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A Two-Day Road Trip Into BC's Interior
Chris and I just started a two-day, 650km road trip from Vancouver to Nakusp, BC. The part I was most excited about was Highway 6. Neither of us had driven it before, and people kept describing it as windy and beautiful.
Bannock in Merritt
We took a quick detour into Merritt to finally stop at a place I've wanted to try for ages: Kekuli Cafe. As we pulled up, someone was painting a cool mural on the outside wall. Inside, we ordered a Bannock-wich with wild salmon along with some dessert Bannocks. So good!
Highway 6 and the Monashees
Our plan was to camp near the Monashee Summit, at a beautiful free spot at the Lost Lake Rest Area. The only downside was the bugs - they were everywhere!
SUV Camper Upgrades
When making dinner, we were able to use Chris's latest micro-camper upgrade: a 3D-printed garbage bag holder with two interlocking rings to hold the bag in place. Chris also added new lighting with a proper switch in both the kitchen area and the sleeping area, which made life so much easier.
Fun Sightings
Along Highway 6, a wild turkey strutted across the road. Then, we detoured to an ostrich farm to search for a geocache - and yes, we found it!
The Final Stretch to Nakusp
The last part of our drive included a ferry across Arrow Lake. On the ferry we met some motorcyclists heading to the same weekend event we were going to. From there we headed to Nakusp, where our Horizons Unlimited event would be taking place.
The Event
This weekend we're at the Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Adventure Travelers Meetup. Yes, it's a motorcycle event - so why did we come if we don't have a bike?
Adventure Travel Inspiration
Horizons Unlimited is designed for motorcycle travelers, but even without a bike, the talks were incredible. We listened to stories from people who had travelled through Mexico, Indonesia, Northern Canada, and Africa. Hearing their experiences gave me an emotional rush - my arms tingled and I was reminded of how many places I want to experience. It felt amazing to be surrounded by people who love travel as much as we do.
Motorcycle Trials
One unexpected highlight was watching the motorcycle trials. It was fun cheering for people we'd met earlier in the weekend and I learned way more about motorcycles that I anticipated.
Travel & Dental Health
We also attended a talk on dental health for travelers. A few takeaways stood out: see a dentist about six months before a big trip, carry the right antibiotics in case an infection starts, and if you have a dental emergency on the road, try to get to a major center quickly.
Food at the Event
We cooked our breakfasts and lunches in our SUV Camper kitchen. But Horizons Unlimited hosts big communal dinners each evening, which are perfect for meeting other travelers and not having to cook at night.
Micro Camper Improvements
For this event, Chris upgraded our clothing shelves, and they're so much better now. The shelves are made from PVC piping, and he just reinforced them with cardboard and papier mache to keep them lightweight but sturdy. Everything stays in place, nothing sags, and the cubes slide in smoothly.
Exploring Nakusp
One of the reasons we came to this event was to see Nakusp. As soon as we walked into town, we spotted a Saturday market. We sampled raspberry chocolate truffles, chatted with vendors, and enjoyed the atmosphere. Arrow Lake and the surrounding mountains make this whole area unbelievably beautiful.
Wrapping Up the Weekend
Our weekend was inspiring, energizing, and such a fun way to connect with other adventure travelers. Now we're heading back to Vancouver - taking the very long way around - and we can't wait to share that journey next.
A Road Trip Through the Kootenays in Our SUV Camper
Chris and I took a roadtrip through the Kootenays in our Honda Pilot SUV camper. We started our trip by stocking up on some groceries in Nakusp, BC, then got on the road. Nakusp is a small lakeside town, and the drive out of it gives you a good sense of how quiet and scenic this part of BC is.
Sandon: A Ghost Town With a Past
Rows of old Brill trolley buses sit on the side of the road as you drive in. We stopped to check on out and found it still had the old Buzzer newsletter racks - something I remember from riding the bus to work.
Sandon was the center of a silver rush in the late 1890s and more than 5,000 people lived here. Today, it’s quiet and home to BC’s oldest continuously operating hydro‑electric station.
Camping Beside the River
iOverlander led us to a free riverside campsite just south of Ainsworth. The spot was right off the road with a river flowing next to it. view of the valley. Another couple in a Westfalia were already set up and later a mom and daughter rolled in and setup a tent on their truck's tailgate.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
The hot springs inside a cave were the highlight. The steam came in thick and there were cool spots to sit and take in the surroundings. The water in the cave was noticeably hotter than the main pool. I also tried a cold plunge - not something I usually do, but I did it.
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
With no real plan for the afternoon, we drove until Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park caught our eye. The road up is a bit rough, but the Pilot handled it.
We hiked the Kokanee Lake Trail, a 9 km round trip with snow‑capped peaks, deep valleys, and Kokanee Lake appearing as you crest the final rise. The trail is well‑marked and steady, with a few rocky sections near the top.
Another Quiet Night
We found another free campsite that evening - completely empty though full of mosquitoes. We converted the SUV from "living room mode" to "bed mode" from inside, which means me setting up the sleeping board and mattress while Chris stays tucked in the very forward front seat in a comical way.
The night was peaceful: an owl, a duckling, and nothing else.
Roadside Stops
Like all road trips, we made a few quick stops when we saw interesting things nearby, like a trellis bridge or a Sasquatch.