Warning: include() [function.include]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /hermes/bosweb/web101/b1017/nf.stormrider/public_html/stormrider.ca/trips/pemb_loop/pemberton_loop.php on line 1

Warning: include(http://www.stormrider.ca/header.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /hermes/bosweb/web101/b1017/nf.stormrider/public_html/stormrider.ca/trips/pemb_loop/pemberton_loop.php on line 1

Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening 'http://www.stormrider.ca/header.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php-5.2.17/lib/php') in /hermes/bosweb/web101/b1017/nf.stormrider/public_html/stormrider.ca/trips/pemb_loop/pemberton_loop.php on line 1

Warning: include() [function.include]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /hermes/bosweb/web101/b1017/nf.stormrider/public_html/stormrider.ca/trips/pemb_loop/pemberton_loop.php on line 2

Warning: include(http://www.stormrider.ca/left_main.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /hermes/bosweb/web101/b1017/nf.stormrider/public_html/stormrider.ca/trips/pemb_loop/pemberton_loop.php on line 2

Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening 'http://www.stormrider.ca/left_main.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php-5.2.17/lib/php') in /hermes/bosweb/web101/b1017/nf.stormrider/public_html/stormrider.ca/trips/pemb_loop/pemberton_loop.php on line 2

Warning: include() [function.include]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /hermes/bosweb/web101/b1017/nf.stormrider/public_html/stormrider.ca/trips/pemb_loop/pemberton_loop.php on line 3

Warning: include(http://www.stormrider.ca/sr_main_center_start.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /hermes/bosweb/web101/b1017/nf.stormrider/public_html/stormrider.ca/trips/pemb_loop/pemberton_loop.php on line 3

Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening 'http://www.stormrider.ca/sr_main_center_start.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php-5.2.17/lib/php') in /hermes/bosweb/web101/b1017/nf.stormrider/public_html/stormrider.ca/trips/pemb_loop/pemberton_loop.php on line 3

Pemberton Loop

Type: Full Day Trip
Rating: Intermediate
Roads: Paved, good surface, some roadwork expected
Notes: Limited services between Whistler and Lilloet and in Fraser Canyon.
Please note, cell phones may not work in all locations.

via Merritt, BC Distance: 694 km	via Fraser Canyon Distance: 583 km
View Larger Map	View Larger Map

The Pemberton Loop is a day trip from Vancouver through the Sea to Sky Highway, north from Whistler, BC to the interior of BC. The scenery is an array of coastal road, mountain pass and the interior plateau. It includes some of the best variety of BC scenery available in a short ride and is a great sampler of what BC has to offer. I have provided two slightly different routes in the maps above: via Merritt and via the Fraser Canyon. While both have their advantages, your choice will be dependant on what you wish to see.

The Merritt version provides a little more interior roadway between Spences Bridge and Merritt; and also provides a ride of the Coquihalla Highway. One of the major highways in BC the Coquihalla is smooth riding at high speeds and is a nice highway experience.
The Fraser Canyon version provides one of the staples of BC riding and is a great ride with more twisty road.
Although the Merritt version is a little longer, the rides are about the same in time, due to the higher speeds permitted on the Coquihalla.

The route can be run in either direction, however I would suggest running from Vancouver, Whister and north since some of the most challenging road surfaces are between Pemberton and Lillooet. This section is some of the most weather challenged pavement as well. expect tar snakes. the winter weather causes cracking and the road does not get as much attention as it deserves. While the pavement is not the best in the world, my rides in 2009 were easy and the surface was smooth enough for good riding. I'm not a sport rider, pushing the twisties and pressing for more speed. I enjoy the scenery and love to take the time to enjoy the ride, so my view of the roads may be more mild than some.

It is not a high-traffic area (in relation to other main highways in BC) but during the summer season you will find plenty of traffic and RV's out for the ride. It is a popular ride for the local bikers, but is longer than most day-riders will endure. On a serious note, during my day trip in July there were two bike accidents requiring ambulance response, I can't comment on the cause as I did not witness the incidents, but be aware. This is listed as an intermediate ride for distance and since the response time for any incident will be directly related to how far out of town you are at any time.

The loop really begins at the start of the Sea-to-Sky highway just outside Horseshoe Bay, BC. The Sea-to-Sky is a section of road which hugs the coastline from Horseshoe Bay to Squamish and is probably best known as the only roadway from Vancouver to Whistler Village, home of the world class ski resort. The road itself has been upgraded many times, the most recent being in preparation for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. While many of us locals have seen the growth of traffic over the years and the growth of the highway, we also mourn the passing of the original roadway which was a great two-lane twisty coastal road. This said, the road is much improved from the old pot-holed road that you could only laughingly call a highway to it's current state-of-the-art coastal artery. It is certainly a great benefit to the communities and Whistler mountain to have a 'real' highway. The old road could never have handled the amount of traffic that passes daily on the way to Whistler, and it is a nice drive up the coast. It is, however, not the experience it used to be from Vancouver to Whistler; such is progress.

I find that the truely enjoyable part of this ride begins as you leave Whistler behind and head out to the Pemberton Valley and beyond. Here the road moves back to its roots. A two-lane secondary highway which sees it's fair share of winter weather. While the road may not be as smooth surfaced as that south of Whistler, it carries a greater personality. Indeed the road north of Pemberton becomes a much wilder place than the civilized sections to the south. Indeed, this portion of the road should be treated with respect as you move out of civilization. Your cell phone may not work in some areas, you are truely out of the range of most immediate assistance and you are in the back-country quite quickly. Take care to ensure you have a full tank of gas when you leave Pemberton and that you are prepared to take care of yourself if needed. Help may be an hour or two away if you need assistance; an uncomfortable lenght of time if you make a mistake out here.
The trip will make up for any misgivings you may be having. The scenery is wonderful and the route has some great sections for any rider to enjoy. Take your time and you will see British Columbia and the Coastal forest in its full glory. The route is a staple for locals and visitors alike.