Alberta: Waterton to Banff, Bike and Hike in the
Canadian Rockies
7 days. Cycling on paved roads, with a full day of hiking. Challenging terrain and long distances for energetic riders; shorter distances with vehicle assistance for more relaxed riders.
This is an adventure for people who really like to ride! The revitalizing mountain air is cool, clear, and so magical that on your bike, you will tingle with appreciation, and will shout with sheer delight at the climbs and descents. Beginning at a beautiful lodge tucked away in the foothills of the International Peace Park, you will spend three days exploring the scenic Waterton Lakes National Park before riding on to experience the periphery of the Crows Nest Pass and astonishing Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump – a testament to Blackfoot culture and survival on the prairie. After enjoying this area on foot and by bike, you will ride north along the Cowboy Trail to the quiet roads of the Kananaskis area, a favourite retreat for locals, who often call it the most beautiful part of the mountains. You will be able to ride over Highwood Pass (the highest paved pass of the Rockies) and descend for a night’s well-earned rest in the Kananaskis Valley before a final morning transfer to the mountain town of Banff, a perfect place to continue your exploration, to join our ride between Banff and Jasper, or to take advantage of an optional transfer back to Calgary.
The Plan:
Day 1: 13:00 pickup in Calgary
You will be picked up from downtown Calgary, for an approximate three-hour transfer to Waterton Lakes National Park, also known as the International Peace Park, on the Alberta – Montana border. Stop at the Park entrance for a short hike to a scenic overview. Arrive at your lodge in time for bike familiarization, and possibly a short ride before dinner. Guided trips include a talk about the days ahead. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Waterton Lakes Lodge, Waterton Park, www.watertonlakeslodge.com; or
Glacier Suites, Waterton Park, www.watertonsuites.com
Day 2: 70km plus 2 short hikes
Ride both the Red Rock and Akamina Parkways with a break for a picnic lunch, and opportunities for short hikes at Red Rock Canyon and Cameron Lake. Cameron Lake offers exceptional flat water paddling and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Wildflowers and wildlife abound along these scenic parkways. Tonight, you will have the chance to dine independently in Waterton. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: 6 to 8 hour hike; or 100km of self-guided cycling
Hike the Carthew-Alderson trail. Wildlife sightings are almost certain. Bighorn Sheep, elk, whitetail deer, and grizzly bears are just a sample of the larger species that inhabit this landscape. Spring and early summer travellers will enjoy the abundance of wildflowers and other flora, including pink meadowsweet, mountain ladyslipper, and beargrass. For those not interested in hiking, self-guided cycling is available along the Chief Mountain Parkway, which climbs from the grasslands near Maskinonge Lake to a viewpoint with a magnificent panorama of the Waterton and Blakiston Valleys. BL
Same lodging
Day 4: ~80km with longer options available
From the park, cycle north towards the Oldman River Reservoir, enroute to Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated for its remarkable conservation and demonstration of the Blackfoot Culture. The support van will pick up riders to ensure arrival in time for a picnic lunch and an afternoon demonstration of native dance and drumming. Following the spectacle, a guided tour of the site is available, and those with lots of energy may choose to ride back to the inn. Most will opt for the shuttle. Because of the small inns, larger groups may be spread between two inns. BLD
Aspen Grove B&B, Beaver Mines, www.aspengrovebb.com; or
Stepping Stones Cabins, Beaver Mines, www.steppingstonecabins.ca
Day 5: ~80km with longer options available
The cycling this morning is very enjoyable for experienced riders who are prepared for some climbing in the foothills of the Rockies. You will first ride to the Frank Slide Centre, the site of the disastrous 1903 slide from Turtle Mountain. Following that, a shuttle will carry you along the Cowboy Trail, to resume cycling near Longview, and the start of the climb to the Highwood Pass. BLD
The Highwood River Inn B&B, Longview, www.highwoodriverinn.com
Day 6: 112km
Today’s ride – over Highwood Pass – gives you bragging rights to the highest paved pass of the Rockies. On guided trips, van support will be available for those preferring the downhill only. Weather conditions can vary as you climb, so be prepared for anything from sunshine to light snow. Rendezvous at the Delta Kananaskis, in an area rife with cycling and walking trails. This lovely area was host to the 1988 Olympic Nakiska skiing competition. BLD
Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, Kananaskis Village, www.deltahotels.com
Day 7: 16km. The Lake Minnewanka road and a short hike
Transfer from Kananaskis through Canmore and along the Bow River Valley, to start a short yet lovely final ride on the Lake Minnewanka Road (one of the most feature packed routes in the Rockies). Hike either the C Level Cirque Trail or the Stewart Canyon Trail before a cooling final dip in the lake, known formerly as the Devil’s Lake and Cannibal Lake, for the variety of horror stories in its native history. After lunch, finish in Banff or transfer to Calgary, arriving late afternoon. BL
The Details:
| Start: | Calgary 13:00, day one. Meet at the Sheraton Suites Eau Claire, 255 Barclay Parade S.W. |
| Finish: | Banff 14:00 or Calgary 15:00, day seven. |
| Guided Cost: | $2795 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, park entry fees, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps/route notes). |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2595 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, luggage transfers, transfers from Calgary to Waterton and as needed on days 4, 5, and 7, hiking guide on day 3, maps/route notes). |
| Single Occupancy: | $575 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Sep 12-18. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jun 19-25; Jul 10-16; Jul 31-Aug 6; Aug 21-27; Sep 11-17. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are late June to early September. |
| Similar Trips: | Alberta: Banff to Jasper; Newfoundland: Viking Trail; 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.
