Biking in Canmore, Alberta
I could live in Canmore, a mountain town located an hour west of Calgary, and only minutes from Banff National Park. It’s truly an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. What I particularly love is the fact you can walk out your door from just about anywhere in town and within minutes be biking in Canmore (or hiking) on some amazing trails.
Biking in Canmore is popular, whether it be mountain biking or road biking. Canmore is an exceptional base for bike riding three seasons of the year – and even four seasons if you have a fat tire bike.
This post details some of the nearby bike trails on roads along with suggestions for mountain biking trails in and near Canmore.
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Biking in Canmore on the Bow River Valley Trails
If you’re looking for an easy, scenic and family friendly bike ride you don’t even need to leave Canmore. Over 20 km of well-marked trails beckon.
Made up of a mix of pavement and gravel, they wiggle through the woods, take you over bridges and meander along the river. At frequent intervals you’ll find a bench where you can sit and ponder the state of the universe. Also look for wildlife. In my case, I saw a number of elk, seemingly just hanging out in the Bow River.
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Biking in Canmore – The Figure Eight Loop
Locals in the know call it the Figure Eight Loop. Starting in Canmore, head off on the well-used and very lovely Legacy Trail. Follow it for 26 km to reach Banff.
Take a run up Tunnel Mountain (which I didn’t do), and continue on the road to loop past Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. This section is my favourite. You almost always see bighorn sheep and the area around both lakes is very pretty. (They are both excellent lakes for kayaking.)
Until mid-April, a section of the road is closed to cars, but open to cyclists. Return to the Legacy Trail and cycle back to Canmore.
On the Legacy Trail east of Banff look for a parking lot – and two red chairs. Parks Canada is putting red chairs in various scenic spots in national parks throughout Canada.
A nice touch that’s been added to the Legacy Trail is a set of bike tools and an air pump. You’ll find them across from the parking lot at Travel Alberta’s Tourist Information Centre in Canmore.
Mountain biking in Canmore
There are loads of trails available to the mountain biker from Canmore all the way through to Banff. Some are easy but many are in the expert category so choose wisely.
The Goat Creek Trail near Canmore
The Goat Creek trail mountain bike ride is fabulous. It’s a popular one way, 18 km bike ride through the forest along the Goat Creek Trail. It starts at the Goat Creek Trail parking lot, 5.5 km up the Spray Lakes Road from the Canmore Nordic Centre, and finishes by the Banff Springs Hotel.
Cycle back to Canmore where you’ve hopefully got another vehicle so you don’t have to bike the dusty road back up to the trailhead. Otherwise, plan to rent a taxi to get your car.
Bike the High Rockies Trail
The High Rockies Trail, the westernmost section of the Trans-Canada Trail in Alberta, also leaves from the Goat Creek Trailhead. Unlike some of the other bike rides in the Canmore area, there are numerous access points along its 80 km length, so you can do it in sections.
It runs from the Goat Creek trailhead all the way to Elk Pass on the Alberta – British Columbia border.
There aren’t any services to speak of on the trail so go prepared especially with a bike kit and pump for flat tires. Take lots of high energy bars too. The High Rockies Trail runs through bear country so be sure to carry bear spray.
Biking in Canmore – The Canmore Nordic Centre
In summer the Canmore Nordic Centre, a five minute drive from downtown Canmore, offers over 100 kilometres of trails for both mountain bikers and runners. You have your choice of easier double-track mountain biking trails or hard, technical, single-track trails.
You can purchase a summer trails map at the day lodge for $2. Onsite you can rent bikes and even get guided tours.
Where to rent bikes in Canmore
Choose from Rebound Cycle or Gear Up in town. You can also rent bikes at the Canmore Nordic Centre,
A few things to take on your Canmore bike ride
Don’t forget a bike pump in case you get a flat.
A bike lock could come in handy if you decide you want to go for a short hike or get something to eat.
I like to carry a handlebar bag with my raincoat and bike tools rather than having something on my back.
Bike lights are one of those things you should always have – just in case.
Where to stay in Canmore
The Canmore Clubhouse run by the Alpine Club of Canada is an inexpensive option, located 4.5 kilometres out of town. Members pay only $30/night, non-members $40/night.
Basecamp Resort offers well-appointed rooms with thoughtful touches including Rocky Mountain soap and local coffee a fully equipped kitchen and an awesome – shared hot tub. The only downside is there is no personal touch. You get a code so you don’t have to talk to anyone. Prices are reasonable.
The Malcolm Hotel is close to downtown Canmore. It’s a four star hotel with an outdoor heated pool.
If you’re looking for a hotel with spas, pools and lots of amenities check out Solara Resort and Spa.
For more information about Canmore check out the Canmore Kananaskis Tourism website.
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Wow, stunning photos Leigh! I would have loved to have witnessed Elk having a drink of Bow River water; we’re big on traveling for the wildlife opportunities and I’ve never seen Elk before! Will have to add Canada to the list!
@Meg Come to Banff National Park and you are practically guaranteed elk sightings. They are the most commonly photographed animal in North America.
Typical bighorn sheep – thinking of no one and nothing but themselves! I would love to do the figure 8 loop one day and I think it’s fantastic that there are little air pumps/ “service stations” on route – how cute (and handy!)
@Vanessa It was a real bonus to have some sheep along on our ride. I am very happy to see repair gear on teh Legacy Trail. Someone was thinking.
This post really makes me want to explore more of our great country. Your photos are awesome!
@Nat Thank you very much.
This is so useful – coming from England I’m always completely overwhelmed by the vastness of the Canadian countryside and the options for hiking and biking and don’t really know where to start. I’ve been meaning to check our Canmore for ages and I’ll be sure to refer to this post when I do!
@Jaillan Staring off in anew place with no idea is a bit over the top. Between Banff and Canmore you have lots of options and they are close enough to Calgary – if that’s where you live, that you can visit repeatedly and keep discovering new activities and adventures.
I’m so jealous of the scenery that you have access to in the USA. Absolutely stunning. I love hiking, and the UK has some nice spots to go, but nothing like this.
@Jaklien Make that Canada – and yes we do have scenery on the grand scale.
You nailed it. Canmore is a great destination for hiking and biking. I like the low line trail in the Three Sisters area and with my daughter, we enjoy the trail from Three Sisters all the way into downtown. Have never heard of that B&B – will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing.
@Jody Thank you. The trail you mentioned is new to me so will have to check it out.
You got me right away with thee Bow River Valley Trails — perfect for me. I love riding a bike, but I like to keep the terrain pretty flat. Along with awesome scenery, wildlife spotting and starting the day with morning glory muffins — sounds perfect.
@Cathy It was a perfect couple of days on all accounts. The cycling was fantastic – as easy or as hard as you want it to be. And the bighorn sheep are always a bonus.
Gorgeous photos, Leigh! I’m still hoping that we will be able to get out to Alberta this summer but not sure it’s going to work out.
@Lisa It was such a treat to bike and hike so early in the season. Now I’ve heard of more hikes in Canmore I’d liek to do so have my fingers crossed the good weather continues.