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Canadian Rockies Biking

Canadian Rockies Biking

Are you up for a remarkable vacation that takes you along soaring mountain passes in the shadow of the Continental Divide? Then join Backroads to bike the spectacular Icefields Parkway, past dramatic glaciers, thundering waterfalls and blue-green lakes from Banff to Jasper National Park. Each day keep your eyes peeled for Rockies wildlife - moose, bear and elk - as we journey from one welcoming mountain lodge to the next.

Day 1 banff

Meet in Banff Follow the Bow River's blue-green waters up to Lake Louise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set against a dramatic backdrop of glacier-cloaked mountains Stretch your legs on a hike to the stunning waterfall in Johnston Canyon   Enjoy a bountiful picnic lunch in a setting of breathtaking peaks.

Days 2-3 lake louise

Climb to Moraine Lake, whose glacial blue water is dramatically framed by the Ten Peaks   Shadow the Continental Divide as you ride on the Icefields Parkway, bordering a treeless alpine tundra Along the way, watch for black bears, elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep  Soaring mountains and tumbling glaciers flank a long gradual uphill to jewel-colored Bow Lake Descend past Snowbird Glacier to the Mistaya and North Saskatchewan Rivers.

Days 4-5 saskatchewan river & sunwapta valley

Climb Sunwapta Pass, savor the raw beauty of the Columbia Icefield and revel in the scenery of glaciated mountains and valleys  Learn about the massive Athabasca Glacier, the largest in the Rockies, at the park's information center Descend to the beautiful Sunwapta Valley and ride along the Athabasca River as it flows toward the Arctic Ocean.

Day 6 jasper

Check out the area's wildlife on a relaxing optional float trip down the Athabasca River or pedal to impressive Maligne Canyon Shuttle back to Banff.

big map Canadian Rockies Biking

ROCKIES RETREATS : Casual Inns

Deer Lodge (2 nights):

A quiet retreat tucked among the towering peaks surrounding Lake Louise featuring a rooftop hot tub from which to enjoy the views. Guest rooms are furnished with antiques and comfy down comforters.

The Crossing Resort (1 night): This basic but comfortable hotel sits along the famous Icefields Parkway.

Sunwapta Falls Resort (1 night): A modest resort set amid the spectacular surroundings of Jasper National Park.

Tekarra Lodge (1 night):

Sitting on a pine-topped ridge overlooking the confluence of the Athabasca and Miette Rivers, this rustic lodge offers cozy cabins with hardwood floors, fireplaces and balconies. 

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Canadian Rockies Biking
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
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

If dramatic scenery and challenging rides are what you're after, come to the Canadian Rockies—a spectacular setting to admire from the seat of bicycle. The landscape is the star here, with cozy inns and casual restaurants as supporting players. Scout locations such as Lake Louise, Bow Lake and the Columbia Icefield. And enjoy cameo appearances by elk and maybe a bighorn sheep or two. You're certain to give our newest Casual Inn trip a standing ovation.
Alison Iles - Regional Manager, Canada