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Home , Bow Falls, Bow Valley, Castle Junction, Lake Minnewanka, Mount Cory (Alberta)

Recommended Rides Easy Rides Plan Ahead and Prepare

Are you looking for a “bucket list” biking experience? These 4 Golf Course Drive Rules of the Road routes offer mountain scenery, flowing curves, and all the challenges you’re looking for. 10.9 km loop Always ride on the right, pass others on their left. If you are Starting Point: parking area riding on a road with a sidewalk, stay on the road. 5 Lakeside Cruising Cross the bridge over the at the end of the parking Obey all traffic rules when riding on roads. At intersections, area, and you’re off. Perfect for a family outing, this road winds If your ultimate ride includes reflecting by a lake or river, use hand signals to let drivers know which direction you will gently along the golf course before it loops back. This is a peaceful Drive (5) should be on your list. Several be travelling. Road Rides road with lovely views over the and surrounding peaks. docks and benches along this flat paved road provide While close to town, be alert – wildlife also enjoy this area. On highways, ride as close as possible to the right-hand in the opportunities to sightsee, take photographs or have a edge or curb. For your safety, it is recommended that you lunch break. ride single file. 5 Vermilion Lakes Drive Stay within the posted speed limits. 6 Flora and Fauna Banff Area 4.3 km one way Road closures, speed limits and traffic controls apply Starting Point: Fenland Day-use Area, paved trail to Vermilion Road (6) rolls along through the area’s to bicyclists too. The Parkway (8) Mandatory Lakes Drive rich montane habitat. The mix of forest and open grassland is Seasonal Travel Restriction applies to all travel, including home to bighorn sheep, deer, elk and bears. This 13.1 km loop Vermilion Lakes are a series of three shallow lakes surrounded by bicyclists. From March 1st to June 25th, travel is not permitted offers a pleasant ride through varied terrain and a chance to marshland – a rich oasis for wildlife. The ride along this narrow road between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17-kilometre section of the stop at the area’s popular sightseeing locations of Bankhead, provides classic views of Banff’s signature peak, . parkway from Johnston Canyon Campground to the Fireside Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka and Cascade Ponds. There are benches, bike racks and small docks where you can relax Picnic Area. This is to ensure the area remains a high-quality with a snack and enjoy the view. Connector: Banff Legacy Trail (3) home for wildlife. 8 The Original Highway to the Bow Valley Parkway (8). Be visible when riding at dawn, dusk, or night. Always have a white front light and red rear and side reflectors, and One of the most breathtaking road rides in the area, the Bow consider wearing reflective clothing. Valley Parkway (8) offers something for everyone. This classic Moderate Rides Be bear aware. Cyclists are particularly susceptible to ride on the original road through gently sudden, dangerous bear encounters because of the speed rises and falls as it meanders past open meadows, dense 6 Lake Minnewanka Road and silence of their travel. Be alert, make noise, slow down, forests, and soaring mountains. Most often started in Banff, carry bear spray, and look ahead. Banff Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography Tourism Banff Lake Louise riders can choose one of the many picnic areas located along 13.1 km loop the parkway as a final destination or choose to embark on Leave no trace. Be sure to pack out what you pack in – this Starting Points: Cascade Ponds and Lake Minnewanka Day- full day trip to Lake Louise making for a 115 km day back to includes all food and garbage. Leave natural and cultural use Area or the Banff Legacy Trail (3) Banff. Please ride in single file as this road can be busy with objects undisturbed for others to discover. vehicular traffic and be aware of your surroundings as you Lake Minnewanka Road is popular with cyclists and offers a Do the right thing – protect wildlife. Littering, feeding travel through this bustling wildlife corridor. pleasant ride through varied terrain, with panoramic views and animals or harassing wildlife is illegal and violators may be many attractions including Cascade Ponds, Bankhead, Lake charged under the National Parks Act. Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake. This narrow road can be busy, so ride with caution and be on the lookout for bighorn sheep on the E-bikes (pedal-electric power-assisted bicycles) are only 5 Vermilion Lakes Drive slopes above Two Jack Lake. Connector: Banff Legacy Trail (3). permitted on select trails in Banff National Park. Visit Banff National Park is Canada’s first and most parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-road-cycling for more information. famous national park. The variety of paved roads and trails in the Banff area make biking an excellent way to 7 Drive/Road explore this special place. Routes range from easy to Share the Roads and Pathways difficult and the biking season typically extends from 10.7 km loop Starting Point: Central Park parking area, West end of April to October. Buffalo Street • The bike trails in Banff National Park are all shared-use trails— expect to encounter hikers, vehicles and horseback Start by heading east on Buffalo Street, rising gently past Surprise Experiencing Banff National Park from the saddle of a riders. Ride in control and be ready to stop at any time. bike is a fun, healthy, environmentally friendly way to Corner with its extraordinary view over Bow Falls and the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs. Continue climbing and bending • If you are passing other bikers, walkers or runners, please be enjoy these spectacular landscapes. This guide will around its lower slopes to join the Tunnel Mountain Road. Turn right courteous. Use your voice or use a bell to let them know you help you plan an enjoyable and safe biking experience. S. Munn S. (East) and pass the campgrounds for incredible viewpoints before will be passing on their left so they have a chance to you drop back down to the Banff Legacy Trail (3). Go left into town, move over. or right towards Lake Minnewanka. Elk and deer are common Wildlife and People Family Friendly Rides along this narrow roadway. Safety 8 These routes are great for beginners, children, and riders Bow Valley Parkway You are responsible for your own safety. Be prepared for a seeking a gentle adventure. Mostly paved, these easy rides breakdown or accident. Know how to repair your bike and 57.5 km one way (Banff to Lake Louise) have minimal elevation changes and offer spectacular views. carry the necessary tools and parts. Starting Points: From downtown Banff, access the trail via Bring a picnic or snack and enjoy one of the rest stops along • Select a trip which best suits your group’s abilities, Vermillion Lakes Drive (5) and the Banff Legacy Trail (3) or these rides. Always remember to pack out everything you experience, interests, equipment and the time you have begin at Fireside (49 km one way). bring in. available. Be conservative—start with easier, shorter routes. The Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) ride is a classic, gently rising and Park Canada staff or bike shop employees can help you falling as it meanders through the Bow Valley to Castle Junction, select a suitable route. 1 Sundance Trail and beyond to Lake Louise. On your trip, stop and enjoy the many • Wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. picnic areas and rest stops along the way. This narrow road ride is 3.7 km one way often done from Banff, for a solid 115 km round trip, and can also • Bring extra food, water and clothing. Surface water may be Starting Point: Cave and Basin National Historic Site be done as shorter trips. From Banff, ride to Johnston Canyon contaminated and unsafe for drinking. Mountain weather This paved trail is perfect for families with kids and bike trailers as (50 km return), Castle Junction (65 km return), or Baker Creek changes quickly and it can snow any month of the year. it winds along the Bow River and climbs gently to the Sundance (90 km return). For a multi-day trip, consider a guided or self-guided • Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan Canyon picnic area where you can explore a lovely creekside ride to Jasper (290 km one way). Whatever your route, wildlife to return. hiking trail. To experience the canyon, bring a bike lock. sightings are common, so keep a look out and be prepared. • Travel with others and keep your group together. • Avoid wearing earbuds. Be alert at all times. 2 Tunnel Campground Loop Difficult Rides • Ask for advice at a Parks Canada visitor centre about route

Parks Canada conditions, descriptions and weather. 6.4 km loop Starting Point: Tunnel Mountain Campground 9 Mount Norquay Scenic Drive

Perfect for beginners and children, this simple trail forms a 6.1 km one way More Information large loop around Tunnel Mountain Campground. Wider tires Starting Point: Mount Norquay Scenic Drive, on the North are best for this loose gravel trail and there are many places to side of the Trans-Canada Highway Banff Visitor Centres: stop and rest. Be sure to watch out for strolling campers, elk, 224 Banff Avenue and 327 Railway Avenue deer and coyotes. This challenging climb up the mountain rewards riders with a spectacular panoramic view of the town of Banff and surrounding 403-762-1550 Bow Valley. The Norquay Green Spot Viewpoint opens onto parkscanada.gc.ca/banff D. Volkers D. 3 Banff Legacy Trail a grassy slope – a great place to stop for a picnic lunch or for Banff National Park is home to wildlife, including elk, photos. From the viewpoint, the road continues up to the Mount 29 km one way Trail Conditions Report: wolves, cougars, and the remaining grizzly and black Norquay ski area. Watch out for Bighorn Sheep on or near the parkscanada.gc.ca/banfftrails Starting Points: Valleyview, Cascade Ponds, Vermilion road and the sharp turns, especially on the way down. bear populations in North America. To successfully Lakes and Fireside day-use areas or east end of raise their young and sustain a healthy population, Banff Avenue Environment Canada Weather Forecast: wildlife need access to as much quality habitat with as 10 The Banff Legacy Trail offers cyclists, runners, roller skiers and Mountain Avenue 403-762-2088 few human surprises as possible. other outdoor enthusiasts 29 km of paved trails and roadways weather.gc.ca 3.4 km one way with breathtaking views, rest stops and picnic areas. The trail Be aware of possible encounters with wildlife, even Starting Point: Mountain Avenue, on the South side of the connects the Bow Valley Parkway with the town of Banff, For bike rentals, Banff area maps and guidebooks, on roads and paved trails. Banff Avenue Bridge Cascade Ponds, the Banff East Gate and the town of Canmore. visit a local retail biking outlet. Tips: This three-season trail is typically snow-free and ridable from This route is a gradual, but continuous climb ending at the Banff • Always carry bear spray, ensure it is accessible, and April to October. An absolute must. Upper Hot Springs. Gains in elevation from the valley bottom Take public transit with your bike. provide riders with exceptional views of the Bow Valley and the know how to use it before heading out. To watch a rugged profile of Mount Rundle. Mountain Avenue offers ample video about how to use bear spray, visit: width for riders, however, vehicular traffic is heavier during the 9 Norquay Road parkscanada.gc.ca/bearspray summer. S. Munn S. • Slow down and make noise. Your speed and quietness puts you at risk for sudden wildlife 11 Sunshine Village Access Road encounters. Slow down through shrubby areas and when approaching blind corners. Travel in groups, 8.2 km one way be alert and always look ahead. Starting Point: Sunshine Village access road, 7 km West of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway For fares and schedules, visit roamtransit.com. • Report bear, cougar, wolf and coyote sightings and The Sunshine Village access road begins its steady rise almost encounters to Parks Canada staff at 403-762-1470, immediately, and offers a few steep ramps along the way to its In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or satellite phone: 403-762-4506. when it is safe to do so. termination at the ski area parking at the base of the Sunshine Cell phone coverage is not reliable throughout the national park. parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-wildlife gondola. Vehicular traffic is moderate in the summer months, but be aware as the road is narrow and twisty throughout its length. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Watch for wildlife. Catalogue No: R64-413/2-2017E ISBN: 978-0-660-07434-4 Également offert en français Family Friendly Rides Lake Minnewanka LEGEND Roam public transit to Lake Day-use Area Minnewanka runs in the summer only. Service begins the third Sundance Trail weekend in May and ends the 1 3.7 km one way Family Friendly Rides Visitor Centre Bike Repair Station second weekend in September. Lake Elevation gain 75 m, elevation loss 60 m Minnewanka Easy Rides Washroom Bridge Tunnel Campground Loop 2 6.4 km loop Moderate Rides Police Golf Course Elevation gain 70 m Banff Legacy Trail (Banff to Canmore) Difficult Rides Hospital Gondola Upper 3 Bankhead 29 km one way Elevation gain 24 m, elevation loss 113 m Trans-Canada Highway Parking Canoe Docks Lower Bankhead r e v Cascade Mountain i Campground R 1A Bow Valley Parkway Stables 2 998 m e 9836’ d Two a 6 c Two Jack Main s Campground Jack Day-use Area Bus Station a Easy Rides Road C Lake Two Jack Lakeside Mountain Biking Trails Viewpoint Public Transit Stop Campground Golf Course Drive 6 4 10.9 km loop Elevation gain 68 m, elevation loss 68 m

5 Vermilion Lakes Drive 4.3 km one way EASY ad Mostly flat Cascade Ro La ka • Suitable for all cyclists, including those Ponds ke Minnewan with little or no experience. • Flat to gently rolling. • Little or no elevation gain or loss. Fo rty Mile Creek Mount Norquay Ski Area d oa Moderate Rides MODERATE R n ai • Suitable for most cyclists who have some nt ou l M basic experienceMount and Norquay are prepared ne Lake Minnewanka Road Tun Ca with proper equipment2 522 m and water. M 7 sc a e R 6 8275’ o d iv 13.1 km loop un e r • Gently rolling with short, steep sections. t N o Green Jo Elevation gain 160 m, elevation loss 160 m rq 3 hns u Spot on La • Moderate elevation gain or loss. a 2 ke yS c e e u n n Tunnel Mountain Drive/Road ic e Tunnel Mountain v 7 DIFFICULT D f A Campground r f Hoodoos 10.7 km loop i n v a e B Viewpoint and Elevation gain 180 m, elevation loss 180 m • Suitable only for cyclists who have Day-use Area experience and are prepared with proper 9 3 Bow Valley Parkway (Banff to Lake Louise) equipment and water. 8 57.5 km one way • Long, steep sections. To Canmore Elevation gain 340 m, elevation loss 177 m • Major elevation gain or loss. and

e v 3 ri 5 D tain el Moun First nn To Banff Second u T East Gate Difficult Rides Vermilion r Vermilion e Fairmont Lake 7 iv Lake R Banff Springs ive Banff Park w Ve Dr Bo Golf Course rmilio es Museum n Lak National Tunnel Mountain Mount Norquay Scenic Drive 1 650 m Third Historic Site 9 5410’ 6.1 km one way Fireside Vermilion 4 Elevation gain 327 m, elevation loss 12 m 3 Lake Surprise Corner

d 8 ave Avenue a Mountain Avenue C o R ow Valley P Bow River e 10 3.4 km one way B arkway rs u o Cave and C Elevation gain 214 m, elevation loss 32 m lf Basin Bow Falls o National G 1 Historic Site Sunshine Village Access Road M Fairmont ou Banff Springs 11 nt (Trans-Canada Highway to Sunshine Sundance ain Canyon A ve Village parking lot) Junction nue

8.2 km one way Elevation gain 271 m, no elevation loss Sundance Canyon Brewster Mount Rundle Creek 2 949 m 10 Junction Sanson Peak 9675’ All elevations are an approximate to give riders an 2 256 m N 7402’ Banff idea of what to expect on each route. Elevations are Upper Hot calculated as the total amount of elevation gained Springs 0 1 2 and the total amount of elevation lost (all the ups and Kilometres Banff downs) over the entire distance of an out-and-back Gondola trail or a loop. Sulphur Mountain 2 451 m 8042’

For fares and schedules, visit roamtransit.com.

0 500 1 000

N Metres J o Mount Ishbel h Mount Norquay Rockbound n 2 908 m 9 s 2 522 m t 9541’ Lake o Cockscomb Mountain 8275’

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rquay C 2 777 m No Sc r 9111’ nt en e ou ic e M D k riv e To Town 2 766 m of Banff 2 2 800 m 9076’ Johnston Canyon 9186’

3

e To u Castle Bow n Lake 1A Valley Parkwa Town of ve 8 y A Louise Junction Sawback ff Fireside an 5 B Bow River M Johnston o 8 u 1A Muleshoe Canyon n Banff 17 km e t F riv N o D o x s r ke q La u a Cougar n y io k il oad 7 R R e rm Fenland ain e e o nt r V u C a o 93S Day-use d l M h e t n r n Area u a T Copper Mountain e d

e 2 935 m 11 l 2 795 m R 9630’ E re 9170’ lk ir u q n S e M rt oo a se

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u n Kilometres Wolf n Boom e L B l Lake To Radium

y M e n Bow Valley B a S o x 2 930 m

r t o u 9613’ w J n u t l a A ie i Caribou n n v Bourgeau e D Tunnel Mountain Sunshine Village Access Road 8.2 km Banff Park n r

t Parkway i Lake u r v 1 650 m r Museum a e e e e r v r

k 5410’ v National a e i s t

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t R Historic Site u B

O w M o B Buffalo Looking to 7 Sunshine rampVillage up your Cascades S DONE WITH THIS BROCHURE? Ski Area ve Avenue p Ca of Time r adventure? a Garden y Surprise A Please return to a park facility or Pick up the v e Corner n u Mountain Biking 1 e d share it with others. a r o e Trails Guide at Cave and v R i e ta Basin R s er Bow w r lb a Parks Canada Bo u A National 10 HOW WAS YOUR TRIP? Historic Site Falls o ia C b visitor centre or f um l Col M 4 o Please send your comments to ish ou G Brit view online at nt ain Fairmont A pc.gc.ca/banff- ve Banff [email protected] nue Springs brochures