If you’re looking for some stunning cycling routes that have smooth roads with minimal traffic… Banff is the spot for you! And you don’t have to be an Ironman to enjoy – there are rides of all lengths and difficulties, and you can also rent an e-bike!
Bringing Your Own Bike vs Renting
I decided to bring along my own triathlon bike for this trip because I’m knee-deep in training for an upcoming race, so I wanted the comfort of my own wheels. I knew Banff had some incredible cycling routes, so I wanted to make the most of it and planned to bike multiple days. Cost-wise, it was about $120 to travel with the bike (including bike box rental and checked baggage fees). For perspective, Tyler rented a really nice carbon road bike from Banff Cycle & Sport for $120 for the day. So realistically, if you’re only planning to bike for a day, then renting is probably your best bet!
Travelling with a Bike
I don’t own a bike box (but at this point I probably should just invest…), so I rented the Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro from Ziggy’s, our local bike shop. It’s a fantastic bag that requires minimal disassembly of your bike and keeps it safe during transport. I just had to take off my wheels and seat, and drop my aero bars down. You can also pack your helmet, bike shoes, and other heavy/bulky items around the bike, like hiking boots or a wetsuit. Tip: throw a Tile or AirTag in the bag so you can keep track of its location, in case it gets lost!
The fees at the airport vary by airline, but tend to be just a little bit more than a typical checked bag. With WestJet, it’s $30 for a checked bag and $50 for a bike box.
Tri Bike? Road Bike? E-Bike??
These routes are a real treat, and what’s great is that you don’t need to be a hardcore cyclist to enjoy them. Whether you’re on an aluminium rental bike, a carbon road bike, or even an e-bike, you can take in the stunning sights in your own way. The paths are well-maintained, making them suitable for riders of all skill levels. So, whether you’re looking for a tough training route or you’re just out for a leisurely pedal, these rides offer a chance to soak up the beauty of the Canadian Rockies from the saddle.
1. Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise
- Distance: Approximately 58 kilometres (36 miles) one way from Banff to Lake Louise (116 km/72 miles round trip).
- Elevation Gain: The ride includes moderate elevation changes with a few little climbs, totalling approximately 300 meters (984 feet) of elevation gain in each direction (600m/1968ft total).
- Starting Point: Begin anywhere in town! The train station is a great spot with free parking.
- Notes: The Bow Valley Parkway is closed to cars each spring and fall from May 1 to June 25 and from September 1 to October 2, meaning you get the road to yourself. An absolute dream!
You can customize this ride by turning around whenever you want! We only went as far as Castle Junction. This road is worth checking out for even a short ride. - Strava: Here’s my Strava post for this ride: Pretty dope ride.
2. Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka Loop
- Distance: Approximately 30 kilometres (18.6 miles).
- Elevation Gain: The route includes a few climbs, but nothing crazy. Total: approximately 150 meters (492 feet) of elevation gain over the course of the loop.
- Starting Point: Begin anywhere in town! The train station is a great spot with free parking.
- Additional Notes: This loop is open to cars, but the drivers are typically friendly and provide ample space for cyclists. The route is not excessively busy, so you’ll feel alone for most of your ride.
- Strava: Here’s my Strava post for this ride: Pretty dope ride.
3. Banff to Canmore via Legacy Trail
- Distance: The Legacy Trail is approximately 22 kilometres (13.7 miles) one way from Banff to Canmore (44 km/27.4 miles round trip).
- Elevation Gain: While not mountainous, the trail does include some gradual inclines and declines, with a total elevation change of approximately 230 meters (755 feet) from Banff to Canmore. It’s a net downhill from Banff to Canmore, so I would actually recommend starting in Canmore if you can, to get the climbing done first!
- Starting Point: Begin anywhere in town! The train station is a great spot with free parking. In Canmore, the visitor’s centre is a good starting point.
- Additional Notes: The Legacy Trail is a paved pathway with no cars at all, providing a safe and peaceful cycling experience.
- Strava: Here’s my Strava post for this ride: Canmore to Banff and back!
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