We are in the planning stages of a ride for next summer (July 2013). Our route is Spokane, WA - Kallispell, MT - Calgary, AB - Banff AB - Cranbrook, BC - Spokane WA. We are wondering what routes would anyone familiar with the loop through Cananda suggest? We are wanting to stay in a hotel each night and not camp at all. We are thinking of a total of being on the road no more than 5 days total. Can this route be done in the time period? We know that it depends on how many picture stops we take and are planning on 300-500 miles per day if needed but hope to only do 300.

One last question. Is there a way to avoid going through Calgary yet still get to Banff?

Thanks in advance.

 

Take hwy 17 on the west side of Glacier National park, and cross into Canada at Chief Mountain border crossing.
You will be on hwy 6, take that up to hwy 22.
Go up 22 to Longview and head west on hwy 541 which turns into hwy 40.
Hwy 40 meanders along and will spit you out on hwy 1 and you can head west to Banff.
That is a very scenic route, you should enjoy it.

 

Silver Fox,

Thanks. We had looked at Hwy 22 but were not sure how to avoid Calgary. Just not wanting to do a city ride if we can avoid it.

 

22X keeps you West of the city.
I bypass that crazy place at all costs myself

 

Hell man, ride the Canadian steppes. From Calgary burn a path as far east as Kenora, Ontario. On the rebound head south into the U.S. at Winnipeg.

 

Thanks for all the great ideas. Changed our plans just alittle. After leaving Glacier NP, next stop is Pincher Creek for the night. Then up 22 and over to High River for the night. Decided to stop by Kane's HD for souvieners then on to Canmore for a night stop and some siteseeing around Banff. From Banff, we plan on heading west and then south back to the US and Bonners Ferry.

Anyone know how bad traffic can get around where Kane's HD is located? We would be traveling through mid-week if that makes a difference.

 

If you are riding anywhere near Cranbrook, BC there is a Harley dealership there

 

Tenrams,

Thanks for the information. We have plans of going through Cranbrook. Might have to take a break at the dealer.

 

"Anyone know how bad traffic can get around where Kane's HD is located? We would be traveling through mid-week if that makes a difference."


The traffic in Calgary is very similar to downtown Spokane.

 

Kanes is located near downtown Calgary, you'll be alright as far as heavy traffic goes as long as you arrive mid-day.