Though I've ridden only in BC/Alberta, from my perspective I'd also second CB's point: Western regions are best. The reason is not just that Canadian roads are good, but south-of-the-border roads are as well. Most in adjoining U.S. states also give a guy room. I remember an Irish friend's comment on crossing the Cascades to the Columbia: "It's like going from the Alps into Italy, only it's ten times bigger."



Styles

Originally Posted by Styles

Though I've ridden only in BC/Alberta, from my perspective I'd also second CB's point: Western regions are best. The reason is not just that Canadian roads are good, but south-of-the-border roads are as well. Most in adjoining U.S. states also give a guy room. I remember an Irish friend's comment on crossing the Cascades to the Columbia: "It's like going from the Alps into Italy, only it's ten times bigger."



Styles

'Like the alps into italy' - sounds good .

I've ridden through the french alps and they were something special.

Canada is very cold in the winter, I dont know how long they actually put their bikes into storage every winter,

Originally Posted by deadman

Canada is very cold in the winter, I dont know how long they actually put their bikes into storage every winter,

Between four and five months, depending on how late winter arrives and how soon it leaves.

Originally Posted by shewie

Between four and five months, depending on how late winter arrives and how soon it leaves.

LOL! Don't let them down unders know what's done for fun in those winter months!

The wife hated cold weather untill she found out about double sleeping bags and the ITS systems with their "no frills" lodges. Only time it seemed like a chore was when the hand warmers on my snow machine shorted.

"Well the sun's down and dinner was great!"

"Yep sure was! Too bad there is no t.v...."

"C'mon to bed we'll think of something!"

"Whoo Hooo!"

Certainly in the East coast and central Canada the riding season is shorter. If you don't mind the rain and a bit of cold, then one can ride almost all year long on the West coast. My Bird is now in storage and will be till March unless the weather get warm in Feb. I'm ok with not riding for a few months it give me and the Bird a rest. I still see riders out these days, it's 8-10 Celcius and a little wet. I haven't lost my passion for riding I'm just not so "hard core" any longer.

Originally Posted by P.K.

LOL! Don't let them down unders know what's done for fun in those winter months!

The wife hated cold weather untill she found out about double sleeping bags and the ITS systems with their "no frills" lodges. Only time it seemed like a chore was when the hand warmers on my snow machine shorted.

"Well the sun's down and dinner was great!"

"Yep sure was! Too bad there is no t.v...."

"C'mon to bed we'll think of something!"

"Whoo Hooo!"

We do that year round also, But we carry a blanket in the bags, so any nice secluded spot beside a river some where, you can guess the rest,

Originally Posted by P.K.

LOL! Don't let them down unders know what's done for fun in those winter months!

That's why there are so many Newfoundlanders. All there is to do out there is fishing and f*@%ing, and in the winter there's no fishing.

As for Ontario, I love the ride from Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay around the North Shore of Lake Superior (my favorite ride in all of North America)..stay at the "Dog Patch" in Terrace Bay to break up the trip and order from the pizza joint out back...fabulous! Also, the Muskoka Region is very beautiful (try staying around Lake Bernard). Try the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory or if coming from the North you can come in off Hwy 17 from Espanola to ride Manitoulin Island (largets "fresh water" island in the world I'm told...a great place to really run the 'Bird but watch out for the OPP), and if staying on the island, check out "Gordon's Lodge" in Gore Bay. There is tons to explore in Ontario...I would move there in a heartbeat...and the people are wonderful.

P.S. If you like whiskey, get some of "Gibson's Finest" at the LCBO...wish we could get it in the US.

Sean - people from Ireland don't understand the concept of "cold". Alberta and Sask get cold to a degree you can't imagine. When I did my Doctorate in Edmonton there was an almost six week period when the HIGHS did not get above minus 40 C. Also housing in a boomtown is always highly overinflated. Given my druthers I would find a small town in BC (beautiful), or the maritimes (beautiful and friendly). Another very misunderstood possibility is Quebec. Quebec is culturally more alive than the rest of the country, They know how to live. BTW - my great grandfather hid on an American schooner to escape the British army after he and his buddies blasted their friends out of the local hoosegow!! Any chance you could ship the bike over, and take two months next summer and drive the entire country?

I grew up in eastern Canada, New Brunswick during my youth. Travelled most of the east coast including the Cabot Trail, which is one of the best rides in the world. East coast folk are among the friendliest in the world and the lobster is great during the season. Not much work there anymore. Toronto area is a large hub for engineers, as we have only two seasons here, generally called winter (which is really not too bad) and construction season, which should fit well with your profession. I have lived all around the Toronto area, southwestern Ontario and now about an hour north of the city at the gateway to cottage country. There is great riding anywhere north, east or west of me and the city is less than an hour away for those unfortunate enough to need to drive there for work, but most of the larger engineering firms have their offices there, with only smaller satalyte offices in the outreach cities.
You can't go too far wrong anywere in Canada, the people are great, scenery is beautiful, weather is great during 3 seasons, and in most areas close to the US border, (except maybe Manitoba, & Sask) not so bad in the winter,so would look into the job situation and you will find good riding just about anywhere. House prices are expensive in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and not too much better in any of the larger cities, drive an hour and you will save a bunch.
Good luck with the search.
Canada has some Blackbirds, but tend to be quite expensive (3 for sale now in my area all over $5,000). The US is not far, has more to select from and the Blackbirds tend to be more reasonably priced, and it is very easy to import BB's into Canada.