We're headed up to Banff after Sturgis this summer and will then be traveling back to upstate NY through Winnepeg, Thunder Bay, Ottawa etc etc. Only had one issue in Sturgis 2 years ago where we had to run 87 gas for one tankful in the states and the bike hated it (103 at the time, 120 now).

Will we have problems finding 91 or above in Western Canada? Been around Ontario quite a bit and know it's not an issue on that end, but not sure about Banff to Thunder Bay.

 

Not a problem, in fact some Petrocan's in Alberta also have 94

 

If you venture into B.C. all major gas chains have 91 or 92 and most Chevron's have 94.

 

In Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba 99% of stations have 91 octane. The only problem is most pumps only have 1 hose so unless you follow another bike you get a hose worth of 87.

 

Pick up a little 6oz bottle of Rislone Octane Booster for six bucks at WalMart and take it along just in case? It says it'll treat 18 gallons and has some good reviews.

I wish I had done that when in the corn belt two years ago, too many stations had your choice - of 87s, with or without alcohol, and that's it. Good thing it was flat and I found some good gas before hitting the hills.

 

You will never have a problem finding 92 Octane in Western Canada. When I was in Banff and Lake Louise the local gas station traffic is insane. Try to have fuel to bypass fueling up at these tourist traps unless you don't mind waiting .I always fuel up in the outskirts of Calgary before getting into the National park where they really rape you.

 

Hey we are north ...... but not that far north!

No problem ...... pretty well all stations have 3 grades. Husky stations have 94.

 

Fuelling up at Canmore is fine. If you going to Jasper from Banff, fuel up in Banff. Saskatchewan Crossing on the Columbia Icefield Parkway has the highest fuel price around. I mean really high!

 

Had to snicker a bit when I read the thread topic. It is no different up here than it is down in the States really. Differently named stations but that is about it. The only thing you have to watch for is if you get into the far north it can be a ways between gas stations. Even then there are signs in place to state the distance to the next station. You won't see any of that where you plan on going. Have fun and enjoy your trip. It is an area you won't soon forget.

 

Gas buddy work up there ? lol