Banff National Park of Canada

Mountain Biking and Cycling Guide

 

Banff Area Trails

 

 

All park maintained trails in the immediate vicinity of the Banff townsite are open for cycling except Tunnel Mountain Trail, Sulphur Mountain Trail (from the Upper Hot Springs to the Summit), Sundance Canyon loop, the Cave and Basin boardwalks, and marked sections of the Bow River and Bow Falls trails. The townsite trails are popular with other users including commercial horse groups—please ride respectfully.

 

Banff Area Trails

Sundance

3.7 km one way, elevation gain 30 m, easy (map)

Trailhead: Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Perfect for kids and tot trailers, this paved trail winds along the Bow River and climbs gently to the Sundance Canyon picnic area and hiking trail. You are likely to encounter hikers and horseback riders on this busy route. Connects with the Healy Creek Trail (#2).

Healy Creek

4.8 km one way, elevation gain 20 m, easy (map)

Trailhead: Branches off Sundance Trail (#1)
This gravel and dirt doubletrack winds and dips through the forest and comes out on Sunshine Road near the TCH. Combine it with the highway to make a 20 km loop starting and ending in Banff. Connects with the Brewster Creek Trail (# 3).

Brewster Creek (not on map)

36.8 km one way, elevation gain 1000 m, difficult (map)

Ride the Sundance Trail (#1), then the Healy Creek fire road (#2) until you get to the Brewster Creek Trail. This trail, a former road, climbs gradually up Brewster Creek valley to Sundance Lodge (service for guests only). The ride to the lodge is appropriate for intermediate riders and is a 29 km return trip. Beyond the lodge is a rugged, muddy singletrack suitable for advanced riders with wilderness travel skills. The route continues up the valley, then climbs steeply to Allenby Pass. There is no cycling beyond the pass. Please watch for horse users. Note beginning this ride from the Healy Creek Trailhead on the Sunshine Road reduces the trip by 7.2 km.

Spray River Loop

12.5 km, elevation gain 200 m, easy (map)

Trailhead: Begins at the Banff Springs Hotel and ends at the golf course (or vice versa)
A pleasant roll through the woods, this trail follows former roads on both sides of the Spray River. The good views, rushing river and deluxe picnic spot at the furthest point are highlights of the ride. Suitable for kids and tot-trailers.

Spray River and Goat Creek

19 km one way, elevation gain 360 m, moderate (map)

Trailhead: Banff Springs Hotel
This popular double-track follows an old fire road for 10 km to the junction with Goat Creek (turn left). It then ascends gently along Goat Creek below Mount Rundle to a parking lot on the Smith-Dorrien Road above Canmore. Most riders arrange a vehicle shuttle and reverse the trip for a gentle downhill cruise. Combine with Rundle Riverside (#6) and the Golf Course Drive (#15) for a challenging 48 km loop.

Rundle Riverside

14 km one way, elevation gain 180 m, moderate (map)

Trailhead: Banff Golf Course Rd. (kiosk at far end)
Intermediate and advanced riders will enjoy this rocky, roller-coaster of a trail linking Banff and Canmore. The trail offers 8 km of rough, root riding before joining a gravel double-track for a fast 6 km to the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Cascade Ponds - Bankhead

2.5 km one way, elevation gain 100 m, easy (map)

Trailhead: Cascade Ponds Day Use Area, Lake Minnewanka Road
From the ponds ride north along the creek and follow the trail past the picnic tables. The trail crosses the Minnewanka Rd. and follows the old Canadian Pacific railgrade to the ghost town of Bankhead.

Cascade Ponds - Watertower

4.2 km one way, elevation gain 120 m, moderate (map)

Trailhead: Cascade Ponds Day Use Area, Lake Minnewanka Road
The trail begins at the northeast corner of the ponds, crosses a small creek, leads into the trees and climbs up an almost "impossible to ride up" set of steps. The remainder of the trail to the watertower is a sweet single-track that snakes along the edge of the escarpment above the TCH. From the water tower a short section of gravel road leads to Johnson Lake.

Lake Minnewanka

30 km one way, elevation gain 75 m, difficult (map)

Check trail report for current conditions.

Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka Picnic Area (far end)
This rough, and somewhat exposed sidehill singletrack, leads east to the park boundary at Devil's Gap. Popular day trip destinations include the Aylmer Pass hiking trail junction (16 km return) and the warden patrol cabin (32 km return). This trail is popular with hikers and can be quite congested for the first four km. Seasonal closure of Lm8 campground and trail use restriction in Aylmer Pass July 15 to September 30. Learn more.....

Cascade

14 km one way, elevation gain 180 m, moderate (map)

Trailhead: Upper Bankhead Parking Lot
Formerly a fire road, this gravel trail leads into the wild Cascade valley and runs through prime bear habitat. The cycling trail ends at Stoney Creek primitive campground—buy a Wilderness Pass and try backcountry bicycle camping.

Upper Stoney Squaw

2 km one way, elevation gain 150 m, difficult (map)

Trailhead: Mt. Norquay Ski Area Parking Lot
This narrow, root-infested little trail climbs, sometimes steeply, to the summit of Stoney Squaw Mountain. The easiest descent is to retrace your tracks. A more difficult option is continue north and descend a rocky trail to the old ski runs above the lodge. Many riders link this trail with Lower Stoney Squaw (#10B). NOTE: Upper and Lower Stoney Squaw are the only legal bike trails in the Mt. Norquay area.

Lower Stoney Squaw

5.2 km one way, elevation loss 170 m, moderate (map)

Trailhead: Mt. Norquay Ski Area Parking Lot
Ride past the day lodge and down the ski area service road for 1.4 km. Watch closely on the right for a sign indicating the trail. The trail features rough and rocky sections and drops almost continuously to the highway. Combine with Mt. Norquay Rd. (#12) for a challenging 15 km loop from Banff. Please watch for bears and horse users on this fast, downhill ride.

Redearth (not on map)

12 km one way, elevation gain 320 m, moderate (map)

Trailhead: On the TCH, 20 km west of Banff
This trail, once a fire road, provides bike and hike access to some very scenic backcountry near the Great Divide. Bring a lock and leave your bike at the end of the road. Popular hiking destinations include Shadow Lake Lodge (stop for tea), Shadow Lake and Egypt Lake.

Banff Road Rides

Mt. Norquay Road

7.5 km one way, difficult (map)

Trailhead: Norquay Overpass on the TCH.
This steep road climbs steadily up the mountain to the Mt. Norquay ski area. A lookout near the top provides a great view of the town of Banff in the valley below. Note: all trails leading off this road are closed to biking.

Lake Minnewanka Road

24 km loop, moderate (map)

Trailhead: Minnewanka overpass on the TCH
You will pass many attractions on this route including the Cascade Ponds, Bankhead, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and Johnson Lake. Be cautious - the road is narrow and can be quite busy during the summer. Closed in winter.

Tunnel Mt. Drive

15 km loop, moderate (map)

Trailhead: East end of Buffalo Street
This hilly ride takes you to a viewpoint overlooking Bow Falls and the 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.

Golf Course Drive

15 km loop, easy (map)

Trailhead: Bridge over the Spray River by Bow Falls
The route takes you past the Banff Springs golf course and around a loop road at the far end. This peaceful road offers xcellent
views of the Bow River and local peaks. Great for a family outing.

Vermilion Lakes Drive

5.7 km one way, easy (map)

Trailhead: Off Mt. Norquay Road, just south of the TransCanada Highway
The Vermilion Lakes are a series of three shallow lakes surrounded by marshland—a rich oasis for wildlife. The 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.

Hwy 1A Fireside Picnic Area to Castle Jct.

27 km one way, moderate (map)

Trailhead: TCH, 5.5 km west of the Norquay Overpass.
The Bow Valley Parkway ride is a classic, winding through forests near the Bow River. Give yourself a day to explore as there are many hikes and viewpoints along the way. This is a busy road with narrow shoulders—consider riding midweek when traffic is lighter. Combine with Lake Louise Trail #10 for a 55 km ride (one way).

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