Region Overviews: Canada Travel Guide: Overview
Sprawling, massive Canada contains everything from six time zones to a series of ecosystems so diverse you could conceivably encounter polar bears and grizzly bears on the same trip.
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Biking
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Canadian Rockies Bike Tour
Majesty in Lake Louise & Banff National Park
The pristine air in the Canadian Rockies will change you. Breathe deeply as you ascend. Breathe slowly when you reach a viewpoint. Snowcapped mountains, virgin forests, flowering meadows, rushing rivers, crystalline lakes—the raw beauty here can take your breath away. Discover this magnificent mountain range by bicycle. And don't forget to breathe.
THIS ITINERARY: 5 days, 4 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$3,599 pp dbl occ
($850 for sgl occ)
Alberta
Start Calgary or Canmore / End Banff
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Behold the beauty of soaring peaks, massive glaciers and brilliant lakes in some of North America's most dramatic landscapes
- Admire the blue-green glacial splendor of Lake Louise—a world-renowned jewel—and pedal through the Bow River Valley
- Journey through Banff National Park, a realm of amazing wildlife, from hoary marmots to black bears, bighorn sheep and pikas
- Cycle through the heart of the Canadian Rockies on the incredible Icefields Parkway and end your days in elegant mountain hotels
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
5 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Enjoy dazzling views of the Bow Valley and Cascade Mountain as you ride along the scenic Legacy Trail in Banff National Park and to its postcard-perfect town of Banff | Choose to luxuriate at the world-renowned Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Pedal amid imposing peaks, gem-colored lakes and endless alpine forests—one of the world's most pristine and dramatic landscapes | Bike to Lake Minnewanka—the largest body of water in Banff National Park—for a picnic beneath soaring spires | Take some time to wander through Banff, popping into shops and galleries.
Fairmont Banff Springs
Banff
| Premiere Hotel Built in the style of a Scottish baronial castle, this exquisite hotel is set in the heart of Banff National Park and offers magnificent panoramic views, luxurious guest rooms and an award-winning 35,000-square-foot spa. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
Days 3-5
Watch for black bears, elk and bighorn sheep along your route | Pedal Bow Valley's rolling hills past Pilot, Storm and Castle Mountains and the striking Bow River | The spray flies and water pounds at roaring Johnston Canyon waterfall | Up for a longer ride? Add some scenic mileage with a spin up to Storm Mountain or all the way to the hamlet of Lake Louise | Behold one of the most iconic views in the Canadian Rockies on the ride to Bow Summit—the highest point on the Icefields Parkway | You won't soon forget the vista of milky-blue Peyto Lake beneath a wall of towering mountains | At the venerable Post Hotel, savor what Travel + Leisure proclaims "one of the best hotel dining experiences in North America" | A marvelous photo op awaits as you stroll along the shore of Lake Louise, a beloved World Heritage site flanked by glaciated spires | Ride to Moraine Lake and visit the Wenkchemna Valley to cap off an amazing week.
Post Hotel
Lake Louise
| Premiere Hotel This European-style mountain chalet, set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers, is the epitome of old-world elegance. Travel + Leisure World's Best. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
- 2020
- Aug
Available to book
Going fast
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Private Trip - Reserved
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Activity Level: 1-3
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. LEARN MORE.
Note: The routes on this trip are hilly, with some significant elevation gains and losses. This, coupled with the relatively high altitude, can make biking more challenging, but you're sure to finish each day with a great sense of accomplishment. Traffic can be busy on some routes, with narrow shoulders on Days 1–2 and wide shoulders on Days 4–6.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
Performance Road Bike
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Touring Bike
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Roads & Traffic
Our exploration of the Canadian Rockies includes time riding on the famed Icefields Parkway for its unrivaled access to wildlife and natural beauty. While the scenery is stunning, sections of the pavement can be rough and repaving is ongoing. The parkway's shoulder is wide, but the area is busy so you should be comfortable riding with traffic. Of course, you're always welcome to jump in the shuttle to avoid more trafficked sections.
Ask A Trip Expert
Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our FAQ’s.
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