Some of the best adventures aren’t the ones with packed itineraries or big goals. They’re the weekends where you load up your bike, catch a ferry with a friend, and simply see where the day takes you. That’s exactly what Nina did on a recent bikepacking trip to Salt Spring Island.
Living on Vancouver Island means Salt Spring is close enough for a spontaneous weekend away. After a short drive to Swartz Bay and a quick ferry ride across, the pace immediately changes. The busy routine fades behind you, replaced by winding roads, ocean views, and the feeling that there’s nowhere you need to rush to. For Nina, that slower pace is one of the reasons she keeps coming back.
"We wanted a trip that felt simple," she says. "Just riding together, camping, stopping wherever looked interesting, and enjoying being outside."
They based themselves at Mowhinna Creek Campground, conveniently located between the ferry terminal and Ganges. Having somewhere easy to set up camp meant they could spend the rest of the weekend doing what bikepacking is all about…exploring!
Most of their time was spent riding the quieter northern roads of the island, weaving through Walkers Hook Road, North End Road, Sunset Drive, and Vesuvius Bay Road. Rather than chasing kilometres or speed, the ride settled into its own rhythm.
There’s something special about travelling by bike with another person. Conversations come and go naturally. Sometimes you're chatting about life, sometimes you're quietly taking in the scenery, and somehow both feel equally meaningful. Those shared miles often become the part you remember most.
One of Nina's favourite stops was Café Flora, where they grabbed coffee and freshly baked treats before continuing on. Later they visited North End Farm, picking up fresh sourdough, cinnamon buns, and local produce to enjoy back at camp.
Travelling by bike has a way of making simple moments feel bigger. You notice the smell of cedar forests, the quiet country roads, the friendly conversations with locals, and the excitement of discovering places you probably would have driven straight past in a car.
Although they had planned to visit South End Beach for a swim, the day unfolded differently, as good adventures often do. Instead, they spent time wandering through the Ganges Saturday Market, soaking up the local atmosphere and browsing handmade goods before heading back onto the bikes.
As the day drew to a close, they made one final stop at Bader's Beach to watch the sunset.
For the trip, Nina rode her Liv Devote gravel bike, which handled everything the island threw at it, from smooth pavement to rougher gravel sections. For anyone planning a similar adventure, she recommends carrying at least one spare tube. The roads are generally in great condition, but being prepared means you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Salt Spring Island is somewhere Nina plans to return to again and again, it certainly won't be her last Gulf Island adventure. Gabriola and Pender Islands are already on her bikepacking list.
What she loves most isn't ticking destinations off a map. It's the feeling of moving through a place at bike speed, sharing the journey with a friend, and letting the weekend unfold one pedal stroke at a time.
At SPORTAMii, we believe adventures are even better when they're shared. Whether you're looking for someone to join you on a bikepacking weekend, a gravel ride, or your first cycling adventure, there's always another story waiting to be written together.
Follow @Nina_ney_ for more great rides and adventures