The Ultimate Guide to Biking the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park

The 1A Bow Valley Parkway is the original highway in Banff National Park. It was replaced by the TransCanada Highway 1 – which is how you will likely get into Banff today. The 1A is now a beautiful scenic road that takes you into the shadows of Banff’s towering mountains and past popular viewpoints and trails.

The parkway stretches 50 km from just outside the Banff townsite at the Fireside Day-Use Area to just outside the Lake Louise Ski Resort and can be driven, cycled, hiked, or seen on Roam Transit.

When is the Bow Valley Parkway closed to vehicles?

May 1 to June 25 and August 30 to September 30, 2024

For 2024, the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to all public motor vehicles from May 1 to June 25 and August 30 to September 30 between the Fireside Day-Use Area and Johnston Canyon. This means this 17km of the parkway is open to cyclists, hikers, and any other method of non-motorized transportation.

Parks Canada and emergency services will still use the parkway, so you’ll still need to be vehicle-aware.

How Difficult is it to Bike the Bow Valley Parkway?

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: Closure is 17km one way to Johnston Canyon from Banff

Elevation: 700 meters to Johnston Canyon from Banff

Everyone can take their bicycle out on the Bow Valley Parkway! This scenic bike route is an incredible ride with plenty of scenic viewpoints and places to stop for a rest. It is also the perfect road to ride because you can turn and head back whenever necessary.

The difficulty level of the bike ride on the Bow Valley Parkway can vary depending on your fitness level and biking experience. Generally speaking, it is considered an easy to moderate-ride for most cyclists.

To bike this road, you’ll want to have a few things with you:

• Helmet
• Bear Spray
• Water
• Snacks
• Your Camera
• Cellphone

Local's Tip: You can buy bear spray from a number of local stores, including Monod Sports, and Atmosphere

Where to Rent an E-bike or Bike in Banff & Lake Louise

Renting an e-bike or analogue bike in Banff and Lake Louise is easy, with plenty of options to choose from (each location rents both analogue bikes and e-bikes):

• Banff Adventures
• Banff Cycle
• Bear Street Outfitters
• Black Diamond Bike and SUP Rentals
• SkiBig3 Adventure Hub
• Snowtips-Bactrax Ski & Bike Rental
• Ultimate Sports
• Wilson Mountain Sports (Lake Louise)
• Chateau Mountain Sports

Guided Biking Tours along the Bow Valley Parkway

Going on a guided biking tour of the Bow Valley Parkway is the perfect way to explore, learn about the incredible flora and fauna of Banff, and have a helpful expert on hand guiding you through this incredible experience. A number of providers in Banff and Lake Louise provide bike tour options, including:

• Banff Cycle and Sport: Johnston Canyon E-Bike and Explore Experience
• White Mountain Adventures: Ebike & Hike tour Johnston Canyon
• Banff Adventures: Banff to Johnston Canyon

Where to Park to Bike the Bow Valley Parkway

To ride your bike along the Bow Valley Parkway, you’ll want to leave your car at the Banff townsite at one of two free parking spots – the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre or the Train Station Public Parking Lot. Both parking lots are easily accessible from the Mt. Norquay entrance to Banff.

If you are coming from the East (Calgary side), head to the second entrance to the town and turn left off the overpass. If you are coming from the West (Lake Louise side), turn off at the first exit and head right off the overpass.

The Fenlands parking lot is across the road (to the east) from the Banff sign, and the train station parking lot can be accessed by turning left (east) just after the train tracks and heading through the third exit on the roundabout. These lots have plenty of space for vehicles and are the perfect spot to get ready for your bike ride on the 1A.

You can also leave your car in the Johnston Canyon Parking Lot 2, which is an excellent option if you come from the west. Simply head towards Johnston Canyon and turn south on the traffic circle before heading into the large parking lot to the left as you pull in.

Where to Start to Ride your Bike on the Bow Valley Parkway

To take your bike out on the Bow Valley Parkway – especially the part that is closed to cars - you’ll want to start in the town of Banff. Park at either the Fenlands or Train Station parking lots and head towards Vermilion Lakes.

Your ride will take you down the incredible Vermilion Lakes Road, past iconic views of Mount Rundle and its reflection in the three lakes that make up Vermilion Lakes. Ride to the end of this road and onto the Legacy Trail connector. This will quickly take you to the Bow Valley Parkway, where you can ride as far as Johnston Canyon primarily car-free.

You can continue down the Parkway until you reach the Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Sightseeing Gondola – just don’t forget you’ll either need to ride back, or you can put your bike onto Roam Transit and take public transit back to Banff.

Local’s Tip: E-bikes are only allowed on bike racks if the battery can be removed and brought onto the bus with you.

How Far is it to Bike the Bow Valley Parkway?

56km round trip from the Banff train station to Johnston Canyon

The total length of the parkway in Banff National Park is about 50 km in one direction. The eastern closure of the Bow Valley Parkway to vehicles, which occurs twice a year in May/June and September, is about 17 km in one direction.

For riders who go from the town of Banff to Johnston Canyon and back, you’ll have an incredible day on the bike – riding for over 56 km. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time and bring water, snacks, and your camera.

Where can I Eat while Biking the Bow Valley Parkway?

There are limited options for food along the 1A. If you aren’t venturing past Johnston Canyon from Banff, you’ll want to grab a quick picnic in town to take with you. Try getting a sandwich from Wild Flour on Bear Street, a burger from Eddie Burger on Caribou, or pizza from UNA.

Better yet, head back to town and celebrate your ride on one of the scenic patios, where you can enjoy views of Mount Rundle, Mt. Norquay, Cascade, and Sulphur Mountain.

Wildlife on the Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway is a haven for wildlife, offering a diverse range of habitats that attract a variety of species. From the majestic elk grazing in the meadows to the elusive wolves prowling in the forest, the parkway is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. You might also spot bears, coyotes, and bighorn sheep along the route.

The parkway’s lower elevation, diverse vegetation, and ample sunshine make it an ideal habitat for these animals. Birdwatchers will also be delighted with the variety of bird species that call this area home.

When biking amongst this rich wildlife, safety should be your top priority. Always maintain a safe distance from animals and never attempt to feed or approach them. Remember, you are in their home and it’s important to respect their space. Make sure to stay on the designated trails and avoid biking at dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to carry bear spray and know how to use it. Always check for wildlife advisories before you set out on your biking adventure. Enjoy the ride, but remember to leave no trace and help preserve the beauty of the Bow Valley Parkway.

Parks Canada is also helping to protect the wildlife of this area by instuiting a full closure on the Bow Valley Parkway to all vehicles and people from 8 pm to 8 am from March 1 to June 25, as the area acts as a wildlife corridor. This gives the animals the space they need to thrive during the crucial spring period.

Where are there Rest Stops on the Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway has a number of fabulous picnic and restroom stops that you can take along your journey. Here are a few you can stop at while doing your bike ride from Banff to Johnston Canyon.

When biking along the Bow Valley Parkway, it’s important to know about the restroom facilities available along the route. Most of the facilities along the parkway are pit toilets, which are simple and eco-friendly but do not have running or potable water. These facilities are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment, but they also require users to come prepared with their own water and hand sanitizer.

• Between Lakes Two and Three on Vermilion Lakes Road: This quiet spot has a pit toilet facility. If you are looking for somewhere to picnic, stop along the shores of Lake Two or Three.
• Mule Shoe: This is a large, beautiful picnic area along the Bow Valley Parkway. It’s a great spot to stop for a scenic break along the shores of tranquil Mule Shoe Lake. Located in a rare section of montane forest in Banff National Park, this area is rich in wildlife. It also has a pit toilet facility.
• Sawback: A beautiful forested stop along the route equipped with picnic tables and a pit toilet facility. This is a great spot to stop in the shade before your final push to Johnston Canyon.
• Johnston Canyon: This popular tourist spot not only offers a spectacular hiking trail that leads to a series of stunning waterfalls, but it also has washrooms with running water. This could serve as a perfect picnic spot before, during or after your hike to one of the fantastic waterfalls.
• Storm Mountain Lookout: If you continue past Johnston Canyon, you could stop here for a fantastic view. This is another great picnic spot along the Bow Valley Parkway is the Storm Mountain Lookout. You’ll find a handful of picnic tables above the beautiful Bow River. The interpretive signage does a great job of outlining the ridgeline, so leave yourself some time to check it out.

Remember, these facilities provide basic amenities, but it’s always a good idea to come prepared when biking in Banff National Park. Carry enough water, hand sanitizer, and other personal necessities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

If you are riding past Johnston Canyon or the whole length of the parkway, you have a few other options.

About halfway between Castle Mountain junction and the Lake Louise Ski Resort, you’ll find Baker Creek Resort. This is an incredible place for an overnight stay or to pick up a quick bite from the Creekside Café, which offers grab-and-go options.

You can find everything from grab-and-go to sit-down meal options at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, like the Lodge of Ten Peaks Café. Or head just a bit further and into the village of Lake Louise, where you can get wraps, coffee, and desserts from Laggan's Mountain Bakery and Deli or Trailhead Café.

What to Expect When Biking the Bow Valley Parkway

The 1A is one of Banff National Park’s most incredible scenic rides. With plenty of viewpoints, picnic spots, and great views to be seen. You can expect to stop frequently for photos and just to enjoy the scenery.

The Bow Valley Parkway has a few hills, but the ones there can feel like long climbs. You’ll want to be ready to use your e-bike at full power and to drop your bike into its lowest gear to make ascending the hills easier.

This area is also a busy wildlife corridor – so be prepared for possible animal encounters, including bears, deer and bighorn sheep. It is important to make noise – such as talking – to reduce the risk of encountering an animal suddenly and to have bear spray readily accessible.