
Road Biking Routes in Alberta
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 bike holiday? Check out these incredible Alberta Bike Tours on offer, or take a look at these other road bike tours to explore trips all over earth! There are also some great adventure tours in Alberta covering a wide variety of activities if you aren’t keen on biking.
Road biking regions in Alberta
Best Road Biking Routes in Alberta
Bow River Pathway to Bowness
Riding the Bow River Pathway is an incredibly scenic ride in Calgary. Set out on the Bow River Pathway in Sue Higgins Park and ride the entire Bow River to Bowness. Pass through Calgary’s downtown core, countless parks and along the Bow River for pretty views and explore the city’s eclectic group of neighbourhoods.
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Tour de South Calgary
If you wish to experience the true highlights of Calgary from two-wheels, try the Tour de South Calgary biking route. Passing through the downtown core, Fish Creek Park, the Glenmore Reservoir and the famed Bow River—this ride is not to be missed.
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Fish Creek East to West
For a relaxing parkland ride, set out on the Fish Creek East to West biking trail. Pass over bubbling brooks, lush forests and even stop for an ice cream at Annie’s.
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Southern Foothills Road to Nepal
The Southern Foothills Road to Nepal biking trail is aptly named for its countless rolling hills that can be killer to the calves. Challenge yourself as you ride over 70.0 km of grueling, but rewarding roads in Calgary, Alberta.
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Downtown & Nose Hill Park
Kick off the Downtown & Nose Hill biking trail riding through the Calgary Zoo, peddling past pretty parks and exploring the surrounding mansions in the popular Nose Hill neighbourhood.
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Bow River Pathway in Fish Creek Park
Set out on a memorable adventure on the Bow River Pathway to Fish Creek Park bike trial. Challenge your strength on an uphill coulee, then glide past Lafarge Meadows and relax to the sound of the bubbling Bow River.
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Bow River from Inglewood to Edworthy
Take in the highlights of Downtown Calgary on the Bow River from Inglewood to Edworthy biking path. Stop for plenty of coffee breaks and to snap mesmerizing photos of the bustling city.
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- Technical Difficulty
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Glenmore Reservoir
Set out for this fun ride on the Glenmore Reservoir biking route, passing valleys, parks and gliding over bridges. This ride is perfect for family with older children looking for an adventurous afternoon out in nature.
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- Technical Difficulty
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North Calgary Loop
Experience some of the highlights of Calgary on the North Calgary Loop biking trail. Pass by the Calgary Zoo, West Nose Creek Park, and through Downtown Calgary for some exceptional city views.
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Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere
Discover a pretty biking trail surrounding Chestermere Lake in Calgary, Alberta. This path weaves in and out of quiet streets and peaceful neighbourhoods for a relaxing ride.
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Jasper to Banff Road Biking Trail
The Jasper to Banff bike ride along the Icefields Parkway sits on many bucket lists. This multi-day route travels one of the most scenic roads in the world, taking you through almost untouched wilderness. Cell service and supply points are rare, so be sure to carry what you need for the trip. This is an especially great trip if you join a tour. We suggest a four-day itinerary for this trip.
For those who like convenience, check out the fully supported guided Jasper to Banff Road Biking Tour.
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Minnewanka Loop
The bike ride around Lake Minnewanka on the Minnewanka Loop is a classic road bike ride near the town of Banff. Head out from town along Banff Avenue and quickly get on a beautiful bike loop that provides great views, and often lots of wildlife. Enjoy the rollercoaster ride back to town.
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Banff to Lake Louise
The bike ride from Banff to Lake Louise (and back) is a classic! Ride along the Bow Valley Parkway, where traffic is slowed to 60.0 km/hr and there isn’t too much traffic. You can do this bike ride one-way by booking a taxi or arranging a car shuttle to Lake Louise and then riding downhill from Lake Louise back to Banff.
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- Technical Difficulty
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Lake Louise to Bow Summit Road Biking Trail
Any bike ride on the Icefields Parkway is spectacular, and this bike ride takes in two incredible highlights: Bow Lake and Peyto Lake viewpoint. These are two of the best views in all of Banff National Park. Start early and you’ll have limited traffic to contend with.
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Sunshine Road
Ride your bike from Banff through Vermilion Lakes, and then up the Sunshine Ski Hill Road. In summer this road is usually not too busy, and it is a great workout with hills and excellent views. Combine this with a gondola ride to Sunshine Meadows and enjoy an epic day in the Canadian Rockies.
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- Technical Difficulty
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Legacy Trail from Canmore to Banff
The Legacy Trail is a classic bike route in Banff, connecting the nearby town of Canmore with Banff. This bike ride is mostly on dedicated bike path, and you’ll enjoy great views and a fun day out for the whole family.
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Vermilion Lakes
Rent a bike and ride out to Vermilion Lakes from Banff. This is the most popular bike ride for visitors to Banff, and is famous for stunning views of the surrounding mountains reflecting in the calm Vermilion Lakes.
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Banff Springs Golf Course Loop
This is a wonderful bike ride in Banff, taking you to the Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls and then out along the Banff Springs Golf Course, on a pretty loop that follows the Bow River for part of the ride.
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- Technical Difficulty
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Moraine Lake Road Biking Route
Getting to Moraine Lake by car is challenging these days, so why not go by bike? This beautiful ride allows you to arrive at Moraine Lake on your own time. Enjoy the wonderful ride, as the restrictions on car traffic on Moraine Lake Road means a much better bike ride at most times of the day.
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- Technical Difficulty
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Tunnel Mountain Loop
The Tunnel Mountain Loop is a fun bike ride in Banff. The highlight of this bike ride is the descent from Tunnel Mountain, particularly the view from Surprise Corner, and the stunning Banff Springs Hotel.
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Other Activities in Alberta
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