Enjoy North America's most scenic road, on this Icefields Parkway cycling holiday in the Canadian Rockies visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada.
Duration
PriceThe Icefields Parkway stretches between the towns of Jasper and Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies and is viewed by many as the most scenic road on the continent.
Traveling through two of Canada’s most iconic national parks Banff and Jasper, known for their wildlife, unmatched landscapes, jagged peaks, roadside glaciers, and turquoise lakes. This is the ride of a lifetime!
Our passionate and dedicated team of guides will be your hosts for the week, their knowledge and passion for the area is like no other. Not only will you have a dedicated guide the business owner who has been leading cycling tours in the parks and beyond for over 7 years will be your lead guide for the week.
Our attention to detail and care are what set us apart from the larger guiding companies. We focus on creating a personalized experience through our small guests-to-guide ratio.
This Icefields Parkway cycling holiday in the Canadian Rockies will be fully supported, ensuring you ride light and free. It’s our opinion the bicycle is the best vehicle to travel to these parks, it allows you to soak in the views, be immersed in and smell nature and feel the wind at your back.
We encouraged you to travel at your own pace and take stops for photos, we’ll ensure you know when a picturesque spot is coming, though it is all picturesque!
Your evenings will be spent in hand-picked unique lodges that best reflect the local culture of the area, with a warm shower and comfortable bed waiting for you after a day of adventure with new friends.
Itinerary for Icefields Parkway cycling holiday in the Canadian Rockies
Day 1 (Sunday), Meet the guides:
This morning you will meet your guides and other guests (9am). Meeting point at the Banff train station. From here you will be transferred to Jasper via shuttle van. The mountain scapes during your transport is spectacular. Upon arrival at the Jasper Inn, participants can size up the bikes and take a tour of Jasper before our evening orientation and dinner. Overnight Jasper Inn.
Day 2, The Athabasca Valley:
After a delicious breakfast, we will depart the town of Jasper, taking a secluded valley road south to Athabasca Falls. We will stop for a walk at Mt Edith Cavell and the Angel Glacier, we will marvel at a glacial lagoon studded with icebergs. After lunch, we stop at the raging Athabasca falls before getting on the Icefields Parkway, cycling along the wild Athabasca River Valley to our home for the night at Sunwapta Falls Resort. A short walk to the falls will feel great after a fantastic dinner. Distances: 56km/35mi, +794m/2605ft, -459m/1506ft.
Day 3, Climb to Sunwapta - The North Saskatchewan River:
Today, you will be riding by the Columbia Icefield, the icon of the Icefields Parkway. This amazing piece of landscape is one of a kind in the Canadian Rockies. The peaks and glaciers guarding the Columbia are some of the tallest, most dramatic, and jagged in all in the Rocky Mountains. Beyond the Icefield is Sunwapta Pass, the gradual incline takes you to an elevation of 2035m/6676ft from sea level making it the second-highest pass on your journey. The long descent down to the valley floor takes you into the North Saskatchewan river basin. The gradual descent to the Crossing Resort makes for a perfect end to your day. Tonight's dinner is at your own leisure. Today you can ride up to 98km/61mi. +1232m/4066ft. -1182m/3901ft. Shorter distances are also available!
Day 4, Mistaya Valley - Bow Summit:
After a good night's sleep, it's onto the bikes again. Today's ride starts with a climb out of the Mistaya River valley, you will reach the highest point on the Icefields Parkway at Bow Summit rising at 2134m/7000ft from sea level. A side trip to Peyto Lake viewpoint is a must. We will continue downhill following the Bow River to the highest village in Canada, Lake Louise where we will be spending the final two nights of your excursion through the Canadian Rockies. Dinner at your own leisure in Lake Louise. Distances: 80km/50mi, +993m/3257ft, -896m/2939ft.
Day 5, Moraine Lake - Takakkaw Falls:
Today we will be cycling to one of Canada's most photographed locations - Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This is the highlight for most people when they visit the Canadian Rockies. The deep blue color of the water and the backdrop is a sight that will create memories for a lifetime. Once we return to our lodge in Lake Louise we will drive west into British Columbia to explore the wonders of Yoho National Park. You will also have the option to cycle the gorgeous Takakkaw Falls road, take a relaxing van ride to the second tallest waterfalls in Canada or hike in the Lake Louise area at your own leisure. The falls have a total height of 373m/1224ft, the name Takakkaw translates to "Wonderful" in Cree. Final group dinner at the historic Stations Restaurant in Lake Louise, after our meal we will be making a trip to Lake Louise to complete this wonderful day. Moraine Lake: 29km/18mi, +525m/1722ft, -529m/1735ft. Takakkaw Falls: 26km/16mi, +520m/1706ft, -520/1706ft.
Day 6 (Friday), Bow Valley Parkway towards Banff:
Our last day's ride takes us along the beautiful Bow Valley Parkway towards Banff. This is an amazing ride along the Bow River offering great opportunities for wildlife watching. This secluded and quiet road is the perfect end to your journey with us through the Canadian Rockies. Gravity takes care of the hard work today giving you the chance to admire this pristine valley. Your ride end where it started at the Banff Train Station. Before exchanging our final goodbyes, we will drop you off at your hotel of choice or your pick-up location. Distance: 58km/36mi, +517m/1706ft, -674m/2224ft.
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