Mountain bikers riding a coastal ridge above the Salish Sea on Vancouver Island
Ride OttawaTRAVEL JOURNAL · SEPTEMBER 2026

Vancouver Island · British Columbia

Island
Lines

Riding in and around Cumberland.

THE PLAN
V

September 6–12, 2026

First trip to the Island. Discovery Mode.

This is the plan before the tires touch dirt: a week based in and around Cumberland, following the riding north to Campbell River, east to Hornby Island, and up toward Forbidden Plateau.

We always start with a plan. But great trips evolve as they go, influenced by travel, weather, legs, and local advice.

5rides
4+ride zones
TBDkilometres
ArrivalCumberlandCampbell RiverForbiddenTBDHornbyWrap-up

The journal

Seven days,
as they happen.

  1. WestwardIntroduction + travel day
    Planned
  2. Epic CumberlandRide journal
    Planned
  3. Epic Campbell RiverRide journal
    Planned
  4. Forbidden ShuttlesRide journal
    Planned
  5. The Open DayTBD
    Planned
  6. Hornby Island OdysseyRide journal
    Planned
  7. The Long Way HomeWrap-up + travel day
    Planned

Westward

Introduction and travel-day story coming September 6.

Historic wooden buildings beneath a dramatic sky in Cumberland, British Columbia02

September 7

Epic Cumberland

Forest singletrack and the first ride of the week.

STORY COMING FROM THE TRAIL
Mountain bikers winding through dense green forest near Campbell River03

September 8

Epic Campbell River

A day pointed north, with trails to choose when we arrive.

STORY COMING FROM THE TRAIL
Riders loading mountain bikes onto a shuttle van at Forbidden Plateau04

September 9

Forbidden Shuttles

Gravity, elevation and a day in the high country.

STORY COMING FROM THE TRAIL

September 10 · The open day

TBD?

The best part of a trip plan is the space left for whatever turns up.

Mountain bikers riding a coastal ridge above the water on Hornby Island06

September 11

Hornby Island Odyssey

Ferry crossings, island trails and the edge of the Salish Sea.

STORY COMING FROM THE TRAIL

The Long Way Home

Wrap-up and travel-day story coming September 12.