Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Banff
The main lodge complements its natural setting with square timber, post and beam construction and high open ceilings. The decor boasts old-world craftsmanship and a simple, elegant design.
It’s been described as a rite of passage for touring cyclists; National Geographic Traveler called it “a highway strung from the stars”. Cycling from Banff to Jasper following the spectacular Icefields Parkway will be a trip you always remember. Great Explorations takes you there in style and in a way that only a local company can. Join us this summer!
Only Great Explorations:
- Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
- Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.
- Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
- We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.
Canadian Rockies: Banff to Jasper Biking
Banff
Banff, AB, Canada
Starting Location
Lake Louise
Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L, Canada
Day 2
Bow Lake
Bow Lake, Improvement District No. 9, Alberta, Canada
Day 3
Columbia Icefield
Columbia Icefield, Improvement District No. 12, AB, Canada
Day 4
Jasper
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
End Location
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
- Support van
- 5 nights lodging
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches and all dinners except 1
- Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
- GPS routes and maps
- All baggage transportation
- All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off
What's Not Included
- Bike rental
Particulars
Departure Dates
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Jun 7-12 | Jun 6-11 |
| Jun 14-19 | Jun 13-18 |
| Jul 19-24 | Jul 18-23 |
| Jul 26-31 | Jul 25-30 |
| Sep 13-18 | Sep 12-17 |
| Sep 20-25 | Sep 19-24 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
4-16 participants
Total Days
6 days / 5 nights
Arrive/Depart
Banff / Jasper
Activity Level
Moderate-Challenging
60-100km daily
(35-60 miles)
Van supported- shuttles are available to shorten these distances (or skip the climbs!)
Terrain
See elevation gains of daily rides
Cost
Land Cost
CAD $3,500
Includes 5B/5L/5D
Single Supplement
CAD $890
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: CAD $260
Racing Bikes: CAD $360
E-Bikes*: CAD $420
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Prices subject to GST (5%) for trips in Alberta.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
Getting There
There is regularly scheduled air service to Calgary from across North America, with non-stop flights from all major Canadian and many US centres. Additionally, non-stop international flights are available from London and Frankfurt. Airport shuttle service to Banff from the Calgary Airport is available.
1
Day 1
Banff
This vibrant town is at the centre of some of the most scenic cycling routes found anywhere in the Rocky Mountain National Parks. Stroll about town searching for that perfect souvenir or visiting the excellent museums. We’ll fit bikes between 2-4 p.m. and meet at 6 p.m. for dinner. If you arrive early, enjoy a warm-up cycle out to The Cave and Basin – the location of the first hot mineral springs discovered in 1883.
Distance: 24 km; 30 m gain or 44 km; 470 m gain
2
Day 2
Lake Louise
Pedal the scenic network of roads around Banff — exploring Tunnel Mountain and the weirdly shaped Hoodoos. Add on a loop up to Lake Minnewanka, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the Rockies. Once known as Devil’s Lake or Cannibal Lake, Minnewanka is the site of many ghostly occurrences in native legends. Then journey north along the Bow Valley Parkway to the staggeringly beautiful scenery of Lake Louise — the gem of Banff National Park. As you twist and climb along the Parkway take in the magnificent views of the Sawback, Sundance and the Massive mountain ranges. Upon arrival in Lake Louise, soak up the natural splendour, take a canoe onto the lake, or enjoy a short walk into the mountains.
Distance: 57 km up to 92 km; up to 345 m gain
3
Day 3
Icefields Parkway
Cycle along the splendid Icefields Parkway to stunning Bow Lake and up over Bow Pass. Take in the Peyto Lake viewpoint, or stop for a short hike into the Mistaya Canyon. Arrive to Saskatchewan River Crossing which boasts views of glorious peaks in every direction.
Distance: 80 km; 840 m gain
4
Day 4
Jasper National Park
This is your chance to do a century (if you wish to do less, the van will be on hand for lifts). As you cycle towards the Athabasca glacier, look out for moose grazing on the succulent water-plants in the Rampart Pond area. Relax beside the Weeping Wall of the Cirrus Mountain before you head up the challenging Big Bend and over the Sunwapta Pass. Coast down to the foot of the glacier at the Columbia Icefield, enjoying lunch here. Arrive to Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Resort, a friendly and welcoming rustic mountain lodge set in pristine wilderness, nestled by mountains, rivers, falls and lakes.
Distance: 100 km; 930 m gain
5
Day 5
Jasper
Our final day of this trip is an easy one and you descend to Jasper. Along the way, view Mount Christie, and Mt. Edith Cavell and Athabasca River and Whirlpool Valley. A short detour will take you to the thundering Athabasca Falls, set against the pink-purple cliffs of Mt. Kerkeslin. We suggest a route passing Lake Beauvert Lake, a great spot for a picnic before arriving to Jasper — a burgeoning little town and the site of the earliest fur trade outpost in the central Rockies.
Distance: 56 km; 390 m gain or 77 km; 625 m gain
6
Day 6
Depart
Depart at your leisure (shuttle option back to Banff available).
Post Hotel, Lake Louise
Lake Louise is only a few minutes walk from this rustic inn; after a day of activities, enjoy the rooftop hot tub with a dazzling Victoria Glacier view. The dining room is one of the best in the region.
The Crossing Resort, Icefields Parkway
Surrounded by wilderness off Hwy 93, the seasonal hotel is ideally located between Lake Louise and Sunwapta pass. There is a restaurant and bar with terrace.
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Resort, Jasper National Park
On the Icefields Highway in Jasper National Park, this rustic mountain lodge is an 8-minute walk from Sunwapta Falls and 55 km from Jasper. Set in pristine wilderness, nestled by mountains, rivers, falls and lakes.
Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers an unforgettable mountain escape. This luxury resort blends rustic charm with modern elegance, providing guests with spacious rooms, private cabins, and exquisite dining.
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