The temperatures outside are dropping and nature is going through its seasonal transition. Bundles of snow are building up on the forest floor, the wind is getting colder, and the days are getting shorter. Luckily, that also means that the snow is no longer rolling down from the sky just to be picked up and piled onto things. Now it’s got a use.
Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast who wants to get to a track as soon as possible or a local who wants to get out and enjoy the white landscape or both, here’s a guide on how to get to Canyon Speedway in winter tundra and what you need to know before heading out there.
The Basics
Before you begin your planning process, it’s important to establish the basics – what is Canyon Speedway and why are you going there?
The track is a multi-faceted motorsport complex complete with a drag strip, a clay oval, and a couple of mountains that you can climb inside the mountain course. If that’s not enough, it also has an outdoor ice arena where you can watch the pros race in the wintertime. The combination of the three makes this a true motorsport paradise in the winter.
The track sits inside a private community with limited access via gatehouse entry; all visitors must register in advance and show their government-issued ID at the gate. This is to ensure that everyone who enters the community has something to live for and isn’t just a walk-in trespasser. The track’s primary promoter is an enthusiastic group of motorsport enthusiasts who love their products and their community and want everyone to have an opportunity to enjoy what the season has to offer. In return for letting everybody in, the community helps promote the track and keeps an eye out for trespassers – everybody wins!
One of the best things about this community is how well it embraces all aspects of motorsport. The drag strip is the perfect place to learn how to drive on the edge, the oval is where you can get back to your basics, and the mountains are where you can challenge yourself to go faster than you thought possible. You’ll definitely want to check out all three facets of the track before you make your decision.
The Dirt
Once you have established the basics, it’s time to move on to the fun part – figuring out how to get there!
While a car is certainly the most efficient and comfortable way to travel in the winter, it’s not the only way. The terrain around the track is pretty unforgiving, especially in the wintertime. The best route is pretty well established and won’t change much, despite the snow and ice. You’ll want to avoid the city, as the traffic can be pretty heavy and there aren’t any good by-passes. The best option is to stay on the Trans-Canada Highway (highway #1) and follow the signs to Jasper.
When you arrive, take a look at the weather – if it’s been a cold front and the temperature is below freezing, the snow and ice will be on the ground for a while. You don’t need to worry about flooding or drought here as the climate is mostly consistent year round.
The highway here is also pretty well built and in great condition, so you can rest assured that you’ll make it there without too much trouble. Finally, make sure to reach the community office in the Jasper airport before heading out to the track. They’ll be able to give you all the information you need and point you in the right direction.
The People
Nowadays, when you mention a motorsport event or a motorsport park, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the drivers. After all, without the right person behind the wheel, it’s hard to have a race.
Thankfully, the good folk at Canyon Speedway don’t just rely on one or two drivers to bring in the crowds. They’ve got an excellent stable of professional racers who are more than willing to take on the challenge of getting to the finish line first. As well, they’ve got an entire stable of support staff who are more than capable of looking after the drivers’ needs during a long race weekend. This makes for a pretty well-oiled machine at Canyon Speedway, and it shows in the quality of the events here. Teams use this to their advantage by bringing in multiple experienced drivers who can share their knowledge and experience with the less experienced participants. The team that finishes the race in first place is typically the one that benefits the most from this, and it shows in their consistent top-three placings in the semi-classic Carrera Cup. In addition to the professional drivers and teams, Canyon Speedway also features a large contingent of volunteer marshals who help maintain order at the track as well as a large group of patron spectators who come out to support the racers.
You won’t get bored at Canyon Speedway. There’s always something going on, whether it’s a driver’s practice session or a race, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or an enthusiast – there’s always something to do. If you’re looking for a spot that’s close to home but still offers a taste of the excitement of the great outdoors, Canyon Speedway is a must for your itinerary.