Blaeberry River FSR to Howse Pass (British Columbia)

David Thompson used Howse Pass to cross the Continental Divide in 1807, and the Blaeberry River FSR tracks almost the same line he walked. Starting east of Golden off Highway 1, the road climbs north along the Blaeberry River through increasingly rough terrain — cottonwood flats give way to rocky river benches, then the valley walls close in. The road deteriorates hard past the 30-kilometre mark, with loose shale sections, tight switchbacks above the river, and at least three significant creek crossings that run high through early July. The pass itself sits on the boundary of Banff National Park, meaning vehicle access ends at the BC boundary — but that’s 60-plus kilometres of proper backcountry road before you even get there.

This route demands a capable high-clearance 4WD with a locker, recovery gear, and a spare. The FSR sees some logging traffic in the lower sections but goes dead quiet past the 20-kilometre mark — you’re genuinely on your own out here. No permit required for the FSR portion. Best season is mid-July through September. Golden is your fuel and resupply point before you go in. The Columbia River views coming back down at dusk, with the Purcells lit up across the valley, make this one of the most underrated drives in the Rockies.