Canadian Rockies Biking
Venture with Backroads to the Canadian Rockies, where soaring peaks dive to meet 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 keep your eyes peeled for 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 waterfall in Johnston Canyon 
Enjoy the exquisite elegance of the famous Fairmont Château Lake Louise, 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 Columbia Icefield
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 Check out the area's wildlife on a relaxing optional float trip down the river or pedal to 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.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (1 night):
Appearing on Travel+Leisure's World's Best List, this elegant hotel sits in a breathtaking setting on the shores of Lake Louise and offers luxurious rooms, the Escape Spa and Salon, and fine dining.
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.
Columbia Icefield Chalet (1 night): We selected this modest lodge 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 19, 25 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2.2 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Biking 37, 40 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 43, 51 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.1 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Biking 44, 55 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 56, 67, 70 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 11 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Optional rafting
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| 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 |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/27-8/1Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel variation: On Day 2 we stay at the Post Hotel & Spa, a prestigious Relais & Chateaux member, in Lake Louise. Activity variation: On Day 2 we don't do the 2.2-mile hike into Johnston Canyon. - 8/3-8Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel variation: On Day 2 we stay at the Post Hotel & Spa, a prestigious Relais & Chateaux member, in Lake Louise. Activity variation: On Day 2 we don't do the 2.2-mile hike into Johnston Canyon. - 8/24-29Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/28-7/3Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $890 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/12-17Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $890 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/26-31Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $890 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/2-7Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $890 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/16-21Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $890 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/23-28Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $890 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/30-9/4Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $890 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
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