Discover tips and hidden gems in global destinations with our travel guides. Lots of people got parking tickets, so don't park where there are signs for no parking. From June 15th, cars are allowed on the road, so there is a gap of only a few weeks a year when you can do this ride without traffic (although you can bike in summer on the side of the road as well). A short distance from the historic town of Longview, known for its scenic views of the Rocky Mountains from the prairies. This Alberta road and travel treasure will take your breath away. It really sounds funtastic! Photo courtesy Don Morberg. I parked next to the gate, the ride is moderate enough not to need a lead in although if you have the time itd be a great ride. Ride to the pass and back are 34km with an elevation gain of 484m plus up and downs. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. All Right Reserved Website Design and SEO by CPG Media Inc. Privacy Policy / Terms and Conditions. Your trip sounds amazing. This ride is recommended for those with more experience as there are many elevation changes, switchbacks, and hairpin turns that will require precision and the utmost attention. The Icefields Parkway, otherwise known as Highway 93, is one of the most scenic motorcycle routes in Canada. "@context": "http://schema.org", "url": "https://www.milesaheaddrivered.ca", Starting at elevation 1678 m, the road begins to ascend very slowly. My app showed 650 m elevations. Motorcyclists should keep in mind that the Highwood Pass, amountain pass in Kananaskis Country, is closed for the winter months and usually re-opens in mid-June. Every year the weather can be a huge factor.. this year I had some wind going up but all good. This highway is said to be, The Sea-to-Sky is without a doubt one of the most beautiful rides in Canada; UKs The Guardian documented it as their fifth best road trip worldwide! This route is not aloop, so riders will need to return the same way they came in. Contact Us Register for Motorcycle TrainingFAQ, Copyright today=new Date(); year=today.getFullYear(); document.write (year); - Miles Ahead Driver Education, Website Design by Reactive Designs Website Hosting by Reactive Host, Terms & Conditions and Release of Liability, { Our service team consists of several journeymen and apprentice mechanics that can perform regular service and tire changes while you wait, or repair almost anything that your motorcycle might need. "https://www.instagram.com/miles_ahead_driver_education/", 2% average grade The route includes the highest paved road in Canada. Photo courtesy Don Morberg. With alandmass of 9.1 million square kilometers, Canada is the second-largest country in the world. A lot of cyclists were goofing around . Are you looking for scenic motorcycle rides?

This trip will bring arider as close to the shoreline as possible while remaining on the pavement. Nice to have vehicle free road and the street sweeper was out clearing all the gravel. The climb from the other side was equally spectacular. Highwood Pass is located in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, only 140 km southwest from Calgary. We were the third car parking by the north gate at 7:15 this morning. Just whatch fur those to places an take a side road. Powered by Choice Hotels, the Travel Top 6site inspires and helps travellers uncover new destinations and fall back in love with old favourites. Started at the Longview Gate and rode 30 km along the road until we encountered snow. I quickly jumped on the internet and found out that the road is opened for cyclists only, no cars allowed until June 15. Heyo, Im Maya! It's a great training for the outdoor biking season! Im just out of shape. Toke side road. Hopefully hit the pass next year! Looking for that perfect Road Trip Adventure? Great review guys! The trip from Calgary, if taken leisurely will take up the better part of a day and will be worth every minute of it. I didnt have time for gate to gate but the 900M of elevation I took in was easy riding. If you want it to ride as a loop, you can go this route and stay anywhere from Kananaskis village to Longview, Black Diamond, Pridis, Bragg Creek, Cochrane and back to Kananaskis, it would be more around 250km. Thats 54 km one-way that you would need to bike back to your car, making it 108 km ride (unfortunately, theres no way to make a loop as you can see from the map above when you zoom in). It was so amazing! Always follow Canada and local health authority COVID-19 guidelines for travelling or visiting attractions. So beautiful and no cars on the road. It is one of Western Canadas best motorcycle rides, one of our top rides here at Destination Cycles, and a favorite of the owner, Barry Radu so watch out for Barry on one of his Boss Hoss motorcycles or trikes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. An adventure athlete currently living near the Canadian Rockies with my partner in crime Michal. With this point of view you will experience the sensation of riding through ten provinces of Canada, coast to coast, round trip, for a total of 18,795 kilometers. If I had to pick one of the 50 or so rides Ive done there as a favourite, Id have to say it was that one.. Road cyclists do this ride as an out-and-back. No traffic on it until June 15th! Although the ride starts in the prairies, the Kananaskis Trail is home to the Highwood Pass, the highest paved mountain pass in Canada.

Services along this stretch include scenic pull-offs, outhouses, picnic sites, interpretive signage and stubborn sheep. What an experience for the memory books. With an elevation of 7,239 feet, it holds the record for the highest maintained paved road in Canada.\rVRIDETV.com is Virtual Riding Television. I always go south route (gate) to top and back for a 76 km ride. The first peaks of the Rockies front range appear ahead of us as we dive through a canyon carved by the Highwood River eons ago.

Were Maya and Michal nature lovers, adventure seekers and active travellers. You might even want to take abreak by relaxing on the sand or taking adip into the water. 10/10 incredible bike trip on the last weekend before vehicles are back on the read. We hardly saw any cyclists climbing up from the south. Highway 40 technically starts at the Highwood Junction. Every year since 2007 I have been doing this ride! Some spots take cliff-edge riding to new heights with plenty of curves along with incredible ocean vistas. Even so, we are quite certain you wont mind taking asecond look at the beautiful scenery anyways. Very neat really, I never realized how much planning or though actually went into this art work. Joey, your bike touring trip is a great accomplishment! Expect to experience one of the most picturesque rides in the country as we ride from the open grasslands, over the Highwood pass, and into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. In addition to being one of the best routes for amotorcyclist to travel, it is also the longest east-west highway in the province, so be sure to make time. Lots of great views! To avoid chilly temperatures and snow squalls it is best to plan your ride along the Cabot Trail for July or August. Great timing! During the fall, its a blaze of colour from the grass at your feet to the golden larches up to treeline.. Thanks The date of Drifter Dons favourite ride was the ides of October 2017, when he and a small group of friends headed out on what they call their annual Fall Colours Run. Calgary to Longview through Kananaskis Country is approximately a 315 km round-trip, but plan on making this one the better part of a complete day. Grazing cattle give way to suicidal mountain sheep that seem to still think they have the right of way and sometimes cant be reasoned with, Drifter Don said. Before you go hiking or biking, check current conditions on Trail Report from Alberta Parks. \r(description)\rImagine mounting a high definition camcorder to the handlebars of a motorcycle then riding across the second largest country in the world. To have the most freedom and enjoy nature to the fullest while staying on a budget, we always recommend staying in the campgrounds. Since you guys did the trip from both starting points, which direction has better views and scenary in your opinion? Distance from the gate to the top is 17 km. Spread the word! Biking the Highwood Pass is an excellent trip for people who like to go to the mountains but dont feel like hiking (which was our case exactly). Quiet on the way up but very busy going back. Dont worry; we wont just be seeing snow and ice. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Cranbrook, BC Your email address will not be published. A few bears seen along the way.

Its also an excellent training before the short biking season in the Canadian Rockies. Hundreds of soon-to-be-cheeseburger bovines dont respect passing motorcycles.. Drifter Don rides Kananaskis several times every year, with each subsequent trip seeming to have its own unique vibe. I would rate the climb as moderate with an average grade of 2% but with sections 10% to 14%. The trip will end in Tofino, atown on Vancouver Island best known for its arts scene, wildlife, surf culture, and laid-back attitude. From my home in Calgary, its a 300-kilometre circular routethe perfect day ride., Don Morberg is a retired writer and photographer, which affords him plenty of time to ride his 2010 Victory Cross Country along Mist Creek in Kananaskis. It was awesome! Pack extra tubes, patches and master link. We hiked with our bikes to the 17km mark. What a great trip, and good timing. It was a very different story coming down with tons of cyclists cycling up on this last weekend before the road opens to traffic. Joey. Needless to say, this is not atrip that you are going to want torush. Enjoy the ride! We dodge more mountain sheep as we crest the Highwood Pass. That day was clear with brilliant early autumn sun.

Every June 15th, motorcycle riders across southern Alberta get psyched to access and ride a 170-kilometre stretch of pavement that spans breathtaking mountain vistas, glacier-fed lakes, churning rivers, wildflower meadows and forests that are home to every species of wildlife known to Western Canada. Do know how much it sucks when your touring with a loaded bike an a trail an get ran off the road onto a gravel shoulder. Some really helpful information about this unique Canadian road. 2,206 m highest elevation, Highwood Pass South Climb Watch out. We offer a well-stocked parts and accessories inventory and have a large selection of motorcycles for sale including: Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ural, Boss Hoss, just to name a few. Shrugging off the chill of pending winter, Drifter Don continued into the more-developed end of Highway 40, which has year-round facilities and visitor centres. I did that on June 14. Either way it will be worth every second of your time. Be prepared to encounter bears, saw at least 2 different moms with cubs. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Would love to know more. A few days later, winter blasts came in over mountain tops, ripping all the colour from the trees., Storelk Mountain is one of the many beautiful sights to take in on a ride through Kananaskis. There is alot to explore here. Did this in May with a group of more experienced and athletic cyclists, starting at south end. You can stay in Kananaskis area, but this is more of a day trip. The last landmark is the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino as riders exit Highway 40 onto Highway 1 on their way back to Calgary. Here's a quick look at last year's itinerary while we work on completing travel plans for this year. Autumn is measured in hours in the Rockies, Drifter Don said. Snow started at 13.5km. The spot where we started our ride is shown below: Highwood Pass North Climb That path here where I live are on gravel roads or highways with no paved shoulder. As always in the Canadian Rockies, you are in bear habitat. PIN this to your Pinterest board. Have you ever biked Highwood pass? Getting a tan, Feeling very grateful today for being able to expl, This is how we jumped out of bed knowing we're mee. Located near Gol, From birth to 24 months in 25 photos. Road up May 22 from the Peter Lougheed gate. 3% average grade We biked from King Creek to the top and then partially (only 14 km) rode downhill towards Longview just to see a bit from the other side. The entire route stretches an incredible 2,080kilometers, with half of that being in the United States. Going south from this point takes riders down Highway 940, an unpaved road popular with dirt bikers and ATVers that leads to Crowsnest Pass.

I would love to bike on something like this and not have to worry. Well worth the workout! Learn how your comment data is processed. No cars to worry about. RidersWestMag.com is owned and operated by KPI Media Inc. We highlight the most remarkable places to ride ATVs and motorbikes in Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba), the clubs that maintain trails and motocross tracks, and the Rad Riders who promote and elevate the sport. Mare or Thunder Bay. You should always carry a bear spray (can be purchased at Visitors Centre or outdoor stores), know when and how to use it and make noise. With over 100 glaciers including the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, the Icefields Parkway certainly lives up to its name. Amazing ride to start the season. One day will try from other gate. We felt more energized than before and enjoyed the scenery around us. Such a remarkable opportunity to see such a spectacular part of the world on bike. "sameAs": [ Though with so many magnificent views to take in, the trip will likely end up taking longer than that. The speed limit on the Icefields Parkway varies between 50 and 90km/h. Before or after your motorcycle ride through the Rockies or while riding around the Calgary area, stop by Destination Cycles. Got to do this trail every year before the highway opens!!! 1,543 m lowest elevation We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Starting points for anorthern shore journey in Ontario can occur in either Sault Ste. Only in Ontario for a while was it dangers. One part of the road is considered Category 1, which is the steepest grade for cyclists on the Tour de France. I am doing the pass tomorrow and your piece will add to my experience. My husband and I are seriously thinking about doing it. Thanks Steven, Im glad it helped. Cycled Gate to Gate to Gate from the north end which is 110 Km! Once you arrive, get ready to be amazed by towering mountains, lakes, and even the ocean. There is also an abundance of wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the journey. May you continue to enjoy life to the fullest! O, Just a few summer ideas to inspire your Canadian R, We're fortunate to have the Rockies just an hour's, How does your self care look like? "https://twitter.com/Miles_Ahead_MJ" By showing that an ordinary person can live an extraordinary life, my hope is to inspire you to live an adventurous life and provide you with tips and tools for your own adventure.

Well go again this year. Staying at Highwood Pass in Peter Lougheed Park, Trail report for Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, More biking trips in the Canadian Rockies & beyond, Exciting biking trips from around the world, Going to the Sun Road in Glacier national park, An epic travel guide to the Canadian Rockies, Complete guide to Camping in Banff National Park (updated for 2020), 15 Day Hikes near Calgary with Jaw-Dropping Views, Snake Indian Falls, off the Beaten Path in Jasper National Park, Discover 26 Amazing Wall Murals in Calgary With Our Map, Nearby Peter Lougheed Park Information Centre is closed during summer and operating only seasonally, more info, Map of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park (including hiking & biking tri ideas) can be downloaded, Canyon Creek Campground (first come first served), Highwood Pass (Highway #40) is closed for cars annually from December 1 to June 14. The vast vista of the Kananaskis River Valley is on the left and the Opal Range mountains are on the right. Drifter Don to local riders. The Pacific Rim Highway, also known as Rt.4, is one of the best motorcycle routes in British Columbia. It took us 2:20 hours for the round trip. We are a family-owned and operated Calgary area motorcycle dealership located by heart of the new west in Airdrie, Alberta. From here, enjoy a300-kilometer loop around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. Riders can also expect to experience several other points of interest and amenities throughout the trip. 2022 Motorcycle Road Trip AdventureJuly 25 - 31. Although the scenery is second to none, the route along the Cabot Trail is also ideal for adventure-seeking riders. Photo courtesy Don Morberg. Riders will also pass through old-growth forests and around rock walls carved out by glaciers many years ago. Kananaskis is a popular day trip for motorcyclists in southern Alberta, Don Morberg rides a 2010 Victory Cross Country when he rides through Kananaskis country by Barrier Lake. The Icefields Parkway/Banff-Jasper Highway (Hwy 93). Absolutely stunning views. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It is reported to be one of the highest paved roads in Canada and worthy of the trip. With the beautiful scenery around us, we havent even noticed how long or how far weve already biked. Lots of cars passing. Once we reached the Highwood Pass from the other side, we had a short water break on top and hooray to enjoy another downhill to the starting point. Motorcycle touring in Canada. Paved shoulders all the way. Will need another solid week of sunny warm weather to melt the rest of the snow. The answer is simplebreathtaking scenery. Lots of ups and downs, didnt make it all the way to the summit but still got some beautiful views! Didnt do the final climb to the pass but Im guessing it will be clear by june 1st, Cycled up Saturday Dec 5 from Longview end. "name": "Miles Ahead Driver Ed", You can approach this trip by heading west along the Trans Canada highway from Calgary and then heading south on Highway 40 through Kananaskis to Longview. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Highway 546 through this park closes seasonally between Dec 1 - May 14. To get started, go west along the Trans Canada highway from Calgary before heading south on Highway 40. 17 km distance Such a beautiful ride! Learn more about current restrictions and travelling within Canada. Drifter Dons gang rode Highway 40 from south to north, heading east on Highway 22X and then Highway 22, known as the Cowboy Trail because it bisects much of the ranching country in southern Alberta.

The road cuts through one more mountain pass between Mount Kidd and The Wedge and then sails past a golf course and an RV park. Now we would like to hear from you. Starting from Kings point or longview? They start at King Creek, climb 17 km up to the Highwood Pass, and then down the other side to Longview, another 37 km. Gorgeous views, great riding!! What makes amotorcycle trip in Canada so special? An Ottawa it became a freeway, no cyclists am in Quebec I couldnt ride on the TransCanada. Pursue 1 more km, and cannot go further due to heavy snow. What a wonderful experience and I love that photo of you guys lying in the road! This is so amazing! V1C 2J4 Canada, RidersWest: Meet the new ATVBC executive director, Kristin Parsons. Whether youre on a solo business trip and looking to maximise your short time in a new city, or trying getting away for a weekend escape, plan your next getaway with the best local insights. 73 East Lake Crescent NEAirdrie, AB T4A 2H4, Tel: 403.948.6940Toll Free: 1.866.948.RIDE (7433)Parts: parts@destinationcycles.comService: service@destinationcycles.comGeneral Inquiries: info@destinationcycles.comBike Sales: bikesales@destinationcycles.com, 2022 Destination Cycles. Was great to see so many out enjoying this opportunity before the vehicles return next weekend. We stay in hotels or bnb s . You can find more info about booking fees and reservations on the Alberta Parks website. Phone: +1-250-426-7253, Suite 100, 100 - 7th Ave. S. Breathtaking views, almost all the way uphill and downhill back, a real treat! Love to travel? Lunch options include Boundary Ranch with its cowboy cuisine or one of several restaurants at Kananaskis Village, a mountain resort near the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics downhill ski facility. So freeing! Drifter Don and his buddies head north along Highway 40 through parkland that includes nine different provincial parks and recreation areas stacked together one after the other. Glad it was a cool day. Its a great feeling riding in the middle of the road. We usually do bike touring. I cycled across Canada this summer an used the TransCanada highway. So if anyone wants to cycle across Canada stick to the TransCanada Highway. 1,678 m lowest elevation Rode from north up to the pass, down the other side and back again. The elevation changes will allow for breathtaking ascents and exhilarating descents. We also cover the coolest gear on the market. It seems the climb from the north side is more popular. "https://www.facebook.com/Miles-Ahead-Motorcycle-Training-2194754330584189/", Have u ever ridden your bike along the side of the road an a car drives by its the gravel an throws a stone up which hits u right beside your eye. Keep careful watch here because this is open-range country. can't wait for 2018 season. Great experience. Highway 40 winds through a series of curves until it evens out at the 1,800-metre level where the road to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park joins the highway. Another great day and great ride, said Drifter Don. No steep pitches. Motorcyclists will encounter miles of mountains, forests, and beautiful shorelines during this ride. Be prepared for snow well into May, however, since as you go further along the road from Peter Lougheed the elevation increases and snow seems to stick around longer. did about 31k before we hit the snow and had to turn back. The freedom of having the empty road to ourselves was the biggest payoff, and mountain views with mountain goats were icing on the cake. We started from the north gate near Kings creek trail and 17 km riding up to the highest point then ride back downhill all the way. June 10 - started before 7am with no one in sight. As you progress through the cities of Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Highway 40 has a chameleon-like qualityits a different ride every month of the year.. The funny thing about this caboose, is that it's sitting on a section of track, complete with ballast, just long enough to hold the caboose itself, there was never actually a train line here, someone had this delivered. Besides its peaceful and scenic nature, this trip is also defined by its long sweeping corners that will provide just the right amount of adrenaline. Motorcycle ride up to a herd of Rocky Mountain sheep near Highwood Pass on the Kananaskis Trail in Alberta, Canada. There is a small window when the grass glows bronze, the willow along the creeks and lakes turns brilliant red, the aspen and birch flash electric orange and yellow, and the larch near the top of the treeline turn gold. Keep an eye out for elk and black bears as well. And then all the way back to King Creek where we parked. Saturday May 29th Road closed Dec 1, Good ride. From what Ive seen, Id say views are very similar, nothing spectacularly different on each. They transferred old railroad into the path. I must admit, having the road to yourself is a real treat. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It was October and there was a whiff of winter in the wind coming down from the peaks to the west, Drifter Don said. June 10/2020.. love doing it before gates open June 15. Would do again. Your page on Canada having the longest bike path is why you cant believe everything u read. This route will take riders through Kananaskis before reaching Longview. The conclusion of the trip takes riders to the top end of Highway 40 to photogenic Barrier Lake with the remnants of a second World War prisoner-of-war camp nearby. Riders need to watch out for a variety of wildlife along Highway 40. After 14 km of cooling off during the downhill, we turned around for another uphill ride. Even though you bike on the road to Highwood Pass, bears have been seen in the area. Along the way, motorcyclists will get unparalleled views of ancient glaciers, roaring waterfalls, several bodies of water, including Bow Lake, and sweeping valleys. Highway 40 starts to climb as we head north through the Mist Creek area with its hidden hot springs and jagged sawtooth mountains. This trip may be over but the riding and filming continues.\rWelcome to VIRTUAL RIDING TELEVISION \rVideos, pictures, maps and more details available on the website: http://www.vridetv.com\rNew content is added on a weekly basis. You can do whatever you want without always turning around looking for passing cars. Hey guys, its nice to see you here! (2021) Enjoy breathtaking sights and sounds from the seat of your motorcycleas we cruise some of the most incredible roads Canada has to offer: A short distance from the historic town of Longview, known for its scenic views of the Rocky Mountains from the prairies. We usually prefer biking in the mountains on dirt roads, but after so many times being almost pushed off the road, biking the highest paved pass in Canada without cars seemed like an excellent idea. It truly is a beautiful ride. Could have gone up using road bike. Great riding conditions. This 7-day adventure consists of approximately 48hrs of riding on over 4200 km of Canadas best landscapes. Marie, among others, riders can stop to enjoy restaurants, museums, and unique shopping experiences. Hi Maya Definitely adding this to my list, thanks , Thanks Shannon. The Danube bike path is actually a road only for bikes. Traffic is always sparse on this route into Kananaskis, said Drifter Don. Our mission is to inspire you to live more adventurously, try new things, discover off the beaten path places and provide you with the best tips for your next trip. Welcome to Camp Moose Trail Our coffee is always hot and free and wed love to hear about your journey. But this highway isnt just known for its scenery; with frequent elevation changes and sweeping corners it has become. This trip is a regular on the list of rides for many Calgary and area motorcyclists and is a top attraction for touring motorcycles from around the world. View all posts by Maya Steiningerova | Website. One of the best motorcycle rides in Alberta, a top motorcycle ride in Canada, and one of the top motorcycle rides in North America, the Highwood Pass west of Calgary, Alberta, shouldnt be rushed. Rode up may 17th, no snow until 30km mark and went around it to 32. However, its usually out-n-back. Stopped by ankle deep snow at Km 35 and just shy of the of the summit. Check out our website for more details. This is an incredible bike ride especially early when you have the road to yourself going up. A must do in May when snow is clear and the road is closed. Just did Toronto- Montreal. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 2 min to complete. Adventure guides & travel stories.

Dry road all the way except one tiny 1 meter spot. Kananaskis is accessible from Calgary by going 75 kilometres west on Highway 1 and heeding the turnoff signs that say Highway 40, Kananaskis Country., Thats where the adventure starts, said Drifter Don. The name for this image comes from the tag on the far end there, as that is what is says. Responsible Disclosure/Vulnerability Disclosure Policy. }, Join us for our fourth annual Road Trip Adventure and experience some of the. Kananaskis is a patchwork of provincial parks and recreation areas in the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Read more about us, Helping families have more fun outside & plan outdoor adventures June 4th - still snow 3km prior to the top. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This car has been badly damaged by fire, and there was evidence of explosion, possibly from full size propane tanks.