Originally Posted by
wrldtraveller
adventurpix, true. That route has the most spectacular view in all of Canada. I drove that route on the way to visit my family in Edmonton. I think everyone should at least once either drive or bike that route. It also has the most (if biking) steep switchback road so it can be hard slog but worth the view.
It's actually adventurep
dx.
I didn't find the Icefields Pkwy particularly tough, though there are a few sections around Sunwapta Pass that are pretty steep.
But I think the thing I want to convey is that the best reason to tour the western half of Canada and the US is the landscape and wildness. We're not going to have the architecture or population of Europe, so one shouldn't get too hung up on that. But the scenery? Yeah! That's the reason why people from all over come and tour out here, including loads of Europeans.
I think you should still try your trip out to the coast. I think you'll like it!