually stop quizzing me when I say “and I sleep on the ground everyday”. I do hope you’re able to ride in Australia one day and particularly in the northern areas of Western Australia, regions called the Pilbara and the Kimberlies, it’s spectacular but entirely different to the Canadian Rockies and more your home of Arizona.

[@eugenespreutels8305]

Absolutely beautiful country, and an awesome campground.

[@charlescummings1484]

That's a wonderful share thank you!

[@Liberty4Ever]

I love ferries but I've only crossed rivers on ferries and those rides take a couple of minutes. I need to take a long ferry ride. I use OSMand for GPS navigation and it has an Avoid Ferries routing selection. I want a check box to Maximize Ferries. Thanks for taking us along on another day of your epic adventure. You inspire an old guy to take longer multi-day motorcycle camping trips. Thank you.

[@SteveAmstutz]

I love your style Sterling, thank you for bringing us along. I watch for each new episode with great anticipation. If you ever in Sacramento/Roseville area and need anything let me know. Hope to meet in person someday instead of just Facebook friends.

[@mustardbackpack]

First time I took my bike on a ferry was the from Victoria to Port Angeles. I didn't even know to tie my bike down until the attendant gave me a rope to do so. In hindsight I'm surprised my bike didn't fall over given the poor job I did.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Lovely. I'm taking that trip next July. Thanks for sharing.

[@AndrewM83]

These videos have grown on me

[@scallywags12]

That is our next trip to Chilcoton. So good to see your trip.

[@detch5307]

I so look forward to every one of your episodes. It's like riding along with you. I'm picking up more insights and thoughts all the time. Think I'll break down and buy one of those metal cable nets to secure gear while away from the bike.

[@fabiopunk1661]

I had a similar experience on the (big) ferry from Italy mainland to Sardinia (12 hr cruise). My Moto Guzzi notoriously has an unstable lateral stand, so I never use it. The attendant wanted to tie down the bike while on the lateral stand. I firmly opposed to that. He called his superior. I showed how unstable the stand was. We agreed to tie down the bike on the central stand, I put it on myself. When I was back next morning, I found they tied the bike with a rough rope across the saddle that resulted in deep marks on the upholstery. Pretty mad about that. Luckily with time the marks disappeared but I still have the souvenir of the scratched saddle.

[@Cacheola]

I've taken the ferry many times with many different bikes. I'd never let somebody else set that chock up. You're lucky it wasn't lined up with other motorcycles and caused a chain reaction. Great video, I plan to do that ferry in the coming years and honestly was kind of not wanting to watch this, experience it for myself

[@arunakalu]

Nicely done video. We did this trip in 2020, driving from Victoria, BC. It was awesome, but someday I will try the ferry.

[@johnwelbers4248]

Awesome to see this part been on my list to go there from port hardy but Harley ultra not the bike to do it. Need second bike for those trips. 🤓😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦🍻

[@paulgiven86]

Great video also taking Alaska Coastal Highway ferry from Haines Alaska to Bellingham, Washington really looking forward to trip to Alaska this summer,got R1200 GS also.Leaving July 14th.The ferry ride is 3.5 days.can’t wait to get started.

[@michaelwalker7004]

I thought I recognized that bay. That’s my home town of port Hardy. I hope you had a nice stay

[@ant-1382]

It's like taking a cruise ship to Alaska!! Well It's the same route. And Alaska is only a bit further north.

[@abdulazizsaleh8650]

Thanks 👌🏻💯💐

[@tyee4u]

Another winner and another spot in my home province I have to check out. Your gonna cost me a lot of money on this trip 😂

[@AK.]

Great video, these views are so amazing!

[@alanwalls3117]

Awesome video. Have you had much rain?

[@sunnyvalejedi]

The reason for the fish guts sign is that grizzlies are everywhere in Bella Coola.

[@markchristianson8178]

Great vid thanks for sharing !

[@dashaway95]

AND an e46 M3 at the campground!

[@chriscm6461]

Fab!!😃😃Thanks.

[@hayabusaTravels]

I just thought that you were pretty impressed by the DJI Action 3 camera...

[@SterlingNoren]

I am, thats what I have been using this whole year. This video was filmed last summer of 2022.

[@mikemills5144]

Looks like you had an amazing day, kind of makes up for that really crappy time you had about a week (I am guessing) before. The ferry looked really nice too but bummer about the tip over. I am super excited about this next road you were mentioning.

[@RamThakuri1]

Nice

[@aaronyorke296]

Love this series! Thank you for putting this together! Would you mind sharing more info on the wool clothing you have been using? Is there a particular brand you find holds up better than others?

[@vcheng552000]

"A motorbike wants to remain in motion" - Sterling Noren. "And so does the real rider." - VCheng's Corollary. :D

[@trey8367]

😂

[@fabiopunk1661]

Who I make my torus, I plan in a way that I arrive where I want to be in the early afternoon. This way I have the time to unpack, wind down, eat something and rest, then go out for a walk and "explore" the place. I do not understand those who arrive in the evening, just before dark. Sure they will ride more miles than me every day, but what's the point of that? It took me nearly 8 days to ride from Minnesota to Montana last year, some days I was riding only 200 miles. However, I could enjoy places, and had no pressure.

[@axisgames]

As a new beginner I'm learning so much from your videos, thanks. My question could be weird but when you living in a tent where do you go for washroom if you have to or if you're on road how you manage

[@SterlingNoren]

I use gas stations, cafes, etc on the road. In camp I wash in a lake or a river when I can.

[@ddbb6721]

Get oakley clear and smoked glasses I use them under my helmet always take clear and smoked lenses

[@oldchicago3216]

I woulda really been p!ssed off if my bike fell over. I got mad just seeing the picture of your bike. Your a better man than I am lol. I might have gotten in trouble.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

A properly used adv bike is used to getting dropped.

[@Sequel7]

Have you ever thought of going fishing 🎣?

[@OneManTrail]

I always bring my own lightweight “ferry straps” and lash my bike, even if they say they’ll do it. (And on the center stand)

[@richardrutsch8960]

What is the warning indicator on the top right of your display

[@rosscoyates]

For some reason when you were in the shot on the ferry I thought it looked like you had lost weight. I always lose weight on a motorcycle ride but mine are 14 or so days at the most so it is maybe 10lbs. Do you get enough calories over the long haul or do you lose a bunch of weight.

[@robedmunds7163]

40 odd days, washed 3 times, I am hoping you have more than one piece of wool underwear 😂. Stunning place, would love to visit it.

[@trey8367]

🤢

[@michaelthompson7570]

Not to be negative,,but did your insurance,auto,health,follow you into canada?

[@12masterr]

Bella coola, "nice ass" in spanish! I want to know more! Lol

[@samhill3496]

One of the down sides to M/C travel, security. Move on. Done it for years. Luckily my work brought me back to many places for extended stays and living. Yes, a most beautiful world out there. Now you have to be feeling better about the trip.

[@southernrebel]

dude stop trying to sell everybody everything. detracts from the great video. bella coola has always been a goal to see. 30.00 canadian is 22.00 USD. good price for all the extras and scenery

[@AT2021Rocker]

It’s a good thing that ferry burns fairy dust! West coast politics ruin it for me unfortunately!

[@sheiladawson1648]

Never let bad politics get in the way of a good experience! 😉

[@donclark-mj2lh]

Great video ,if you turn off the narration noice

[@knappdaddy]

What an amazing day !! Beautiful camp !!