A spur-of-the-moment ride to catch the last few days of autumn.

This past September as summer was drawing to a close and the riding season winding down, I thought something must be done while the weather is good and the days are still long. The ITMB (International Travel Maps and Books) map of Canada is spread out on my desk. Where to, that’s the question. Why not north? The great north is appealing. Preferably a destination where I haven’t yet been. 

Yellowknife, Canadian capital of northern lights, overseeing the Great Slave Lake, is intriguing and sounds to me like a place of interest. On top of that, from mid-August it’s possible to observe the stunning light show of the aurora borealis. And no sooner said than done, off I go. 

SPUR OF THE MOMENT DEPARTURE

I start with a familiar itinerary: the Sea to Sky — or Hwy 99, for Vancouverites — is the magical gateway to northern rides and always a promise of good ones. Just after crossing the Bonaparte River, I leave Hwy 99 for Hwy 97. There’s heavy traffic and hot weather until 100 Mile House where I catch the lovely Hwy 24, also called the fishing highway due to all the lakes and popular fishing spots. A long time ago, this road was used by fur traders. After
100 km of pure enjoyment on this sinuous road, I reach Little Fort and the shore of the Northern Thompson River. This seems like a perfect spot to spend the night. 

The following morning, refreshed by a good night’s sleep, I wind up on Hwy 5 and make a quick stop in Avola for gas and coffee. The owner of the place sells homemade jerky and I always find it good to have some jerky in my saddle bags, as long as I’m not camping in remote places, near plantigrades habitat! 

Past Tête Jaune Cache I catch
Hwy 16 (the Yellowhead Hwy) east as it winds its way along the Fraser River, until a long straight line reveals the majestic Mount Robson — what an amazing sight, particularly on a sunny day, under a blue sky! I couldn’t expect better. 

THE REMNANTS OF A WILDFIRE

I cruise along Moose Lake, cross into Alberta, and by lunchtime, I reach Jasper. The aftermath of the 2024 fire is still visible. Only a smattering of rubble remains of the Maligne Lodge, where I had stayed just a few years back. That’s heartbreaking. On the other hand, the city is bustling with activity to a point that getting access to a gas pump is quite a challenge. It’s a confused jumble of vehicles at the two operating gas stations. Being on a motorcycle makes it easy to do a quick move as soon as a gas pump becomes available. 

Hwy 16 veers north and I proceed to Patricia Lake and Pyramid Mountain. What a stunning place…