Canadian Rockies Biking
Beneath the Peaks in Banff & Jasper National Parks
Just sky, water, rock and wheels. It seems too simple to be this incredible. Glaciated Rockies soaring thousands of feet above the trees. Air that feels like the purest you ever breathed. A quiet parkway you'll ride the entire day. Lake Louise, jewel-blue and simply stunning. Bighorn sheep staring as you pass as if they've never seen the likes of you before. The Post Hotel & Spa offers you pure luxury in such a rugged land. Your ride is simplicity, rawness, and beauty in its purest form.
- A vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, ancient glaciers, pristine mountain lakes and broad valleys
- Spectacular Lake Louise
- Ride the Icefields Parkway, a journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies
- Incredibly crisp, clean mountain air
- The Post Hotel, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 A vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, ancient ice fields, pristine mountain lakes and broad valleys 
Pedal from the picturesque resort town of Banff to Lake Minnewanka and picnic amid snowcapped spires.
Day 2 Spectacular Lake Louise to the elegant Post Hotel, where old-world charm meets modern sophistication Bike the Bow River Valley's rolling hills alongside towering summits and a striking blue-green river Water pounds and spray flies at the dramatic Johnston Canyon waterfall.
Day 3 Ride the Icefields Parkway, a journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies along the Continental Divide - it's been called one of the world's most beautiful roads! Watch for black bears, elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep Tumbling glaciers flank the gradual ascent to unbelievably blue Bow Lake.
Days 4-6 Gloriously crisp, clean mountain air Crest Sunwapta Pass en route to Athabasca Glacier At the Columbia Icefield Centre, get the lowdown on the massive frozen expanse, one of North America's primary fresh water sources Explore Sunwapta Valley's riverside byways Bike to remarkable Maligne Canyon and come face-to-face with the sculpting power of water, or opt for a river float trip.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
New Mexico Biking Glacier Biking Ireland BikingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was my 8th active vacation and it was the best of them all! Great cycling and scenery. And outstanding trip leaders were both very professional, service oriented, and generated lots of fun.- Tacoma, WA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Canadian Rockies Biking
Premiere Inns*
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Banff (1 night) A timbered lodge on the gentle slopes of Tunnel Mountain with fieldstone fireplaces in each cozy guest room. (pool)
Post Hotel & Spa
Lake Louise (1 night) This European-style chalet, set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers, is the epitome of rustic elegance. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Num-ti-Jah Lodge
Bow Lake (1 night) This rustic and simple mountain retreat offers an atmosphere of secluded tranquility on the shores of Bow Lake.
* Casual Inn
Glacier View Inn
Athabasca Glacier (1 night) A modest lodge selected for its phenomenal location overlooking the famed Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.
* Casual Inn
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper (1 night) Upon opening in 1915, it offered ten luxury tents on emerald-green Lac Beauvert; it has since hosted royalty and Hollywood stars in the elegant cedar chalets and log cabins. (pool, spa, golf)
Canadian Rockies Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- Biking 20, 26 miles
- 540 - 1210 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 38, 42 miles
- 1890 - 2540 feet elevation gain
- Hike 2.2 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 35, 43, 51 miles
- 700 - 1970 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 5.7 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 46, 57 miles
- 880 - 2480 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3.4 miles
- 820 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 56, 67, 70 miles
- 170 - 410 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 11 miles
- 320 feet elevation gain