Name of Route |
Length Km
Return to Banff Springs |
Physical difficulty |
Technical difficulty |
Estimated Time |
Description |
Vermillion lakes & Fenland Loop |
15 km return |
Easy
Flat |
Novice |
2-3 hours |
The Vermilion Lakes are a series of three shallow lakes surrounded by marshland—a rich oasis for wildlife. This ride provides classic views of Banff's signature peak, Mount Rundle. All three lakes have small docks where you can relax and enjoy the view. |
Sundance Canyon |
11.4 km |
Easy
Some hills |
Novice |
2-3 hours |
Ride along the Bow river the the Cave ave trail to Cave and Basin National Historic Site. The paved Sundance trail winds along the Bow River and climbs to the Sundance Canyon picnic area and hiking trail. You may choose to lock your bike and hike the last hill. |
Bow Falls & Golf Course |
15 km loop |
Easy
Flat |
Novice |
2 hours |
Take in the magnificent Bow Falls then cruise around the golf course and a loop road at the far end. This peaceful road offers excellent views of the Bow River and local peaks. Great for a family outing and suitable for tow-alongs and chariots. |
Lake Minnewanka Loop |
24.5 km loop |
Moderate
Some hills |
Novice |
4-5 hours |
An easy uphill road ride to Lake Minnewanka Picnic area, past the Cascade Ponds, and the old mining town of Bankhead. Circuit back via Two Jack Lake. |
Spray River Loop and Golf Course |
12.5 km for Spray loop & 12km for Golf course. Total 27km |
Moderate
Small rolling hills |
Novice - Intermediate |
3-4 hours |
A pleasant roll through the woods, this trail follows former roads on both sides of the Spray River. The great views, rushing river and deluxe picnic spot at the furthest point of Spray River Loop make a great rest spot. Head down the other side of Spray river and exit this section of the ride onto the Golf Course road. Whilst enjoying the easy cruising around the gold greens you will likely spot some elk. Return to the hotel via the Bow Falls. |
Goat Creek |
38 km return |
Moderate
Some elevation gain at end. |
Novice - Intermediate |
5-6 hours |
This popular double-track follows an old fire road for 10 km to the junction with Goat Creek. It then ascends gently along Goat Creek below Mount Rundle to the back of Ha Ling which overlooks Canmore. Bring lunch and plenty of water. |
Lake Minnewanka loop with off road option |
25 km loop |
Moderate Some hills |
Intermediate |
4-5 hours |
Ride out to the Lake Minnewanka loop and take the back road from Cascade Ponds to Lower Bankhead, site of the original town of Banff. Continue to Lake Minnewanka and return via Two Jack Lake and the Water Tower Trail. Bring lunch and water. |
Tunnel Mtn Drive |
15 km loop |
Moderate with a big hill |
Intermediate |
2-3 hours |
This hilly ride takes you to a viewpoint overlooking Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. From here the road cuts up the side of Tunnel Mt. to join Tunnel Mt. Road. It then continues westward, past campgrounds and viewpoints, before dropping down to Banff Avenue. |
Brewster Creek & Healy Creek |
19 km return |
Moderate with rolling hills |
Intermediate |
3-4 hours |
Head to the Cave and Basin and continue down Sundance Canyon, take a right at Brewster Creek to leave the pavement and ride through forested rolling hills. Sit on the bridge at Healy Creek and watch the sparkling water rush by. Return the same way. Trail shared with horses. |
Cost is $40 per hour for the first person and $10 per hour for each additional person. Maximum of 8 people. All participants over 18 are required to carry bear spray. All participants are required to wear a helmet and carry water.
