Canadian Rockies Multisport
Biking, Walking & Rafting in Banff & Jasper National Parks
Breathtaking. It’s an interesting word, really. Looking up at the ice-draped Rockies is "breath taking." But putting on the crampons, stepping out on the glacier, feeling it crunch under your feet. Being humbled by the enormity is a different kind of breath taking. It’s the difference between "taking it in" and "diving in." Rafting on a glacier-fed river. Rock climbing. Spa treatments. Crystalline lakes. Moose. Bighorn sheep. The more you get into the Canadian Rockies, the more you’ll get out of it. Some vacations are about catching your breath. This one’s about losing it.
- Natural and historic treasures discovered by foot, bike and boat
- Walk on massive Athabasca Glacier with informative mountain guides
- Bike to impossibly blue Lake Louise and Maligne Lake
- Float Class II rapids of the Athabasca River
- Spot signs of marmots, deer, beaver and coyote
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Abundant wildlife, from bears and beavers to marmots and mule deer 
Amble through pristine mountain wilderness in the Valley of Five Lakes, winding past its blue-green namesakes.
Day 2 Float Class II rapids of the Athabasca River After biking to magnificent Maligne Lake, check out the spectacular limestone Maligne Canyon, up to 250 feet deep yet at points only 3 feet wide.
Day 3 Explore Athabasca Glacier with expert mountain guides at your side and crampons on your feet What did you say? It’s tough to hear over the roar of Athabasca Falls, one of the Rockies' most impressive cascades, which we reach by pedaling peaceful roads Look for elk, bighorn sheep, black bears and other local residents.
Day 4 Bike over the Continental Divide to impossibly blue Lake Louise, a world-renowned turquoise beauty and World Heritage site ringed by towering glaciated peaks The stunning vista overlooking Bow Falls makes waking up earlier worthwhile.
Days 5-6 Natural and historic treasures discovered by land and water Following the path of the Victoria Glacier, ascend a rocky landscape to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Opt for spa time before a meal in the Post Hotel's acclaimed dining room Virgin forest and wildflowers line your biking route to the beautiful resort town of Banff.
- 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:
Family Premiere Inns Family Casual Inns Family Deluxe Camping
Alaska Multisport San Juan Islands Multisport Yellowstone MultisportOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
We had an incredible experience! It was our first vacation of this kind and we were elated with the new friends we met and overall experience. Our guides far exceeded our expectations; it wouldn't have been the same without them. This trip enriched us spiritually - it was more than a sports activity.- Steamboat Springs, CO 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 multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
Canadian Rockies Multisport
Premiere Inns*
Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper (2 nights) 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)
Num-ti-Jah Lodge
Bow Lake (1 night) A simple mountain retreat offering an atmosphere of secluded tranquility on the banks of Bow Lake.
* Casual Inn
Post Hotel & Spa
Lake Louise (2 nights) This European-style chalet, set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers, is the epitome of rustic elegance. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Canadian Rockies Multisport
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
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 4.3 miles
- 250 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 23, 29 miles
- 2000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 1.6 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
- River Rafting 2 hours
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 21, 24 miles
- 2000 - 2400 feet elevation gain
- Glacier Walk 2 hours
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Optional Hiking 4 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 25, 37 miles
- 600 - 1100 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 6.2, 8 miles
- 1200 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 22 miles
- 1000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Walking 1.4 miles
- 150 feet elevation gain