Looking for an active adventure that lets you immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies? Grab your bike and gear up for a cycling trip through some of the most spectacular scenery and charming mountain towns in Alberta and British Columbia.

Whether you’re an avid cyclist ready to conquer high mountain passes or a casual rider who prefers meandering along rivers and lakes, a bicycle tour in the Canadian Rockies offers immense rewards. Let’s explore everything you need to know to plan your two-wheeled Rocky Mountain getaway:

Choosing a Route

The good news is you can’t go wrong when biking in the Canadian Rockies. That said, certain routes stand out for their abundant natural highlights, manageable terrain, amenities, and options to customize distance and difficulty:

• Icefields Parkway – This famous 230km highway between Jasper and Lake Louise boasts massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, and diverse wildlife. Busy with cars in summer, but wide shoulders provide space.
• Bow Valley Parkway – A quieter alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway, this leisurely route parallels the Bow River between Banff and Lake Louise. Ideal for families.
• Legacy Trail – This 18km rail trail between Banff and Canmore offers a mellow ride past the Bow River with mountain vistas. Link to other regional trails.
• Kettle Valley Rail Trail – Ride through dramatic canyon landscapes along this 600km decommissioned rail line in southern British Columbia. Can segment into shorter sections.
• Great Divide Trail – For avid cyclists, parts of this epic 1700km off-road wilderness route can be incorporated into the ultimate Canadian Rocky Mountain bicycle challenge.

Planning Your Itinerary

Allow at least a week to truly experience the wonders of the Rockies by bike. Popular starting points include Jasper, Banff, and Canmore which offer plentiful amenities and access to trails. Focus your route around destinations like:

• Banff National Park – Pristine peaks, alpine lakes, and charming towns like Banff and Lake Louise. Don’t miss sights like Moraine Lake.
• Jasper National Park – Diverse landscapes from Columbia Icefields to Maligne Canyon plus mountain towns like Jasper.
• Yoho National Park – Spectacular alpine scenery along the Icefields Parkway dotted with waterfalls and emerald lakes.
• Kootenay National Park – Dramatic vistas along the Rockies’ western slopes filled with hot springs, waterfalls and hiking trails
• Kananaskis Country – Foothill forests, mountains and rivers perfect for biking, plus minimal crowds.

Gear Up

A quality mountain bike is ideal, but hybrid or gravel bikes also work well. Look for wide, knobby tires, multiple gears, and front suspension to absorb bumps. Panniers and bike packs carry camping/cooking equipment. Pack layers from shorts to winter jackets for changing mountain conditions. Don’t forget tools, spare tubes, first aid essentials, and bear spray just in case.

Where to Stay and Refuel

Campgrounds and backcountry sites abound, but reservations are essential in peak season. For extra comfort, book mountain lodges or cabins in gateway towns. Quaint inns and B&Bs also offer hospitality along the trails.

Towns like Jasper, Banff, and Canmore have plentiful dining options from cafes to restaurants. Stock up on snacks and supplies at grocery stores for long stretches between settlements. Local bakeries, markets, cideries and brewpubs add tasty flavor.

Tips for Responsible Riding

• Yield right of way to wildlife. Never approach animals.
• Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging fragile alpine ecosystems.
• Practice leave no trace ethics and pack out all trash.
• Build cooking fires only in designated firepits or use campstoves.
• Let someone know your itinerary and check-in schedule.
  -PREPARE for any conditions with weather layers, food, water and first aid.

Take the Journey

As the rolling wheels turn surrounded by mountain grandeur, days quickly fill with a satisfying rhythm of peaceful pedaling, scenic vistas, evenings under starry skies, and explorations of rugged natural and cultural heritage. A bike tour through the majesty of the Canadian Rockies offers an empowering adventure certain to stir the soul. Let the open road lead you to this landscape made for cycling.