Canadian Rockies Biking
Venture with Backroads to the Canadian Rockies, where soaring peaks are juxtaposed by stunning ice-cut valleys, and prepare to discover some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery. Embark on an awe-inspiring journey along the sensational Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper National Park on what National Geographic Traveler refers to as "a highway strung from the stars." Follow our legendary route past dramatic glaciers, thundering waterfalls and turquoise lakes. Each day anticipate sightings of Rockies wildlife - mountain goats, bears and elk, to name a few - as you journey from one welcoming mountain lodge to the next.
Day 1 banff
Meet in Banff 
Pedal to Lake Minnewanka, rimmed by stunning snowcapped peaks, and enjoy a bountiful picnic lunch.
Day 2 lake louise
Ride through the Bow River Valley over rolling hills, past soaring peaks and along the striking blue-green Bow River Stretch your legs on a hike to the dramatic Johnston Canyon waterfall 
Enjoy the elegance of the famous Post Hotel & Spa, located on the shores of stunning Lake Louise.
Day 3 bow lake
Shadowing the Continental Divide, bike on the Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world Along the way, watch for black bears, elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep Tumbling glaciers from soaring peaks flank a long gradual ascent to jewel-blue Bow Lake.
Day 4 Athabasca Glacier
On your way to Sunwapta Pass, revel in the scenery of vast ice fields and glaciated mountain peaks Learn about the massive Columbia Icefield, one of North America’s primary fresh water sources, and the Athabasca Glacier on a close-up tour.
Days 5-6 jasper
Pedal alongside the Athabasca River in the Sunwapta Valley Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on a relaxing optional float trip down the river or pedal to beautiful Maligne Canyon Shuttle back to Banff.
ALPINE LODGES: Premiere Inns
Buffalo Mountain Lodge (1 night): Cozy touches such as down comforters and in-room fireplaces make this lodge deserving of its high praise. The restaurant features inventive cuisine and a wine list lauded by Wine Spectator.
Post Hotel & Spa (1 night): A prestigious Relais & Châteaux member, this European-style chalet is the epitome of rustic elegance. Its award-winning restaurant houses an impressive wine cellar and was honored with a Grand Award from Wine Spectator. The wonderful menu of services at its Temple Mountain Spa completes the package.
Num-ti-Jah Lodge (1 night): Brimming with character, this rustic and simple mountain retreat offers an atmosphere of secluded tranquility on the banks of beautiful Bow Lake.
Glacier View Inn (1 night): A modest lodge selected for its phenomenal location overlooking the famed Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (1 night): This Condé Nast Traveler Gold List hotel on the shores of Lake Beauvert offers abundant amenities, from a spa to tennis, golf and boating.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 20, 26 miles
- 500 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 38, 42 miles
- 500 - 2500 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 - 2000 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
- 900 - 2500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3.4 miles
- 800 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 56, 67, 70 miles
- 200 - 400 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 11 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/11-16Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/25-30Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/1-6Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/15-20Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/22-27Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/5-10Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
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
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
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