Canadian Rockies - Ultimate Cycle Tour

From $4,395 CAD Price is per person and based on Double Occupancy

Approx. $3,235 USD price is approximate and based on the current exchange rate. Final booking price is charged in Canadian Dollars.

Tour Dates:

September 5-11, 2027

Trip Type: Road Cycling Tours | Group Size: 4 Min – 12 Max

Bike Rental: Carbon Road Bikes: $675CAD/~$417USD

Single Supplement: $1,285CAD/~$933USD

Locations:

  • Banff Road Cycling Trips
  • Lake Louise Road Cycling Tour
  • Kananaskis Road Cycling Tour
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Are You Ready to Take On Canada’s Ultimate Cycling Challenge?

Experience the very best of the Canadian Rockies on this 7 days / 6 nights fully supported cycling tour—designed for riders who want big scenery, iconic roads, and the satisfaction of crossing the Rockies range by range. Your journey begins in Banff, Alberta, the gateway to the mountains, and concludes with a seamless finish at Calgary International Airport (YYC) after your final ride.

Over the week, you’ll ride through the three distinct mountain regions of the Canadian Rockies—each with its own character and feel. You’ll start among the dramatic peaks and glaciated valleys of the Main Range, where the scenery is at its biggest and most rugged. From there, the route transitions into the Front Range near Banff and Lake Louise, offering classic national-park riding and legendary viewpoints. The tour finishes in the open, expansive landscapes of the Foothills, where mountain skylines give way to rolling terrain and wide Alberta horizons—an unforgettable contrast that makes the finale feel truly earned.

This trip is built around three marquee climbs—the highest paved mountain passes in Canada—and each one delivers a milestone moment:
• Highwood Pass (2,206 m / 7,238 ft) — the highest paved road in Canada and the grand finale of the tour
• Bow Summit (2,090 m / 6,850 ft) — a spectacular climb to the iconic viewpoint above Peyto Lake
• Sunwapta Pass (2,023 m / 6,637 ft) — the gateway to the Columbia Icefield and the North Saskatchewan River Valley

One of the defining features of this tour is flexibility. On the bigger days, the itinerary offers multiple ride distance options—so strong riders can take on longer, more challenging routes while others enjoy a shorter version without missing the best scenery. And if anyone wants to keep things more relaxed, there are built-in options to shorten most days, making the tour welcoming for a range of abilities while still delivering a true “ultimate Rockies” experience.

With spectacular day-to-day variety—glacier views, turquoise lakes, sweeping valleys, and world-class climbs—this is a premium Canadian Rockies cycling adventure that combines challenge, comfort, and choice. Seven days, three major passes, three mountain regions, and one epic point-to-point journey—from Banff to the Calgary Airport—on the very best roads the Rockies have to offer.

Canadian Rockies – Ultimate Cycle Tour – Itinerary

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule below, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather, road closure, terrain conditions and acts of god.

Trip starts in Banff, AB on Sunday and ends Saturday at the Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Day 1 – The Prologue : Beautiful Lakes

Your adventure begins with a scenic shuttle through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to Jasper, a historic mountain town packed with charm. Settle in, take in the towering peaks and wide-open valleys, then spin out a warm-up ride to some of Jasper’s most stunning lakes—an ideal start to the week ahead. We’ll finish with a group orientation and a relaxed dinner to kick things off right.

  • Ride Distance: 10 mi |16 km
  • Elevation Gain/Lost: +423 ft / -423 ft |+129 m / -129m
  • Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Jasper Inn & Suites

    Day 2 – Discover Jasper’s Crown Jewels: Maligne Lake and the Athabasca River Valley

    Set out on a spectacular ride to Maligne Lake—one of Jasper National Park’s true crown jewels. The road to the lake is a cyclist’s dream: smooth, scenic, and quietly dramatic, winding through a broad mountain valley with constant views of rugged peaks, hanging glaciers, and wildlife habitat. At the end of the road, Maligne Lake rewards you with its famous turquoise waters and postcard-perfect scenery—an ideal place to pause, refuel, and soak it all in before turning back toward Jasper.

    Back in town, the adventure continues as we head into the Athabasca River Valley, linking up with the beautiful 93A—an often-quiet, highly scenic stretch that feels made for cyclists. From here, you can tailor the day to your preferred challenge level. Choose a satisfying finish at Athabasca Falls, where the river funnels into a powerful roar and thundering cascades plunge through a narrow canyon. Or, for those looking to go all-in, tackle the ultimate option: climb the Marmot Basin Road—a celebrated segment of the 2017 Tour of Alberta—then continue south along the Icefields Parkway, rolling deeper into the Rockies to finish at Sunwapta Falls.

    • Ride Distance:
      • Signature: 83mi | 134km
      • Ultimate: 110mi | 178km
    • Elevation Gain/Lost:
      • Signature: +5,444ft / -5,052ft | +1,659m / -1,540m
      • Ultimate: +8,336ft / -7,224ft | +2,541m / – 2,202m
    • Meals Included: All Meals
    • Overnight: Sunwapta Falls Resort

    Day 3 — Through the Icefields,  Mountain Passes, Big Skies & a Glacial-Fed Lake

    Start the day right from Sunwapta Falls Resort, rolling onto the legendary Icefields Parkway—a ribbon of pavement cutting through some of the most remote, dramatic scenery in the Canadian Rockies. The morning builds steadily as we climb toward the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America, with immense views of jagged peaks, hanging glaciers, and sweeping valleys that feel truly wild and untouched.From here, we continue ascending to the first major pass of the week: Sunwapta Pass. At 2,023 m / 6,637 ft, it may be the “smallest” of the three marquee passes you’ll conquer on this tour, but it still delivers a proud summit moment—earned by consistent effort and rewarded by unforgettable alpine vistas.

    Once over the top, settle in for a long, satisfying descent into the North Saskatchewan River Valley, where the landscape begins to open and the character of the ride shifts from high-alpine grandeur to expansive valley riding. The afternoon is all about smooth momentum and gentle grades as we follow the river corridor east, gradually leaving the Main Range behind and approaching the edge of the Front Range and foothills.

    One of the day’s highlights arrives as we pass the stunning, glacial-fed waters of Abraham Lake—a brilliant, ever-changing ribbon of blue framed by wide skies and rugged ridgelines. From there, it’s a final scenic stretch into the welcoming hamlet of Nordegg, where we’ll settle in for the night, unwind, and enjoy a well-earned evening at your own leisure after a true Icefields Parkway classic.

    • Ride Distance:
      • Signature: 93mi | 151km
      • Ultimate: 117mi | 189km
    • Elevation Gain/Lost:
      • Signature: +4,153ft / -4,309ft | +1,266m / -1,313m
      • Ultimate: +5,564ft / -5,830ft | +1,696m / -1,777m
    • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
    • Overnight: Nordegg Lodge Hotel

      Day 4 — From the Foothills to Famed Lakes and High Mountain Pass: Bow Summit, Peyto & Lake Louise

      After breakfast, we leave Nordegg behind and begin a spectacular westbound journey back into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The day starts with rolling terrain through the foothills—wide-open views, big skies, and a steady rhythm that invites you to settle in and enjoy the peaceful remoteness of this lesser-traveled side of the range. As the mountains grow larger on the horizon, the landscape shifts from open valleys to towering peaks and deep forest corridors. We gradually climb toward the Continental Divide, with the effort building in a steady, satisfying way—never rushed, always scenic. Before long, we’re back on one of the most iconic roads in North America: the Icefields Parkway, where every bend seems to reveal another glacier, waterfall, or dramatic ridgeline.

      From here, the ride strings together a trio of classic Parkway highlights in the perfect order. We roll alongside Waterfowl Lake, a serene ribbon of water tucked beneath steep peaks—often glassy, often wild, always beautiful. Then the road tilts upward as we begin the climb to Bow Summit (2,090 m / 6,850 ft)—the second-highest paved road in Canada and the second major pass of the trip. At the top, we stop at the famed viewpoint above Peyto Lake, where the glacier-fed water glows an unreal shade of blue and the valley drops away beneath the lookout.

      With the summit behind us, enjoy a flowing descent down toward Bow Lake, another turquoise jewel cradled by rugged peaks and ancient ice. After a final photo stop and a chance to refuel, we continue south into Lake Louise, finishing the day with classic alpine scenery all the way to the village—another milestone ride complete, and an unforgettable stretch of the Rockies checked off in style. Enjoy a group dinner at one of Lake Louise best restaurants.

      • Ride Distance:
        • Signature: 84mi | 135km
        • Ultimate: 107mi | 172km
      • Elevation Gain/Lost:
        • Signature: +4,897ft / -2,851ft | +1,493m / -869m
        • Ultimate: +5,423ft / -4,680ft | +1,653m / -1,426m
      • Meals Included: All Meals
      • Overnight: Mountaineer Lodge

        Day 5 — Banff’s Greatest Hits: Moraine Lake, Mt. Norquay & Lake Minnewanka

        Today marks your final day riding in Banff National Park—a true classic stacked with iconic climbs, quiet scenic roads, and a memorable finish in the Bow Valley. We start right from our lodge in the village of Lake Louise, rolling out as the mountains glow and the day feels full of possibility.

        First up is the steady climb to Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. The road rises through alpine forest and towering peaks, building anticipation with every switchback until the world-famous turquoise water comes into view. After taking time to enjoy the scenery and capture that unforgettable shot, we return the way we came—enjoying a fast, exhilarating descent back to Lake Louise.From here, the ride becomes pure Banff storytelling as we pedal the quieter, wildlife-rich Bow Valley Parkway. With the Bow River never far away and Castle Mountain standing tall in the distance, this stretch is all about smooth rhythm, big views, and the kind of road cyclists dream about.

        Rolling into Banff, we add one more marquee challenge: the iconic climb up Mt. Norquay. The twisting switchbacks are a cyclist’s delight—steady, scenic, and satisfying—followed by a quick descent that leads us onto a beautiful road beneath Mt. Rundle and out toward the Lake Minnewanka loop, where mountain lakes and sweeping viewpoints deliver the perfect final highlights in the park. To cap it all off, we cruise to Canmore via the scenic Legacy Trail, the dedicated bike path linking the two mountain towns. Arriving in Canmore feels like a celebration—another big day complete, and a perfect transition from Banff National Park to an evening at your leisure in this charming mountain community, where we’ll spend the next two nights of the tour.

        • Ride Distance:
          • Signature: 63mi | 101km
          • Ultimate: 95mi | 153km
        • Elevation Gain/Lost:
          • Signature: +2,982ft / -1,129ft | +909m / -869m
          • Ultimate: +5,658ft / -6,361ft | +1,724m / -1,939m
        • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
        • Overnight: Canmore Pocaterra Inn

        Day 6 — Kananaskis Classics: Mt Kidd, Evan Thomas & Upper Kananaskis Lake

        After breakfast, we take a short 25-minute shuttle from Canmore to Kananaskis Country, leaving the Bow Valley behind and heading straight into the wide-open beauty of Alberta’s most scenic Provincial Parks . From our staging area, we roll out on the Kananaskis Trail and link into the Evan Thomas bike path—a smooth, scenic corridor that adds a beautiful change of pace as we pedal deeper into the mountains. The ride settles into a classic Kananaskis rhythm: rolling terrain, steady efforts, and rewarding views as we follow the valley deeper into the mountains. Peaks rise on both sides, the scenery feels increasingly remote, and the route offers plenty of opportunities to find a comfortable pace. Our destination is the stunning Upper Kananaskis Lake, a glacier-fed jewel set beneath rugged ridgelines and big alpine skies. We’ll take time at the lakeshore to refuel, snap photos, and soak in the quiet before turning around.

        The return follows the same route back to Barrier Lake, with a rolling profile that keeps the ride engaging—short rises, gentle descents, and plenty of scenic stretches that invite you to settle into a smooth, steady tempo. Back at Barrier Lake, our shuttle will be waiting for the easy transfer back to Canmore, leaving you time to unwind and freshen up.

        Tonight, we wrap up the day with a final dinner included in Canmore—a well-earned evening to relax, celebrate, and share stories from another unforgettable Rockies ride.

        • Ride Distance:
          • Signature: 58mi | 93km
          • Ultimate: 73mi | 117km
        • Elevation Gain/Lost:
          • Signature: +3,850 ft / -3,359 ft | +1,173m/-1,024
          • Ultimate: +4,522ft/-4,506ft | +1,378m/1,373m
        • Meals Included: All meals
        • Overnight: Canmore Pocaterra Inn

        Day 7 — Grand Finale: Highwood Pass to the Foothills of Longview

        Today’s ride is the ultimate send-off—our final ride of the tour and the moment we crest the last—and biggest—mountain pass of the week. After breakfast, we take a 1-hour transfer from Canmore to our staging area in Kananaskis Country, where we clip in and begin the steady climb toward legendary Highwood Pass.

        Rising to 2,206 m / 7,238 ft, Highwood Pass is the highest paved road in Canada and the defining summit of the trip. The ascent is smooth and consistent, allowing you to find a strong rhythm as the views open wider with every kilometer. Reaching the top is a true milestone: one last summit photo, one last deep breath of crisp alpine air, and the satisfaction of completing every major pass on the tour. From there, the reward is immediate—a fast, exhilarating descent out of the high alpine and into the wide-open spaces of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The scenery shifts dramatically as the peaks recede behind you and the landscape becomes rolling and expansive on the approach to Longview, a small, welcoming community and a fitting finish line where mountain adventure meets prairie horizon.

        At the end of the ride, we load up for the 1 hour 15 minute transfer to Calgary International Airport (YYC)—time to trade cycling shoes for travel shoes, relive the week’s best moments, and head home with tired legs, big smiles, and a tour’s worth of unforgettable roads behind you.

        • Ride Distance: 63mi | 101km
        • Elevation Gain/Lost: +3,240ft/-4,493ft | +988m/-1,369m
        • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
        • Calgary Airport: Arrive by 5pm MST

            Included:

             

            Professional Guides

            2 Professional Guides from the region

            Meals

            • 6 Breakfasts
            • 7 Lunches
            • 4 Dinners
            • Snacks and beverages between meals

            Hotel Accommodations (double occupancy)

            • Jasper Inn & Suites
            • Sunwapta Falls Resort
            • Nordegg Lodge Hotel 
            • Mountaineer Lodge
            • Canmore Pocaterra Inn

            Transportation & Luggage

            • Support Van for cyclists
            • Luggage transfers
            • National Park fees
            • Transfer from Banff to Jasper (Day 1)
            • Transfer from Longview to Calgary Airport (Day 7)

            Not Included:

            • Travel Insurance
            • Airfares to and from Calgary International Airport
            • Transport to Banff
            • Alcohol Beverages
            • Visas or any other entry fees to Canada
            • Gratuities for the guides
            • Bike rental cost

            Terms & Conditions Policy

            Deposit

            A $650 CAD deposit (per person) is required when booking. If you are part of an exclusive group booking, a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the trip fee is due at the time of booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to the trip.

            Cancellation

            You may cancel your tour at any time by notifying Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours via email at
            rockymountaincycletours@gmail.com.

            If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply at the time we receive written notice of your cancellation:

            • Until 91 days: $250 CAD
            • 90 to 61 days: 25% of the total trip cost
            • 60 to 46 days: 50% of the total trip cost
            • 45 to 0 days: 100% of the total trip cost

            We strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance through your travel agent.

            How to get to the start of the tour?

            Please plan to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) at least one day before your tour begins. We recommend staying in Canmore or Banff on Saturday night rather than in Calgary—there are several shuttle options from the airport to both towns, including Banff Airporter and Brewster Express. When booking, please select one of the Day 1 pickup options. We also recommend booking your accommodation in Canmore or Banff as early as possible. You’ll find suggested lodging options in the Pre-Departure Package included with your booking confirmation.

            Returning Home

            When the ride ends on Day 7 in Longview, you will get transfer to the Calgary Airport. We will drop you off at the Marriot located in the International Terminal. We plan to arrive at no later than 5pm MST. Please do not book return flights departing before 8pm MST.

            Bringing Your Own Bike vs. Renting On Tour

            Choosing whether to ride your own bike or rent one for the Canadian Rockies – Ultimate Cycle Tour is an important decision that can shape your overall experience. Both options work well on this tour, but many experienced riders prefer the familiarity and performance of their own bicycle—especially on a demanding, multi-day mountain itinerary like this one.

            The Advantage of Riding Your Own Bike

            Your own bike is already perfectly adapted to you. From saddle height and handlebar reach to cleat position and gearing, every detail has been dialed in through hours of riding and personal adjustment. On a tour that includes long days, sustained climbs, and consecutive stages, this familiarity translates directly into comfort, efficiency, and confidence.
            Riding your own bike also means you know exactly how it handles on descents, how it shifts under load, and how it responds when fatigue sets in. There is no learning curve and no guesswork—just a seamless continuation of the training you’ve already done in preparation for this journey.
            For many guests, there is also a strong emotional element. Crossing the Canadian Rockies on the same bike you trained on adds a personal sense of accomplishment and continuity that enhances the entire experience.

            Please note that if you are planning to bring an e-bike for this tour, we do not have the capacity to charge batteries mid ride. You will need to either bring an extra battery or a range extender. 

            When Renting Makes Sense

            Our high-quality rental fleet is an excellent option for guests who prefer not to travel with their bike, are flying internationally, or would like to try a different style of bicycle for this tour. Each rental bike is professionally fitted, carefully maintained, and selected specifically for long-distance mountain riding.
            Renting removes the logistics of packing, shipping, and transporting your bike and gives you the reassurance of riding a machine that has been prepared and supported by our mechanics throughout the trip. It’s a convenient, worry-free option that many guests find appealing. 

            Meals Provided

            Breakfast and included dinners will be served either at our lodges or at carefully selected local restaurants.

            While you’re riding, your guides will support you with water refills, snacks, and lunch to keep you fueled and moving. On-board refreshments and snacks typically include water, coffee/tea/hot chocolate, fruit, sports drink mix (Gatorade powder), bars, baked goods, and other high-carb treats. Because everyone has different preferences and needs, we don’t provide electrolyte/hydration additives or gels—please bring your favorite electrolyte supplement, gels, and any specific bars you rely on so you feel your best on the bike.

            Lunches vary based on our location and the weather, but you can expect nutrient-dense options with plenty of carbs and protein. On this tour, lunch is designed as an efficient refuel stop rather than a long break—your guide will have food ready when you arrive so you can eat, reset, and get back riding as soon as you’re ready (a rhythm that helps keep legs fresher for the rest of the day).

            Who’s this trip for and How to Prepare?

            This tour was designed from the ground up by our owner, Étienne, whose idea of a perfect day in the Rockies is a long ribbon of pavement, big mountain passes, and hours in the saddle with glaciers and peaks on the horizon. For years, he’s been stitching together his favorite rides—routes he returns to again and again—and this itinerary is the result: a “best-of-the-best” collection of classic climbs, scenic valleys, and unforgettable descents, built to showcase the Canadian Rockies at their finest.

            If you love to challenge yourself and ride most of the day, this is your trip. Most days offer multiple distance and elevation options, so you can choose the effort that matches how you feel: go all-in with the Ultimate routes, find the sweet spot with the Signature routes, or keep things more approachable with shorter versions. And if you’re looking at the itinerary and love the overall journey but some days feel like “too much,” no problem—we can shorten select stages while still delivering the best scenery and signature stretches of each ride. Send us an enquiry and we’ll help tailor the week to fit your riding style and goals.

            Training matters for this one, and we schedule the tour in September so you can build fitness all summer. Aim to arrive with a solid base of long endurance rides (think steady Zone 2 effort) and gradually add climbing and back-to-back riding days—this is what keeps your legs feeling consistent across the week. A simple, effective goal is to practice rides that mimic the tour: longer distances, sustained climbs, and repeat efforts on tired legs (without overreaching). Strength training helps too: 2 sessions per week focusing on full-body strength—glutes, hamstrings, core, and upper body—so you stay comfortable, stable, and efficient on long days (a strong core and back make a huge difference by day three and beyond).

             

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