Not-To-Be-Missed Routes in Western Canada??

[IronArse]

Hey folks, I'll be arriving up to Vancouver next week where I get a bike and prepare for a trip north to Alaska, then south, but I also want to include a good trip around western Canada, BC region, and maybe a bit beyond if I get some seriously good-sounding recommendations.
What roads/routes/regions should absolutely not be missed in BC that wouldn't necessarily be on my route north to Alaska. I think the Canadian Rockies will be superb and not to be missed, but I don't know what routes to take when there, or where else would be good to hit.
Where would you cut off your little finger to go back to???????????
I'm looking for all or any places to go that will inspire me, all or any recommendations would be appreciated! Highways, byways, dirt tracks, whatever...

Cheers!

Mick

[markharf]

Originally Posted by IronArse

Hey folks, I'll be arriving up to Vancouver next week where I get a bike and prepare for a trip north to Alaska

When were you planning to leave Vancouver? This will have a lot to do with where you can go, since a lot of the nicer roads are closed by snow for at least another few weeks to several months. And if you're hoping to leave soon for the north, I hope you're ready for all sorts of interesting weather.

There are quite a few Vancouver area folks posting regularly here. Some have been known to enjoy a pint every once in a while (this is what we call "understatement"). You might find it a simple thing to organize a night out.

Sorry to say that I won't be able to make it myself, but we might cross paths later on in the year.

Mark

(restless in Curitiba, Brazil waiting for a few essential parts)

[buyarbi]

If you are comming now make sure and have a heated vest and heated gloves. Banff to jasper highway in Alberta is one of my Favorites.
Bill

[Dirtpig]

Did I hear the word ? In Vancouver? I'm in.

Seriously there are a few of us in the Vancouver and Vancouver Island area that would be more than willing to give you some travel ideas. But as previously noted a lot of the inland areas are still getting snow.

If your base is Vancouver I would suggest Whistler to Pemberton to Cache Creek coming back down Highway 1 to Vancouver.

Then there is Hwy 3 out to Alberta, this is the southern route, go north to Calgary and then cut over to Banff. Stunning ride. And the road is good currently - I was up there a couple of weeks ago.

A good book to get is Destination Highways. It is available from most of the local motorcycle shops and covers lots of great riding roads.

There is also BCAA ( British Columbia Auto Association) that has great maps and advise and when/where to go. If you are a RAC member I believe the services as free to you as well

Also dont forget to contact the Vancouver "Community" here on HU and they can help as well.

And if you are coming to Vancouver Island let me know and we can hook up for a ride out to Tofino on Canada's wild west coast.

Cheers

Kevan

PS Mark when you get home from SA we need to get together, have a and see some pictures

[blunosr]

I'll second the Banff to Jasper leg (Icefields Parkway). The scenery there is amazing! Mt. Robson, west of Jasper. The Pine Pass from Prince George to Chetwynd, BC.

My recommended route... Vancouver to Banff, then up to Jasper through the Columbia Icefields, then west to Mt. Robson and on to Prince George, then northeast through the Pine Pass to Chetwynd, then north to Hudson's Hope (the Bennett Dam, just west of Hudson's Hope is worth a look), then east through the Peace River Valley to the Alaska Highway. Once on the Alaska Highway Fort St. John is 10 minutes south. On the route north take extra gas, it's a long ways between towns. Bring a sign from where you're from to post in the sign village at Watson Lake. Stop at the Liard Hotsprings near there then you're into the Yukon ...and beyond.
It's very cold up here right now though. Brr...

Have a great trip!

[blunosr]

If you're going to Calgary be sure to ride out to Drumheller and the Alberta Badlands. Go to the Dinosaur museum there too.

[IronArse]

Hey, cheers folks, sounds like some damn good recommendations there, keep them coming. At the moment these are all just names, need to buy a map when I get up to Canada so I know where all these are, but I can't wait to get out and try out these routes. I won't be hitting the road for a few weeks yet anyway, have to get the bike rigged up and all the rest of it so hopefully the weather's improved a wee bit by then.
Mark, I passed through Curitiba a few weeks ago, bored the shite out of me, hope you're having a better time and get out soon.
Kevan, not sure if I'm hitting the island but will drop you a line for a ride out for sure if I'm there.
This Banff-Jasper route sounds good. I am there.
Cheers for the recommendations lads, may see ye on the road there. Look out for the Strom with a big Irish flag on it!

[BlackBeast]

Hey Mick,
Not sure if you have arrived in Vancouver already, but if you need a place to crash or need anything, send me a PM. I did the ride north 3 years ago, so can help with some routes and plan on heading south in August.

[blunosr]

Hi, If you haven't left yet, once you're up to Fort Nelson and heading west there is a trail (forest service road) that is well worth going up called the Nonda Creek Rd. It seems to me that it is just west of Stone Mountain Park. It goes up to a summit, surrounded by other summits in the Northern Rockies. Right now (May 17th) there would probably be snow up there though, but maybe not.
Have a great trip!