Canadian Rockies Multisport New!
- Epic views of Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain and dramatic sandstone hoodoos
- The European chalet-style Post Hotel, the epitome of rustic elegance
- Mount Victoria, beautifully reflected in the turquoise waters of Lake Louise
- Rafting on the Kicking Horse River: Class II-IV adrenaline!
- The chance to spot deer, moose, elk and black bears
Beneath Peaks & Glaciers in Banff & Yoho National Parks
In the Canadian Rockies, it's good to feel small. You’ll sense it from afar, in the abrupt way the land changes from plains to peaks. But nothing prepares you for the jaw-dropping impact once you’re among those mountains that loom so large. Hiking and biking amid vast U-shaped valleys. Looking in awe at sprawling glaciers. And gazing down on fast-flowing rivers and lakes too intensely turquoise to be real. No matter which way you turn, something steals your breath. You may feel dwarfed by all this grandeur, but far from insignificant because you’re in it and part of it. Small is beautiful in the Rockies.
Day 1 Sensational views of Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain and dramatically eroded sandstone hoodoos are yours to admire as you bike to Lake Minnewanka 
Not ready to stop? Pedal to a breathtaking lookout on Mount Norquay or shop in the picturesque resort town of Banff.
Day 2 The European chalet-style Post Hotel, the epitome of rustic elegance There’s nothing like a morning spin amid towering peaks, virgin forests and the blue-green Bow River Hike through Johnson Canyon to a series of stunning waterfalls.
Day 3 Mount Victoria, beautifully reflected in the turquoise waters of Lake Louise Embark on a classic Rockies trek to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse If you can pull your eyes away from the stunning vista of glaciers and vertical peaks, you may spot mountain goats or marmots in the nearby boulder fields 
Join local bear expert and researcher Colleen Campbell for "Bear Biology 101."
Days 4-6 Raft on the Kicking Horse River: Class II-IV adrenaline! Ride to beautiful Moraine Lake, where a footpath leads you to a spectacular view of the glaciated Wenkchemna Peaks If you're still itching for more, bike Great Divide Road with hardly a car in sight From the base of Takakkaw Falls, one of Canda's highest cascades, hike to Yoho Lake, nestled deep in Yoho Pass Before our farewell picnic, amble along aptly named Emerald Lake past Englemann spruce and Western red cedar.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
I'm very excited about this newest addition to our Canadian Rockies lineup, highlighting some of the most incredible scenic wonders of Banff and Yoho National Parks. It offers an unbeatable blend of activities - biking, hiking and river rafting - that let you experience the region's splendor from all perspectives.- Regional Manager, Canada
Premiere Inns
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
Banff (1 night) A grand contemporary lodge on Sulphur Mountain with awe-inspiring views of Bow Valley and the surrounding Rockies. (pool, spa)
Post Hotel & Spa
Lake Louise (2 nights) This European-style chalet set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers is the epitome of rustic elegance, earning it a Travel + Leisure World's Best Award. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Yoho National Park (1 night) The "romantic accommodations are in charmingly rustic and comfortable log cabins tucked among trees along the glacier-fed Kicking Horse River," reports Andrew Harper.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake (1 night) A secluded turn-of-the-century lodge, built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, on the shore of a spectacular tree-rimmed glacial lake.
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 20, 36 miles
- 550 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 40 miles
- 480 - 1300 feet
- Walking & Hiking 1.4 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Walking & Hiking 6, 8 miles
- 1200 - 1900 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 15, 23 miles
- 250 - 1400 feet elevation gain
- River Rafting 3 hours
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 8.2, 8.6 miles
- 970 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking & Hiking 3 miles
- no elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Canadian Rockies tour experts. See our award-winning Canada multisport tours, Canada biking tours and Canada walking and hiking tours.
