Highwood Pass/Kananaskis Trail

Alberta | 177km

The Highwood Pass portion of the Kananaskis Trail is the highest paved road in Canada, reaching a summit of 2,206 metres above sea level. Don’t let the short distance fool you – this is a ride worth savouring slowly. Plan to take the better part of a day.

Starting your ride in Calgary, you can ride the pass either southbound or northbound. Access the south end of the pass from Longview or the north end from the Trans Canada Highway. Either way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of mountains, rivers, foothills and valleys. For a closer look at the scenery without having to watch the road, pause for a short hike at Ptarmigan Cirque or Highwood Meadows Trail.

Highwood Pass is best tackled between early summer and mid-fall, when the golden larches add an extra layer of colour to the ride.

The pass is closed December 1 to June 15 every year.

Sharing the road
Highwood Pass is a prime area for spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep, moose, elk and bears, as well as plenty of Alberta cattle. In fact, the bighorn sheep migration is the main reason for the road’s seasonal closure. Take special care when riding through unfenced areas, as animals can move quickly onto the road. Avoid riding at dawn and dusk, when the animals are most active (and harder to see).

Click here to view this route in the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner and start planning your next adventure.

First published in 2023.

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