Journey Into Canada--banff & Jasper

[Thumpercrazee]

Hey all,

We made it back so here is the scoop. We shortened it by a couple of days but it was a wonderful time!!
Day One--- We left home enroute to Missoula and then Kalispell, Mt. Had to stop in Kalispell to say hi to Dirtrider and Nine-Fiddy Phil. As luck would have it, I had forgotten to pack some chain lube so I picked it up there. Then it was on to Glacier National Park (GNP). Up to this point the day was sunny and cool. We stopped just outside the West Entrance and spoke to a motorcyclist heading south. He advised that he had just come from Calgary and that he had experienced rain, hail, and a tornado in Calgary! Said it was in dire straits! Well....
We made it to McDonald Lake before we broke out the tourist look.




As we proceeded higher, the clouds became more threatening. First the rain and cold came, then the winds really became serious! Over the top, following the string off visitors. Once on the lower portion of the other side of Logan Pass, the weather began to be nicer on us. We crossed into Canada at Chief Mountain and entered into Waterton National Park.



I want to say that the Officers at this station were not just professional, they were really pleasant and we enjoyed talking with them. I was just sorry that one of their homes had flooded for the third time in two months last evening.
We drove on to Pincher Creek where we spent the night. We had a great meal, and shared some travel experiences with another couple on a bike. I also found out that the beer in Canada is excellent!!! And LARGE... 19oz of draft!

Day Two...We had been told by several folks that our trip via Route 22 and onto hwy 40 was not to be done as there were flooded roads. So, as true explorers we headed West to Crowsnest Pass to get on the Western Slope. The views were just AWESOME!





We stopped in the Pass for breakfast and was rewarded with a fine meal and some good news. The waitress and the owner of the restaurant shared their newspaper and knowledge, and told us that we could travel the route we had intended. We had to stay clear of Okotuk which was flooded.
We turned and headed up Rt 22. The winds there were unbelievable! The bike was sideways so we traveled slanted for several miles.
On the way up the Kananaskis Valley we met some locals..





Then we were in Banff. What a town!


Sights were interesting to say the least. Plus, I found out there is an advantage about travel by bike that I hadn't thought of...saves me money cause the wife can't shop! No room to carry those little purchases.

Day three- We had noticed that my rear tire was starting to look more than a bit worn. The bike had felt a little less surefooted once were arrived in Canada but.. So this day I began trying to find a new rear tire. I called Walt Healy in Calgary, and upon speaking with ROB he told me he would find me one. He did so we headed to Calgary. Upon arrival, everyone at the shop tried to make us feel at home and welcome. Rob went to extra measures to get my tire, get it on, and get us on the road. He even went to pick it up himself from the local distributor as they had first sent over the wrong tire.
These folks really rock so anyone travelling near there can rest assured that you have someone ready, willing, and able to help should you need.


Here is ROB. Many thanks to you my friend for your help.

So we now have a new Anakee and miles to go. We headed back to the Park and travel on the Bow Valley Parkway.



Mother nature can be rough!! Yet so beautiful.





We finally felt the need to stop for the night. Note to self, do not allow the wife to choose the place to stay!!
Here is where we stopped.





Gee no bike magazines!!



But we were surrounded by the mountains...



Day four--A great day and we were off to Lac Louise. The hotel was having a face lift so we took pictures of her backside. (imagine that! )









It was impressive !

We continued on catching the Icefield Parkway to Jasper. Along the way...









Upon our arrival in Jasper, we decided to head back to the south enroute to Radium Hot Springs. The weather on the western slope was entirely different, sunny and hot! There was a bit of construction enrout to Golden, BC but all went according to plan.

Day five-Heading back to the US. We crossed into the US at Roosville, Montana. The Officers there were really great so we had a chat before heading on. We made our route southward along Hwy 37. Lake KOOCANUSKA
was beautiful as usual.


Then on into Libby, MT..


The Kootenai River runs through and is awesome. We continued South onto Hwy 56 travelling through the Cabinet Mountains. We stopped at the Ross Creek Cedars, some of the oldest and largest here.




The ride in is a twisty delight.
And we were finally home again. Hope you enjoyed our trip as much as we did.
Thumpercrazee & Mrs TC

Hope my editing has helped to make it better!

[GSPeP]

Great pictures

Brings back memories. Last time I was in that area was in '89

[Makalu]

Nice photos. Makes me want to go.

[HopperTF]

Originally Posted by Thumpercrazee

That's freakin beyootiful! Nice pic.

[Blackpaw]

I was in Alberta three years ago for a dog show and we visited Banff. I hope to return again one day soon on a bike. :)

[norther]

You were in my neck of the woods.

Glad you had a good time and a good experience at Walt's. They have gone through a change lately, its good to see great customer service returning to them.

The Post Hotel is a beautiful place to stay anytime of year and your choosing it only shows good sense . I think you picked some of the most beautiful places to visit on your trip. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

And for anybody else travelling up here, I would be happy to help with routes or scenic places to visit. The scenery from Calgary to the west coast can be spectacular, especially if you get off the main routes.

[starbug]

Thanks for the great pics! Banff is a place I've always wanted to visit, but never seem to have found the time.

[Boojum]

Thumper, That is the same trip I'm planning, after I leave the IDC Rally in Idaho in early Aug.! I'll cross into Canada the same place (outside Babb, on 17) up 22, and then I'm taking Gravel into Canmore, and GSPD750 has helped me with a SWEET Route including Water Ferrys and All ! ..........ANYWAY, Thanks for a Preview of my outing coming up! I just love your pics. of the Mtns. and Lakes! Very, Very Pretty!!!! I can't wait!

Boojum!