Alberta: Bike Jasper to Banff

Ride the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise 42 mi/68 km. Start with a meeting in Banff at 10:00. The parkway is fairly gentle, with a succession of beautiful views. Most riders make good time, allowing time to linger over a picnic in Johnson Canyon and to hike up to the look off. You are likely to see abundant wildlife, and should maintain a respectful distance from any deer, elk, bear, or other animals you encounter.

Meal: LD
Lodging: Deer Lodge, Lake Louise

This hiking is incredible! The views and the terrain create a superlative experience that really shouldn’t be missed. There is a tearoom after three hours of hiking, and unless you decide to descend from there, the trail continues to become even more enchanting. Those who prefer to cycle can ride self-guided to Moraine Lake.

Meal: BL
Lodging: same as last night

Today you will ride along the Icefields Parkway, climbing higher into the Rockies and to the head of Bow Lake, where you can enjoy the fireplace at your rustic, simple, but very comfortable log lodge nestled among the peaks. Before you arrive at Num-ti-Jah Lodge, you will have the opportunity to hike to nearby Peyto Lake, known for its picturesque emerald waters – a result of an abundance of glacial ‘flour’.

Meal: BLD
Lodging: Num-ti-Jah Lodge

The route follows the Bow and Mistaya Rivers and some beautiful lakes that create wonderfully photogenic landscapes, before crossing the North Saskatchewan River then climbing to the largest Icefield south of Alaska - the Athabasca Glacier. From your panoramically-situated chalet, you can hike up to the Icefield, watching for the yearly markers that show the glacier’s annual retreat.

Meal: BL
Lodging: The Icefield Chalet

A quick morning descent will take you to the broad plain of the Sunwapta River Valley. This is a natural corridor of all types of wild life, including grizzly and black bears, coyotes, wolves, elk, deer, mountain goats, and big horn sheep. Keep your eyes open; you will have a good chance of seeing these animals from your bicycle. The day will finish with a short hike to see the Sunwapta Falls before dinner.

Meal: BLD
Lodging: Falls Resort

Today you can leave the Icefields Parkway to cycle along the lesser-traveled east side of the Athabasca River. The quiet road rolls through stands of pine and spruce with wonderful views of the Athabasca River Valley. You can enjoy a walk around the lake before dinner.

Meal: BLD
Lodging: Beckers Chalets or Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper or Park Place Inn, Jasper

Early farewells after breakfast followed by an optional departure for Banff or Calgary. If you travel with us, you can expect to be in Banff by about noon, or Calgary by mid afternoon.

Meal: B