The 2026 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock begins Saturday in Port Alice, launching a 14-day cycling journey down Vancouver Island in support of children and families affected by cancer.

This year’s team includes police officers, firefighters, paramedics, military personnel and community riders.

Together, they will cover roughly 1,200 kilometres before finishing in Victoria on October 2.

Two riders from our region are taking part: Jordan Koster of the Courtenay RCMP and Campbell River community rider Lacey Emery.

After leaving Port Alice, the team will travel through Port Hardy and Port McNeill before reaching Sayward on Monday.

The riders are scheduled to arrive in Campbell River on Tuesday, September 22, then continue through Black Creek, Courtenay and Comox on Wednesday. They will leave the Comox Valley on Thursday, travelling through Union Bay on their way south.

2026 Tour de Rock schedule:

WEEK 1

Sept 19 - Port Alice
Sept 20 - Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeill
Sept 21 - Port McNeill, Woss, Sayward
Sept 22 - Sayward, Campbell River 
Sept 23 - Campbell River, Black Creek, Courtenay, Comox
Sept 24 - Courtenay, Union Bay, Qualicum Beach, Parksville
Sept 25 - Parksville, Port Alberni

WEEK 2

Sept 26 - Port Alberni, Ucluelet (you-CLEW-let), Tofino
Sept 27 - Ucluelet (you-CLEW-let), Nanaimo
Sept 28 - Nanaimo, Ladysmith
Sept 29 - Lake Cowichan, Duncan, Cobble Hill, Shawnigan Lake
Sept 30 - Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay, Langford, Sooke, Sidney
Oct 1 - Sidney, Saanich, Esquimalt
Oct 2 - Esquimalt, Saanich, Victoria

Money raised through the tour supports the Canadian Cancer Society, including pediatric cancer research and programs such as Camp Goodtimes.

Residents are encouraged to watch for the riders and cheer them on as they pass through local communities.

To follow the tour or make a donation, visit 2026 Tour de Rock.