The Most Scenic Bike Rides in The Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies is a cyclist’s paradise. From the towering peaks to the pristine waters of mountain lakes, Banff offers some of the most breathtaking bike routes in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, the area’s diverse bike trails and roads offer a variety of scenic routes that cater to all levels of ability. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most scenic bike rides in Banff, categorized by mountain biking trails, road cycling routes, and leisure rides that will let you experience the natural beauty of this iconic destination.
Mountain Biking
For those who thrive on challenging terrain, Banff’s mountain bike trails offer thrilling experiences with breathtaking views. These trails wind through dense forests, across alpine meadows, and up steep mountain slopes, making them perfect for cyclists seeking both adventure and beauty.
Moraine Highline Trail
1. Moraine Highline
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Moraine Highline Trail offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Banff National Park. This trail follows a ridge line high above the iconic Moraine Lake, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding valley, glaciers, and peaks. Starting from the Moraine Lake parking lot, the trail ascends steadily through forests of pine and spruce before reaching open alpine meadows. The trail is well-marked and offers an exhilarating climb, but the views are the real reward.
2. Goat Creek Trail
Difficulty: Advanced
Starting from Canmore, the Goat Creek Trail is one of the most popular mountain bike routes in Banff National Park. This 18-kilometer trail follows the Bow River through dense forests, across meadows, and along creek beds. The path offers stunning views of the Three Sisters mountain range and the surrounding peaks, providing a perfect combination of easy and moderately difficult sections. The trail ends near the Banff townsite, where riders can continue exploring or relax and enjoy the local amenities.
3. Hoodoo Trail
Difficulty: Advanced
The Hoodoo Trail is a short yet incredibly scenic hike that takes you through some of the most unique rock formations in Banff National Park. Starting from the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), the trail is an easy walk with a slight ascent, making it accessible to most hikers. The main attraction on this trail is the hoodoos, tall, narrow rock spires that have been formed over millennia through erosion.
Road Cycling
Banff’s road cycling routes offer cyclists the chance to ride through picturesque valleys, along tranquil lakes, and past towering peaks, all while enjoying smooth, paved roads. Whether you’re aiming for a casual ride or a longer cycling journey, Banff has a variety of scenic routes to explore.
Lake Minnewanka
1. The Bow Valley Parkway
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Bow Valley Parkway (also known as Highway 1A) is one of the most scenic road cycling routes in Banff National Park. This 48-kilometer stretch of road follows the Bow River, offering spectacular views of Castle Mountain, the Three Sisters, and other iconic peaks. The route is relatively flat with a few gentle inclines, making it accessible to riders of all levels. Along the way, there are numerous viewpoints, such as Morant’s Curve, where you can stop to admire the scenery and take photos.
Best for: Riders of all levels looking for a leisurely ride with plenty of scenic stops.
2. Lake Minnewanka Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
The Lake Minnewanka Loop is a stunning 27-kilometer road cycling route that circles Lake Minnewanka. The loop offers riders spectacular views of the lake, which is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and crystal-clear waters. As you pedal around the lake, you'll pass forests, rocky shores, and wildflower-filled meadows. While the loop has some mild climbs, it is suitable for most cyclists and provides an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of Banff from a different perspective.
Best for: Cyclists looking for a moderately challenging route with outstanding views.
3. Legacy Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Legacy Trail is an accessible, 22-kilometer paved trail that runs from Canmore to Banff. This popular route is ideal for cyclists of all levels and provides easy access to the beautiful landscapes of Banff National Park. The route follows the Bow River, offering stunning views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. The Legacy Trail is relatively flat, making it perfect for beginners or casual cyclists who want to enjoy the beauty of Banff without too much effort.
Best for: Beginner to intermediate riders looking for a scenic, easy-to-moderate ride.
Leisure Routes
If you're looking for a more relaxed, leisurely bike ride through Banff’s iconic landscapes, there are plenty of easy routes that allow you to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. These routes are perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants to take a more relaxed approach to cycling while still enjoying the beauty of Banff.
Vermillion Lake
1. Vermilion Lakes Loop
Difficulty: Easy
The Vermilion Lakes Loop is a short, flat, and scenic route that takes cyclists around the picturesque Vermilion Lakes, located just outside the town of Banff. This leisurely ride offers stunning views of the Three Sisters and Mount Rundle, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as birds, elk, and deer. The loop is perfect for a casual ride and is family-friendly, with minimal elevation change and no steep climbs.
Best for: Families, beginners, and casual riders looking for a peaceful ride through beautiful landscapes.
2. Bow River Pathway
Difficulty: Easy
The Bow River Pathway runs through the heart of Banff and offers cyclists an easy, flat ride along the Bow River. This paved pathway provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and it’s an ideal choice for those who want a leisurely ride through the town and surrounding areas. You’ll pass through the Banff townsite, as well as iconic spots such as Bow Falls and Surprise Corner.
Best for: Beginners, families, and anyone looking for a short, relaxing ride through the heart of Banff.
3. Tunnel Mountain Road
Difficulty: Easy
Tunnel Mountain Road offers a relaxed ride that begins in Banff and heads up to the base of Tunnel Mountain. While there is a slight incline, the route is short and manageable for cyclists of all levels. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with amazing views of Banff, Cascade Mountain, and the Bow Valley. This is an easy route that offers a bit of a challenge without being too strenuous.
Best for: Casual riders looking for a short ride with a rewarding view.
