Canadian Rockies Family Bike Tour
Backroads guest biking in the Canadian Rockies
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Backroads guests biking in the Candian Rockies, passing by two Backroads vans
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Canadian Rockies Bike Tour
Biking
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Canadian Rockies Bike Tour

Banff to Jasper National Park along the Icefields Parkway

Couples, Friends & Solos

6 days 5 nights

Activity Level: 2-4

Premiere Hotels

From: $5,099 - $5,349 pp dbl occ

($1,900 for sgl occ)

Breathe in the pristine air of the Canadian Rockies. Deeply as you ascend. Slowly when you reach a viewpoint. Snowcapped mountains, flowering meadows, virgin forests, crystalline lakes, rushing rivers—the raw beauty here can take your breath away. Explore this magnificent mountain range. And don't forget to breathe.

Canadian Rockies Bike Tour map
Canadian Rockies Bike Tour map

Alberta

Start Calgary / End Banff

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Highlights

  • Witness 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 bike through the Bow River Valley
  • Bike through Banff and Jasper National Parks—realms of amazing wildlife, from hoary marmots to black bears, bighorn sheep and pikas
  • Journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies and stay in an elegant mountain hotel with dramatic views of the Athabasca Glacier

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Description

See dazzling views of the Bow Valley and Cascade Mountain unfold as you bike along the scenic Legacy Trail in Banff National Park to the postcard-perfect town of Banff | Pedal to Lake Minnewanka, known to Stoney Nakoda First Nations people as Minn-waki, or Lake of the Spirits | Treat yourself at our hotel's world-renowned Willow Stream Spa.

Accommodations
Exterior view of Fairmont Banff Springs
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)

Day 2
Description

Keep an eye out for black bears, elk and bighorn sheep along your route | Bike the rolling hills of Bow Valley Parkway, past Pilot, Storm and Castle Mountains and the striking Bow River | Visit Lake Louise, a World Heritage site flanked by glaciated peaks | Savor what Travel + Leisure proclaims to be one of the best hotel dining experiences in North America at the venerable Post Hotel.

Accommodations
River view of the Post Hotel & Spa
Post Hotel & Spa
Lake Louise
| Premiere Hotel

This European-style mountain chalet, set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers, is the epitome of old-world elegance. A Relais & Châteaux member. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)

Day 3
Description

Watch for mule deer and coyotes as you begin a steady ascent toward Bow Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier | Witness one of the most iconic views in the Canadian Rockies on the ride to Bow Summit—the highest point on the Icefields Parkway | In Jasper National Park, board a massive all-terrain vehicle to explore the Athabasca Glacier.

Accommodations
The view from inside Glacier View Lodge
Glacier View Lodge
Athabasca Glacier
| *Casual Hotel

A modest lodge with simple rooms selected for its phenomenal alpine wilderness location overlooking the famed Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.
 

Days 4-6
Description

Bike past Athabasca, Dome and Stutfield Glaciers and descend into Sunwapta Valley | Get exclusive access to the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk for an incomparable view of the valley below | With the dramatic Endless Chain Ridge in the skyline, arrive at roaring Athabasca Falls | Bike to Maligne Lake, world-renowned for its intense blue-green color | Explore Maligne Valley's karst landscape, from the seasonally “disappearing” Medicine Lake to Maligne Canyon | At the canyon, come face to face with the sculpting power of water in the depths of this limestone cathedral | Next to our lodge, take a tranquil evening stroll around Lake Beauvert | End an amazing week with a ride to Pyramid Lake.

Accommodations
Exterior view of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper
| Premiere Hotel

This 700-acre ideal mountain retreat sits in Jasper National Park and wraps around the beautiful Lake Beauvert. (pool, spa)

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 in USD.

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Activity Level: 2-4

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.

Route notes

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.

Daily Route Options

* Includes shuttle.
Day 1
Biking
Level 1 | 16 miles | 700 ft. gain
Level 2 | 25 miles | 1300 ft. gain
Level 2 | 28 miles | 1700 ft. gain
Day 2
Biking
Level 2 | 28 miles* | 1200 ft. gain
Level 3 | 38 miles* | 1700 ft. gain
Level 4 | 46 miles | 2200 ft. gain
Day 3
Biking
Level 2 | 25 miles* | 1000 ft. gain
Level 4 | 40 miles* | 1800 ft. gain
Level 5 | 55 miles* | 4000 ft. gain
Level 5 | 80 miles | 5500 ft. gain
Other
Athabasca Ice Explorer (1¼ hours)
Day 4
Biking
Level 2 | 22 miles* | 500 ft. gain
Level 3 | 33 miles* | 700 ft. gain
Level 4 | 45 miles | 1000 ft. gain
Level 5 | 67 miles | 2200 ft. gain
Day 5
Biking
Level 2 | 24 miles | 500 ft. gain (2300 ft. loss)
Level 3 | 29 miles | 600 ft. gain (2900 ft. loss)
Level 5 | 58 miles | 3400 ft. gain
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 2 miles | minimal elevation gain
Day 6
Biking
Level 1 | 16 miles | 900 ft. gain

What's Included

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Click the arrow to see all bike options.

Backroads Performance Road Bike
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

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. 

Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

A proven classic, this 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.

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
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.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
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, 6 lunches, 4 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.

Air-Conditioning

Post Hotel & Spa and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge are Premiere Hotels. While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they're not equipped with air-conditioning and guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.

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 Help Center.

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