Itinerary

Day 1 A vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, ancient ice fields, pristine mountain lakes and broad valleys  Pedal from the picturesque resort town of Banff to Lake Minnewanka and picnic amid snowcapped spires.

Day 2 The elegant Post Hotel, where old-world charm meets modern sophistication Bike the Bow River Valley’s rolling hills alongside towering summits and a striking blue-green river Water pounds and spray flies at the dramatic Johnston Canyon waterfall.

Day 3 Ride the Icefields Parkway, a journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies along the Continental Divide - it’s been called one of the world’s most beautiful roads! Can beauty stop time? You might think so as you gaze at spectacular Lake Louise  Watch for black bears, elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep Tumbling glaciers flank the gradual ascent to unbelievably blue Bow Lake.

Days 4-6 Gloriously crisp clean mountain air  Crest Sunwapta Pass en route to Athabasca Glacier At the Columbia Icefield Centre, get the lowdown on the massive frozen expanse, one of North America’s primary fresh water sources Explore Sunwapta Valley’s riverside byways Bike to remarkable Maligne Canyon and come face-to-face with the sculpting power of water, or opt for a river float trip.

More information from Backroads:

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