Hiking trails in Alberta

Mountain Biking Trails in Alberta

Province in Canada

The Canadian Province of Alberta is an outdoor-lovers paradise. World famous destinations like Jasper, Lake Louise, Waterton and Banff draw the crowds, and for good reason – they’re beautiful. Big mountains, stunning emerald coloured lakes, abundant glaciers, forests, game and fresh air make Alberta one of the best places for your upcoming holiday.

With most of the accessible Rocky Mountains in Alberta protected by national and provincial parks, a holiday in Alberta is special. There are big mountains, stunning emerald coloured lakes, glaciers, forests and fresh air. Alberta has some of the best, untouched wilderness on earth, and the ideal way to explore this wonderful province is on foot, ski or bike.

In winter, there are downhill ski areas, most famous are the ski resorts Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Winter is not just about downhill skiing, there is also abundant xc-ski trails and exhilarating backcountry skiing options. Winter is also low season, and a trip to Alberta in winter means great hotel rates.

Summer sees Alberta’s national parks fill up with eager outdoor explorers. Luckily there is just so much nature that you only notice the crowds in a few places, the rest of the Canadian Rockies stay peaceful and tranquil. While hiking is the most popular summer activity, you can also climb, bike, canoe and kayak.

After a hard day outdoors, one of the best parts of Alberta are the great mountain towns. Full of everything from campsites to 5-star hotels, these towns allow you to enjoy some civilization, which means great coffee, good food and fun bars!

Why not book a tour for your next mountain bike holiday? Check out mountain bike trips scattered all over the globe, including some great tours in Alberta.

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Mountain biking regions in Alberta

Best Mountain Biking Trails in Alberta

Open details for Sundance Canyon Bike Trail

Sundance Canyon Bike Trail

Very Easy
4.6 km
136 m
1h

Riding the Sundance Canyon Trail is a great option for those looking for a relaxed ride and those with beginner riders. Hikers, bikers, and horses use this trail, so be aware of who’s approaching while on this route. A picnic area is located at the end of the paved section and makes a great stop for lunch.

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Open details for Hoodoos Bike Trail Loop

Hoodoos Bike Trail Loop

Moderate
10.0 km
305 m
1-2h

The moderate Hoodoos Trail Bike Loop is a great way to create a full circuit from town by linking trails and roads. Cut out the shuttle and ride the rolling Hoodoos Trail right from your accommodation.

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Open details for Shadow Lake Bike Trail

Shadow Lake Bike Trail

Moderate
27.5 km
508 m
3-4h

This is a great mountain bike trail along Redearth Creek. The trip along the Shadow Lake Trail takes you up gradual inclines to a junction where bikes are not permitted to continue. Lock your bike and put on your hiking shoes for the final 3.5 km. The vistas at the lake are incredibly rewarding, and so is the breezy downhill on your return.

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Open details for Ross Lake Bike Trail

Ross Lake Bike Trail

Moderate
18.0 km
591 m
4-5h

The popular destination of Lake Louise sees extreme amounts of crowds, but rarely anyone on a bike. Riding the Ross Lake Trail is a great way to explore the area, cross the Great Divide, and enjoy some new scenery without numerous tour buses crowding your photo opportunity.

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Open details for Goat Creek Bike Trail

Goat Creek Bike Trail

Moderate
19.8 km
178 m
2-3h

The Goat Creek Trail is a moderately popular and very straight-forward trail leading from Canmore to Banff. It is excellent for families and does not involve any single-track or technical riding. Some rolling hills and various bridges keep this trail interesting!

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Open details for Topp Notch Bike Trail

Topp Notch Bike Trail

Hard
5.1 km
275 m
1h

The Topp Notch trail is a great trail for those who know how to handle their bike and are looking for a moderate route close to town. This route is packed with small berms, well built switchbacks, and wooden features. It is one of the most popular trails in the Tunnel Bench area, but don’t worry, despite its popularity, you won’t run into too many people on the trail.

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Open details for Star Wars Bike Trail

Star Wars Bike Trail

Moderate
2.6 km
112 m
1h

The Star Wars trail is one of the most popular mountain bike loops in the Town of Banff. The Tunnel Bench trails see plenty of use, and riders love to repeat laps on the Star Wars/Return of the Jedi circuit. There are plenty of neighbouring trails to add to this circuit, making for a great, full day out on the trails.

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Open details for Spray Loop Mountain Bike

Spray Loop Mountain Bike

Easy
12.2 km
519 m
2-3h

Riding the Spray Loop multi-use trail is a great way to spend a half-day in the Town of Banff. This moderately busy trail is straight-forward and graded gently. It is a popular choice for beginner bikers or family groups. You’ll find other cyclists, runners, and hikers along the way, so don’t be alarmed!

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Open details for Stoney Lookout Bike Trail

Stoney Lookout Bike Trail

Easy
4.2 km
232 m
1-2h

The Stoney Lookout Bike Trail is a great mountain bike route for the whole family. It is well-graded and keeps a short distance, making it a top choice for any ability. There are options to extend this trip on connecting trails. The forested trail comes to an unrivalled view of the Banff Townsite below.

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Suggested Tours

Open details for Summit Mount Olympus Trekking Tour

Summit Mount Olympus Trekking Tour

Greece
Trekking
Self-Guided
4 days
From $195
Months Tour Operates
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This tour is your chance to trek one of the most mystical mountains on earth: Mount Olympus. This self-guided journey starts in Litochoro, an enchanting town at the foot of Greece’s highest peak. Then you’ll spend two days on the mountain, sleeping in a mountain hut on the second night. You should be comfortable hiking up some serious elevation on this tour to reach the summit, a worthy reward for your effort.

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Open details for Jericho to Jerusalem through Wadi Qelt Tour

Jericho to Jerusalem through Wadi Qelt Tour

Israel
Trekking
Self-Guided
2 days
From $190
Months Tour Operates
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The incredible Jericho to Jerusalem through Wadi Qelt Hiking journey from Jericho to Jerusalem is the perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the West Bank region that spans Palestine and Israel. Journeying on foot, you’ll experience these iconic areas in a truly unique and spectacular way.

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Open details for Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies

Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies

2 days
From $225
Months Tour Operates
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Avalanche safety is a must-have tenet of backcountry adventure and a critical step in keeping yourself and your adventure partners safe in the wintertime and shoulder season. The Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies tour is a practical chance to learn the basics of avalanche safety in one of the most beautiful mountain environments in the world.

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Open details for Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek

Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek

Slovenia
Walking
Self-Guided
3 days
From $250
Months Tour Operates
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Take on a quintessential Slovenian trekking adventure to the summit of its highest mountain! The Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek allows you to hike at your own pace and enjoy the incredible scenery of Triglav National Park.

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