Harley-Davidson Homecoming Routes Through Canada

Harley-Davidson has been planning its 120th anniversary party, aka the Homecoming Festival, for months now—and now we’ve got group ride routes released for Canadians looking to ride from either side of the country, heading down to Milwaukee for the fun.

This is something Harley-Davidson does every time they have one of these big rallies at the Milwaukee headquarters, and it gives riders a chance to enjoy visiting the Motor Company’s dealership network along the way. The Ride In routes (as they’re called) are day rides that begin and end at a Harley-Davidson dealership. There’s also a stop through the middle of the ride at a dealer, so you can meet the staff and other MoCo enthusiasts throughout the day. Participating dealers often have food trucks on-site as well, so you can eat with your new friends you’ve made along the way.

Having said that, there’s no fee to enjoy the Ride In route but you are responsible for figuring out your own accommodations, fuel stops and food; Harley-Davidson says “Each Ride In is intended to embrace the freedom of the road.” You can join the Ride In at at any point, or leave it at any point (say, you see a restaurant you want to try, or you need gas, or whatever. Or maybe you live halfway along the route and just want to join it while it’s in your area).

For this year’s Homecoming, there is a Canada East Route and a Canada West Route. Canada East starts at Privateers Harley-Davidson in Halifax, goes through New Brunswick and then Quebec City, up the St. Lawrence, through Ontario and along three of the Great Lakes before it ends in Milwaukee. This route takes eight days, leaving on July 5, and covers 3,010 kilometers.

As for the Canada West Route, it leaves Trev Deeley Motorcycles in Vancouver on July 5, taking eight days to cover 3,900 kilometres to Milwaukee. You’ll see highlights of western Canada, including desert and mountain scenery, before crossing the border into Minnesota and riding across the American Midwest to Milwaukee.

If you’re curious about any of these routes, you’d be best-off asking your local H-D dealer for more details. They may even know of other local riders who want to participate.

Of course, there are routes through the US that take you to the party as well, and perhaps you’d be interested in traveling out of your way to join one of those rides. We’ve included details below on those Ride Ins, if that’s the case.

When you get to the Homecoming (July 13-16), there is a lot going on, including events at local dealers and a party in Milwaukee with Green Day, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and other music (more details on that here).

These are the four routes that take you to Milwaukee through the stages. Some of them (Northeast Route, Northwest Route) might not be far out of your way, and an enjoyable alternative to Canadian roads you’re familiar with.

• Southwest Route: Roll out of Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson in Southern California, try your luck in Sin City, ride through the heat in Scottsdale, Ariz., continue traversing the Southwest and its diverse culture in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, cruise through the Panhandle of Texas, ride the plains of Oklahoma and experience the Ozarks as you journey into Milwaukee. (Departs July 4; 9 days and 2,930 miles)
• Northwest Route: Starting from Paradise Harley-Davidson in the picturesque Pacific Northwest, ride past the active volcano of Mt. Hood, cruise the high desert to Boise, Idaho, visit the Great Salt Lake, climb the Rocky Mountains and cut through the Great Plains to cross the mighty Mississippi River before descending on Milwaukee. (Departs July 4; 9 days and 2,460 miles)
• Northeast Route: Departing Seacoast Harley-Davidson in New Hampshire, experience the beautiful landscape of New England, stop at Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations in York, Pa., to view the facility that produces new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, cross the Allegheny Mountains and ride along the Great Lakes before arriving in Milwaukee. (Departs July 7; 6 days and 1,363 miles)
• Southeast Route: From Alligator Alley Harley-Davidson on the edge of the Florida Everglades, zig zag across the Sunshine State with ocean and gulf views, grab fresh peach or pecan pie in Georgia, experience Appalachia, ride through the amazing twisties and Slay the Dragon in the Great Smoky Mountains, past Kentucky bluegrass and horses on an epic adventure that lands in Milwaukee. (Departs July 6; 7 days and 1,853 miles)