Cycling in Western Canada
In July, I had some time off work and was invited to go to Canmore and Banff (Alberta Canada) for a week. This holiday would be spent on bikes (of course!) riding some famous trails in the Canmore and Banff area.
Canmore is a town about 28 kilometers from Banff and linked by a cycling / hiking trail called the Legacy Trail (Trail info HERE). The Legacy Trail is actually in Banff National Park and connects to various trails so one can traverse the park via these trails.
I stayed in Canmore as it's slightly less expensive than staying in Banff; I used the Legacy Trail almost daily to go into Banff and cycle around.
I first gave the Legacy Trail a try, cycling from Canmore to Banff, and back.
First, here's a look at the route I took:
(click the image above to enlarge if needed)
Here's what the trail looks like; it's paved the entire way:
The Legacy Trail runs pretty much parallel to the Trans Canada Highway 1 East/West. There was one rest area on the route with portable toilets. You'll see a variety of people using the trail -- roller cross-country skiers, cyclists, hikers, and those on rollerblades. The trail also has a number of bear and electrified animal gates that you'll have to open and close behind you. From Canmore, park at the Visitor's Centre off the highway, cross the road and the trail starts. If you're fit, it should only take about 30 minutes to ride all the way into Banff. Dress warm as this trail is at elevation and can be windy. I wore leggings and a long-sleeved jersey -- yes, even in mid-July! If you notice the route photo map above, the temperature on my ride was only 13 C.
In Banff, you can enjoy a number of shops and tourist places; I had the most amazing pizza here from a side street place off the main strip. Signage notes you should walk with your bike in the town itself and if you bring a lock, there are plenty of places to lock your bike. There are public toilets and a visitor's information centre staffed by both city employees and Banff National Park workers, who can help you and answer questions.
Main Street, Banff (below).
During the summertime, it was closed to vehicle traffic.
On another day, I tried the Lake Minnewanka trail which diverts off the Legacy Trail after the halfway-to-Banff point. According to the website, "The lake is 21 kilometres (13 miles) long and 142 metres (466 feet) deep. It is a beautiful spot, popular for picnicking, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, diving, and snowshoeing" (Banfflakelouise.com, n.d.).
This trail features a long loop from the lake through the park and has many hills; it's not recommended for those who are not experienced or fit riders. You should feel comfortable riding 40+ kilometers. Let's take a look at the route I used...
Lake Minnewanka route, from Canmore:
(click the image above to enlarge if needed)
Lake Louise is likely known to you as it's the most famous lake in Banff; however, if you visit this area, I would recommend Lake Minnewanka more. It's far less crowded and touristy. We saw many people spread out and enjoying the fine day either on paddleboards or in inflatable kayaks, or just looking out at the lake.
Lake Minnewanka's view:
View from the Lake Minnewanka parking lot, if facing the mountains:
If you do this ride, bring snacks and water. There are public toilets at several points along the route. Due to COVID-19, you should carry a mask and hand sanitizer when in public, indoor areas.
The final ride I completed was one recommended by a bike shop owner in Canmore -- the Highway 1A -- also known as the Bow Valley Parkway. If you are brave and quite fit, you can actually cycle from Banff to Lake Louise using this route. If you do that, it's about 70 kilometers ONE WAY, so come prepared. Because I had to pack up and head out the next day, I only did half the route and stopped at Johnson Canyon.
Here's a view of my route map, including the time and distance cycled:
(click the image above to enlarge if needed)
This route was something special. The Bow Valley Parkway (at the time of my use) was freshy paved, and closed to all vehicle traffic. Only cyclists and hikers were permitted on the highway. For those who think, "Oh well, I'll just go around the barriers and drive it!" Sorry, the entrance was heavily patrolled and monitored by Parks Canada staff who had vehicles blocking the entrance.
This is a tough ride as it has some steep hills, is long and there are very very few places to stop for a toilet break. To prepare, come with an empty bladder, warm clothes and snacks. Bears are a common sight along this highway; some locals recommend carrying a bear bell, or bear spray.
A viewpoint stop along the Bow Valley Parkway:
I was so wrapped up in the ride that I didn't take many photos....apologies.
My Trek Emonda SL5 at the end of the Bow Valley Parkway:
I feel lucky to live close to this part of Canada; if COVID is still restricting travel overseas next summer, I'll likely go back here again. I really want to complete the full 70+ kilometers from Canmore to Banff to Lake Louise...and take more pictures!
I hope you enjoyed the photos and will come cycling in Western Canada sometime.
**This post is dedicated to my friend I met in Bangkok, but is now in Germany, D, who was supposed to stay at my place this past summer and had been planning to travel most of Western Canada with her boyfriend. I hope these photos will do until post-COVID. Miss you!
Resource cited in this post:
Banfflakelouise.com. (n.d.). Lake Minnewanka, AB, Canada [blog post]. Banff and Lake Louise Tourism. URL.
