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.
2009 Guided Dates: Jun 21-27; Jul 12-18; Aug 2-8; Aug 23-29; Sep 13-19. Call for updates or to add a new date.
2008 Self-Guided Dates: You Choose !
Route Notes: Very challenging. 80-200km/day. Relaxed riders may participate with benefits of appropriate van support on guided trips.
Tour starts: Calgary 13:00 day 1 at the Sheraton Suites Eau Claire, 255 Barclay Parade S.W.
Tour finish: Banff at 14:00 or Calgary at 15:00 day 7.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: 13:00 pickup in Calgary. You will be picked up from downtown Calgary, for an approximate three-hour transfer to Waterton Lakes National Park, also known as the International Peace Park, on the Alberta – Montana border. Stop at the Park entrance for a short hike to a scenic overview. You will arrive at your lodge in time for bike familiarization, and possibly a short ride before dinner. Guided trips include a talk about the days ahead. Lodging: Waterton Lakes Lodge
Day 2: 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. Lodging: Same as last night
Day 3: 6 to 8 hour hike; or 100km of self-guided cycling. Hike the Carthew-Alderson trail. Wildlife sightings are almost certain. Bighorn Sheep, elk, whitetail deer, and grizzly bears are just a sample of the larger species that inhabit this landscape. Spring and early summer travellers will enjoy the abundance of wildflowers and other flora, including pink meadowsweet, mountain ladyslipper, 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. Lodging: same as last night
Day 4: 80 km with longer options available. From the park, cycle north towards the Oldman River Reservoir, enroute to Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated for its remarkable conservation and demonstration of the Blackfoot Culture. The support van will pick up riders to ensure arrival in time for a picnic lunch and an afternoon demonstration of native dance and drumming. Following the spectacle, a guided tour of the site is available, and those with lots of energy may choose to ride back to the inn. Most will opt for the shuttle. Because of the small inns, larger groups may be spread between two inns. Lodging: Aspen Grove B&B, Beaver Mines
Day 5: 80 km with longer options available. The cycling this morning is very enjoyable for experienced riders who are prepared for some climbing in the foothills of the Rockies. You will first ride to the Frank Slide Centre, the site of the disastrous 1903 slide from Turtle Mountain. Following that, a shuttle will carry you along the Cowboy Trail, to resume cycling near Longview, and the start of the climb to the Highwood Pass. Lodging: The Highwood River Inn B&B
Day 6: 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. Lodging: Delta Kananaskis Village
Day 7: 16 km. The Lake Minnewanka Road plus 1 short hike. Finish in Banff. Transfer from Kananskis through Canmore and along the Bow River Valley, to start a short yet lovely final ride on the Lake Minnewanka Road (one of the most feature packed routes in the Rockies). Hike either the C Level Cirque Trail or the Stewart Canyon Trail before a cooling final dip in the lake, known formerly as the Devil’s Lake and Cannibal Lake, for the variety of horror stories in its native history. After lunch, finish in Banff or transfer to Calgary arriving late afternoon.
Testimonials:
"…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)
"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)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $2895 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, van & guide support, maps & route notes).
Self-Guided Cost: $2595 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, luggage handling, transfers from Calgary to Waterton and as needed on days 4, 5, and 7, hiking guide on day 3, maps & route notes).
Bike Rental: Light hybrid/mountain - $145; Super light road - $195
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Alberta
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Hiking & Trekking
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