Starting in Alberta at the Big Elbow/Little Elbow parking lot, this route heads over the Rockies into BC via Elk Pass and then follows the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) to Kimberley - and beyond.

One of the best things about this route is the huge diversity of landscapes you roll through on your way towards the Columbia Valley. Every surface is included: from pavements to fast gravel, forested double tracks and mountain bike single track. Resupply and comfort stops are also a feature with the route passing through the towns of Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie, Cranbrook, and Kimberley.

We rode to Kimberley in 5 days but opportunities exist to shorten some days or extend others. This route avoids the horrible Koko Claims climb that is part of the Great Divide route and instead stays in the Elk Valley. We chose to ride the pavement from Elkford to Sparwood - though there are off-pavement sections available between Elkford and Sparwood. After Sparwood, we chose the Coal Discovery Trail that goes all the way to Fernie but ended up bailing out the the highway near Hosmer.

This route is is gravel bike friendly with 40mm+ tires with 50-55mm being better. One can extend their riding up and over Grey Creek Pass but be sure to plan for a couple days of very remote riding with extreme weather/low temperatures possible.

Route info HERE.