Cycle The Rockies

2022 Scheduled Departures: June 3-6, June 10-13, June 17-20, June 24-27, July 1-4, July 8-11, July 15-18, July 22-25, July 29-August 1, August 5-8, August 12-15 & August 19-22

Cycling Jasper to Banff over four days is the perfect mix of effort, reward and relaxation; an incredible setting in which to challenge yourself physically and mentally, yet find the ability to let go and immerse yourself in the rejuvenation of the Rockies. The tour begins with a leisurely half-day ride over gently rolling terrain; this relaxing introduction will warm you up nicely for the longer and more challenging 2nd and 3rd days ahead. The final day finishes spectacularly as we cruise to our final destination on the undulating Bow Valley Parkway.

The mountain scenery is truly breathtaking and the slower pace offered by the bicycle means there is ample time to appreciate it. You’ll take in the views, snap lots of photos, have a few rest breaks - and we’ll still arrive at our nightly destinations with time to spare. Relax in the evenings with a hot bath or a beverage enjoyed in the blaze of a mountain sunset, or explore the nearby sights and views on foot. Staying in the unique and cozy hotels along the Icefields Parkway will give you the extra comfort each night that you deserve. You’ve worked hard during the day, and we love giving you time to pamper yourself in the evening. Total tour distance: 288 - 312 km

ARRIVAL DAY: EDMONTON OR JASPER

Upon your arrival in Edmonton, make your way to the local hotel of your choice and relax for the day. We’ll pick you up first thing tomorrow morning.

TRAVELER'S TIP & THINGS TO DO:

Arrive a couple of days early to explore the capital city of Alberta and North America’s largest northernmost city. Get a few more days of self-supported riding and sightseeing in on the many kilometres of bike paths and trails in and around Edmonton.

• Experience Edmonton’s magnificent River Valley which spans 48kms and crosses through 20 parks and attractions
• Check out Elk Island National Park; only 40 minutes from the City Centre
• Go skydiving, shopping, golfing, dining, visit Museums, cultural sights and more

DAY 1: TRANSFER TO JASPER: ICEFIELDS PARKWAY TO SUNWAPTA FALLS – TOTAL DISTANCE: 50KM (31 MILES)

Coffee in hand, you will be picked up from your accommodation bright and early this morning for your transfer to Jasper. We’ll make a quick lunch stop in Hinton and arrive in Jasper around 1pm. We’ll pick up anyone that we are meeting in Jasper then after picking up some supplies from a local bakery, we’ll drive a few km out of town to Beckers Chalets. There, we'll unpack the bikes while you take the opportunity to change into your bike gear and stock yourself up with food and water from our 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.

Watch out for wildlife and townsfolk cheering you on! 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.

TRAVELER'S TIP & THINGS TO DO:

If coming from Vancouver, you have the option to meet the group in Jasper today if you wanted to take the relaxing scenic journey by train from Vancouver to Jasper (instead of flying into Edmonton).

• After dinner, relax with a glass of wine in front of your in-room fireplace (available in most rooms)
• Take a short, 1km walk down to the nearby falls and venture along one of the many hiking paths that snake along the river
• Sit out on the deck of your cabin and watch the moon journey across a stunning mountain backdrop, with the sounds of nature at night rising all around you

DAY 2: SUNWAPTA FALLS TO SASKATCHEWAN RIVER CROSSING – TOTAL DISTANCE: 98KM (62 MILES)

A bountiful, gourmet breakfast is served around 8 am. After a quick briefing of the route, hills (aka “bumps”) and rest stops, we’ll hop on the bikes and hit the road for the day’s journey to Saskatchewan River Crossing. We’ll climb past Tangle Falls and over the BIG bump, making our way towards our lunch stop in the shadow of the great Columbia Icefields, from which flow the Athabasca and Dome glaciers. After a nutritious meal and a well-deserved break, we’ll get back in the saddle and ride the scenic Sunwapta Pass. A rewarding 15 km downhill section awaits as we 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.

We’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. You’ll be tired but satisfied knowing you’ve just knocked off the longest day of cycling on the tour.

TRAVELER'S TIP & THINGS TO DO:

Keep an eye out for the Crossing on your left as you approach! After nearly 100kms and with a 360-degree view of Mountains surrounding the resort, a tired traveller or two have been known to inadvertently sail on by!

• Check out the extensive gift shop! Lots of shopping is available at this unique mountain resort, and with plenty of cargo space in the van and trailer, we are happy to carry your treasures back for you
• Enjoy the outdoor patio at the pub! Take in some stunning scenery while you recount the adventures had and memories made over the day’s kilometres

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 we essentially roll downhill all the way to Lake Louise. The lovely and well-appointed Mountaineer Lodge is where you’ll rest your head tonight.

TRAVELER'S TIP & THINGS TO DO:

The Bow Pass ascent is long but manageable! Don’t forget, though, that you can always hop in the van if you’re not feeling the love for it at any moment!

• Relax after the ride in the hot tub or steam room!
• Stretch your legs with a leisurely walk through the quiet village of Lake Louise.
• Get your group together and hop into the van for a jaunt up to the stunning Lake Louise, the area’s namesake. This turquoise, glacier-fed lake is situated in an amphitheatre of towering mountains and is absolutely a must-see!

DAY 4: FINAL RIDE INTO BANFF / CANMORE – TOTAL DISTANCE: 60 TO 85 KM (37 - 53 MILES)

After the last few days, today will be a breeze. You’ll 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. We’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. We’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 we will provide transfers to Calgary or Edmonton where you can continue your travels.

TRAVELER'S TIP & THINGS TO DO:

If you’d like to extend your stay in the Banff area (which we highly recommend), we will happily provide transfers to your hotel in town.