BC Epic 1000

British Columbia's logging road network is one of the largest in the world and almost entirely unpaved. The BC Epic 1000 uses this network to cross the province from east to west — from Sparwood near the Alberta border to Langdale on the Sunshine Coast, ending with a ferry crossing to Vancouver.

The route was developed by the BC Bikepacking community and runs as an annual event. The terrain varies dramatically. The eastern sections through the Kootenays are high and rocky — serious mountain passes with gravel surfaces that require care and adequate tires. The central section through the Cariboo is high plateau forest, less technical but exposed and very remote. The Coast Mountains in the west are the final and most dramatic section: steep, wet, and beautiful.

Logging trucks are the primary hazard. They are large, fast, and have right of way on most logging roads regardless of signage. Be aware of logging schedules in the areas you are passing through — active logging operations mean active truck traffic, and active truck traffic on narrow mountain roads demands your full attention.

Wildlife is present throughout. Black bears are common in the Kootenays and Coast Mountains. Grizzly bears appear in the eastern sections. Carry spray and know how to use it. The bull moose in the Cariboo are surprisingly fast.

Cell service is absent for long stretches. A satellite communicator is not optional. The Garmin inReach Mini is the standard choice in the BC backcountry.