6 Days / 5 Nights | Rating: Intermediate | Start / End: Banff, AB / Jasper, AB
- E-bikes Available
Banff and Jasper National Parks have a rich heritage as two of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations. Snow-capped peaks, glistening glacier fed lakes, mountain trails, and rides past sweeping vistas are just part of the allure of this Canadian Rockies bike tour. Make your way from Banff to Jasper on one of the most iconic cycling routes in the world, the Icefields Parkway, witnessing unparalleled mountain scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Banff and Jasper, along with the national parks of Kootenay and Yoho (as well as the Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine and Hamber provincial parks) form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks which were recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1984. Explore all that these historic parks have to offer. Ride the Banff Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain, cruise across Lake Minnewanka, and explore iconic landmarks such as the Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, and Athabasca Falls. There is an incredible diversity of wildlife in these national parks where 53 species of mammals call it home. After days spent adventuring, unwind at upscale accomodations that lie in the midst of Canada’s natural beauty and dine at award-winning restaurants on this Canadian Rockies biking and hiking trip.
Travel the Sojourn Style
EXPERIENCES, NOT BIKE TOURS
While we love our cycling, it makes up only one facet of what a true Sojourn trip entails. We believe in immersing ourselves in local cultures and discovering the hidden gems of the world.
REGIONAL PLANNING SPECIALISTS
From Vietnam to France to Glacier National Park, we are committed to offering exceptional trips in regions with which we are deeply familiar. We personally design and operate each of our trips.
PREMIER ACCOMMODATIONS
We carefully select from some of World’s renowned hotels. From highly reviewed and acclaimed Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, Spain or the Reverie Saigon, Vietnam, one of the leading hotels in the World.
UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO SERVICE
Our commitment to provide you with unwavering service starts from the moment you first interact with the Sojourn team. We believe the little details matter and make the Sojourn vacation a life-list worthy experience for our guests.
PROFESSIONAL TRIP LEADERS
Gracious, engaging, and intelligent, our expert team of tour leaders consist of professionals from all walks of life and make exceptional travel companions. Always a step ahead, they are adept at everything from spinning wrenches to whipping up fabulous picnic lunches.
YOUR VACATION, YOUR PACE
We believe that at the end of the day, you are at the helm of your own vacation. We offer an array of day-to-day options to enable you to approach each day at your own pace.
Day 1
Welcome to Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park that is filled with stunning natural beauty. Meet your tour leaders at the your Banff hotel for the next two nights, either the Moose Hotel and Suites, or the Canalta Lodge, depending on the week. After a brief bike fitting, set out on the first ride of the tour, which will take you through the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, which is known for its panoramic beauty. If you want to add a challenging climb, continue on an out and back towards Mount Norquay.
GOOD TO KNOW
Every Sojourn trip is different in their own unique ways. We want you to be aware of them so that you can only have the best experiences possible. Please know, whichever trip you choose we are committed to make it the trip of a lifetime!
After today’s ride, meet your leaders outside of the front entrance of your hotel, where you will be shuttled to the Banff Gondola. The gondola is the most popular attraction in all of Banff and features views of six different mountain ranges. After ascending to the top of Sulphur Mountain, enjoy a welcome reception and an exquisite dinner at the award-winning Sky Bistro perched atop the summit at 7,510 feet.
LODGING:
Moose Lodge & Spa/Canalta Lodge, Banff, AB
CYCLING OPTIONS:
9 Miles
20 Miles
Day 2
Today, spend time in the scenic area around Banff. This morning’s ride is a leisurely spin out of the Banff town site and along the shore of Two Jack Lake, ending at Lake Minnewanka. Lake Minnewanka, meaning “water of the spirits” in the Stoney Nakoda First Nations language, is surrounded by jagged peaks and hoodoo clusters, and is the largest lake in Banff National Park. Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake that is 13 miles long (21 kilometres) and 466 feet deep (142 metres). For the rest of the morning you will leave the pavement behind and hit the waves aboard a Lake Minnewanka cruise boat. The interpretive cruise will travel the length of Lake Minnewaka, arriving
KEEPING YOU POSTED
We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our trips. We’ll do our best to notify you of any changes in this itinerary. Other changes may be communicated to you on the trip by your leaders.
near the east end at the Devil’s Gap. The Devil’s Gap is a glacial path that winds through the far east end of Lake Minnewanka, near Ghost Lakes and is a rare area where the prairies meet mountains. For lunch today, enjoy a picnic lunch hosted by your leaders overlooking the emerald waters of Lake Minnewanka. After lunch, ride back to your hotel via Tunnel Mountain Road. Make sure you stop at the viewpoint to see the hoodoos with a spectacular view of the Bow River and Mount Rundle in the background. Take some time to relax at the hotel and then enjoy the rest of the day on your own to explore the quaint town of Banff and one of many fine dining establishments.
LODGING:
Moose Lodge & Spa/Canalta Lodge, Banff, AB
CYCLING OPTIONS:
7 Miles
14 Miles
Day 3
Today’s ride will take you from Banff to Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway. After weaving your way along the Legacy Trail, you will connect with the original road between Banff and Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway. While the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) is preferred by motorists, the quieter two lane Bow Valley Parkway winds through the mountains and runs parallel to the Bow River. The route has numerous scenic pullouts and viewpoints with interpretative displays. Wildlife are frequently encountered on the Bow Valley Parkway and if you see a stopped vehicle that usually means there is something out there – remember to keep a safe distance away. About half way into the ride, take a break at one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon. After 8,000 years of water cutting through the limestone, the canyon has two separate hiking adventures. The Lower Falls is an easy 1.4 mile out and back, while the trail to the lower falls works its way through the forest and over catwalks into the canyon. If you choose to continue, the trek onward to the Upper Falls is more challenging and will add another 2 miles. After returning to the trailhead, enjoy a picnic lunch hosted by your leaders beneath the majestic Rocky Mountains. After lunch, continue northbound on the Bow Valley Parkway. This afternoon’s ride will take you past Castle Mountain, the Eisenhower Tower, as well as the site of the Castle Mountain Internment Camp which held prisoners during World War I. Our hotel is conveniently located near the center of the small town of Lake Louise and tonight you are free to explore the village and choose from several nearby restaurants for dinner.
LODGING:
Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise, AB
403-522-3791
Lakelouiseinn.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
16 Miles
37 Miles
HIKING OPTIONS:
1.4 Miles
3.3 Miles
Day 4
After breakfast at the Lake Louise Inn, shuttle to Lake Louise for a day filled with hiking and adventure. Lake Louise is a stunning sight to behold, with shimmering emerald green waters and a backdrop of snow capped mountain peaks and glaciers. Lunch is on your own today, but the logical choice is the Lake Agnes Tea House, an iconic Banff and Lake Louise destination. From the parking lot, begin hiking the Highline trail, making your way to the Lake Agnes Tea House. Built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this family-run establishment has no electricity or running water, and supplies arrive either via helicopter at the beginning of the season, while fresh food is trekked up by the staff every day. For those who want an additional challenge, continue on to the summit of Little Beehive for a more panoramic view of Banff National Park. Digest and relax to prepare for the next adventure on the shuttle to the Columbia Icefields, the largest ice mass in all of the Rocky Mountains and one of two places in the world that forms a triple continental divide. Explore this natural wonder on a giant Ice Explorer before settling into the Glacier View Lodge, a gorgeous property that is nestled in a high alpine zone by the Columbia Icefield. Dinner tonight will be held at Altitude Restaurant, home to incredible glacier views and a Canadian inspired menu.
LODGING:
Glacier View Lodge, Icefield Parkway, AB
888-770-6914
www.banffjaspercollection. com/hotels/glacier-view-lodge
HIKING OPTIONS:
4.6 Miles
5.7 Miles
Day 5
Following breakfast, take a short ride out from the Glacier View Lodge to the Skywalk, located at the Columbia Icefield. The Skywalk is a one kilometre glass-floored lookout that overlooks the Sunwapta Valley, 918 feet off the ground! This incredible experience is presented with an interpretive story that details the waterfalls, wildlife, and fossils found below. After this highlight, ride to the Sunwapta Resort for lunch before continuing on to the Athabasca Falls and Jasper. Enjoy a short walk to the Athabasca Falls, a glacier fed class 5 waterfall that flows over an eroded cliff (the water comes from the Columbia Icefields!).
Athabasca means “there are plants one after another” in Wood Cree, and the natural beauty that can be found on the hike leaves no questions as to why it was named as such. After this relaxing break, continue cycling the Icefields Parkway to the Mt. Robson Inn in Jasper. Tonight, gather with your companions for a farewell dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Jasper.
LODGING:
Mount Robson Inn, Jasper, AB
780-852-3327
mountrobsoninn.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
30 Miles
45 Miles
65 Miles
Day 6
The final day of your trip begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a short shuttle for a hike in Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in all of Jasper National Park. This trek welcomes hikers of all abilities, and the trail is connected by bridges that overlook the waters and scenery below. Following this hike, arrive back at the Mt. Robson Inn to freshen up, check out, and grab a bite nearby before before shuttling back to the airport in Kalispell MT..
MULTIPLE ROUTE OPTIONS
Itching for that EPIC (Extra Pedal if Crazy) ride? No problem, we’ll show you our favorite hills. Looking for more downtime? Your trip leaders will tell you the best days to take a break. All Sojourn tours have multiple route options to accommodate your riding skill or desires!
CYCLING OPTIONS:
8 Miles
14 Miles
HIKING OPTIONS:
2 Miles
Tour Accommodations
Moose Hotel & Suites/Canalta Lodge, Banff, AB
Both the hotels are elegant mountain lodges close downtown Banff (2 Nights)
Moose Hotel & Suites
345 Banff Ave
Banff, AB T1L 1H8
403.760.8570
Canalta Lodge
545 Banff Ave
Banff, AB T1L 1B5
403.762.2112
Glacier View Lodge, Icefield Parkway, AB
Glacier View Lodge is nestled in a high alpine zone right next to the iconic Columbia Icefield, and has been recognized as One of Fodor’s 5 Best Hotels in Canada. (1 Night)
Highway 93 N, Icefields Pkwy
Improvement Disctrict No. 12, AB T1L 1J3
www.banffjaspercollection.com/hotels/glacier-view-lodge/
888.770.6914
Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise Inn is a resort with stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. (1 Night) 210 Village Road Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0 lakelouiseinn.com 403.522.3791
Mount Robson Inn, Jasper, AB
The Mount Robson Inn on Main Street is a shirtwalk from downtown Jasper with beautiful mountain views. (1 Night) 902 Connaught Drive Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 mountrobsoninn.com 780.852.3327
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO CANADA
As you will be crossing the border between the US and Canada, appropriate documents are required. All travelers are required to have a valid passport, valid passport card, or other WHTI compliant identification. For further travel document information visit the US Customs & Border Protection website. Please be advised that there are a variety of reasons why Canadian Customs may refuse entry to US citizens. These include prior alcohol related driving infractions in the US. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are eligible to enter Canada. Sojourn is not responsible for anyone who is refused entry into Canada. We suggest a complete review of the information outlined here: Canadian Customs.
Travel & Tour Quick Facts
| TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly into Calgary International Airport and fly out of Glacier International Airport (FCA) MT |
| PRE-TOUR LODGING | Not available. |
| DAYS/NIGHTS | 6 Days/5 Nights |
| INCLUDED MEALS | All breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. |
| ACTIVITIES | Biking, Hiking. |
| RATING | Intermediate - This tour is perfect for cyclists who do not mind a few gently rolling hills with some longer grades. Routes average 10 - 70 miles a day over rolling terrain with longer options available. |
What’s Included?
| EQUIPMENT | Road or hybrid bike, helmet, rear light, seat bag for road bike or rack bag for hybrid, map case, water bottle, and jersey. Bring clipless pedals, seat, or helmet for a more personalized fit. |
| VAN SUPPORT | Rides supported by a Sojourn van as well as a tour leader on a bicycle. |
| TOUR LEADERS | Two experienced tour leaders guide each trip from start to finish. |
| RIDE NOURISHMENT | A selection of snacks and refreshments are supplied throughout all rides. |
| RIDE INFORMATION | Detailed route directions, maps, downloadable GPS routes, and a daily briefing are provided. |
| OFFICE SUPPORT | At your service 9:00am – 6:00pm EST, Monday – Friday. 802-425-4771 |
| DETAILED INFORMATION | A full complement of detailed trip and travel information will be provided upon confirmation of reservation. |
| E-BIKES & TANDEMS | Limited Electric Assist Bikes are available on all tours. Tandems are also available on on our US and Canada tours for an additional fee. Call us at 1-802-425-4771 for details |
Weather
| Average | Aug | Sep |
|---|---|---|
| High °F | 72° | 62° |
| Low °F | 44° | 36° |
| Precip. Inches | 1.9 | 4.1 |
WE’RE HAPPY TO CHAT!
Call: 802.425.4771
Write: info@gosojourn.com
Visit: GoSojourn.com
PRICES & SCHEDULE
All prices and schedules are subject to change at any time.
Click HERE to view the latest departure dates & prices.
