Beautiful British columbia

Make sure you make reservations to enter the Park. https://www.recreation.gov.  . We made them the first day we could, and the summer was sold out by mid afternoon. You can also enter early in the morning or late afternoon without a ticket, but it may affect your trip plans.  Obtaining an entry ticket is the safest way to make sure you can enter the park.  Each rider needs to get their own ticket through the site so we just used everyone's email and obtained the tickets so we knew everyone had them.  

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is a pristine wilderness area known for its stunning landscapes, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife. Established in 1910, the park spans over a million acres and includes parts of the Rocky Mountains, over 130 named lakes, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can explore the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and dense forests. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.  Don't forget to stop at Lake McDonald when traveling through the park.  This is a beautiful lake that has colorful stones.  

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic mountain route in Glacier National Park, Montana, spanning 50 miles. It offers breathtaking views of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. The road, which opened in 1933, is an engineering marvel, climbing up to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet. It provides access to popular attractions like Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, and the Garden Wall. Seasonal, typically open from late June to mid-October, it’s a favorite for motorists, cyclists, and hikers. Wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep, are common. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

You will drive through quite a few National Parks in Canada, and you need a park pass to stop. We ended up getting an annual pass instead of day passes.  The annual pass was good for multiple bikes, so we were able to get our group of four into the park with one pass.  The price was better that way for four bikes.  https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/admission

Waterton Lakes National Park, located in Alberta, Canada, is a stunning natural reserve renowned for its dramatic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Established in 1895, it forms part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park features crystal-clear lakes, rugged mountains, and lush valleys. Highlights include the picturesque Waterton Lake, the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, and abundant wildlife such as bears, elk, and bighorn sheep. 

Lake Louise, nestled in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain scenery. Surrounded by towering peaks and the majestic Victoria Glacier, this glacial lake is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is a beautiful stop and a must see.  They do have motorcycle parking as you enter making it convenient to keep the bikes together.

Make sure you get gas before you hit the parkway. Fill up at Saskatchewan River Crossing. It's the only gas station on the parkway, it's 153 km from Jasper and 79 km from Lake Louise.

The Icefields Parkway, a scenic 144-mile (232-kilometer) drive through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, connects Jasper and Banff National Parks in Alberta. Renowned for its breathtaking vistas, the parkway offers stunning views of glaciers, towering peaks, and pristine lakes. Highlights along the route include the Columbia Icefield, where visitors can explore the Athabasca Glacier, and iconic spots like Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Sunwapta Falls. We saw so much wildlife to include bear and elk.  

Flathead Lake, located in northwest Montana, is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, spanning approximately 200 square miles. Known for its crystal-clear waters, the lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding area features charming towns like Polson and Bigfork, which offer cultural attractions and local cuisine. 

Where we stayed:

Prince of Wales Hotel

This was a once in a lifetime experience, stay.  It is a little pricier, but the hotel was like stepping back in time.  Built in 1926-7, the Prince of Wales Hotel represents the golden age of railway resort development in Canada. The construction of a large hotel was considered vital to the success of the national park as a tourist destination. 

Where we ate::

Trappers Mountain Grill, great family owned restaurant and delicious food.  We enjoyed this hotel so much we ate there twice.  The owners were extremely nice and accommodating to our larger group.

https://mywaterton.ca/entries/trappers-mountain-grill/3f98738a-14fc-468a-9929-6d4df6d2b62f

Waterton Park, located in Alberta, Canada, is a picturesque destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Nestled within the Rocky Mountains, this park offers a unique blend of prairies, forests, and rugged peaks. It is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The charming Waterton townsite provides amenities and accommodations, making it an ideal base for exploring the park. 

Where we stayed:

Canmore Rocky Mountain 

This was a nice hotel and would stay again.  

Banff, located in Alberta, Canada, not British Columbia, is a renowned mountain town within Banff National Park, the first national park in Canada. Surrounded by the stunning Canadian Rockies, Banff is famous for its outdoor activities and natural beauty. The town itself features charming streets with shops, and restaurants.  Nearby, the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the thermal waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs are must-see attractions.

Where we stayed:

Quality Inn

This was a good hotel.  Reasonable for the price. 

Kamloops, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a vibrant city known for its diverse outdoor activities and scenic landscapes. Situated at the confluence of the North and South Thompson River.  The city's mix of natural beauty and urban amenities makes it a unique destination.

Where we stayed:

Maligne Lodge

Nice hotel and accommodating for our group.

Jasper, located in Jasper National Park in Alberta, is a picturesque town renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore breathtaking spots like Maligne Lake, the Athabasca Glacier, and the Jasper SkyTram, which provides panoramic views of the Rockies. The town itself has a charming atmosphere with local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Jasper’s pristine wilderness, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged mountains make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Where we stayed:

Travellers Motel

This was a budget hotel.  The travels sites indicate a very 8/10.  However, we would probably try a different hotel next time.  Please share if you find a nice hotel in this area for a reasonable price.

Cranbrook, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a vibrant city nestled in the southeastern part of the province. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Cranbrook offers a blend of outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. The city is known for its proximity to several national parks, including Kootenay National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.  Cranbrook itself features historic sites like Fort Steele Heritage Town, outdoor festivals, and a thriving arts community. 

Where we stayed:

Hotel Ruby

Good hotel for the price.

Sandpoint, located in northern Idaho, USA, is a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounded by the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains. The town itself features a picturesque downtown with art galleries, shops, and restaurants, as well as cultural events such as the annual Festival at Sandpoint. Sandpoint offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.

Where we stayed:

Motel 6

Missoula does not have a lot of hotel options and is higher priced than we expected.  We stayed here on both the front and back of our trip because we parked our truck and trailer at the Flying J.  However, we would not stay here again.  No soap on either stay.  It just wasn't our favorite.  

The city is home to the University of Montana, contributing to a lively atmosphere with museums, theaters, and music venues. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nearby destinations like Lolo National Forest and Mount Sentinel, offering hiking and scenic views.