Cycling day trip from Canmore to Banff

Spin west from Canmore to Banff on the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail—a smooth, mostly separated paved pathway that parallels the Trans-Canada. It’s about 25 km with a gentle net climb (~175 m) toward Banff, so settle into an easy cadence and enjoy big views of the Three Sisters, Mount Rundle, and Cascade Mountain. Over 90% of the ride is on protected cycleway, with just brief stretches on quiet roads.

Canmore, a former mining town turned outdoor hub, makes a perfect launch point. You’ll roll into Banff National Park en route—keep an eye out for elk and bighorn sheep, and respect any wildlife signs. The trail connects to Vermilion Lakes Drive and the town’s pathway network, dropping you near downtown Banff, the heart of Canada’s first national park (est. 1885) along the Bow River.

Tips: mornings are usually calmer; bring layers (you’ll be near 1,400 m) and enough water, as services between towns are limited. Riding back to Canmore feels a touch quicker thanks to the slight descent.