The Best Road Cycling Routes in Banff National Park
Biking the paved paths of Banff National Park is an easy way to get to the iconic landmarks at the top of your list. With 20+ road routes to choose from, there's one for every pace and experience level. In this guide, find the best routes to follow, how to get there, and how to plan for cycling in Banff.
With 20+ road routes to choose from, biking in Banff is a world-class experience you have to try for yourself.
There are routes for every pace and experience level. Take it slow and immerse yourself in the majestic views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, climb steep switchbacks for rewarding views, or complete the Parkway to Pint Challenge from Banff to Lake Louise Ski Resort to earn your place in history.
This guide highlights the best spots for road cycling in Banff that you simply have to add to your list.
What’s in this guide?
- Best Routes for cycling in Banff and Lake Louise.
- How to get around for cycling in Banff National Park.
- Take a guided biking tour in Banff and Lake Louise.
- Where to rent a bike in Banff and Lake Louise.
- How to prepare for a cycling trip in Banff and Lake Louise.
- How to safely bike in Banff and Lake Louise.
Best Routes for Cycling in Banff and Lake Louise
Whether you wheel along rambling bike paths, steep switchbacks, or the famed Bow Valley Parkway, fill your camera roll with dazzling photos of turquoise lakes, towering mountains, and wildlife. Here are some of the top routes for road biking in Banff.
Best Road Routes in Banff National Park
Golf Course Loop
- Distance: 5km.
- Elevation gain: Minimal.
- Time required: 1 to 3 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Starting point: Downtown Banff.
- Closest Town: Banff.
- Best for: Riders of all ability levels looking for a casual Banff cycling route with tranquil views of Mount Rundle and Tunnel Mountain.
From downtown Banff, cycle towards the Golf Course Loop for a tranquil bike ride on a meandering paved path that stands in the shadow of Mount Rundle and Tunnel Mountain.
Begin the ride in Banff, where you’ll make your way to the rushing waters of Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. The bike trail runs parallel with the Bow River, so the serene sounds of a flowing river will accompany you on the journey.
Local’s Tip: This is a popular spot for biking in Banff, so consider planning your ride for early morning or evening.
Bow Valley Parkway
Banff to Johnston Canyon
- Distance: 17km (10.5 miles) one way.
- Elevation gain: 138 meters (453 feet).
- Time required: 1 to 3 hours round trip.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
- Starting point: Park at the Banff Train Station and ride from there.
- Closest Town: Banff.
- Best for: The unique chance to go cycling in Banff along a highway without any cars at all, taking in dramatic scenery and spotting wildlife along the way.
Banff to Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Distance: 58km (36 miles) one way.
- Elevation gain: 340 metres (1,115 feet).
- Time required: 3 to 6 hours round trip.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Starting point: Park at the Banff Train Station and ride from there.
- Closest Town: Banff.
- Best for: Cyclists who want to gain mileage, see incredible views, and receive a special reward for going the full distance to Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Cycling the historic Bow Valley Parkway with the sawtooth peaks of Castle Mountain ahead is one of the most memorable road cycling experiences you’ll have in Banff National Park.
The bonus? This eastern portion of the highway goes car-free during May, June and September.
Cycle the leg between Banff and Johnston Canyon (17 kms/10.5 miles), gliding along open road, passing dense forest, sprawling meadow, and marsh.
This is prime wildlife territory and you may see moose, bears, elk, and sheep along the way. At the end of the vehicle closure section, visit the Johnston Canyon Upper and Lower Falls or hike to the Ink Pots.
From Johnston Canyon, head back to Banff, or continue to Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Be prepared for vehicles and narrow shoulders along this stretch. If you ride the full 58km (36 miles) to Lake Louise Ski Resort, you’ll have completed the Parkway to Pint Challenge. Head to Banded Peak Base Camp with your Strava app to claim a free pint and special merch to mark the occasion.
Local’s Tip: Rent an e-bike to get an extra push for the longer distance.
Mount Norquay Road
- Distance: 6.1km one way (3.8 miles).
- Elevation gain: 327m (1,073 feet).
- Time required: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
- Difficulty: Difficult.
- Starting point: Mount Norquay Road, on the north side of the Trans-Canada Highway.
- Closest Town: Banff.
- Best for: Experienced road riders who love a good climb and want to be rewarded with panoramic views of Banff and the Bow Valley at the top.
The road to the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort is one of the steeper routes for cycling in Banff. Mount Norquay Road begins just off the Trans-Canada Highway, and launches into a steep climb with 12 switchbacks that zigzag up the mountain.
Nearing the top of the climb, stop to enjoy the famed Norquay Green Spot viewpoint, the perfect place to snap a photo of the Banff townsite beneath the rugged flanks of Mount Rundle.
Your journey is far from over once you reach Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. Lock up your bike and take the sightseeing chairlift to an even higher elevation, with more views of Banff that will take your breath away. When your adventures at Mount Norquay are done for the day, enjoy the ride down.
Local’s Tip: As you approach the tightest curves in the road, keep your eyes open for Bighorn Sheep grazing along the road.
Lake Minnewanka Road Loop
- Distance: 13.1km loop (8.13 miles).
- Elevation gain: 160m (525 feet).
- Time required: 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Starting point: Cascade Ponds and Lake Minnewanka day-use area or the Banff Legacy Trail.
- Closest Town: Banff.
- Best for: Cycling enthusiasts looking to cover a lot of ground on one of the most scenic bike rides in Banff National Park with the added bonus of visiting a ghost town.
From shimmering turquoise lakes to towering mountains, this Banff biking route brings you closer to some of the most impressive scenery in the park. The Lake Minnewanka Road Loop winds pleasantly through varied landscapes, with many lookouts along the way. Stop at Two Jack Lake to view Mount Rundle from a whole new angle.
Once back at Cascade Ponds, you can also take the short ride through the forest to Bankhead, an abandoned mining town from the early 1900s. Cascade Ponds is also an excellent place for lakeside picnics.
Local’s Tip: Cycle the loop counter-clockwise as the best scenery will be on your side of the road, providing unobstructed views of the mountains, lakes, and forests.
Moraine Lake Road
- Distance: 14km (8.7 miles) one way.
- Elevation gain: 527m (1,729 feet).
- Time required: 2 hours round trip.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Starting point: Lake Louise Visitor Centre.
- Closest Town: Lake Louise.
- Best for: Road cyclists wanting to get to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise, while taking in the impressive views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Your bike ride along Moraine Lake Road culminates with one of the most iconic and beautiful sites in Banff National Park: the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake. Cycle up Lake Louise Drive for 3km (1.9 miles) before turning left onto Moraine Lake Road at the junction. From here, the narrow mountain road climbs steadily upwards, revealing stunning views of Consolation Valley and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, pointing towards the sky like jagged teeth.
Riding this road makes you feel tiny in comparison to the towering mountains. Once you reach the Moraine Lake Day Use Area, lock up your bike and set out on foot to explore the many hiking trails.
To start your ride, take Roam Transit to the Lake Louise village or the lakeshore with your bike, or, even better, rent a bike in Lake Louise.
Local’s Tip: Be prepared for steady commercial traffic along the road from June to October. The best time to ride is morning or later in the day. Moraine Lake does not have cell service.
Banff Legacy Trail
- Distance: 22.3km one way (14 miles).
- Elevation gain: 30m (98 miles).
- Time required: 1 to 3 hours round trip.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Starting point: Park at Cascade Ponds or Fenland Picnic Areas.
- Closest Town: Banff.
- Best for: All levels of road riders looking for flatter terrain with plenty of picnic spots to enjoy breathtaking views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The long and relatively flat Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore, was built in 2010 to commemorate Banff National Park’s 125th anniversary. The paved, multi-use pathway brings you from the Bow Valley Parkway to the Banff Park East Gate, skirting the Trans-Canada Highway.
Part of the larger Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail, the route features many interpretive stops and viewpoints overlooking prominent landmarks like Cascade River, Mount Rundle, and Cascade Mountain.
Beyond the East Gate, you can continue all the way to Canmore for another 4.5km (2.8 miles). Choose your own adventure on this ride, depending on how far your legs will carry you.
Local’s Tip: If you’d rather not cycle the full round trip to Canmore, you can take Roam Transit back to Banff. Renting an e-bike will also make the ride easier.
Sundance Trail
- Distance: 3.7km one way (2.3 miles).
- Elevation gain: 75m (246 feet).
- Time required: 1 to 3 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Starting point: Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
- Closest Town: Banff.
- Best for: All riders, including families, looking for the ultimate riverside bike route along a paved path close to Banff townsite along the Bow River.
The Sundance Trail is a quintessential riverside bike trail in Banff that runs alongside the glacier-fed Bow River before gently climbing into the Sundance Canyon picnic area.
This wide, paved bike path winds through the forest and along the river. Make a stop at Sundance Creek, then on to Sundance Canyon, where you can take a short hike through Sundance Canyon.
Local’s Tip: This is a popular trail, so plan to go at off-peak times and bring a bike lock for the canyon hike.
How to Get Around for Cycling in Banff National Park
Parking space is limited in many popular areas of Banff National Park, so plan to go car-free where possible.
For some bike routes, you can ride straight from downtown Banff or Lake Louise.
Other ways to get to the bike paths and trails include carpooling, taking Roam Transit, or booking a private shuttle.
Take a Guided Biking Tour in Banff and Lake Louise
Let an expert plan your bike route, and go along for the ride. Guided e-bike tours bring you to the best road biking routes in Banff, where you can spot wildlife, take in iconic viewpoints, and learn from an insider’s knowledge of Banff National Park.
Electric-assist bikes will help you cover more ground and are great for riders of all levels.
If you want an even deeper connection to the land and its people, take an Indigenous-led bike tour to learn about cultural heritage and traditions of the stewards who have cared for this place for millennia.
Where to Rent a Bike in Banff and Lake Louise
Save yourself the travel logistics of bringing a bike from home and rent one in Banff and Lake Louise instead. Whether you’re looking for a road bike or e-bike rental, Lake Louise and Banff rental shops carry a range of options to suit your day.
Bike Rentals in Banff and Lake Louise
How to Prepare for a Cycling Trip in Banff and Lake Louise
The most important thing you need to know about cycling in Banff is that you need to purchase the Banff National Park Pass.
As you’re planning your Banff biking trip, research the trails and choose ones that fit your skill and experience level. For road biking especially, consider the distance there and back. Remember that road biking covers long distances and you’ll have to ride back to where you started, unless a shuttle is available.
Here’s a quick packing list to get you started:
- Helmet.
- Compact rain jacket.
- Flat-soled shoes.
- Bike gloves.
- A backpack with backcountry essentials, extra water, and food.
- Small first aid kit.
- Bike repair tools, including a pump and tire patch kit.
- Chamois (padded bike shorts).
- Satellite communicator for backcountry riding.
- Bear spray (and know how to use it).
If you have limited room in your luggage, you can always buy road biking and outdoor gear from retailers in Banff, including bear spray.
Inspiration for Your Banff Bike Trip
How to Safely Bike in Banff and Lake Louise
- Before you go: Check weather, trail reports, and Parks Canada bulletins for the latest updates. For safety, always let someone know where your riding group is going and when you’ll be back.
- While on the trail: Banff National Park is bear country, so always bring your bear spray on the ride. Stay alert and avoid using headphones to avoid being surprised by wildlife, other riders or vehicles.
Plan Your Road Cycling Trip to Banff National Park
Ready to roll? Banff’s road cycling routes serve up jaw-dropping scenery, options for every skill level, and plenty of ways to ride smart, whether you’re riding as a group or joining a guided tour. With expert tips, safe practices, and easy rentals, all that’s left is to pick your route and start your story.
Plan your Banff biking adventure and collect memories that last.
Plan Your Trip to Banff and Lake Louise
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