 Tours > Road Cycling > Icefields Parkway
Icefields Parkway
Inn-to-Inn
Trip Description
Welcome to the Icefields Parkway Inn-to-Inn cycle tour. For many cyclists this is the best cycle tour in the world. The spectacular scenery found in the national parks of the Canadian Rockies is unprecedented in North America. Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours offers you the opportunity to travel this high country on one of the greatest mountain roadways of the world - The Icefields Parkway.
Stretching an impressive 200 miles (300 km) between the historic towns of Jasper and Banff, the Icefields Parkway traverses beneath some of the most majestic mountains of the world. Flanked by dozens of massive glaciers that plummet to the roadsides, it follows three major river systems and passes by exquisite scenery studded with turquoise lakes and brilliant wild flowers. Along the route, two mountain passes - Sunwapta and Bow - take you up to elevations in excess of 7,000 feet (2,100 metres) for breathtaking views of the Columbia Icefield, the largest conglomeration of glaciers in the Canadian Rockies whose melting waters feed rivers that eventually drain into the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. From the elegant to the formidable, the mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies are nothing less than spectacular and deserve the United Nations World Heritage Site designation bestowed upon them. So let our guides take you on a mountain cycle tour in the style and luxury of an inn-to-inn experience you won't forget.
Climate The winters in the Canadian Rockies are long. But summers, although short are spectacular and are blessed with glorious bursts of heat. A typical day in the summer averages in the high 70's (25C) while evenings cool off to the high 50's (15C). Higher elevations may see frost in any summer month. Rain showers can occur at any time but they are generally short and infrequent. In fact, by the time clouds have arrived to the lee side of the Rockies, their moisture has been spread over the Coastal Mountains and the west side of the Great Divide. Thus, riding along the east side of the Divide, we get the advantage of drier air masses.
Icefields Parkway Itinerary
Day One (Sunday)
A 'Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours' representative will meet you at the Banff train station (time TBA). From here you will be transferred to Jasper. The van ride is spectacular. Upon arrival at the Jasper Inn, participants can size up the bikes and take a tour of Jasper before our evening orientation and dinner. Overnight Jasper Inn.
Day Two
After a delicious breakfast we will depart Jasper, taking a secluded valley road south to Athabasca Falls. Joining the Icefields Parkway we will make our way to the cozy cabins at Sunwapta Bungalows - our home for the night. A short walk to the falls will feel great after a fantastic dinner.
Today we will have covered 37 miles (60 km) and two optional short walks.
Day Three
Today is a relatively short biking day as we have a morning climb to Sunwapta Pass and the spectacular Columbia Icefield. After lunch we can check into the Icefields Chalet and our rooms overlooking the glacier. An afternoon up on the ice or just lazing around will get us prepared for the longer route tomorrow. In either case, the day would not be complete without another delightful dinner.
Distance: 32 miles (52 km) on the bike plus an optional icewalk on the Athabasca Glacier or a hike to Parker Ridge.
Day Four
After a good night's sleep, it's on to the bikes again. Today's ride starts with a long descent down the pass as we follow the Saskatchewan River. Climbing out of the river valley, we will reach the highest point on the Parkway at Bow Summit (6,787'). A side trip to Peyto Lake viewpoint is a must. Continuing downhill past spectacular lakes, rivers, glaciers and Mountain peaks before arriving at Num-Ti-Jah Lodge nestled on Bow Lake.
Distance: 62 miles (100 km)
Day Five
After another of many delightful breakfasts, we will enjoy a short 35km ride to Lake Louise to explore the sights of the area. You can take a side ride to Moraine Lake, hike into Lake Agnes tea house or even take an optional half day whitewater trip on the Kicking Horse river. Your evening will be free to explore the famous Lake Louise chateau and dine on your own in one of the many excellent restaurants in town. Our spacious quarters at the Paradise Lodge will be a great place to rest up for tomorrow.
Distance: 26 miles (42 km); optional hike to Tea House and Plain of the Six Glaciers (3 hours) or bike ride to the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Day Six (Friday)
Our last day's ride takes us along the beautiful Bow Valley Parkway towards Banff. After lunch we'll take a short hike up to the falls at Johnston's Canyon before arriving in Banff, where we say our good-byes. You will be dropped off at the train/bus station or at your hotel if you choose to stay longer.
Distance: 40 miles (65 km).
Trips start and finish in Banff, Alberta |
