Cycle the Golden Triangle and Icefields Parkway Tour
Explore the wonders of the Golden Triangle and Icefields Parkway on this guided cycling tour
Guided
Cycle the Golden Triangle and Icefields Parkway Tour Overview
This bike tour takes two of the best routes in the Canadian Rockies and combines them together: The Golden Triangle and the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper!
The Golden Triangle is an incredible route that passes through Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks. Typically it can be completed in three days, but this guided cycling tour extends it to allow you time to hike and explore these beautiful areas and to include Jasper on the itinerary.
The 8-day guided Cycle the Golden Triangle and Icefields Parkway tour visits Kicking Horse Pass, the Columbia River Valley, Golden, Lake Louise, Radium, Banff, and more! However, that’s just the beginning as you’ll continue biking to the Icefields and Jasper National Park. Talk about a packed itinerary and the perfect way to hit all the highlights of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll have a lot of fun cycling on this tour, but it will be the incredible mountain scenery that will really steal the show!
Trip highlights
Bike Canada’s Golden Triangle cycling route through Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks.
Visit Radium Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural mineral water.
Discover rocky peaks, peaceful valleys, stunning lakes, and sparkling waterfalls on this amazingly scenic cycling route.
Stay in historic lodges surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Day By Day Itinerary
A van transfer will bring you from the airport in Calgary to Banff. You’ll have time to prep your bike and check your equipment in the afternoon. There will be a welcome dinner with the group where you’ll meet with your guide and hear all about the trip to come!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Banff
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Dinner
On the first day of cycling, you don’t have to push yourself too hard, and there will be ample time for exploring. You’ll start your ride on the Bow River Parkway that follows the river into Johnston Canyon. Feel free to jump off your bike to take a walk in Johnston Canyon and Marble Canyon as your ride by them! Watch for ancient fossils in the canyon walls.
Finish the day as you cross the Continental Divide and cycle into Kootenay National Park.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Kootenay National Park
- Distance:
- 64 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast and dinner
The scenery will be spectacular as you ride through Kootenay National Park, following sparkling rivers as they wind through the Rockies.
The big climb today will be up to Sinclair Pass (take a second to appreciate the stunning summit views up here!) followed by an exhilarating 11 kilometre downhill stretch into Radium. A soak at the hot springs is the perfect way to end your day!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Radium
- Distance:
- 64 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast and dinner
Your trail today follows the Columbia River, which runs between the impressive rocky peaks of the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges. If you’re hot, feel free to dip your hands into the cool water as you marvel at the towering peaks surrounding you.
Your destination is the town of Golden, which gives the Golden Triangle route its name.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Golden
- Distance:
- 96 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast and dinner
Your legs will get a workout today as you gain nearly 1500 meters over the course of 80 km. You’ll follow Kicking Horse River out of Golden and start the climb to Kicking Horse Pass.
After you’ve crossed the plateau you’ll enjoy the gradual descent into the Bow Valley as you arrive at spectacular Lake Louise. You may have seen many photos, but nothing will prepare you for the sight of the stunning blue lake surrounded by snowy mountains and a chateau-style hotel!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Lake Louise
- Distance:
- 80 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast and dinner
Today you’ll continue riding north along the Icefields Parkway. On your way up to the Bow Summit, you’ll have great views of Hector Lake and Crowfoot Glacier.
Take a break to enjoy Peyto Lake at the summit before you begin your descent to Saskatchewan River Crossing.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel near Saskatchewan River Crossing
- Distance:
- 75 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast and dinner
This morning you’ll start your day early with the ride up the impressive Sunwapta Pass. There will be time to stop for a hike above the tree line along Parker Ridge (a popular hiking objective) to take in the spectacular views.
You’ll pick up your bike again and ride to the Icefields Center at the Athabasca Glacier. From here you’ll ride down to Sunwapta Falls where you’ll be spending the evening.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel near Jasper
- Distance:
- 93 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast and dinner
Your last day will be more leisurely riding as you finish the short distance to Jasper. You’ll be able to visit Athabasca Falls and explore Jasper before meeting the shuttle back to Calgary in the afternoon.
Eight days of spectacular mountain scenery later, it’s time to head home!
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- 51 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.
- Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included.
- Transport for you, your luggage, and your bike are included as outlined in the itinerary. Transportation to and from the Calgary airport is also included.
- English-speaking guide
- Support van
- Tour maps and narratives
Not included
- Cycling equipment such as helmets, gloves and shoes
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Calgary
- Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as included
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, servers, or hotel staff are not included
Optional Extras
- Various bicycle rentals, including touring saddles, odometers, pumps, tire irons, and patch kits (please inquire for the pricing)
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 4/5. You will ride approximately 80 km per day for several days in a row, and rides include significant climbs. Fit cyclists will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly to Calgary International Airport (YYC). You will be picked up from the airport. There are frequent shuttles that can be booked between Calgary and Banff if you wish to extend your stay.
Yes, you will have an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour.
This tour ends with a drop-off at the Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Bike rentals are not included but can be added as a supplement. There are various style and size options available to rent to mitigate the challenges of shipping your bike. Please bring any additional equipment desired.
Yes, you bring your own bike. If you would like to do so it is recommended that you use a reputable specialty company to ship your bike ahead of time to the first hotel. You can also bring your own saddle and pedals to combine with your rental bike.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Tipping in Canada is customary, but much appreciated. Ideally, you should tip each guide 5-10 CAD per day (from one person) for an excellent service.
The best time to travel to the Canadian Rockies for this tour is July or August when the temperatures are warmest and there is lots of sun.
Why book Cycle the Golden Triangle and Icefields Parkway Tour with 10 Adventures?
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Experience a private trip led by a highly-vetted local guide taking you to places most travellers never see.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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