Great Canmore / Banff Routes

This was an easy one. And what is great about this one is that you have lots of space to park at the visitor centre and then it's all along some local hotels and stores all the way to Elk Run, past the great Valbella Gourmets store (this was the most difficult part !!!), then up the hill to Cougar Creek. That stretch is a good climb, but after that it's all easy again. Motorists are pretty good in Canmore when it comes to bicycles - so usually they give you lots of room. I like the part driving west on Palliser Trail - you have a great view of the big Cascade Mountain. Then back to the visitor centre. By the way - they have maps and clean washrooms, and the staff there are very friendly - so it's a good spot to start out almost any tour in Canmore.

This is a great loop with fantastic mountain views. Park and start at the Cascade Pond parking lot. I like to do the loop clock-wise - it has many smaller climbs vs. the other way around that has one brutal climb. When at Lake Minnewanka (there are washrooms) - then venture further north on the trail along the lake. Also worthwhile if you have still lots of energy left: Veer off to Johnson Lake on your way back. Always carry bear spray with you when out and about on trails in this area ! And don't forget your park pass :-)

This was a great ride. Parking at the Legacy Trail trail head next to the visitor centre. I wanted to cross the Old Engine Bridge, but today it was closed for some work. The down-town parts are easy and the town of Canmore is supporting the bicycle communite very nicely with lots of great trails, bike lanes and lots of creative bike stands where you can also lock your bike. The part up to the Nordic Centre had me huffing and puffing :-) Note: Bikes have the right-of-way on the bridge across the river - so cars may not pass them. No big deal for the cars either as it is a 30km/h zone.