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Inn-based cycling tour along the Icefield Parkway in Alberta

| CA-RMC601

Bike through the Rocky Mountains on this inn to inn cycling tour along the Icefields Parkway

Overview

Often considered one of the best cycling tour in the world, the spectacular scenery found in the national parks of the Canadian Rockies is unprecedented in North America. This tour offers you the opportunity to travel this high country on one of the greatest mountain roadways of the world - The Icefields Parkway.

Highlights

  • Cycling Icefield Parkway
  • Canadian Rockies bike trip
  • Alberta Rocky Mountain inn to inn cycling
  • Bike between Banff and Jasper
  • The famous Icefield Parkway in Alberta

Stretching an impressive 300 km (200 miles) between the historic towns of Jasper and Banff, the Icefields Parkway traverses beneath some of the most majestic mountains of the world. Flanked by dozens of massive glaciers that plummet to the roadsides, it follows three major river systems and passes by exquisite scenery studded with turquoise lakes and brilliant wild flowers. 

Along the route, two mountain passes - Sunwapta and Bow - take you up to elevations in excess of 7,000 feet (2,100 metres) for breathtaking views of the Columbia Icefield, the largest conglomeration of glaciers in the Canadian Rockies whose melting waters feed rivers that eventually drain into the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. From the elegant to the formidable, the mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies are nothing less than spectacular and deserve the United Nations World Heritage Site designation bestowed upon them. So let our guides take you on a mountain cycle tour in the style and luxury of an inn-to-inn experience you won't forget.

For the more experience cyclist looking for a bigger challenge there is the 500 km route from Jasper to Banff. On this 520k / 320 mile tour you will not only get to ride the entire Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff, but you will also get to see some of the hidden and less visited gems in the Canadian Rockies and ride all of the amazing climbs to stunning vistas. This tour is geared toward ambitious intermediate to serious road riders and features 5,300 metres or 17,500 feet of elevation gain.

  • Trusted Tour Operator
  • Personal Experience
  • Local Guides
  • Small group
Availability Jul-Aug
Duration 6 days
Departs From Banff, AB
Group maximum 12
Meet on Location Yes
Pick Up No
Region Alberta

From

2 633
Per
Adult
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • International number: +1 778 348 1676

Availability (2025):
Based on double occupancy.

300 km route $3895 per person.
Single supplement is $975:

  • July 13-18
  • July 27-August 1
  • August 24-29

500 km route $3695 per person.
Single supplement is $875:

  • August 10-15

Bike rentals:

  • Road bike: $550 CAD
  • E-bike: $675 CAD

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What's Included

Find out what is included and what to bring.

Included

  • Professional guide services for the entire trip
  • Five breakfasts, five lunches and three dinners
  • 5 nights accommodation in hotels and historic mountain lodges along the route
  • Support vehicle and luggage transport
  • Shuttle transportation between Banff to Jasper
  • All National Park fees and permits

Suggested Clothing

  • Rain gear
  • Warm clothing
  • Hiking boots
  • Extra shoes
  • Hat
  • Gloves

Suggested Items

  • Bikes and equipment (can be rented)
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Daypack
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses

Contact us for more Information about this tour

INTERNATIONAL NUMBER: +1 778 348 1676

You can also send an email to info@adventures.com, or use the contact form here below.

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Itinerary

Find out more details about the tour and its highlights

Information

cycling in rocky mountains alberta

Guide information: Professional guide services included for the entire trip.

Restrictions: We welcome all levels of riders on these trips and we encourage you to set your own goals. With our unique support system and the lowest guide/guest ratio in the business, we are able to adjust our trips to different fitness levels within the group. Whether you are looking for a relaxed scenic ride or if you want to test your physical limits, these trips are for you. To get the most out of your holiday we recommend that you engage in activities that maintain your overall fitness and ride as much as possible.

Transportation: Trips begin and end in Banff, Alberta. Banff is located about a 1.5-hour drive west of Calgary.

Weather: The winters in the Canadian Rockies are long. But summers, although short are spectacular and are blessed with glorious bursts of heat. A typical day in the summer averages in the high 70s Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius), while evenings cool off to the high 50s Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). Higher elevations may see frost in any summer month. Rain showers can occur at any time but they are generally short and infrequent.

Accommodations: 5 nights accommodation in hotels and historic mountain lodges along the route. 

Meals & Dining: Five breakfasts, five lunches, three dinners are included.

Requirements: Bikes and equipment (can be rented).

group of cyclists near a minibus getting ready

For 300 km trip

A representative will meet you at the Banff train station (time TBA). From here you will be transferred to Jasper. The van ride is spectacular. Upon arrival at the Jasper Inn, participants can size up the bikes and take a tour of Jasper before our evening orientation and dinner. Overnight Jasper Inn.

 

For 500 km trip

After meeting in the morning at the Banff train station at 10:00 a.m., we shuttle to the historic town of Jasper. The van ride is absolutely spectacular and today you will get to enjoy the scenery without having to sweat. Once in Jasper we size up the bikes and take an afternoon acclimatization ride to the Continental Divide at Yellohead Pass and to Pyramid Lake. 58k / 36 miles, 300 metres / 1000ft vertical. Overnight Jasper Inn.

cyclist relaxing on a bench near mountains

For 300 km trip

After a delicious breakfast we will depart Jasper, taking a secluded valley road south to Athabasca Falls. On our way we go for a hike to the Angel Glacier and marvel at a lake studded with icebergs. After lunch the road follows the wild Athabasca River Valley to our home for the night at Sunwapta Falls Resortt. A short walk to the falls will feel great after a fantastic dinner. Today we will have covered 37 miles or 53 miles (60 k or 88 k) and two optional short walks.

 

For 500 km trip

Ride to the biggest lake and the deepest canyon in the Canadian Rockies 
After a sumptuous breakfast buffet we ride to the largest lake in Jasper National Park. Maligne Lake is famed for the colour of its water, the surrounding peaks, the three glaciers visible from the lake and Spirit Island, one of the most photographed locations in the world. On our way back we explore the deepest canyon in the Canadian Rockies – Maligne Canyon with all it’s Cascades. 100k / 60 miles, 800m / 2600ft vert. Overnight Jasper Inn.

large group of cyclists in rocky mountain alberta

For 300 km trip

Today is a relatively short biking day as we have a morning climb to Sunwapta Pass and the spectacular Columbia Icefield. After lunch we can check into the Icefields Chalet and our rooms overlooking the glacier. Join your guides for an amazing walk to Parker Ridge or take a tour on the ice. 
Distance: 32 miles (52 km) on the bike plus an optional icewalk on the Athabasca Glacier or a hike to Parker Ridge.

 

For 500 km trip

Tackle the Canadian Alp d’Huez and see some huge waterfalls
In the morning we will ride up to spectacular Mt Edith Cavell. This 14k / 8 mile switchback climb takes us to a hanging glacier above a lake filled with icebergs at the the bottom of the mile high, sheer north face of Mt Edith Cavell. After a short sightseeing stop at this amazing place you get to enjoy an exhilarating descent. The other 2 highlights of the day are the amazing waterfalls at Athabasca and Sunwapta. We stay overnight at Sunwapta Falls Resort. 90k / 55mi, 1400m / 4200ft vert.

two cyclists on bikes in canada

For 300 km trip

After a good night's sleep, it's on to the bikes again. Today's ride starts with a long descent down the pass as we follow the Saskatchewan River. Climbing out of the river valley, we will reach the highest point on the Parkway at Bow Summit (6,787'). A side trip to Peyto Lake viewpoint is a must. Continue downhill past spectacular lakes, rivers, glaciers and mountain peaks before arriving at historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge nestled on Bow Lake. 
Distance: 57 miles (93 km)

 

For 500 km trip

Climb Sunwapta Pass and experience the Columbia Icefield 
This morning we are following the Sunwapta River up and tackle the steepest climb of the trip up to the spectacular Columbia Icefields. After a sightseeing stop at the Athabasca Glacier we continue to climb across Sunwapta Pass. Now you will get to enjoy a fun, fast and extremely scenic 15k / 10 miles descent to the bottom of the Weeping Wall. From here we will follow the Saskatchewan River to our hotel at The Crossing. 104k / 62 miles, 1100m / 3500ft.

landscape view in alberta mountains canada

For 300 km trip

After another of many delightful breakfasts, we will enjoy a short 45km ride to world famous Lake Louise. Here you can take an optional ride to Moraine Lake, hike to Lake Agnes tea house or even take an optional half day whitewater trip on the Kicking Horse river. We will finish the day with an amazing dinner at one of the best restaurants in the Rockies. We will stay overnight at historic Deer Lodge at Lake Louise.

Distance: 26 miles (45 km); optional hike to Tea House and Plain of the Six Glaciers (3 hours) or bike ride to the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

 

For 500 km trip

The highest pass and two really famous lakes
After a good night's sleep, it's onto the bikes again. Today's ride starts with a long climb to the highest point on the Parkway at Bow Summit. A side trip to Peyto Lake viewpoint at 7’000ft is a must. From here we continue downhill past spectacular lakes, rivers, glaciers and mountain peaks to Lake Louise. Here another challenge awaits – climb into the Valley of the Ten Peaks and to world famous Lake Louise. Overnight Lake Louise Inn. 108k / 65 miles, 1200m / 4000ft.

riding a bike down a mountain road in canada

For 300 km trip

Our last day's ride takes us along the beautiful Bow Valley Parkway towards Banff. This is an amazing ride along the Bow River offering great wildlife watching. We will finish our ride just outside of Banff at Vermillion Lakes where we say our good-byes. You will be dropped off at the train/bus station or at your hotel if you choose to stay longer. 
Distance: 40 miles (65 km).

 

For 500 km trip

The Grande Finale to Banff 
Our last day's ride takes us along the beautiful Bow Valley Parkway toward Banff. Wildlife sightings of elk, bear and bighorn sheep are quite frequently on this road and beautiful views of the turquoise Bow River and majestic Castle Mountain offer a great backdrop to today’s ride. we are descending into Banff. After saying our goodbyes you will be dropped off at the train/bus station or at a hotel of your choice no later than 2:00 p.m. 65k / 41 miles, 300m /1000ft.

Payment Details

Deposit and Taxes

  • Pricing does not include: 5.00% GST. 
  • A $500.00 deposit is required to hold your reservation. 
  • Balance of payment is due 60 days before trip commencement.

Cancellation Policy & Details

If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply at the time we receive written notice of your cancellation: Until 61 days CAD$150 31 to 60 days 50% of trip cost 0 to 30 days 100% of trip cost