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Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Castle Junction to Moraine Lake, intermediate/advanced, 82K, Lyle O

  • Thursday, July 14, 2022
  • 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • 51.268531N 115.918999W, Castle Junction Hostel Parking Lot, Banff NP
  • 5

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         Castle Junction to Moraine Lake

The Best of Lake Louise (Ride 4)

         Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Date/Time: 9:30 am, Thursday, July 14 

Distance: 82 Km

Pace: 22-25 kph

Difficulty:

Pace: intermediate

Distance: intermediate

Elevation Gain: 1140 m advanced (steep climbs)

E-Bikes: Yes. E-bikes are permitted but must be able to do the distance. Alternatively, you can catch a roam bus (with your bike).

Note: I have moved up the date for this ride to Thursday as the weather this week is warm and the long range forecast for next week suggests much cooler and showers/rain some of the days. I hope you can join me with shorter notice.

[Anonymous Member]: I've become known for complaining but I seem to have some success with getting great rides by complaining. I've been to Peyto Lake (Great ride by the way but too much climbing for my liking. Who put the viewpoint so high up???) and to Emerald Lake (Good too--too bad it was still winter there). But that ride to Lake Louise from Banff just about did me in--it's a bit long if you ask me. But when do I get to cycle to Moraine Lake and preferably not by starting in Banff townsite like some had to do in June? (That was 144 km, way too much for me.) Also, to drive I need to be at Moraine Lake by 4 am or otherwise the parking lot fills up. So I have to stand in line and take a cramped Roam Bus. They want money for the privilege too! I've heard that cycling is the way to do it. So--get with it--schedule a ride. And I want to do it before winter returns.

[Coordinator]: Well Mr/Ms Cranky. Here's your chance to crank those pedals, improve your mood (it needs work!), get a workout, and enjoy more of the world famous scenery around Lake Louise. I'm wondering if you will complain about needing more "great" rides after this or will this finally satisfy you. Let me guess: I need to do a ride to Takakkaw Falls in Yoho from Lake Louise in September when Highway 1 to Golden is again closed.

Route description:

You want to visit Moraine Lake but you can't get there because the road is closed unless you get there by 4 am and the parking at Lake Louise is always full, so you have to take a bus from somewhere far far away. It's just too much hassle. Here's another way if you are prepared to put in some effort...cycle in!

For my next ride in my "Best of Lake Louise" series, we will cycle from Castle Junction to Moraine Lake where we will have a lunch stop and enjoy the majestic view of the Valley of Ten Peaks. We will also have a short diversion on the way to see Lake Louise. It would be a faux pas to have a series of Lake Louise rides but none of them actually visit the lake.

This ride is also part of my "Best of Lake Louise" series for cyclists wishing to explore the area around Lake Louise.

Water and food can be picked up in Lake Louise townsite. Laggan's is always a popular spot for treats.

We then return along the same route we went out to find a tailgate party at the end.

Parking:

Parking is in the Castle Mountain hostel parking lot across from the Castle Mountain Lodges. Do not use the lodges' parking lot.

Time:

  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early
  • Wheels rolling at 9:30 a.m.  

Safety elements:

  • Consider carrying bear spray
  • There are areas on 1A and Moraine Lake Road without cell service
  • Be self-sufficient; carry tools and be prepared to perform simple bike maintenance (especially where the road is closed to vehicles)
  • There will be no sweep, no waiting (TBD)
  • Due to the distance and remoteness, ensure your e-bike battery will last


Please note:  To cancel your registration, make sure you are signed into the system, click on the "already registered" button, then click the "Cancel Registration" button.  


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