Canadian Rockies Vacations

Canadian Rockies Biking

Beneath the Peaks in Banff & Jasper National Parks

Venture with Backroads to the Canadian Rockies, where soaring peaks are juxtaposed by stunning ice-cut valleys, and prepare to discover some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery. Embark on an awe-inspiring journey along the sensational Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper National Park on what National Geographic Traveler refers to as "a highway strung from the stars." Follow our legendary route past dramatic glaciers, thundering waterfalls and turquoise lakes. Each day anticipate sightings of Rockies wildlife - mountain goats, bears and elk, to name a few - as you journey from one welcoming mountain lodge to the next.

Trip Highlights
  • A vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, ancient glaciers, pristine mountain lakes and broad valleys
  • Spectacular Lake Louise
  • Ride the Icefields Parkway, a journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies
  • Incredibly crisp, clean mountain air
  • The Post Hotel, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication
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The Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1 banff

Meet in Banff Pedal to Lake Minnewanka, rimmed by stunning snowcapped peaks, and enjoy a bountiful picnic lunch.

Day 2 lake louise

Ride through the Bow River Valley over rolling hills, past soaring peaks and along the striking blue-green Bow River Stretch your legs on a hike to the dramatic Johnston Canyon waterfall   Enjoy the elegance of the famous Post Hotel & Spa,  located on the shores of stunning Lake Louise.

Day 3 bow lake

Shadowing the Continental Divide, bike on the Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world Along the way, watch for black bears, elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep Tumbling glaciers from soaring peaks flank a long gradual ascent to jewel-blue Bow Lake.

Day 4 Athabasca Glacier

On your way to Sunwapta Pass, revel in the scenery of vast ice fields and glaciated mountain peaks Learn about the massive Columbia Icefield, one of North America’s primary fresh water sources, and the Athabasca Glacier on a close-up tour.

Days 5-6 jasper

Pedal alongside the Athabasca River in the Sunwapta Valley Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on a relaxing optional float trip down the river or pedal to beautiful Maligne Canyon Shuttle back to Banff.

Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!

This was my 8th active vacation and it was the best of them all! Great cycling and scenery. And outstanding trip leaders were both very professional, service oriented, and generated lots of fun.
Steven Hill - Tacoma, WA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews

For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Canadian Rockies tour experts. For biking tours in Canada, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Canada biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Canada walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Canada multisport tours click here.

Canadian Rockies Biking

ALPINE LODGES: Premiere Inns*

Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Banff (1 night) Cozy touches such as down comforters and in-room fireplaces make this lodge deserving of its high praise. The restaurant features inventive cuisine and a wine list lauded by Wine Spectator. 

Post Hotel & Spa
Post Hotel & Spa

Lake Louise (1 night) A prestigious Relais & Châteaux member, this European-style chalet is the epitome of rustic elegance. Its award-winning restaurant houses an impressive wine cellar and was honored with a Grand Award from Wine Spectator. The wonderful menu of services at its Temple Mountain Spa completes the package.

Num-ti-Jah Lodge
Num-ti-Jah Lodge

Bow Lake (1 night) Brimming with character, this rustic and simple mountain retreat offers an atmosphere of secluded tranquility on the banks of beautiful Bow Lake.

* Casual Inn

Glacier View Inn
Glacier View Inn

Athabasca Glacier (1 night) A modest lodge selected for its phenomenal location overlooking the famed Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.

* Casual Inn

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Jasper (1 night) This Condé Nast Traveler Gold List hotel on the shores of Lake Beauvert offers abundant amenities, from a spa to tennis, golf and boating.

Canadian Rockies Biking

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Routes For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Biking Average Walking Average
Insider Trips Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more.
1 2-3 hours 10-20 miles 2-5 miles
2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
Day 1
  • Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
  • Biking 20, 26 miles
  • 500 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
  • Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
  • Biking 38, 42 miles
  • 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
  • Hike 2.2 miles
  • 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
  • Levels 2 to 4  4 Route Options Available
  • Biking 35, 43, 51 miles
  • 700 - 2000 feet elevation gain
  • Hiking 5.7 miles
  • 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
  • Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
  • Biking 46, 57 miles
  • 900 - 2500 feet elevation gain
  • Hiking 3.4 miles
  • 800 feet elevation gain
Day 5
  • Level 5 3 Route Options Available
  • Biking 56, 67, 70 miles
  • 200 - 400 feet elevation gain
Day 6
  • Level 1 1 Route Option Available
  • Biking 11 miles
  • 300 feet elevation gain