Rocky Mountain Loop - Banff- Kamloops - Jasper - Banff
 

We have a motorcycle group planning a loop from Banff to Kamloops to Jasper and back down to Banff. We want two lane roads with lots of curves and mountain passes. We do not want four lane divided highways. Are we going to get this riding Highway 1 from Banff to Kamloops and Highway 16 from Kamloops to Jasper? Are these roads generally in good shape (no potholes, etc)? Are there typically a lot of construction delays on these roads in August? Also, we are looking for the best route from GlacierWaterton Park to Banff, again with the same criteria. I was looking at Route 40 but it appears to have gravel stretches. Any thoughts?

The Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper would be fabulous on a motorcycle. Are you planning on taking that? One of the most spectacular drives in North America.

Yes the Icefields Parkway is part of our route. I am trying to determine if these roads are all two lane roads, not four lane.

On your proposed itinerary, you will encounter 4 lane roads for much of the way between Banff and Lake Louise, for short stretches between Yoho Park and Golden, and bypasses around Kamloops. You can avoid the 4-lane road between Banff and Lake Louise if you take the alternative route of Hwy 1A. The roads are in very good shape in the summer. For construction, you should check the DriveBC website for the BC portion of your trip, and the AMA website for Alberta.

http://www.drivebc.ca/

http://www.ama.ab.ca/road_report/Mountain.htm

Highway 16 from Kamloops to Jasper is two lane highway, in decent shape. There is no 4-lane on hwy 16 until a bit west of Hinton (one hour east of the town of Jasper). The Icefield Parkway is also two lane also in good shape. Have a look at the satellite views on www.maps.google.com and you can see for yourself.