They call Alberta “Big Sky Country”, but they might as well call it “Big Road Country” too. If you’ve ever taken a road trip through this pristine prairie province, you know what we’re talking about—and if you haven’t, there’s no better time than right now to plan one.
With the majestic Rocky Mountains on its western border and picturesque fields rolling away to the east of major cities like Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta offers more than enough adventure for motorcycle enthusiasts. Below, we’ve listed 5 routes you’d be remiss to miss next time you take a two-wheeler through the land of the Wild Rose.
Before You Go: Make sure your motorcycle is ready for adventure. Check out Luimoto’s rider seat covers and keep your saddle protected from the elements.
Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) from Lake Louise to Jasper
Length: Approximately 230 km
Road Type: Highway
Large Towns/Cities en Route: Lake Louise and Jasper
The Icefields Parkway is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with glaciers, vast forests, and towering peaks lining the route. Attractions include the Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield.
The road itself offers plenty of sweeping curves and exhilarating elevation changes—a dream for riders on sport tourers or adventure bikes. Just keep an eye out for wildlife and changing weather conditions!
David Thompson Highway (Highway 11) from Red Deer to Saskatchewan River Crossing
Length: Approximately 200 km
Road Type: Highway
Large Towns/Cities en Route: Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House
This less-traveled route offers a mix of forested landscapes and mountain views. Key highlights include the historic Nordegg and the breathtaking Abraham Lake.
You’ll enjoy a few dynamic corners, but this one’s not too twisty—it’s mostly straight stretches ideal for cruisers. If you want a quiet ride with some scenic pit stops, this is the one for you.
Highwood Pass Loop from Longview to Canmore
Length: Approximately 230 km
Road Type: Highway, with mountainous terrain
Large Towns/Cities en Route: Kananaskis, Canmore
Riding the highest paved pass in Canada, this route takes you through Kananaskis Country with its dramatic mountain landscapes and abundant wildlife. Make sure you have a bike that can handle rugged conditions—we recommend scramblers or adventure bikes over road sofas for this one (unless you’re very capable or brave).
Note also that the road is only open from June to November due to heavy snowfalls in winter. This makes it a special summer and fall treat for riders seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) from Mayerthorpe to Lundbreck
Length: Approximately 350 km
Road Type: Highway
Large Towns/Cities en Route: Drayton Valley, Rocky Mountain House, Black Diamond
The Cowboy Trail runs parallel to the Rockies and offers riders a chance to experience Alberta’s ranching heritage. The route is dotted with historical towns, rodeo grounds, and stunning views of the foothills.
This ride is as much about the culture as it is about the ride, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore small-town Alberta. A great one for your Harley Road Glide or Indian Challenger.
Banff-Windermere Highway (Highway 93/95) from Banff to Radium Hot Springs
Length: Approximately 160 km
Road Type: Highway
Large Towns/Cities en Route: Banff, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs
This route offers a spectacular mix of mountainous terrain and valley roads, leading riders through the heart of the Rockies. Highlights include the verdant Kootenay National Park and the soothing Radium Hot Springs.
If you like the idea of combining a scenic ride with a relaxing dip in natural hot springs, this one’s great. At only 160 km, it’s also pretty quick—so shorter-range bikes won’t be strained here.
Make Sure Your Bike’s Ready for Your Alberta Journey
Despite its beauty, Alberta remains a rugged landscape where the environment can turn on you at a moment’s notice. Inclement weather—including downpours of rain and sudden hailstorms—can occur without warning in the summer months, so you’ll need to make sure your bike is ready for the long haul.
A Luimoto seat cover is the best way to protect the foam in your saddle, and adding one of our gel inserts gives you more comfort on those long country roads. You can even add a weather protector made from waterproof PU-coated material to keep your seat dry when the bike is parked. Explore our collection here to elevate your riding experience, in Alberta and beyond.
