---
title: "Canadian Rockies EV Trip Pack — EV Backroads"
description: "Use eight routes across the Canadian Rockies. Start on established valley roads. Add longer lake roads and remote northern routes in separate stages."
canonical_url: "https://www.evbackroads.com/adventures/canadian-rockies-valleys-lakes"
last_updated: "2026-08-09"
---

![Spray Lakes Trail in Alberta](/media/adventures/regions/heroes/spray-lakes-trail.webp)

![Canadian Rockies route collection](/media/map/adventure-regions/canadian-rockies.svg)

ADVENTURE ROUTE COLLECTION · ALBERTA + BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

# Canadian Rockies: Valley Roads to Remote Lakes

Use eight routes across the Canadian Rockies. Start on established valley roads. Add longer lake roads and remote northern routes in separate stages.

QUICK READ

Route stages

8

Plan length

8–12 days

High point

6,633 ft

Typical season

Check each route

Base area

50.9272, -115.3190

Save trip pack offline Print trip plan Mark plan ready CAN ROCKIES COLLECTION 8 stages, in order
- [01 Spray Lakes Trail easy](#stage-1)
- [02 Settlers Road easy](#stage-2)
- [03 Kootenay River Road easy](#stage-3)
- [04 Westside Road moderate](#stage-4)
- [05 Wilson Lake moderate](#stage-5)
- [06 Sol Mountain Road moderate](#stage-6)
- [07 Bush River Road - Lake Kimbasket moderate](#stage-7)
- [08 Emerson Creek Road difficult](#stage-8)

WHY IT FITS

## Why this progression can fit your trip.

The collection turns a regional road trip into measured trail days. Early stages stay closer to towns. Later stages require more time, charging work, and self-sufficiency.

WHAT CAN CHANGE THE ANSWER

The routes cover a large region. Snow, wildfire, industrial traffic, washouts, wildlife closures, and gates can remove any stage.

ROUTE PROGRESSION

## Add one skill at a time.

Drive only the stages that fit your vehicle, experience, weather, and current access. A later stage is not a required finish.

01 easy

### Spray Lakes Trail

Route distance

36.7 mi

Allow

Half day

Start near Canmore on a long established gravel road. Use it to check mountain weather, tire pressure, and energy use.

SKILL ADDED

Build a mountain-road baseline near services.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=50.92715&lng=-115.31901&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/CAN/alberta/scout-routes/2850-spray-lakes-trail)

![Topographic route map for Spray Lakes Trail](/media/adventures/regions/maps/spray-lakes-trail.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Spray Lakes Trail, from start to finish

Climb

+1,681 ft

Descent

−1,068 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

02 easy

### Settlers Road

Route distance

29.9 mi

Allow

Half day

Add a valley road near Radium Hot Springs. Confirm the complete route and current access before travel.

SKILL ADDED

Add a second surface and a route-confirmation task.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=50.56148&lng=-115.76710&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/CAN/british-columbia/scout-routes/2790-settlers-road)

![Topographic route map for Settlers Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/settlers-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Settlers Road, from start to finish

Climb

+559 ft

Descent

−1,353 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

03 easy

### Kootenay River Road

Route distance

22.8 mi

Allow

Half day

Use this river road to add distance and changing sightlines. Inspect wet or damaged sections before you continue.

SKILL ADDED

Add a longer return and route-surface checks.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=50.26533&lng=-115.69298&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/CAN/british-columbia/scout-routes/2791-kootenay-river-road)

![Topographic route map for Kootenay River Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/kootenay-river-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Kootenay River Road, from start to finish

Climb

+978 ft

Descent

−1,365 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

04 moderate

### Westside Road

Route distance

35.9 mi

Allow

Full day

Add a longer mountain-valley route. Keep enough time and battery for a slow return.

SKILL ADDED

Add duration and a firmer energy checkpoint.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=50.73506&lng=-116.31764&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/CAN/british-columbia/scout-routes/2792-westside-road)

![Topographic route map for Westside Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/westside-road-bc.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Westside Road, from start to finish

Climb

+1,417 ft

Descent

−1,466 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

05 moderate

### Wilson Lake

Route distance

35.4 mi

Allow

Full day

Add a remote lake destination. Check water, tires, and communication before you leave the last service point.

SKILL ADDED

Add a destination with fewer quick exits.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=50.22550&lng=-117.54363&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/CAN/british-columbia/scout-routes/2609-wilson-lake)

![Topographic route map for Wilson Lake](/media/adventures/regions/maps/wilson-lake.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Wilson Lake, from start to finish

Climb

+2,593 ft

Descent

−2,272 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

06 moderate

### Sol Mountain Road

Route distance

35 mi

Allow

Full day

Add a higher and longer forest road. Stop when snow, erosion, or a gate changes the route.

SKILL ADDED

Add elevation and seasonal uncertainty.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=50.42613&lng=-117.96987&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/CAN/british-columbia/scout-routes/2717-sol-mountain-road)

![Topographic route map for Sol Mountain Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/sol-mountain-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Sol Mountain Road, from start to finish

Climb

+5,885 ft

Descent

−892 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

07 moderate

### Bush River Road - Lake Kimbasket

Route distance

62 mi

Allow

Full day

Plan this long lake road as a remote day. Use strict battery, tire, weather, and daylight limits.

SKILL ADDED

Combine long distance and limited services.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=51.77533&lng=-117.41112&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/CAN/british-columbia/scout-routes/2789-bush-river-road-lake-kimbasket)

![Topographic route map for Bush River Road - Lake Kimbasket](/media/adventures/regions/maps/bush-river-road-lake-kimbasket.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Bush River Road - Lake Kimbasket, from start to finish

Climb

+2,278 ft

Descent

−1,225 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

08 difficult

### Emerson Creek Road

Route distance

52 mi

Allow

Full day or overnight

Keep the northern route as the final stage. Use it only with current access information and a complete delay and charging plan.

SKILL ADDED

Combine a long route, a long transfer, and high self-sufficiency.

Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel.

[Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=53.72787&lng=-117.12291&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/CAN/alberta/scout-routes/2846-emerson-creek-road)

![Topographic route map for Emerson Creek Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/emerson-creek-road.webp)

TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS

TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

### Emerson Creek Road, from start to finish

Climb

+1,595 ft

Descent

−1,772 ft

Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal.

ROUTE READINESS

## Do seven checks before you leave pavement.

01

### surface

Mountain gravel, forest-service road, washouts, and long rough sections

02

### clearance

Extra clearance and durable tires for later stages

03

### remoteness

Transfers and remote roads require separate charging and recovery plans

04

### charging

Verify every highway charging stop before each route day

05

### cell Coverage

Carry all route, charger, and access data offline

06

### weather

Snow, fire, rain, and cold can change the route quickly

07

### turnaround

Skip a stage when access, weather, tires, or energy do not fit the written plan

BEFORE YOU GO

## Make these decisions while you have a signal.

- Check Alberta and British Columbia access notices
- Plan highway transfers separately from trail energy
- Carry offline maps and a communication plan

TURN AROUND WHEN

## Follow the limits that you set.

- A gate or official notice closes the road
- Snow or washout removes a firm route
- The planned return reserve is reached

CARRY

## Prepare for common problems.

- Full tire repair and inflation equipment
- Rated recovery gear for the selected road
- Satellite communication, food, water, and warm shelter

![Topographic route plate for Canadian Rockies: Valley Roads to Remote Lakes](/media/adventures/regions/maps/spray-lakes-trail.webp)

FEATURED ROUTE MAP Use the full trail path for orientation. Confirm current access with the land manager.

OPEN THE LIVE MAP

## Check the drive home.

See the route with open chargers and road-distance charging gaps. Planned stations do not change current coverage.

[Build this trip plan](/plan?pack=canadian-rockies-valleys-lakes)[Open near this trail](/map?lat=50.92715&lng=-115.31901&z=9&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/CAN/alberta/scout-routes/2850-spray-lakes-trail)[Browse all adventure collections and trip packs](/adventures)[Share what changed after your trip](/guides/trail-commons?kind=trail&sourceAdventure=canadian-rockies-valleys-lakes)

## Sitemap

See the full [EV Backroads sitemap](/sitemap.md) for every published page.