Adventure Cycling Association

You’ll begin on the hallowed grounds of Missoula, Montana, the homebase of Adventure Cycling itself. Then, you’ll wind north past the Mission Mountains through the Seeley Swans and along the Whitefish Range to the Canadian border. You’ll have the chance to visit the world’s largest western larch tree, swim in the first of a rolling list of lakes and rivers we’ll pass, cross paths with folks along the northern edge of the Tour Divide Race, and revel in the amenities Whitefish has to offer.

Starting near Lake Koocanusa, you’ll cross into beautiful British Columbia, Canada. You can refresh tired legs at the famed Fairmont Hot Springs before delving into the first of many Canadian Provincial Parks en route to Banff National Park (home to the renowned Banff Mountain Film Festival). For those who are food motivated, this week marks the beginning of your love-affair with Canadian poutine. Keep tabs on who has the best —we want to know!

This week, you’ll depart Banff National Park on the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, Canada. You’ll witness the aftermath of what it’s like to live on the Wildland-Urban Interface as Jasper continues its efforts to rebuild the portion of town that burned in the 2024 “Feux de forêt de Jasper” (Jasper Wildfire). The route will take you through “The Northern Capital” of British Columbia before rounding out the week in sleepy Vanderhoof.

During Week 4, services will grow sparser as the mountains grow larger. Relish passing through the little towns scattered along the route as we continue to head northwards to Smithers, British Columbia, known for its world-class skiing, mountain biking, and fishing.

Time will be marked in lakes rather than towns as you hit the hinterlands in some of British Columbia’s most remote corridors. This week features extended stretches with limited services, meaning careful planning and teamwork are essential. The reward: striking lakes, quiet campgrounds, and being on the literal edge of the map.

This week, you’ll enter the remote-but-beautiful Yukon Territory famed for its open
expanses and gold rushes. The terrain remains rolling and often rugged, with big skies and bigger views. Bring an eye mask — these long the northern days are long — and be ready for changing weather and a deepening sense of remoteness as you move farther from major population centers.

You’ll ride deeper into the Yukon, working your way toward the famed Top of the World region. Expect challenging climbs, exposed ridges, and truly wild landscapes. This is one of the most remote portions of the route, where carrying heavier loads and relying on your group are key parts of the experience. You’ll skirt Tombstone Territorial Park and visit Dawson City, homebase to the Discovery Channel show Gold Rush as well as the Sourtoe Cocktail Club (look it up, you won’t regret it). After traveling through a remote but jaw-dropping territory, even the quirkiness of Dawson City will feel like a luxury.

Did you know that Top of the World in the Yukon Territory houses the northernmost border crossing for both the US and Canada? Or that, way up in this far-flung landscape, there exists a town called Chicken, AK? This week, you’ll find out for yourself! Pull those passports out from the bottoms of your panniers and cross back into the United States to wind into the bustling metropolis (relative to what you’ve seen in recent days) of Fairbanks, AK.

From Fairbanks, you’ll begin this final week of the tour by pedaling south, with stops near the unforgettable Denali National Park, then onwards to Anchorage, AK. Perhaps you’ll dip your tires in the waters of the Cook Inlet to mark your arrival. Perhaps you’ll head straight to Moose’s Tooth Pizza and a shower. However you and your newfound family choose to celebrate this monumental achievement, you won’t regret it.