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Ultimate of the West

14 Days Total, 12 Riding Days

Trip Overview

Look for the Ultimate of the West tour in 2010. Several summers ago we ran a custom trip through the US Rockies. When we rode through Glacier Park, Montana, we absolutely fell in love with the place. Thus the Ultimate of the West was born. The ride over Logan Pass is one of the most spectacular rides in the world.

As a follow-up we did some more exploring in the area and found some wonderful twisties linking Whitefish, Montana, with Nelson, British Columbia, one of our favourite towns north of the 49th parallel. We threw it all together and call it the Ultimate of the West.

 

What to Expect

We leave Whistler heading North on Highway 99 into the mountains. We pass through Pemberton and climb beside the teal waters of Lillooet Lake along the Duffey Lake Road. After winding through the lush Coast Mountains, the climate becomes arid as we enter the gold rush country.

With the sun at our back, we follow the Cayoosh Canyon west to Lillooet, where we join roads that follow two of the great rivers of BC: the Fraser and the Thompson. Past the Ginseng fields of the benchlands, we roll towards another famous mountain retreat: Sun Peaks Resort.

Our next stop takes us north to the heart of the powerful Canadian Rocky Mountains and the stunning scenery of Jasper. The following day offers a chance to explore the beauty of Jasper National Park on foot, by tram, bicycle or a motorcycle ride to Maligne Lake or Miette Hot Springs, where the abundance of wildlife has to be seen to be believed.

Our ride then turns south along the “Icefields Parkway,” through glacier country. “The views are truly unparalleled,” said Robert Smith of Moto-Euro when he travelled this road.

Next stop: Banff, one of Canada’s true gems. There we stay in the prestigious Banff Park Lodge. The following day provides a memorable ride through the wide valled and towering peaks of Kananaskis Country. Huge, undisturbed mountain vistas and wildlife sightings are numerous in this area. Our evening is spent dining in the quaint little town of Waterton Lakes, just north of the U.S. border.

The Port of Chief Mountain Border Crossing takes us south into the U.S. of A. toward Glacier National Park. There, we ride the mighty Logan’s Pass or the “Going to the Sun Highway,” as it has become known.

We arrive in Whitefish, Montana for some much needed R and R: rest and relaxation. Whitefish offers tons of activities — white water rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, a gondola ride up Big Mountain and a local art gallery. Whitefish is also the home of the Black Star Brewing Company, so enjoy your rest day to the fullest.

We cross back into Canada from Idaho. Following a ride along the twisting shoreline of Kootenay Lake, we stop in the historic town of Nelson. This stop-over offers riders a wonderful loop through the Kootenay Mountain region or a day to explore the many activities the area has to offer.

Next, we ride for wine country and the arid rolling hills of the Okanagan Valley. Again, a day’s rest either offers some great riding or a chance to enjoy some fine wines and dining at a lakeside resort. Winery tours, golf and every imaginable water sport are waiting just outside your hotel.

Our final day takes us back to Vancouver where our adventure began! Following highway 3 west through Princeton, Manning Park and Hope where we connect with the Trans Canada Highway. The last leg of our journey winds it’s way down through the Fraser Valley and into Vancouver for our final dinner.

Trip Highlights

• Whistler
• The Duffey Lake Road, Lillooet and Kamloops
• The Thompson River Valley and Mount Robson Peak
• A day off in Jasper to explore Miette Hot Springs and Maligne Lake
• Lake Louise, Athabasca Falls and the Columbia Icefields
• Kananaskis Country and Longview
• Red Rock Canyon Road Logan’s Pass
• A day off in Whitefish and Big Mountain, St. Mary, and Glacier National Park
• Libby Dam and Yaak
• A day off in Nelson to explore Kaslo and the Slocan Valley
• Vernon, the Monashee Pass and the Mushroom Addition
• A day off in Osoyoos to explore the wine country of Okanagan Lake Valley
• Princeton, Manning Park and Hope

Route

All routes are subject to change due to unforseen events.

Day 1
Arrive in Whistler for Tour Orientation and Meet & Greet Dinner.

Day 2
Whistler to Sun Peaks, BC

Day 3
Sun Peaks to Jasper, AB

Day 4
Day off in Jasper, AB

Day 5
Jasper to Banff, AB

Day 6
Banff to Waterton Lakes, AB

Day 7
Waterton Lakes to Whitefish, MT

Day 8
Day off in Whitefish, MT

Day 9
Whitefish to Nelson, BC

Day 10
Day off in Nelson, BC

Day 11
Nelson to Osoyoos, BC

Day 12
Day off in Osoyoos, BC

Day 13
Osoyoos to Vancouver, BC

Day 14
Travel Day

Included in Your Holiday

Our tours feature; all up-scale accommodation, gourmet meals, motorcycle rental & insurance, chase vehicle for luggage / passengers / spare motorcycles, guide service, maps, fees for parks / ferries / activities, and transfers to/from Whistler, B.C.

INCLUDED in the price of the holiday:

• All upscale accommodation, including first & last nights stay.
• All high quality breakfasts & dinners (except off-days), NEVER a set menu, order what you want!
• Motorcycle rental and insurance, bikes are washed & maintained routinely, guests are welcome to trade bikes around.
• Chase vehicle for luggage, spare bikes and weary passengers.
• Top notch and experienced guided service.
• Transfers to/from Whistler, B.C.
• Holiday handbooks complete with maps and activity information.
• Entrance fees to National Parks.
• Fares for ferries and scheduled activities.
• Snacks & refreshments at scheduled stops.
• Rain-suits (just to keep the sun shining)

NOT included in the price of the holiday:

• Fuel not included for your motorcycle (approx. $15-$20/day CAD).
• Alcoholic beverages not included with meals.
• Most lunches, and all meals on optional riding days.
• Airfare is not included in the tour price.
• Non-scheduled activities on off-days
• Personal Travel/Medical Insurance

More information

• Looking to share a room to help keep costs down?
• Have safety or other questions?
• Want to know about extra activities and fun stuff?
• Curious about the Hotels we stay in?
• Ready to see the bikes?
• Ready to read what our guests have to say?

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  The Best of Western Canada — "Best of the West" — is easily our most popular and one of our longest running trips because it gives travelers the chance to experience the very best of British Columbia and Alberta. We'll hit every one of our favourite stops without ever having to leave Western Canada!

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Testimonials

Never had so much fun on two wheels since my 2-stroke days! A really great holiday.

Thank you all so very much.

Mike Snowdon, London UK

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