Can You Bike Around Lake Louise?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

While other national parks offer scenic beauty of the natural landscapes, biking in the Lake Louise area transports riders to a unique outdoor experience.

Biking in the Lake Louise area typically extends from May to October

.

Can you bike in Banff?

Banff is home to some of the most spectacular road and mountain biking in the world.

Cycling is accessible to everyone in Banff

. Trails range from easy to very difficult and bike rentals are available at several outlets in Town. Sharrows and trails throughout the townsite make Banff very bike friendly.

Is there a bike trail from Banff to Lake Louise?

It’s the perfect time to ride


Highway 1A has been closed to motor vehicles from Banff to Castle Junction

, making it one of Canada’s most memorable and scenic bike routes. This 58 km ride takes you right to the quieter side of Lake Louise, at the Summer Gondola.

Where can I ride my bike in Banff?

  • Here are 5 great bike rides in the Banff area I can recommend.
  • Tunnel Mountain for mountain bikers.
  • Tunnel Mountain road tour.
  • Lake Minnewanka Loop.
  • Goat Creek Trail – Spray River Combo.
  • Bow Valley Parkway cycling – 2022 update.
  • More options.
  • Bike Rentals in Banff and Canmore.

Does Lake Louise do mountain biking?


Rides vary from novice road options to more difficult remote backcountry mountain biking trails

. While other national parks offer scenic beauty of the natural landscapes, biking in the Lake Louise area transports riders to a unique outdoor experience.

How long does it take to bike Legacy trail?

The entire trail is collectively referred to as the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail – a distance of 26.8 km, with a 30 m elevation gain and an estimated timeline of

2 – 3 hour round trip

for cyclists. The Banff Legacy Trail is best enjoyed from mid-April to mid-October.

Can you bike Johnston Canyon?

Great news for those that love to bike without having to dodge cars in Banff.

The 1A is open to Cyclists again without vehicle traffic all the way to Johnstons Canyon Resort

.

Can you bike on the Bow Valley Parkway?

The Bow Valley Parkway is a 48 km scenic road connecting Banff to Lake Louise in Banff National Park and offers a number of experiences such as

road cycling

, camping, hiking, and scenic driving.

Is Banff Legacy Trail open?

Open Length: 20 km Winter Trail Map Kananaskis Valley Map (Geo Referenced) Trail Report: Canmore and Area

Are Ebikes allowed in Banff?


E-bikes, with the exception of pedal assist E-bikes, are not permitted on trails in Banff National Park

.

Where can you mountain bike in Banff?

  • Fenland Trail. 2.1 km loop. …
  • Sundance. 3.7 km one way. …
  • Tunnel Campground Loop. 6.4 km loop. …
  • Banff Legacy Trail. 29 km one way. …
  • Healy Creek. 5.5 km one way. …
  • Spray River West and East. 5.7 km one way from Spray River East trailhead (Golf Course Road) to Spray River Bridge. …
  • Cascade Ponds – Bankhead. …
  • Cascade.

Can you mountain bike in Banff National Park?

With more than 360 km of cycling trails,

biking is an excellent way to explore the Banff National Park

. Trails range from easy to difficult and the biking season typically extends from May to October.

Do you need a park pass to bike to Banff?

Biking from Canmore to Banff

It’s located at the Travel Alberta Visitor’s Center just off the Trans-Canada Highway. In addition to washrooms there is lots of free parking. Although I have a yearly National Park’s pass it appeared that

you didn’t need to stop and buy one as you entered Banff National Park

.

How do I get from Banff to Lake Louise?

The most economical way to get from Banff to Lake Louise is by

route 8X on Roam Transit

. The trip takes 48 minutes on an eco-friendly hybrid bus. Catch the bus at the Banff High School Transit Hub. Drop-off is at Lake Louise Village or within walking distance of spectacular Lake Louise (the final stop).

Can you bike around Lake Minnewanka?

How long is the Lake Minnewanka Loop?

The Lake Minnewanka Road loop is 13.1 km from the T-intersection

. This 13.1 km includes only the cycling on the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive and no additional stops along the way. Riding from the parking lot Cascade Ponds will add on an additional 2 km for a total of 15 km.

Are there bathrooms along the Legacy Trail?

You can access the Legacy Trail at any point along its track, but there are also trailheads that offer free parking and a convenient place to rest.

Some also offer restrooms

and other amenities.

Are there bathrooms on the Legacy Trail?

Both the Legacy Trail and Venetian Waterway Trail are open from sunrise to sunset. There are frequent benches on both trails, and

restrooms can be found at trailheads

.

Is Legacy Trail Safe?

Built in 2010 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Banff National Park, the three-season 22.3 km (13.8 mi) Banff Legacy Trail gave outdoor enthusiasts a 3 m (10 ft) wide lane near the highway,

safe from the traffic and fenced off from potential interactions with wildlife

.

Can you bike on Highway 1A?

As of July 1st 2021,

the section of Highway 1A from Castle Junction to Johnston Canyon is now open to public vehicles

and we don’t recommend biking this with kids. It will remain this way in 2022 and beyond. However, you could still enjoy cycling from Banff and along the Bow Valley Parkway from the Fireside Day Use.

Where can I park to bike the 1A?

As in 2020 and 2021, riders are encouraged to park at the

Fenlands Recreation Centre or train station visitor lot it Banff

and cycle from there.

Is Highway 1A still closed?

Yes,

Johnston Canyon is now fully open in 2022

. After a few different iterations of Highway 1A road closures in 2020 and 2021, the Bow Valley Parkway is now fully open to vehicle traffic in both directions to Johnston Canyon. Make sure to add it to your itinerary as it’s one of the best free things to do in Banff!

Can you drive up Tunnel Mountain?


Tunnel Mountain Drive

This short drive just outside the town of Banff winds its way around Tunnel Mountain. This slow moving road is popular with cyclists and hikers, who use it to access trails.

Is the Bow Valley Parkway open to cars?


In 2020 and 2021, vehicle access on the eastern half of the Bow Valley Parkway was restricted

, initially to support public health requirements such as physical distancing at the busy tourist hotspot at Johnston Canyon. The car-free section turned into a cycling mecca.

How long is the Bow Valley Parkway?

The Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy-1A) offers something for every visitor to Banff National Park. Excellent road cycling, world-class hiking or even just a quiet spot to have a picnic lunch. This

50 km

scenic route runs parallel to the Trans-Canada highway, offering a great alternative drive to connect Banff and Lake Louise.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.