Banff/Lake Louise, intermediate/advanced, 117K, Joe M

         Banff to Lake Louise

Difficulty:

Pace: 22-25 kph, intermediate, no sweep

Distance: 117km, advanced

Elevation Gain: 946 m (intermediate+/advanced)

Parking: Banff Train Station, 327 Railway Ave. (see below)

E-Bikes:

Yes. E-bikes are permitted but you must be able to do the distance. Alternatively, you can catch a roam bus (with your bike) but there are no roam buses or cars east of Johnston Canyon on 1A. (Roam buses have bike racks on the front.)

Route description:

This is an out-and-back adventure, starting from Banff and cycling along the entire Bow Valley Parkway (1A) to Lake Louise Ski Resort.

We will stop for a lunch break at the Lake Louise Village not at the ski resort. There are a number of eateries open if you wish to purchase a lunch. On the way back, we can stop at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (Banded Peak Base Camp if they are giving out free beer this year). We then return along the same route we went out to find a tailgate party at the end.

There will be a brief stop out and back at Castle Junction. 

Support:

No sweep, limited stops.

This is meant to be a longer intermediate pace with few stops, the major stop being Lake Louise Village for lunch and brief stops at Castle Junction.

If you run into trouble, you can use the Roam Bus to return to Banff.

New Parking Location:

Banff is asking cyclists to park at the new Banff Train Station Public Parking Lot located at 327 Railway Avenue as the Fenlands Recreation Centre is open again. This is free parking, with a 9-hour limit. An earlier start time is recommended to ensure you get a spot. See: https://banff.ca/trainstation

DO NOT PARK at the lot at the train station. This is the overflow lot. We will meet in the main park to the east off the traffic circle.

Safety elements:

• Consider carrying bear spray
• There are areas on 1A without cell service
• 1A is closed to regular traffic east of Johnston Canyon so you must cycle or walk out (i.e., no Roam Bus or cars) or flag down one of the parks vehicles
• 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. There is a brief stop at Castle Junction. Slower riders must accept they could be riding alone.
• E-Bikes: Due to the distance, be prepared should your e-bike battery not last