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've ever breathed. A mountain-lined 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 offering you flawless luxury in such a rugged land. Your ride is simplicity, rawness and beauty in its truest form.
Day 1 A vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, massive ice fields, pristine mountain lakes and broad valleys
In Banff National Park, pedal from the picturesque resort town of Banff to Lake Minnewanka and picnic amid snowcapped spires.
Day 2 The elegant Post Hotel, where old-world charm meets modern sophistication
Bike Bow Valley's rolling hills alongside blooming meadows, imposing summits and a striking blue-green river Water pounds and spray flies at the dramatic Johnston Canyon waterfall Climb to Moraine Lake and take in the breathtaking view of the towering ten peaks reflected in its distinctly colored waters.
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! Can beauty stop time? You might think so as you gaze at spectacular Lake Louise 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 enormous frozen expanse, one of North America's primary fresh water sources Explore Sunwapta Valley's riverside byways Pedal past the powerful Athabasca Falls 
Bike to remarkable Maligne Canyon and come face-to-face with the sculpting power of water, or opt for a river float trip.
Trip Highlights
- A vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, massive 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
Premiere & Casual Inns
Buffalo Mountain Lodge (1 night): A timbered lodge on the gentle slopes of Tunnel Mountain with fieldstone fireplaces in each cozy guest room.
Post Hotel & Spa (1 night): This European-style chalet set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers is the epitome of rustic elegance. A Relais & Châteaux member. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List; Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge (1 night): This rustic and simple mountain retreat offers an atmosphere of secluded tranquility on the banks of Bow Lake.
The Glacier View Inn (1 night): A modest lodge with simple rooms selected for its phenomenal alpine wilderness location overlooking the famed Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (1 night): Since opening in 1915 with ten luxury tents on emerald-green Lac Beauvert, it has hosted royalty and Hollywood stars in the elegant cedar chalets and log cabins. (pool, spa, golf)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 29 | 600 | 36 | 1200 | ||||||
| 2 | 38 | 1900 | 55 | 2600 | ||||||
| Walking (1.4 miles) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 35* | 1500 | ||||||||
| 38 | 2200 | |||||||||
| Hiking (4 miles) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 46* | 900 | 57 | 2800 | ||||||
| Hiking (3.4 miles) | ||||||||||
| 5 | 56* | 800 | ||||||||
| 67 | 1200 | |||||||||
| 68 | 1200 | |||||||||
| 6 | 11 | 300 | ||||||||
| Hiking (1.6 miles) | ||||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/21-26 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/4-9 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/11-16 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/18-23 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/25-30 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/1-6 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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
An absolutely fabulous trip from beginning to end. The biking was very challenging but achievable even by someone like me in less than top biking shape. Of all my previous Backroads trips, I left this one with the biggest feeling of personal accomplishment. Can't wait for my next Backroads trip. My only problem is choosing which one!- New York, NY
Without a doubt, this trip was one of the finest of my life: breathtaking scenery, talented guides, fine food and people. Backroads challenges and pampers in a well balanced, well-paced trip. The routes selected were sublime. I found myself laughing joyously as I rode because I was continually and progressively awestruck. THANK YOU!!- Brighton, MA
Everything about this trip was fabulous. I felt well taken care of and supported along the way. The food was exceptional . . . don't usually pack smoked salmon on MY picnics (smile).- Saint Paul, MN
Thank you, Backroads, for sharing this beautiful part of the world with us in such a rewarding and special way. Cycling through the Canadian Rockies was an incredible experience that will leave its imprint on my life!- Saint Louis, MO
Trip of a lifetime. The scenery was awe-inspiring to say the least.- Crownsville, MD
Incredible! Every detail was considered. My husband and I typically enjoy planning our own trips of this nature and yet it was clear that Backroads pays attention to detail, needs of their customers to insure a quality experience for us and professionalism by your guides. Thank you . . . everything was attended to by your quality and preparation of your guides and your service.- Phoenix, AZ