Alberta is lucky to host some incredibly scenic landscapes– and the roads that roll through them are amongst the most beautiful motorcycle routes in the world. But motorcyclists also need to be aware of the risks that come with riding in Canada’s varied terrain. Sharp turns, unpredictable weather, tourist traffic, wildlife, varying lighting conditions and other risks exist on every stretch of road. Learning about them can help you navigate Alberta’s beautiful but dangerous motorcycle routes safely, so you can live to ride another day.
Why Certain Routes are Dangerous for Motorcyclists
There are a range of risk factors in Alberta that make certain routes dangerous for motorcyclists. Some of the key risk factors include:
- Winding roads
- Wildlife
- Limited visibility
- Unpredictable weather
- Heavy traffic, particularly from tourists who are less skilled at driving in Canada’s conditions.
Speeding is also a risk factor on Alberta’s most dangerous motorcycle routes. In 2024, Edmonton Police published a press release asking motorcyclists “to enjoy the experience … [but] also have a healthy respect for their own mortality and please slow down”. This release came after an extremely deadly summer for motorcyclists in Edmonton city limits where five motorcyclists lost their life in June 2024. This has led to the region being one of the most dangerous areas of travel for motorcyclists in recent times.
Seasonal Conditions that Make Certain Routes Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Alberta’s weather varies dramatically with the season. In winter, motorcyclists should be prepared for heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. While in summer, wildfires and smoke can impact visibility and traffic conditions.
Wildlife collisions are also more likely to occur during certain seasons. For example, data shows that 35% of wildlife collisions in Alberta occur between 7-11pm.
It’s also important to bear in mind that the most dangerous road for motorcyclists does vary between seasons. For example,
- Highways 93 and 40 are riskier in early spring and late fall due to snow and ice.
- Increased traffic on Highway 2 in summer raises collision risks.
What is the deadliest road in Alberta?
Alberta’s Highway 63 from Edmonton to Fort McMurray has earned the moniker the “Highway of Death”, due to a high number of accidents and fatalities, especially between 2005 and 2016. Significant works were completed, but parts of the highway are still not ‘twinned’ (ie. two identical parallel highways exist side by side). The highway conditions as well as dangerous driving are cited as the leading causes of accidents on this road.
The Safer Roads Alberta Coalition notes that Highway 63 and Highway 881 are the most dangerous roads in Alberta, and it advocates for safer driving conditions on each road.
The Top 5 Most Dangerous Motorcycle Routes in Alberta
These are the top 5 most dangerous motorcycle routes in Alberta (spoiler: many of these are also the most beautiful motorcycle routes):
The Icefields Parkway – Highway 93
The Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking stretch of highway that runs for 230 kilometers between Jasper and Banff. It snakes by deep-blue glaciers, glittering lakes, and plenty of viewpoints. The challenging road also passes through multiple mountain passes and, closer to Banff, it runs by the turnoff to the world-famous Lake Louise.
Why The Icefields Parkway is Dangerous
The Icefields Parkway attracts more than 1.2 million visitors each year. Many of these drivers are unfamiliar with the driving conditions in Canada and mountainous driving, so accidents can (and do) happen.
Several other factors increase the risk, including limited cell phone coverage, sudden weather shifts, heavy snow, tight corners, and narrow shoulders. Wildlife crossings are also a risk along the Icefields Parkway.
Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail)
Highway 40 is extremely remote, so remote that the highway is closed for more than half of the year (December 1-June 14) to allow for wildlife migration. So it is unsurprising that it is a favourite amongst motorcyclists looking for a scenic and fun day on the road.
The highway runs from Longview to Highway 1 near Canmore, and includes the Highwood Pass, which is Canada’s highest paved road.
Why Highway 40 is Dangerous
Highway 40 has tight corners, steep grades, and icy conditions that linger well into summer. As we mentioned, it is remote with limited cell service, abundant wildlife, and few fuel stops. Couple those factors with changing weather conditions in the mountains, and you can see why motorcyclists need to be well-prepared for this drive.
Notable Risks:
- Black ice frequently forms in the Highwood Pass area during early summer mornings.
- A 2021 motorcyclist fatality near Peter Lougheed Provincial Park highlighted the dangers of sudden weather changes.
The Cowboy Trail – Highway 22
Highway 22, officially known as The Cowboy Trail, is a scenic stretch of road that starts just above the US border in Cardston and continues beyond Edmonton to the North. It travels along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering fantastic views of the mountains and surrounding grasslands and ranches.
Why The Cowboy Trail is Dangerous for Motorcyclists
The Cowboy Trail is extremely windy and is prone to landslides, as we saw in summer 2024 when a significant stretch of the highway failed outside Teton Pass. It’s also prone to deadly accidents, with three fatal incidents (including at least one involving a motorcyclist) reported in a short stretch of time in the summer of 2024.
Queen Elizabeth II Highway – Highway 2
The Queen Elizabeth II Highway initially connects the US border to Calgary, passes through Edmonton, and ends in Grand Prairie. It’s Alberta’s most-travelled highway because it’s a major corridor for passenger and commercial vehicle traffic.
Why Highway 2 is Dangerous
The dangers on QEII mostly stem from the extremely high levels of traffic, including heavy trucks. Driving conditions are fast paced, and heavy truck accidents are not uncommon. In fact, there was a collision between a heavy truck and a group of motorcyclists that caused fatalities and multiple injuries in 2024.
Crowsnest Highway – Highway 3 from BC To Medicine Hat
Crowsnest Highway is more than 1,100km in length, stretching from Hope British Columbia to Medicine Hat, Alberta. It runs through the southern portions of both provinces, and includes mountain passes – particularly in the BC portion of the road. It is named after Crowsnest Pass, which is where the highway crosses the Continental Divide from BC to Alberta.
Dangers For Motorcyclists on Highway 3
One of the major risks for motorcyclists on Highway 3 is slippery conditions on the road in unpredictable weather. The highway also has a high rate of head-on collisions.
Safety Tips for Navigating Dangerous Routes
While some accidents can’t be avoided, motorcyclists can follow these safety precautions to ride more safely along Alberta’s most dangerous routes:
- Stay on top of regular motorcycle maintenance, including ensuring your tires, brakes, and lights are all working properly.
- Choose your routes based on your skill level and equipment. (For example, don’t travel through remote areas alone without a satellite communication device.)
- Carry a fully-charged cell phone, repair tools, water and food, weather-appropriate clothing, and a first-aid kit.
- Monitor weather conditions before you leave and keep an eye on updated reports as you travel.
Alberta’s government also recommends that motorcyclists wear bright and/or reflective clothing and gear, a compliant helmet, shatterproof eye protection, and protective gloves, jackets, pants, and boots.
What to do if you’re involved in a Motorcycle Accident
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, the first and most important step you need to take is to get yourself to safety. If possible, you should move out of traffic.
Next, it’s important to seek medical advice, even for injuries that seem minor. It’s not uncommon for minor injuries to worsen, so the sooner you see a medical professional after your motorcycle accident, the better. This also means that your injuries will be documented, which can help you with any claim you have for your injuries.
It’s possible that another party will call the police but if they haven’t and it’s safe for you to do so, you should call the police to report the accident. If you’re not sure if it has been reported, it’s important that you do so.
If you’re able to, you should get the contact information of everyone involves or who witnessed the accident. You should ask any drivers involved for their insurance details too.
Finally, before you speak with your insurer or the insurer of the other driver, it’s a good idea to contact a motorcycle lawyer.
Review our Getting Started Guide for more information about what to expect.
Ride Safely and Stay Alert on Alberta’s Most Dangerous Routes
Riding safely in Alberta means paying attention to weather, traffic and driving conditions, and managing the risks of being involved in a collision with a car or heavy truck. As a motorcyclist, you should also be equipped with the right gear and knowledge to manage the challenges that come with riding in areas with patchy cell signal and varying temperatures, including knowing what to do if you’re in a motorcycle accident.
With the right protective gear and proactive preparation, Alberta is an incredibly beautiful place to ride.
Whether it’s you or a loved one injured in a motorcycle accident in Alberta, call us anytime for a free consultation and 24/7 legal support.
