Best Winter Touring Routes in Canada

If there’s one thing you can count on, no matter where you go in Canada, it’s that you’ll have an unforgettable ride. All across the country, you’ll find some of the best motorcycle riding routes in North America, some of which are near you. Barnes Harley-Davidson has provided some of our favorite touring routes to help get you started. If you’d like to find out where our staff likes to ride, then stop by one of our locations in Langley, Victoria, and Kamloops, British Columbia. You can also check out our touring motorcycles for sale.

The Icefield Parkway

Stretching 232 km along the Continental Divide, the Icefield Parkway connects Banff National Park with Jasper National Park. The entire route showcases over 100 timeless glaciers, waterfalls, rock formations, and pristine lakes, making it an unforgettable ride from start to finish. You can also pencil in stops at some of the bigger natural attractions along the way, including the Weeping Wall, the Columbia Icefield, and Sunwapta Falls.

There are even some must-see points with a bit of human improvement, from the Glacier Sky Walk to the Saskatchewan River Crossing. You can check out one of the many hiking trails or simply pull over to take some stunning pictures. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera for this one.

Pacific Rim Highway

Also known as BC-4, this roughly 2-hour ride takes you through Vancouver Island on a unique and scenic journey from Port Alberni to Tofino. Its twists and turns make it a real challenge, although not too difficult, and a fun excursion for all sorts of riders. This route will also feature lots of great hiking trails, so be sure to bring along your hiking boots. From Cathedral Grove to Wally Creek to Giant Cedar Trail, there are many opportunities to pull over and get in some exercise while also enjoying the great outdoors around you. And, of course, taking the time to appreciate Long Beach and Vancouver Island is a must for all sea lovers.

Haines Highway

Traditionally named after its starting point in America, you can begin your journey in Pleasant Camp and skip the hassle at the border. Travel up to the Yukon territory, following a route first utilized by Chilkat Tlingit traders and later used by Klondike gold miners. Jagged mountains, sprawling tundra, and coastal forests are all a common sight along this route as you ride along the St. Elias mountain range. Plus, many years ago, complaints about road conditions have led to improvements that’ll make the ride easier and more comfortable.

Bighorn Highway

This route takes you all along western Alberta, through stunning landscapes and quaint towns. This route is also referred to as Highway 40 or Kananaskis Trail. You’ll be passing through quiet towns where you might want to stop for a bite to eat or to check out the local culture. While this is a bit of a departure from our other suggestions, you’ll still have plenty of views to take your breath away. It’s also one of the more developed routes on our list, completely paved and easy, even for big rig drivers to navigate. This way, you can focus on the beauty around you, rather than struggling to stay on the road.

These are just a few of the places you can take your Harley-Davidson® touring motorcycle to enjoy the best parts of Canada. If you’re still looking for the right set of wheels, or if you’d like tips from our staff, stop by Barnes Harley-Davidson and let us know how we can make your next trip even more memorable. You’ll find us in Langley, Victoria, and Kamloops, British Columbia.