Glacier–Banff–Jasper

One of “25 Trips of a Lifetime,” says Outside magazine.

This trip combines two fantastic cycling destinations: majestic Glacier National Park in Montana with its Going-to-the-Sun Road, and the Icefields Parkway, which traverses Banff and Jasper national parks in Alberta, Canada.  You’ll experience spectacular mountain scenery, glaciers, waterfalls, wildflowers, and plenty of big-game wildlife.  Outside magazine has named our tour one of 25 trips of a lifetime; Bicycle Adventures is the only company to combine these two great destinations into one trip.

We meet in the charming resort town of Whitefish, Montana, on a Saturday morning and cycle a lightly traveled, scenic, forested road toward Glacier National Park.  After lunch we cycle into the park along lush alpine meadows, then hike along the shore of Lake McDonald.  We spend the night in the park on the lake at an historic national park lodge, Lake McDonald Lodge.

Challenging Climb, Rewarding Downhill, Against Backdrop of Breathtaking Scenery

Sunday morning we cycle the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of America’s best one-day rides.  We ride past waterfalls, evergreen forests, extraordinary snow-capped mountain scenery, and sweeping vistas of beautiful glacial valleys.  Our 21-mile climb to Logan Pass (3,400 feet) is rewarded with a 20-mile gentle downhill on the other side.  We spend another night in the park at historic Many Glacier Hotel, enjoying the panoramic mountain views across Swiftcurrent Lake.

Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep and Famous Prince of Wales Hotel

On Monday we pedal across the border into Canada and Waterton Lakes National Park.  We’ll watch for elk, moose, and bighorn sheep as we ride along the rolling prairie, overlooked by craggy peaks.  Our lodging for the night, the famous Prince of Wales Hotel, is perched on a knoll with a spectacular view of Waterton Lake.

Bow River and Virgin Forest Lead Bicyclists to Astonishing Lake Louise

On Tuesday we travel north to Banff and cycle beside the Bow River on the Bow Valley Parkway.  This ride is within the virgin evergreen forest of Banff National Park and leads us to Lake Louise.  The area is “filled with glittering snowcapped peaks, valleys draped in evergreen forests, turquoise lakes, flowered alpine meadows, glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife,” says National Geographic.  We spend two nights at Deer Lodge, a short walk from the beautiful lake that gives its name to the nearby town.  We can relax at the lodge’s attractive bar before enjoying their fine dining.

Stunning Views of Turquoise Lake Louise

Turquoise Lake Louise is a sight to behold.  On Wednesday, our layover day, you’ll have a chance to hike beside it up to a European-style teahouse overlooking six glaciers.  If you prefer, you may take a shorter walk, cycle into adjoining Yoho National Park, go white water rafting, get a massage, or just relax at the inn.

Snowcapped Peaks Surround Cyclists on Icefields Parkway

Thursday we are back on our bikes to cycle along the spectacular Icefields Parkway.  A gradual climb brings us to Bow Summit for lunch.  We hike to Peyto Lake, another turquoise jewel, then descend between the peaks on a long, gradual downhill to the Saskatchewan River and our lodging for the night.  You can stop at Mistaya Canyon and watch the water from Peyto Lake rush through the narrow canyon on its way to the Saskatchewan River.

Majestic Athabasca Glacier Dominates Landscape

On Friday we continue our ride on the Icefields Parkway amid stunning mountain scenery.  We visit the Weeping Wall — 2,000-foot cliffs streaked with waterfalls — as we cycle to the Columbia Icefield.  The icefield, a relic from the Ice Age, spans 125 square miles with an estimated maximum depth of more than 1,000 feet.  You’ll get a close-up view of its famous Athabasca Glacier, a river of ice spilling from the majestic peaks.  After lunch it’s mostly downhill following the Sunwapta River to our cabins at Sunwapta Falls Resort.  Tonight we enjoy a barbeque dinner at our resort, followed by a private ranger talk discussing local wildlife and geology.

Follow the Athabasca River to Jasper

Saturday we continue with a gradual descent on the Icefields Parkway. We stop to view Athabasca Falls, then follow a peaceful side road beside the Athabasca River into the town of Jasper.  After lunch in a park we’ll shuttle back to Banff and Calgary.  A complimentary ride in our van back to Kalispell and Whitefish, Montana, is available Sunday morning.

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