What do I need to know as a motorcycling tourist to British Columbia (from WA state)?

All licensed vehicles in BC require insurance, at a minimum third party liability insurance. You need a daytime running light or else keep your headlight on at all times. Helmets are mandatory, they have to be on the approved list (see below). Speed laws are enforced for bikes. There is no grey zone with speeding, but going 5 or 10 mph over the limit on the highway isn't likely to get you a ticket. Speeding fines start at 175 bucks and increase based on the speed and potential danger (such as reckless driving, speeding in a school zone or a construction zone, etc. If you see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and siren (oncoming or from behind) you must slow to 40 km/hr and pull to the far right lane if safe to do so. The traffic laws are the same all over the province, so no difference from Vancouver to the hinterlands. No headphones or earbuds allowed. No cellphone use (unless handsfree with a Bluetooth or similar device). Maximum speed on the freeway is 110 km/hr (about 65 mph) otherwise as posted. Generally, city streets are 30 mph, rural roads 40 - 55 mph, school zones 20 mph. If your bike doesn't have a metric speedo, figure out the conversions before you cross the border, the speed signs are only in metric except when you're close to the border. If you are going to the bigger parks like Glacier, Yoho, Jasper, etc pay attention to the "Last service for xx KM, Check Your Fuel" signs - they're not kidding.Be aware of wildlife, especially in the parks - hitting an elk on your bike will ruin your day.