Day 1: Transfer to Jasper
Icefields Parkway to Sunwapta Falls – Total Distance: 56km (35 miles)
You will be picked up from your accommodation bright and early this morning for your transfer to Jasper. You’ll make a quick lunch stop in Hinton and arrive in Jasper around 1pm. There, you’ll unpack the bikes while you take the opportunity to change into your bike gear and stock yourself up with fuel and water from a well-supplied stash. After a quick review of the route, elevation, and bike safety tips, you and the group will set off on an epic adventure as you are guided out of town and onto the beautiful Icefields Parkway. There will be one rest stop at the spectacular Athabasca Falls which will help bring the group back together, as well as supply you with some nutrition. We will then continue on to our accommodations at the Sunwapta Falls Hotel. A delicious 3-course meal will be served in the on-site restaurant.
Day 2: Sunwapta Falls to Saskatchewan River Crossing
Total Distance: 98km (62 miles)
Breakfast is served around 8am. After a quick briefing of the route, hills and rest stops, you’ll hop on the bikes and hit the road for the day’s journey to Saskatchewan River Crossing. You’ll climb past Tangle Falls and over the BIG bump, making your way towards the lunch stop in the shadow of the great Columbia Icefields. After a nutritious meal and a well-deserved break, you’ll get back in the saddle and ride the scenic Sunwapta Pass. A rewarding 15km downhill section awaits as you sweep down towards the valley floor again and on to the impressive cliffs and waterfalls of the Weeping Wall. A few rest stops along the way will break up the journey, provide photo opportunities, and give the group a chance to re-congregate as necessary. You’ll then conquer the remaining rolling hills accompanied by the sound of flowing rivers and in the presence of towering, snow-capped mountains. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a cold drink under Mt. Wilson at the Crossing Resort.
Day 3: Bow Pass to Lake Louise
Total Distance: 85km (53 miles)
After fuelling up at breakfast you’ll climb out of the valley in the shadow of Mount Murchison. Shortly after, the terrain levels off again and you’ll cruise easily past endlessly changing vistas of mountains, turquoise green Glacial Lakes and abundant wildlife. Bow Pass, the final challenge of the tour awaits – but feel free to take it at your own pace. Your reward will be witnessing a panoramic view like no other of Peyto Lake far below; in the distance, the valley that you’ve been riding down for the past few days can be seen in all its glory, surrounded by mountains as far as the eye can see. You’ll descend to the shores of Bow Lake for a well-deserved lunch break in a breathtaking setting before you essentially roll downhill all the way to Lake Louise. The lovely and well-appointed Lake Louise Inn is where you’ll rest your head tonight.
Day 4: Final ride into Banff / Canmore
Total Distance: 60 to 85km (37-53 Miles)
Today you will pedal the final 60km on gently rolling hills and flats towards Banff on the historic Bow Valley Parkway. Shaded by ancient trees, this final leg of the tour offers plenty of time for peaceful reflection in lush surroundings. You’ll take a rest break under the awesome Castle Mountain before joining a bike path that brings us into the world class town of Banff. You’ll be able to take in all the magnificence of Banff’s surroundings including Mt Rundle, Cascade Mountain and Vermilion Lakes from the peace and quiet of your bike. From here, you’ll have the option of finishing the cycling portion of the tour or continuing to challenge yourself by riding an additional 25km on a dedicated bike path to Canmore. You’ll have a group lunch to celebrate your fantastic achievement of riding a bike through Canada’s Rockies! You can then sit back and relax, as transfers to Calgary or Edmonton will be provided where you can continue your travels.
