Creating memories with your family that will be forever engrained and recalled with pleasant nostalgia is a feat that all families embark on. The Canadian Rockies provide a unique backdrop to create some of these lasting memories. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities to do around the Lake Louise area, one of them being a family
cycle tour!
In this article we’ll go through our top 3 family friendly recommended bike trails and give some tips on what to look for when choosing a kid friendly bike trail.
How to choose the best kid friendly biking trails
When it comes to planning and selecting a bike trail for your family, it’s important to keep certain factors in mind. By taking into consideration things like your children’s endurance level, the trail’s elevation and overall distance travelled will all help filter through the many trails available.
It’s also important to keep in mind that when looking at a trail you want to check if the distance reported is for a one-way trip or a round trip as well. Many families overlook this small detail and end up on longer journeys than they originally believed.
One key component you can incorporate into
family cycle tour is by adding in kid-friendly points of interest, this can include items like:
- Bridges to cross
- Rest stops or break points like benches or rest areas
- Creeks or lakes
- Rocks to climb
- Bardwalks
- Spotting wildlife
All of the
cycle tours created here at Rocky Mountain Cycle have been designed to incorporate points of interest for the whole family.
The top 3 kid-friendly biking trails in Lake Louise
Tramline Trail
This unique trail is a perfect backdrop for a family cycle. This wide trail was actually a former route of a tramway which ran from 1912 to 1930 hence its name Tramline Trail. It offers unparalleled views of the valley floor to upper Lake Louise.The route is very well maintained, well signed and well used. There are sections of the trail with sitting benches, information signs and wooden footbridges. The trail crosses over Louise Creek on several occasions.
For families looking for a little more of downhill riding experience, the trail comes out at the upper Lake Louise parking lot which can be used as an alternative starting point.
Distance: 4.5 KM One-way
Time: Under 3 hours
Elevation:195 Metres
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 7.1 km roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
The Bow River Loop
If leisurely riding alongside a gentle river is your intention, then
the Bow River Loop is the trail ideal for you! This quaint, paved riverside trail travels along both sides of the Bow river. With no significant elevation and the ability to be shortened by taking any of the bridges, this trail loop is a family favorite by many. Interpretive signs are also a unique feature of the Bow River Loop, they will highlight parts of the Bow River ecosystem as you ride.
Distance: 7.1 KM Round Trip
Time: 1 hour
Elevation:55 Metres
Difficulty: Easy
Pipestone
Although the Pipestone trail isn’t paved, it is a well-maintained gravel trail. This trail follows along the Pipestone River into the Pipestone Valley which is north of Lake Louise. It is a quieter trail when compared to other bike trails (which isn’t always a bad thing). It is a great introductory to mountain biking as the tricky roots have been removed.This trail is popular amongst horseback riders and has an abundant wildlife scene as well. You can also make a stop in Lake Lousie village and treat yourself and family at the famous candy shop or another local bakery.
Distance: 7 KM One-way Trip
Time: 1 hour
Elevation: 160 Metres
Difficulty: Moderate
Book your family cycle tour today
Lake Lousie and the Canadian Rocky Mountains have a lot to offer families, the amount of
family friendly activities is as abundant as beautiful scenery or wildlife. To help make the most of your family’s trip up to the mountains, trust the planning to Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours. Our expert tour guides will help immerse you in the landscape of the mountains and make memories you can fondly recall.
Contact us today for more information on our kid-friendly cycle tours!
