Mountain air is so magical. Cool and clear, it revitalizes. On your bike, you will tingle with appreciation, and will shout with sheer delight at the climbs and descents on this adventure in some of the most exciting and quiet parts of the Canadian Rockies.
Beginning at a beautiful lodge tucked away in the foothills near the International Peace Park, you will spend three days exploring the scenic area between Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump – a testament to prehistoric life on the prairie – and the Waterton Lakes National Park. After enjoying this area on foot, by canoe, and by bike, you will ride north along the Cowboy Trail to the quiet roads of the Kananaskis area, the favorite retreat for locals, who often call it the most beautiful part of the mountains.
You will be able to ride over Highwood Pass (the highest paved pass of the Rockies) and descend for a night’s well-earned rest in the Kananskis Valley before a final ride to the mountain town of Banff, a perfect place to continue your exploration, or to take advantage of an optional transfer back to Calgary.
2006 Groups: July 8-15; July 16-23; Aug 12-19. Self guided and custom groups available any time. Route Notes: Very challenging. 80-200km/day. Relaxed riders may participate with benefits of appropriate van support on guided trips. Tour starts: Waterton Lakes Park, Alberta, 5:00pm Day 1. Complimentary transfer from Calgary 2:00pm. Finish: Banff, Alberta, 3:00pm Day 7. Optional transfer to your hotel or the airport in Calgary $50pp.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 1:00pm pickup in Calgary. 1:00pm pick-up in Calgary, for the three-hour transfer to Waterton Lakes National Park, also known as the International Peace Park, on the Alberta – Montana border. En route, you will stop at Cardston to view the mammoth temple that was built in 1913 and possibly the Carriage Museum (a local favorite). You will arrive at Waterton Lakes Lodge in time for bike familiarization, and possibly a short ride or hike before dinner. Guided trips will include a talk about the days ahead. Lodging: Waterton Lakes Lodge.
Day 2: 65-70km plus 2 short hikes. Ride both the Red Rock and Akamina Parkways with a break for a picnic lunch, and opportunities for short hikes at Red Rock Canyon and Cameron Lake. Cameron Lake offers exceptional flat water paddling and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Wildflowers and wildlife abound along these scenic parkways. Tonight, you will have the chance to dine independently in Waterton. Breakfast is included. Lunch is included on guided trips only. Lodging: Waterton Lakes Lodge.
Day 3: 6 to 8 hour hike; or 100km of self-guided cycling. Hike the Carthew-Alderson trail within Waterton Lakes National Park. Wildlife sightings are almost certain. Big Horn Sheep, Elk, White Tail Deer, Grizzly Bears are just a sample of the larger wildlife species that inhabit this landscape. Spring time and early summer travelers will enjoy the abundance of wildflowers and other flora species including Pink Meadowsweet, Mountain Lady’s Slipper and Beargrass. For those not interested in hiking, self-guided cycling is available along the Chief Mountain Parkway, which climbs from the grasslands near Maskinonge Lake to a viewpoint with a magnificent panorama of the Waterton and Blakiston valleys. Breakfast is included. Bagged lunches are included on guided trips. Lodging: Waterton Lakes Lodge.
Day 4: 80km. You will depart the park today by bicycle and begin riding north towards Pincher Creek and Beaver Mines. The cycling is very enjoyable for experienced riders who are prepared for a bit of climbing exploring the foothills of the Rockies. If time permits, you will visit the Frank Slide Centre the site of the disastrous 1903 slide from Turtle Mountain. In the evening we will gather for dinner in nearby Pincher Creek. Because of the small inns in this area, the group may be spread between two separate inns. Breakfast is included. Dinner is included on guided trips. Lodging: Aspen Grove B&B and/or, Stepping Stones Cabins.
Day 5: Up to 160km. For those riders looking for a challenge today provides up to 170 spectacular kilometers. Ride towards Fort Macleod and Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated for its remarkable conservation and demonstration of the Blackfoot Culture. Following a picnic lunch and a visit to the site, strong riders will return to Beaver Mines by bike, while others may opt for the shuttle. Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are included on guided trips. Lodging: Aspen Grove B&B and/or, Stepping Stones Cabins.
Day 6: 120km. Ride towards Kananaskis Country along the Cowboy Trail; a monumental ride of approximately 120km! Serious riders will have an early start right from the Lodge, while relaxed riders will start the day with a van transfer to Lundbreck and the start of route 22. Your guides, and the support vehicle, will be ready to help if you require a lift. Breakfast in included. Lunch and dinner are included on guided trips. Lodging: The Highwood River Inn B&B.
Day 7: 112km. Today’s ride – over Highwood Pass – gives you bragging rights to the highest paved pass of the Rockies. On guided trips, van support will be available for those preferring the downhill only. Weather conditions can vary as you climb, so be prepared for anything from sunshine to light snow. Rendezvous at the Delta Kananaskis, in an area rife with cycling and walking trails. This lovely area was host to the 1988 Olympic Nakiska skiing competition, and is laced with biking and walking trails. Lodging: Delta Kananaskis Village.
Day 8: 60km, plus options. Transfer from Kananskis to Banff, through Canmore and along the Bow River Valley. Advanced riders may wish to tackle the Lake Minnewanka Loop staying in Banff for an extra day. Optional transfer back to Calgary arriving early afternoon.
Testimonials:
"The accommodations were superb, and located in the most sublime places. I would pull a chair up in front of our bedroom window and just sit and drink in the scene."
(J.& A. Jesse, MO)
"…it was one of the best vacations we have all had in some time. In particular, I would like to compliment the three guides we had… They were well-organized, extremely thoughtful and considerate, and very knowledgeable. They made the trip a highly enjoyable experience for all of us."
(Robert F. NY)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: C$ 2895 (US$ 2495) double occupancy per person (7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, van & guide support, maps & route notes, transfer from Calgary to Mountain View)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 1995 (US$ 1775) (7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage handling, 1 transfer from Calgary to Waterton, maps & route notes)
- Bike Rental: Lightweight hybrid/mountain: C$ 145 (US$ 125); super lightweight road: C$ 220 (US$ 195). Rentals may not be available on self-guided trips
All details are subject to change. 7% tax applies, but is 50% refundable to non-residents. We will look after the paperwork for you.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Alberta
Bicycle Touring
Hiking & Trekking
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