Dropping in on the Hells Angels’ National Conference

On the road leading to the notorious Nomads' bunker in Carlsbad Springs, a sign for the local chip stand was advertising a "Biker Special." The friendly discount was kind of emblematic of the way this town of 500 reacted to the massive Hells Angels gathering taking over the area.

"Doesn't change much for us," the convenience clerk store told VICE with a shrug.

But in front of the compound's iron gates, a sprawling row of police vehicles hinted that authorities were taking the event a little more seriously.

The "Canada Run" convention, a gathering of Hells Angels and their affiliated clubs, takes place every four years and is an opportunity for the bikers to get out and be seen. Attendance is mandatory, and those who skip out must reportedly pay a heavy fine.

In the three days of the "conference," members were spotted at Ottawa-area shops and strip clubs, also making their way to Parliament Hill for the requisite tourist photos.

Some members of the Hells Angels play tourist on Parliament Hill. — Robyn Miller (@MillerRo)July 23, 2016

Back at the compound though, not much action was visible from outside the gates.

With a steady soundtrack of Top 40 hits and vintage hip-hop thumping in the background, bikers from all parts of Canada streamed in and out of the property, hugging each other and taking photos of the horde of journalists documenting their party.

Police officers lined the other side of the street, mostly just ensuring the gangs' vehicles didn't block the flow of traffic (from what we saw, the bikers were pretty respectful and compliant) and likely updating their catalog of biker photos.

While much of the gathering was probably taking place away from prying eyes (the bikers politely declined our request to get closer) the Nomads' property seemed to consists of a sprawling lot, a large residence and a swimming pool and hot tub area, the latter not too popular on this sweltering 30 degree day.

This year's event is of particular importance to the Quebec membership, who've had a rough go in the past decade.

The Angels' presence in the province was nearly decimated back in 2009, when a massive police operation dubbed "SharQc" led to the arrest of 156 members and affiliates.

Last year, a "mega-trial" linked to the sting was scheduled, with 18 men accused of various charges related to various murders. But the trial was cancelled when the men pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of "conspiracy to commit murder."

A police source told VICE this trial was a "complete failure" for the justice system, and that he believed it allowed the Hells Angels to come back "stronger than ever."

Close to 1,000 bikers were expected to attend last weekend's conference.

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