Canada, Alberta: Jasper to Banff Bike
Five nights; Six days of challenging cycling on the paved, broad-shouldered Icefields Parkway, with an optional day of hiking in the peaks behind Lake Louise.
“… still recovering from the beauty of the Rockies. Cycling was indeed the best...” – Fiona and Colin
WHY THIS TRIP?
- This is one of the most spectacular mountain rides in the world, paralleling the Continental Divide. It is a sheer delight for cyclists wanting a breathtaking ride, in both senses.
- Large wildlife abounds here. Chances of seeing elk, moose, mountain goats, and grizzly bears on this cycling route are high, and you will learn how to behave cautiously and respectfully around these magnificent beasts.
- Start in charming Jasper. Pass the Athabasca waterfalls, and the alpine Peyto Lake.
- Ride along the Athabasca River, past waterfalls and an iceberg-studded lake to Sunwapta.
- Pass three large glaciers, including the Athabasca.
- Spectacular mountains along this route helped give it a UNESCO designation.
- Rest and hike in Lake Louise.
- Finish in the picturesque mountain town of Banff.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
This is a challenging ride, requiring good fitness, or an electric bike. There are wide shoulders for much of the route, which is paved and traffic-shared. There are significant climbs/descents, and the scenery is constantly fantastic. Relaxed cyclists will need vehicle support.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Ride from Jasper to Sunwapta ~55km.
- 2: Cycle up to the Athabasca Glacier ~50km.
- 3: Cycling to North Saskatchewan River Crossing ~50km.
- 4: Ride the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise ~80km.
- 5: Hiking Plain of Six Glaciers; Short: ~7km/Long: up to ~20km; or optional bike ride to Moraine Lake.
- 6: Ride Bow Valley to Banff ~62km.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Jasper, Park Place Inn, 9:30, day one.
Finish: Banff, ~15:30, day six. 2 ¼ hour shuttle to Calgary ~$80 operated by Brewster departs Banff at ~15:45, or ~19:00.
Privately operated shuttles to Jasper are available from Edmonton, Banff, or Calgary. We recommend arriving in Jasper a day or two early; it’s a great place to become acclimatized to the beauty of the mountains. Your guides may be able to meet you as you arrive on one of the shuttles, and you may be able to arrange a private transfer from Banff or Calgary with us, ask for details.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Ride from Jasper to Sunwapta ~55km.
Meet in Jasper to begin cycling along the lesser-traveled east side of the Athabasca River on a quiet road through stands of pine and spruce with wonderful views of the Athabasca River Valley. Afternoon ride on the broad plain of the Sunwapta River. 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 climb, and a hike to see the Sunwapta Falls before dinner.
Meal Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner.
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge, Sunwapta Falls.DAY 2:
Cycle up to the Athabasca Glacier ~50km.
Today’s ride is largely uphill, though helped, we hope, by the prevailing tailwind. This is the most challenging portion of the trip, and will be rewarded with spectacular views of the largest icefield south of Alaska - the Athabasca Glacier. From your panoramically-situated lodge, enjoy an early evening glacier tour exploring the Columbia Icefield, watching for the yearly markers of the ice’s annual retreat, before warming up with dinner at your lodge.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
The Glacier View Inn, Athabasca Glacier.DAY 3:
Cycling to North Saskatchewan River Crossing ~50km.
Begin your descent from the Athabasca Glacier, passing the Wilcox Pass Trailhead and the sweeping alpine views of Nigel Pass. Continue toward the dramatic cliffs of Panther Falls and pause to admire the powerful cascades of the Weeping Wall. The route then guides you to the confluence of the North Saskatchewan River, where you will spend the night near the historic Crossing. If time permits, consider a short riverside stroll before settling in for a restful evening in this scenic and storied location.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
The Crossing Resort, Saskatchewan River Crossing.DAY 4:
Ride the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise ~80km.
Depart from the Saskatchewan River Crossing and follow the Parkway along the Bow and Mistaya Rivers, taking in the vivid mountain and lakeside scenery on your way to the iconic Lake Louise. Ascend toward Bow Summit for unforgettable views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, then enjoy a rewarding descent into the Lake Louise area. If time permits, consider exploring the vibrant village or strolling the lakeshore trail before relaxing for the evening in this world-renowned alpine setting.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise.DAY 5:
Hiking Plain of Six Glaciers; Short: ~7km/Long: up to ~20km; or optional bike ride to Moraine Lake.
Set out for a day of hiking above Lake Louise, where dramatic alpine trails and sweeping vistas promise a deeply rewarding experience. Reach a charming mountain teahouse before continuing through high meadows surrounded by rugged peaks. If time permits, consider venturing farther along the ridgelines for even broader panoramas. For those inclined to ride instead, cycling to Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Same lodging.DAY 6:
Ride Bow Valley to Banff ~62km.
Ride the gentle curves of the Bow Valley Parkway toward Banff, taking in a series of ever-changing mountain and forest views. Pause to follow the dramatic hanging walkway through Johnston Canyon, where a series of waterfalls rewards your effort. If time permits, consider continuing up to the viewpoint or along the Ink Pots Trail for a more immersive experience. Reach Banff with time to join an optional transfer to Calgary via Brewster, or plan to stay and explore this vibrant mountain community for an extra night or two.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 6245 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, full time vehicle support/guide, park entry fees, glacier tour, maps and route instructions, hybrid bicycle rental, 5% sales tax.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 5745 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner (night 2), glacier tour, luggage transfers (daily rider transfers are available at no cost when coordinated with morning luggage transfers), maps and route instructions, hybrid bicycle rental, 5% sales tax.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1945
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid: Included
Flat bars. Trek Dual Sport 3 or similar.
Change to Road: C 600
Drop bars. Trek Domane AL5, SL5, or similar, limited availability.
Change to E-bike: C 500
Flat bars. Trek Verve+ 2 or similar. Lowstep and crossbar frames available.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is late-June to mid-September.
Outside these times, snow and ice become real possibilities, especially on the high passes. July and August are the busiest months, with the warmest weather.
GET TO THE START
If you fly: arrive at Calgary International (YYC), and shuttle to Jasper; or fly to Edmonton International (YEG), and take shuttle to Jasper ~$100.
If you drive: we can help you arrange parking in Jasper. You will need to take a shuttle back to Jasper from Banff at the end.
AFTER THE FINISH
Finish: Banff, ~15:30, day six. Shuttle from Banff to Calgary operated by Brewster and Vivo Green.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Plan far in advance if you would like to include the Calgary Stampede.
Calgary has a host of attractions, including more than 25 museums, top notch shopping, theatre, ballet, galleries, and dining choices.
Check out the Calgary Festivals site to see what festivals will be taking place while you visit.
"We stayed at Tekkara Lodge in Jasper - perfect. We hiked up the Whistlers and took the gondola back down. Bear Paw Bakery (breakfast, lunch, treats) and the Jasper Brewing Co, (beer, dinner) were both terrific." - Jennifer S.
MORE READING
This is one of the most spectacular mountain rides in the world. It parallels the Continental Divide, and passes three large glaciers, the Athabasca waterfalls, and the alpine Peyto Lake. This Jasper Banff Bike tour abounds with large wildlife, and is a sheer delight for cyclists wanting a breathtaking ride, in both senses.
Beginning in the charming town of Jasper, you will commence along the Athabasca River, past waterfalls and an iceberg-studded lake, to Sunwapta. You will ride past the Athabasca Glacier, over Bow Summit, through Lake Louise, and between spectacular mountains that helped give this whole route a UNESCO designation. The chances of seeing elk, moose, mountain goats, and grizzly bears on this cycling route are very high, and you will learn how to behave cautiously and respectfully around these magnificent beasts before starting off. Finish your cycling in Banff where you may opt to spend more time hiking, riding, and soaking in the hot springs, or transfer directly Calgary for departing flights.
Privately operated shuttles to Jasper are available from Edmonton, Banff, or Calgary. We recommend arriving in Jasper a day or two early; it’s a great place to become acclimatized to the beauty of the mountains. Your guides may be able to meet you as you arrive on one of the shuttles, and you may be able to arrange a private transfer from Banff or Calgary with us, ask for details.