Road biking in the Lake Louise area
Banff National Park
Important information:
Road rides in the Lake Louise area:
| Trail | Distance (one way) |
|---|---|
 Great Divide |
9.8 km |
 Bow Valley Parkway |
28 km |
 Moraine Lake Road |
14 km |
| Icefields Parkway |
230 km |
Note: On most roads you will gain and lose elevation before you reach your destination. Elevation gain represents all the up and elevation loss all the down you will experience on a one-way trip.
Easy rides
Great Divide
Description: This route (formerly the Highway 1A) is closed to vehicles. Though paved, the surface is rough. Connect from Lake Louise Drive via the Great Divide into Yoho National Park.
Distance (one way): 9.8 km
Elevation gain: 115 m | Elevation loss: 210 m
Starting point: Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, 4 km from the community of Lake Louise. Paid parking in effect. Accessible by transit.
Transit Information
Note: The Great Divide parking lot is closed.
Moderate rides
Bow Valley Parkway
Description: From Lake Louise to Castle Junction, the Bow Valley Parkway (1A) winds through montane forest near the Bow River. This is a busy road with narrow shoulders; consider riding midweek when traffic is lighter. Numerous short hikes, viewpoints and interpretive signs are accessible from the road. The Bow Valley Parkway continues farther eastward towards the town of Banff and reconnects with the Trans-Canada Highway or the Banff Legacy Trail, after an additional 21 km, making the entire Bow Valley Parkway 49 km in length or 98 km return to Lake Louise.
Distance (one way): 28 km
Starting point: Lake Louise Visitor Centre
Transit Information
Difficult rides
Moraine Lake Road
Description: This narrow, mountain road has no shoulders and heavy mixed traffic. While personal vehicle traffic is restricted along the Moraine Lake Road, cyclists will encounter steady commercial vehicle traffic from June to October. Cyclists who wish to avoid traffic should consider riding early or late in the day.
The distance to Moraine Lake from the community of Lake Louise is approximately 14 km one way with 527 m elevation gain and 202 m elevation loss. From the turnoff at the 3 km mark of Lake Louise Drive, Moraine Lake Road climbs to views of Consolation Valley and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Mountain bikers can create a loop by combining with the challenging Moraine Lake Highline Trail. Bike racks are provided at Moraine Lake.
Distance (one way): 14 km
Elevation gain: 527 m | Elevation loss: 202 m
Starting point: Lake Louise Visitor Centre
Transit Information
Important notes:
- Moraine Lake is considered backcountry. If you choose to bike there, you must be prepared to be self-sufficient. There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, running water or other services including lighting along the road. Pit toilets are available at the lake. There is cell phone reception available approximately 5 km away from the lake on Moraine Lake Road.
- There is very limited all day parking in the community of Lake Louise. There is no parking in the Great Divide parking lot or at the Moraine Lake junction.
Icefields Parkway
Description: Whether it’s for a short ride or a bike tour over several days, the Icefields Parkway has a lot to offer. Hailed by many as one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world, this route is famous for its bike touring opportunities. The Icefields Parkway follows the continental divide as it leads riders over two mountain passes. En route, cyclists will peddle past beautiful lakes, towering mountains, thundering waterfalls and awesome glaciers. Be cautious, this is a busy road in the summer. Fortunately, there is a wide shoulder in most places. If you just want to ride a section of the parkway, you can always drive to your chosen starting point.
Distance (one way): 230 km
Starting point: Lake Louise Visitor Centre. (You can access the start of the parkway by crossing the pedestrian bridge over the Trans-Canada Highway, near the western end of Sheol Road, then riding along the bike path beside Highway 1 westward, until it connects with the Icefields Parkway).
Transit Information
Related links
- Date modified :