There’s nothing like getting a new bike and hitting the open road for the very first time. I’m a busy ape so I’m a huge fan of short tours that get me home in time to find the best rides and post amazing deals. This is the best way to enjoy a bike, so I’m sharing my top five scenic routes under 400km in British Columbia and Alberta so you can tour the best of western Canada this summer.
5. Edmonton to Dorothy
Clocking in at around 350km, Edmonton to Dorothy takes riders through a lush expanse of greenspace and allows for some iconic stops along the way, including the Alberta Badlands. If you want to make a weekend out of it, Drumheller offers a ton of exciting attractions including The Royal Tyrell Museum and the iconic Drumheller HooDoos. Dorothy is considered a ghost town, but the historic grain elevator shouldn’t be missed, so double back to Drumheller when you’re done if you need a place to crash.
4. Harrison Hot Springs Loop
At 190km, the Harrison Hot Springs Loop in Southern British Columbia is filled with amazing views of the Fraser Valley and the Fraser River. This loop is connected between Agassiz and Harrison Mills, and has a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities along the way. This ride is also highly rated for its incredible sunsets (wow!), so grab an extra helmet for a great evening out with the ol’ ball-and-chain, or make a weekend out of it at Harrison Resort.
3. Icefields Parkway
A gorgeous 240km from Lake Louise to Jasper, you’re almost guaranteed to see a black bear or a bighorn sheep during this ride. If you enjoy hiking, don’t skip Maligne Canyon, it’s incredible. If traversing the deepest canyon in the Rockies isn’t your thing, I’d suggest heading to Peyto Lake with a hearty lunch to take in the aquamarine waters and picturesque views that even an ape can appreciate.
2. Highway 4 – Pacific Rim Highway
At a short 2.5 hours and around 170km, Highway 4 is said to be one of the most scenic routes in British Columbia. Hop on a ferry to Vancouver Island and prepare for your jaw to drop. This ride is from Parksville to Tofino (or vice-versa) and travels beautiful lakes, breathtaking ocean views, and rainforests galore. It’s the perfect ride for adventurers with opportunities for camping, hiking, cliff diving, and more along the way. When you’re in Tofino, make sure you stop at my favorite restaurant, Shed.
1. The Kananaskis Loop
This 302km route comes in around 3.5 hours without stops, starting and ending in Calgary (detailed map). This ride is best enjoyed as a day or a weekend trip as there’s a lot to see and enjoy along the way with breathtaking views for miles and scenery around every corner. Keep your eyes out for wildlife, it’s everywhere! There’s a reason this route is rated one of the top rides in Canada and is my personal favorite! Be sure to visit the Moose Family Kitchen in Kananaskis Village for lunch.
Are you ready for an amazing summer? If you don’t have your dream bike, check out these guys. Tell them Fred sent you. See you on the road!
Thanks for reading!
Your friend,
Fred
