Mountain roads for great motorcycling, Hotsprings to soak in, all off the beaten path
(six hotsprings in seven nights)
This unique riding tour explores the Canadian Rockies and the Columbia and Kootenay Valleys, and passes through the Monashee, Selkirk, and Purcell mountain ranges. The majority of this trip is on sparsely traveled roads that take you through a variety of terrain. You will think that some of these roads were built for entertaining riding. Along the way will pass by or overnight at six natural hotsprings.
Itinerary:
Day One: This unique riding tour explores the Canadian Rockies and the Columbia and Kootenay Valleys, and passes through the Monashee, Selkirk, and Purcell mountain ranges. The majority of this trip is on sparsely traveled roads that take you through a variety of terrain. You will think that some of these roads were built for entertaining riding. Along the way will pass by or overnight at six natural hotsprings.
Day Two: Pick up motorcycle at hotel. Ride across the Alberta prairie into the majestic wilderness and beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Your cruise takes you alongside the world famous Bow River to Banff, situated in Canada’s oldest national park. Have lunch and shop in Banff; you will be back to enjoy its many attractions later in the tour. If you like curves and awesome views then you will love the ride from Banff to Radium Hotsprings. Have a soak and overnight at Radium Hotsprings.
Day Three: Fairmont Hotsprings is a short ride from Radium Hotsprings. Visit the historical Native baths, then enjoy a dip in the springs. Heading south from Fairmont Hotsprings, you will enjoy varied terrain and scenery on your way to Kimberly. Take a break and explore Fort Steele, the largest fort attraction in B.C. Overnight in Kimberly, the Bavarian town of the Rockies.
Day Four: Most of this day will be on windy roads. By mid-day you begin several days of travel along the shores of large lakes. Look forward to the pure enjoyment of riding on the stretch of road between Creston and Proctor ferry. After the ferry, tour Balfour and explore Nelson. End the day with a dip in the famous Ainsworth Hotsprings and Cave. Overnight in Ainsworth.
Day Five: You are getting into remote territory this day. The first half of the day you ride the rugged shore of Kootenay Lake. Then you travel into the mountains and descend to New Denver. Be sure to browse the many art shops for which the town is noted. Some interesting local history may be learned with a visit to the museum. After lunch there is another mountain pass and then a descent to Nakusp and then a ride overlooking Arrow Lake. Take a dip at luxurious Halcyon Hotsprings before heading to the Galena Bay ferry. Overnight in Revelstoke.
Day Six: : Ride up the switchbacks 26 km to the top of Mount Revelstoke with its excellent views of the Columbia River and Lake Revelstoke. Go for an alpine hike. Learn the history of the area with a visit to the Revelstoke Railway Museum. Canyon Hotsprings are a short ride from Revelstoke. White water rafting is also available near the hotsprings. Continue on toward Lake Louise, passing through Glacier National Park (home to over 300 glaciers) and over the famous Rogers Pass. Visit Takakwaa Falls, Canada’s third highest falls. In Lake Louise, view the Victoria glacier from the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (see picture?). Other highlights: Class four white water rafting on the Kicking Horse River, a hike to one of the famous tea houses (built 100 years ago by Swiss guides for their guests), or golf at Goldens Golf Course which is rated in the top ten in B.C. Overnight in Lake Louise.
Day Seven: Take a side trip along the Columbia Icefields Parkway, called by some “the most beautiful road in the world.” Arrive in Banff to take advantage of its many attractions, including the Banff Hotsprings. Take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Go for a hike on the mountaintop where you may view goats, big horn sheep, and bears. Other highlights: Cave and Basin Hotsprings, Castle Mountain, Banff Springs Golf Course, Banff Springs Hotel, world-class shopping.
Day Eight: Enjoy a leisurely ride through Kananaskis country to Calgary. Return your motorcycles by 11:30 a.m. Guided tours enjoy a farewell lunch at noon. Allow three hours to get to the airport and confirm your flight. Take home a treasure of memories of riding some of the most beautiful roads in the world.
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