Mountain Biking the Spray River Trail East and West
For a bike ride that’s just the right balance of technical and cruisy, locals love the Spray River trail. It’s an easy pedal (or car shuttle) from town to the trailhead, and from there riders can pretty much choose their own adventure.
The eastern side of the river is wide enough for two bikes and smooth enough to hold a conversational pace. After the midpoint 6 km down the river (at one of the best lunch spots you’ll find) the trail turns west, and from here it’s a more exciting narrow and rocky ride back to town.
Good To Know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1-3 hrs
- When
- Jun - Oct
Location
- Distance from Banff:
- 1km
- Distance from Lake Louise:
- 60km
When to go
Operating Dates
| Month | Operating Status |
|---|---|
| Jan | |
| Feb | |
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Local Tips
Depending on the kind of biking you like most, choose between an out-and-back ride or complete the loop.
The west trail links back up to the trailhead, but if you miss the turn you’ll pop out on the Banff Springs Golf Course where extra caution is needed.
Avid bikers can complete the east trail as part of the 20 km Goat Creek Trail from Banff all the way to Kananaskis.
First time mountain biking? Take a guided mountain biking tour for the best experience.
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