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. Beginning in the charming town of Banff, where you can enjoy the world-famous ambience and hot springs, you will commence on the easy Bow valley Parkway to Lake Louise, through Back swamp, 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 for a fabulous day of hiking. Back on your bike, you will climb to the alpine meadows of 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.
Highlights: Canadian heritage rivers: the Athabasca and North Saskatchewan; Athabasca Falls; Goat Lick near Mt. Kerkeslin; Sunwapta Falls; Columbia Icefield; Athabasca Glacier; Sunwapta Pass; the Weeping Wall; Mistaya Canyon, Bow Summit; Peyto Lake; Johnston canyon, Silver City.
2008 Guided Dates: Jul 20-26; Aug 3-8; Aug 17-22.
Custom groups or self-guided departures are available any time. Self guided: Available any time. Start: 9:00am day one, Banff. Finish: 9:00am day seven, Jasper. Complimentary transfers available back to Banff or Calgary.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 9:00am start in Banff. Ride the Bow River Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise (68 km). The parkway ride today 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. For early arrivals in Lake Louise, there is a wonderful hike up to the tearoom on the other side of the lake, usually reserved for tomorrow. Lunch and dinner are included on guided trips. Lodging: Deer Lodge, Lake Louise.
Day 2: Hiking beyond Lake Louise to Lake Angus tearoom nestled among the peaks. (Hiking 10-20 km). 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. Breakfast is included. Picnic lunch is also included on guided tours. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 3: Cycling to Bow Lake and Peyto lake. (40 km + 13 km option). Today you will ride along the Icefields Parkway, climbing higher into the Rockies and to the head of Bow Lake, where a rustic yet luxurious lodge is nestled among the peaks. You’ll enjoy the fireplace and hot tub this evening. Before the end of the day, you will be able to hike to nearby Peyto Lake, known for its emerald waters – a result of an abundance of glacial ‘flour’. Breakfast is included. Picnic lunch and dinner are also included on guided trips. Lodging: Num-ti-Jah Lodge, 40km North of Lake Louise.
Day 4: Ride along the Icefields Parkway to the Athabasca Glacier. (75 km). Today’s riding is incredible! The route follows the Bow river, the Mistaya river, 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. Breakfast is included. Picnic lunch is also included on guided trips. Lodging: The Icefield Chalet.
Day 5: Follow the Sunwapta River to the Falls (65 km). 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. Breakfast is included. Picnic lunch and dinner are included on guided trips. Lodging: Sunwapta Falls Resort.
Day 6: Cycle to Jasper. (60 km) Today you can leave the Icefield 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 will finish riding at a spectacular lodge in Jasper, from where you might want to walk around the lake before dinner. Breakfast is included. Picnic lunch and dinner are also included on guided trips. Lodging: Jasper Park Lodge.
Day 7: Transfer back to Banff or Calgary. Early farewells after breakfast. Following your 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. Breakfast is included.
Testimonials:
"The accommodations were superb, and located in the most sublime places. I would pull a chair up in front of our bedroom window and just sit and drink in the scene."
(J.& A. Jesse, MO)
"... it was one of the best vacations we have all had in some time. In particular, I would like to compliment the three guides we had… They were well-organized, extremely thoughtful and considerate, and very knowledgeable. They made the trip a highly enjoyable experience for all of us."
(Robert F. NY)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $3195 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, park entry fees, luggage handling, van & guide support, park entry fees, maps & route notes)
Self-Guided Cost: $2795 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, luggage handling, park entry fees, transfer back to Banff or Calgary at the end, maps & route notes)
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Alberta
Bicycle Touring
Wildlife Viewing
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