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Thu, 25 Jun 2020

E-Bike Adventures in Banff

Cycling is an amazing way to travel. Moving at a slower pace, you can engage more deeply with your surroundings. Whether you want a challenge or to mosey along the flat, SkiBig3 Adventure Hub can set you up with an e-bike, helmet and lock. An e-bike opens up terrain for all ability levels. The only thing that you need to choose is what path to take first.

Not sure where to start? Here we are going to tackle the best places to bike and how to make the most out of your days exploring Banff National Park.

BANFF TOWNSITE

Within the Banff area there are short distance trips that are fun to ride and offer unique experiences.

Three e-bike cyclists take in the view of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel from Surprise Corner along the Tunnel Mountain Road Loop, town of Banff, Banff National Park. Photo by Will Lambert.

Tunnel Mountain Loop

13 km / 8 miles

Suggested Rental Time: min. 4 hour

Starting on Buffalo Street and Banff Avenue, work your way up to Surprise Corner for a beautiful view of the Bow river below and the “Castle in the Rockies.” From there, continue up Tunnel Mountain Road until you reach the HooDoos viewpoint. As you cruise along, Cascade Mountain comes into view. Connect on the Legacy Trail as you rise your way back to Banff Ave.

Local Tip: When travelling on the Tunnel Mountain loop, take a break at the HooDoos and walk the short trail to geographical wonders plus a close up view of Rundle Ridge from a different perspective.

Golf Course Loop

14.5 km / 9 miles

Suggested Rental Time: min. 4 hour

Bow Falls begins the journey of this gentle, meandering loop along the Banff Springs Golf Course. With less traffic than many other public roads, this is a great route that allows you to enjoy the seclusion of nature. There are great places to stop and take a short break.

Local Tip: Stop in at the Waldhaus and snag a spot on their patio. Their infamous ‘das boot’ of German beer adds to the journey.

VERMILION LAKES & BOW VALLEY PARKWAY

These routes sport spectacular views and great opportunities to view wildlife. Make sure to stop at the BANFF sign for a picture to commemorate the journey.

E-bike Adventure at Vermilion Lakes Photo by William Lambert.

Vermilion Lakes

12 km / 7.5 miles

Suggested Rental Time: min. 4 hour

Start your journey by exiting the townsite via the west entrance towards Mt. Norquay. Before you reach the Trans-Canada Highway, turn left and connect onto the Vermilion Lakes road. This quiet road curves along a series of three lakes and offers plenty of areas to stop and enjoy the incredible views. At the end of the third lake, the road links onto the Legacy Trail heading west towards the Bow Valley Parkway.

Bow Valley Parkway to Johnson Canyon/Castle Mountain Junction

66 km / 41 mi

Suggested Rental Time: full day

If there was ever a time to cycle this route, this is the year! The eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to all vehicle traffic for the entire 2020 summer season. Ride past the Vermilion Lakes and connect onto the Legacy Trail and Bow Valley Parkway. Once on the parkway continue to travel west exploring the interpretive spots and look-outs all the way to Castle Mountain Junction.

Local Tip: While you can purchase food items at both Castle Mountain Junction and Johnson Canyon, we recommend you bring plenty of snacks, water and lunch for the adventure.

MINNEWANKA LOOP

This scenic loop is located north of Banff townsite and is the access point to a myriad of stunning vistas and mountain lakes. This loop includes three routes you can choose from. To access these routes on your e-bike, follow the Legacy Trail out via the East Banff Entrance. As you approach the Highway 1 overpass continue along the Legacy Trail as if you were heading to Canmore. Once parallel to Highway 1, there is an underpass on your left which connects to Cascade Ponds. From this point, you can access the Lake Minnewanka Loop and travel along this dedicated cycle lane.

Two Jack Lake

22 km / 13.5 m (return)

Suggested Rental Time: min 4 hours

Two Jack Lake is a summer hot spot along the Minnewanka Loop, popular with campers, canoers, fishers, and more. With views of Mt. Rundle and simultaneously clear and vibrantly blue water, the appeal is apparent.

Johnson Lake

23 km / 14 m (return)

Suggested Rental Time: min. 4 hours

The warmest of three lakes on the Minnewanka Loop, this is a popular spot with both visitors and locals. With a hard-earned bike ride getting there, you may just want to test the mountain waters for yourself to cool off. New washroom facilities and picnic tables make it a convenient rest stop.

Minnewanka Loop

25 km / 15.5 m

Suggested Rental Time: full day

Sit back and enjoy the ride as stunning mountain scenery unfolds before you along this loop. Work your way along the West side of the loop until you reach Lake Minnewanka. Hop on a Minnewanka Lake Cruise or grab some ice cream to enjoy shore-side while you’re here. Carry along to Two Jack Lake and end your loop at the quaint Cascade Ponds.

Local Tip: Whether skipping rocks, swimming, paddle-boarding, or stopping for lunch, there are many ways to enjoy these mountainous loops, so make sure to pack a lunch and plan for some added time.

BANFF LEGACY TRAIL

Connecting Banff and Canmore, this cruisey trail runs adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway. Because of its popularity, the trail hosts commuters, day-trippers, athletes in training, and even runners.

e-bike-legacy-trail E-bike adventure on Legacy Trail.

Legacy Trail to Valleyview Picnic Area

26 km / 16 m (return)

Suggested Rental Time: min. 4 hour

E-bike to the Valleyview Picnic Area, about halfway between Banff and Canmore. From here, amenities like picnic tables, rest areas, and the classic red Parks Canada chairs make this a great spot to stop for lunch.

Legacy Trail to Canmore

21.5km / 13.4 m (one way)

Suggested Rental Time: min. full day

Make a day of it by biking even further along the trail to Banff’s neighbour, Canmore. Here, you can take in their unique mountain vibe, peruse the unique shops and boutiques throughout the downtown area, and enjoy several summer patios in the sun.

Local Tip: Plan for a day of sightseeing and riding to Canmore and back. With new health and safety standards, Roam Transit is unable to carry bikes inside the bus this summer and e-bikes do not fit on the front racks. Enjoy a full day of adventure between two mountain towns.

Stunning scenery and great cycling across diverse terrain, together with the friendliness of the Bow Valley locals, makes exploring Banff National Park on e-bikes an unforgettable experience.

Stop by the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub and talk to our specialists to get you started. From rentals to safety tips to route tips, they have everything you need to e-bike in Banff this summer. Or, save 15% by reserving your bike online and ensure your model of choice is available during your visit to Banff National Park.

A GUIDE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

The SkiBig3 app is your guide to Banff National Park for summer and winter adventure. Download the app and stay informed!

  • E-Bike Tips, Routes & Maps
  • Paddleboard Safety, Routes & Maps
  • How to Inflate/Deflate your Paddleboard
  • Weather Forecast

Banff National Park might be just the place to quietly escape for a much needed summer vacation. Talk to our in-destination Reservations Team today to plan a personalized trip. With a flexible change policy and no risk cancellation options, this might be the coveted summer escape you crave.