On the way to Lake Louise
A couple of weekends ago I went on a bike ride from Banff. I meant just to cycle to Castle Junction along the Bow Valley Parkway…but went a little bit further than I meant to.
I started off near the Banff Springs Hotel, and made my way over the Bow River via the new pedestrian bridge. Then I followed the riverside trail beside the Bow River and through Central Park to join up with the trail that heads out to the Vermillion Lakes.
It was at the Vermillion Lakes I realised I hadn’t switched my GoPro on, so the photos begin from here!
On the Vermillion Lakes Road
Being a nice sunny day, the views out over the lakes were incredible, even though I only glanced a view as I cycled on past.
Still on the Vermillion Lakes Road
Leaving the Vermillion Lakes Road, I joined onto the Legacy Trail which connects the Vermillion Lakes Road to the Bow Valley Parkway. There are a couple of gates that you go through on this part of the trail as you’re inside of the fenced area of the Trans-Canada Highway for a short section.
About to cross through a gate into the fenced area of the Trans-Canada Highway
On the Legacy Trail beside the Trans-Canada Highway
Once you’re clear of the gates you’ll join onto the Bow Valley Parkway. From here to the Lake Louise junction of the Bow Valley Parkway the scenery is stunning. The road undulates along the valley side and slowly gains elevation the closer you get towards Lake Louise.
Joining the Bow Valley Parkway
Past the Sawback Range area of burnt forest
Along the way
On a descent
It was a little busy when I cycled past Johnston Canyon, but being the weekend I guess it was kind of unavoidable.
Approaching Johnston Canyon
Past Johnston Canyon
I passed Castle Junction taking in the impressive views of Castle Mountain soaring above.
Past Castle Junction
The last photo before my GoPro ran out of battery
Shortly after this, my GoPro ran out of battery, so I don’t have any photos of the return. But to show proof of getting to the Lake Louise Junction I had my phone handy so got a couple of photos before getting back on my bike and heading back to Banff.
Arriving at the Lake Louise end of the Bow Valley Parkway
The Bow Valley Parkway
At the time, I was regretting having cycled quite so far, but now I’m pleased I did.
The total return distance of my bike ride was approximately 118km (roughly 73 miles).
Ā© RockiesOutdoors 2015.
rockiesoutdoors 
Holy smokes!!!! 118km, amazing!!!! I love the Banff area – traveling these last 4 months through Latin America has reminded me that Canada is truly the most beautiful country in the world! Hope you didn’t get any ticks, tis the season in those parts!
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Thank you! I just a little bit tired after… Didn’t find any ticks, they’re so annoying! Hope your travels are going well! š
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Hi Rob,
The Tour de France passes through here in July – shall I put your name down? Keep peddling and enjoy yourself – Derek
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Hi Derek,
Good to hear from you! Thank you, that must really exciting to have the Tour de France come past right by your place. I went to a presentation last week on non-native fish species (rainbow, brook and brown trout) that had been introduced for sport in some of the lakes and rivers (in the 1920s) and it made me think of you! You’ll have to come over and show me how to fly fish again! – Rob
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I have a funny story about that Johnston Canyon photo. That speed limit sign? We were on that road, and it is similar to many in Michigan, when you are in the trees. Our rural roads are 55 mph. So I was tooling down that road with very little traffic on it at 50 mph and BINGO….I got pulled over. There is quite a difference in kph and mph! Yikes!
Jim
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Oh wow! Yes, it can be pretty confusing between the kmph and mph! š
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Great pix and a great day out by the sounds of it.
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Thank you! š
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Stunning photos!!
I see you are an avid bike rider. My husband is one as well. 100KM [which he did yesterday] in 4 hours is nothing for him. I get exhausted just at the thought of all the elevation climbs!!
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Thank you for reading! It was a great bike ride! š
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