Itineraries

Approx 725 km/450 mi

A grand loop drive or bicycle ride will take you to two national parks, over the continental divide and into some great communities in Alberta, British Columbia and Montana. During the summer months, the bonus option takes you along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park (U.S.). But year-round, you'll experience a tremendous diversity of scenery, wildlife and history.

Let’s begin this tour in the U.S. for visitors travelling up from the south, at Columbia Falls with a stop at Montana Free Traders for a cup of their famous coffee. Then on to Whitefish.  Heading north along Highway 93, you’ll pass through the Flathead and Kootenai National Forests, Stillwater State Forest, then by two beautiful lakes: Dickey and Murphy.

Nearing Canada, the community of Eureka   in the Tobacco River Valley offers wonderful walks by the river and Café Jax – stop for a delicious old-time milkshake. Highway 93 continues across the U.S. / Canada border – remember you’ll need a passport card or book to travel between countries.

Once in Canada, you’ll drive through the Ktunaxa Nation Tabacco Plains Reserve and over the deep Elk River canyon. At the Highway 3/93 junction is the tiny community of Elko . Turn east here onto Highway #3 towards Fernie. As you approach Fernie, watch for Morrissey Road and head south across a bridge over the Elk River. You’ll find a short and lovely nature hike into an old-growth forest of black cottonwoods and western red cedar.

The city of Fernie  is a multi-faceted community that’s part mining town; part ski resort. Fernie is in the middle of North America’s most productive grizzly bear habitat. In the downtown, you’ll discover historical, architectural and commercial charms of a vibrant downtown.

The town of Sparwood  is a short drive north. Sparwood features the world’s largest tandem axle dump truck and a larger-than-life mural tour depicting life as it used to be. You’ll see displays of artifacts from the underground mining days.

Tours of Elk Valley Coal’s Fording River and Elkview coal mines take place throughout the summer from the Visitor Centres in Elkford and Sparwood. The area’s mining heritage continues as you drive east across the Crowsnest Pass. Stretch your legs at Summit Lake before entering the province of Alberta.

At Pincher Creek, take Highway #6 south to Waterton. Waterton Village in the heart of  Waterton   Lakes   National Park  and is a vibrant centre offering activities, lodging and dining services. The park is all about beauty and adventure; a rare gem tucked in the Rocky Mountains. Discover the lakes, hikes, wildlife, heritage and culture. It’s a place that will grab hold of your memory and never let go.

This Loop may continue along Highway #5 to Cardston or south along Highway #17 and #89, and across the international border again to the village of Saint Mary.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road  is a spectacular 84 km (52 mi) paved two-lane highway that bisects Glacier National Park east and west. It spans the width of the park, crossing the Continental Divide at 2,000 m (6,646 ft) high Logan Pass. Scenic viewpoints line the road and it’s well worth travelling this road in each direction – the views are very different and equally stunning. Season of operation for this road is June to early-fall and there are vehicle size restrictions.

The route along the perimeter of the park on Highway #2 through East and West Glacier Park is also a great way to wrap up this tour. Located about half way in between these villages is Goat Lick Crossing; an exposed riverbank where mountain goats come to lick the mineral-laden cliffs.