Easy rider: hitchBOT arrived in Victoria, B.C. on Saturday following its three-week odyssey across Canada. The project was part of a joint McMaster-Ryerson research initiative, under the co-leadership of assistant professor David Harris Smith.

After travelling more than 6,000 kilometres from coast to coast, hitchBOT finally has a view of the Pacific Ocean.

Canada’s favourite hitchhiking robot arrived safely in Victoria, B.C. late Saturday evening, after setting off from Halifax on July 27.

CBC News, CTV News and The Toronto Star were among several media outlets to cover hitchBOT’s arrival on the west coast.

The project was part of a joint McMaster-Ryerson research initiative, under the co-leadership of assistant professor David Harris Smith (Communication Studies and Multimedia), and with the participation of Engineering students Colin Gagich and Dominik Kaukinen.

Researchers monitored the robot’s whereabouts thanks to an on-board GPS tracker and social media activity. The four-foot adventurer with rubber boots and pool-noodle arms and legs relied solely on the kindness of strangers to take it across the country.

Media coverage of the hitchBOT saga was extensive.

The Wall Street Journal, CNN, The Toronto Star (twice), The National Post (twice), The Globe and Mail, Global National News, CTV News, National Public Radio, The Toronto Sun, and The Hamilton Spectator were among the outlets providing continuing coverage of hitchBOT.

Throughout the three-week journey, a popular Twitter account, @hitchBOT, kept followers informed of the robot’s progress and adventures. The account currently has more than 34,000 followers.