Alberta: Bike and Hike the Icefields Parkway
7 days. Challenging cycling on the paved broad-shouldered Icefields Parkway, with a day of hiking in the peaks behind Lake Louise.
This is one of the most spectacular mountain rides in the world. It parallels the Continental Divide and passes three large glaciers, the Athabaska waterfalls, and the alpine Peyto Lake. It abounds with large wildlife, and is a sheer delight for cyclists wanting a breathtaking ride, in both senses. Begin in the charming town of Banff, where you can enjoy world-famous ambience and hot springs. You will commence on the easy Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise, through Backswamp, Muleshoe, and Moose Meadows. You can stop for a hike to the waterfalls in Johnston Canyon, and to see the remains of Silver City. You will spend two nights beneath the peaks reflected in Lake Louise, allowing you to explore its alpine meadows on a fabulous day of hiking. Back on your bike, you will climb to Bow Summit – the Parkway’s highest point. You will descend to the Saskatchewan River, climb to the Columbia Icefields, and descend again to follow the Sunwapta and Athabaska Rivers into Jasper. The chances of seeing elk, moose, mountain goats, and grizzly bears on this route are very high, and you will learn how to behave cautiously and respectfully around these magnificent beasts before starting off.
The Plan:
Day 1: Ride the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise 68km/42 mi
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. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Deer Lodge, Lake Louise, www.crmr.com/deer-lodge
Day 2: Hiking Lake Louise to the Lake Angus Tearoom 10 to 20km/6 to 12mi
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. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: Cycling to Bow Lake and Peyto Lake 53km/33 mi
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’. BLD
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, Lake Louise, www.num-ti-jah.com
Day 4: Cycling the Icefields Parkway to the Athabasca Glacier 75km/46mi
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. BL
The Glacier View Inn, Banff, www.columbiaicefield.com
Day 5: Cycling along the Sunwapta River to the Sunwapta Falls 65km/40mi
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. BLD
Sunwapta Falls Resort, Jasper, www.sunwapta.com
Day 6: Cycle to Jasper 60km/38mi
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. Your final nights accommodation gives you a choice between secluded cabins, a central upscale inn or a lavish upgrade to a world class lodge. BLD
Tekarra Lodge, Jasper, www.tekarralodge.com; or
Park Place Inn, Jasper, www.parkplaceinn.com; or
Upgrade to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
www.fairmont.com/jasper for $200 per person.
Day 7: Transfer to Banff or Calgary
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. B
The Details:
| Start: | Banff Springs Hotel 10:00, day one. Complimentary transfer from Calgary available, departing 08:00. |
| Finish: | Jasper 09:00, day seven. Complimentary transfers back to Banff or Calgary. |
| Guided Cost: | $3195 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, park entry fees, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes, and your final transfer back to Banff or Calgary) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2795 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, park entry fees, luggage transfers, maps and route notes, and your final transfer back to Banff or Calgary) |
| Single Occupancy: | $845 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Aug 29-Sep 4. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jun 26-Jul 2; Jul 17-23; Aug 7-13; Aug 28-Sep 3. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure |
| Self Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are late June, July, August, and early September. |
| Similar Trips: | Alberta: Waterton to Banff; Newfoundland: Avalon Peninsula; Yukon: Multisport |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 5% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
