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!
Please note- The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate alterations. ©Great Explorations. Revised June, 2019.
Only Great Explorations:
- Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
- A site you will never forget: your first view of the Rockies.
- A descent you will never forget: descending from Bow Summit all the way to Jasper.
- 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.
Trip Reviews
“I really enjoyed the scenery, the guides pointing out things to look for and some history of the area. The snacks and lunch were great. Juniper Hotel in Banff and the Olive Bistro in Jasper were my favorite. Loved the hikes to see the waterfalls and views. The level of difficulty was about what I expected. I would have liked some more challenging routes but not much to choose from in that area. All in All – Great. Van & mechanical support were fabulous.”
“Spectacular scenery! Directions were very straight forward—usually, get on the highway and go straight. Van & mechanical support were very good. I really enjoyed the scenery and our fellow riders guides.”
“The scenery was amazing! Our guides – Angus & Rory – did an excellent job! Often when I was riding near Angus, he would point out interesting things along the way (where an avalanche had cleared a path through the trees, etc.) It made the trip more interesting. The biking conditions (except for occasional rain) were very good – wide shoulders and smooth pavement. It was one of the most beautiful places that I have visited. Most of the hotels were very good – clean, quiet, good locations. All of the meals were good. Also, I enjoyed the snacks provided during the ride by our guides. They had a good variety of yummy items. I really enjoyed the stops at Peyto Lake and Mistaya Canyon. Also, the bear sightings along the roadway! Navigation was easy. Plus one of the guides was usually with us whenever there were turns. It was perfect for me. The climbs were challenging in a good way. The distances were good – it allowed adequate time to stop for sightseeing along the way. The
mechanical support was excellent – Rory was extremely capable. I did not need any mechanical assistance, but two of my friends did. The van support provided by the guides was also great. My rental bike fit well.”
“Just want to thank you and your team for a wonderful trip. What an ideal route for cycling! Our guides, Rory and Angus were a delight to travel with. They always delivered exactly what we needed – trail insights, bike repairs, fantastic snacks and lunch, support during the ride, fun aprés excursions, good stories and friendship. They were always confident, knowledgeable and relaxed, so our group could just focus and cycling and having fun. Outstanding scenery, smooth roads, challenging but manageable terrain. Way more beautiful than expected, and way more fun to ride than I expected given the long distances, aggressive climbing and riding on shoulder of fairly busy roads. Enjoyed hotels variety, from upscale to rustic. Favorites were Juniper (beautiful setting, great room, great restaurant), Sunwapta (rustic charm, unexpectedly good restaurant for dinner and breakfast) and Whistler Inn (very good room, nice in town location.). Best dinners at Juniper and Olive Bisro in Jasper. Best breakfast at Juniper and Sunwapta. Loved the wonderful variety of snacks prepared by our guides – healthy, protein, high quality sweet treats, emphasis on local specialties, different choices each day, always enough but not so much that i way overindulged. Nice side excursions to waterfalls and canyons. Appreciated the van rides to special sights after cycling finished. Good to change out of biking shoes and into hiking shoes for excursions. Routes were so simple for this trip that no cue sheets were needed. Guides did a great job describing the route each day and providing special tips. My friends picked this trip. Personally I was intimidated by the long distances and big elevation before the trip. It turned out to be very manageable and enjoyable. About bikes: nice carbon frame, good ride quality and gearing for hills.”
“The route is spectacular and the accommodations and meals were great. How can you not like the Rockies?”
“The whole experience was incredible. We were treated so well and the riding was incredible. Even the weather mostly cooperated! We found GE and felt comfortable right away and did not look elsewhere. The hotels were all good (the route is so limiting). The Juniper meal was the best. The bonus rides that Robbin selected to Maligne and Peyto Lakes and the Canyon in Jasper were all well worth the effort- that scenery! The route instructions were excellent. Really enjoyed reading the route notes the night before with a history lesson included in each one! I knew it would be a good challenge. And it was. Loved the long rides. The support was great- the 2 guides were everywhere! And both great riders too. Fun people that are great to ride with and hang out with.”
“I really enjoyed being with friends and the scenery. Each hotel was a little unique, liked that. The meal in Banff was outstanding and the view spectacular.”
“The leaders, Corrine and Colin, were terrific, easy to be with, professional, courteous, patient and fun. We also had a small family/ friend-only group making the trip intimate and more flexible than it might have been with a larger group and with strangers. Tremendous scenery, challenging hiking and biking in same day and wonderful camaraderie within the group.”
“Gorgeous landscapes and roads on which to ride”
“We had a wonderful family bike tour through the Canadian Rockies. We thought the route was perfect. Canmore was especially beautiful and well worth the extra day. Then as we rode into Banff and Lake Louise, we began to appreciate the wildlife, the mountains, the ever-changing weather and the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. We highly recommend people take time to hike to the Tea House at Lake Louise. Even though it was raining, the change of pace and breathtaking vistas provided us a refreshing and meditative interlude.There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the ascents over the two summits. Again, thanks for the support and all that you provide. We couldn’t have had a better bike trip. We’ll be looking for another adventure for next summer.”
“Van support and mechanical support were fantastic. Great Explorations guided us on one of the most scenic bike routes in Western Canada. [We had] incredible guides: extremely knowledeable about the area, friendly, supportive and made our experience memorable.”
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