Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information? Read some of the frequently asked questions below or please contact us as 1-800-661-2453.

General FAQ

Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours has been in business since 1977 and is a family-owned and operated adventure travel company based in Canmore, Alberta. No other tour company has a longer track record of guided cycling vacations in the Canadian Rockies. Director Etienne Labelle is actively involved in guiding cycling trips in the Rockies and beyond to provide a first-class experience for our guests. Our hiking program has been in operation since the early 2000s. With over 200 departures to date and thousands of satisfied customers, it is the best of its kind on the market. Previously only available to members of America’s largest outdoor gear co-op, it’s our pleasure to welcome you on this fantastic and exclusive journey through the Rocky Mountains.
More than three decades after our first Icefields Parkway trip, Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours is proud to offer you a more incredible selection of cycling and multi-sport adventures in the Canadian Rockies and beyond than ever before. From proven favorites like the Icefields Parkway to challenging newer trips like our Jasper Banff 500 or our Hiking Tour Packages, our goal is to give you the adventure of a lifetime and memories that last forever. Benefit from our knowledge and experience and join us by bike or on foot for your next adventure travel through Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
Our trips are all-inclusive from our meeting point to the finish location except for one or two dinners. Experience shows that our guests enjoy having the opportunity to sample local fare on their own one night. In particular, the following services are included in your trip: 5 – 7 nights accommodation (depending on the trip) in tastefully selected hotels, lodges, B&B’s and campgrounds, All meals except 1 or 2 dinners (depending on the trip) plus snacks and refreshments along the way, Professional guide services, Support vehicle, Luggage transport, All shuttle transportation, All National Park fees and permits and Gratuities at restaurants and inns.

Our goal is to offer you the best experience possible. Often a great trip can be spoiled by bad weather conditions. Wildlife watching opportunities are best at certain times of the season, etc. Unlike many competitors we have therefore decided to run trips only at the prime time of the year. We believe you deserve to be there when chances for the perfect trip are best!

Our guests love the outdoors and an active lifestyle and come from all over the world, with the majority from the US, Canada, and the UK. Usually, participants are between 25 and 65+ years old, and we have a good mix of singles and couples on our trips. Our Hiking Tour Packages and Icefields Parkway tours are popular with families with teens. The youngest rider to complete the entire Icefields Parkway tour was 11 years old, the oldest 74. With the new technology surrounding E-Bikes, there is room for this age threshold to grow.

Our maximum group size is 12 guests per group with two guides. This ratio is unparalleled in the adventure travel business and allows us to adjust the itinerary to your desires. We like to have a personal relationship with you and ensure your safety & enjoyment for the duration of the whole trip. Come as our guest and leave as a friend!

We welcome all levels of riders and hikers on our trips, and we encourage you to set your own goals. With our unique support system and the lowest guide/guest ratio in the business, we can adjust our trips to different fitness levels within the group. Whether you are looking for a relaxed scenic ride/hike or if you want to test your physical limits, our trips are for you. You choose a Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours vacation to compliment your active lifestyle. To get the most out of your holiday, we recommend engaging in activities that maintain your overall fitness before your departure date. Please do not hesitate to ask us for advice regarding your preparation in advance of your trip.

You can expect to be active for 4-8 hours a day depending on the tour that you have chosen.  Every day, you will enjoy a great lunch and you will stop many times for photos or simply to take in the stunning views. 

Our philosophy is not about riding the most Miles/Kilometer per day, which would do severe injustice to the landscapes we travel through. Breathtaking vistas will make you stop more often than on your usual training ride. Out here you want to ride with your head up! However, additional to the scheduled distances we offer optional hiking or cycling opportunities allowing you to explore far beyond the itinerary. Only your desire for adventure and activity sets the limits! If you are looking for more strenuous road cycling experiences check out our Great Canadian Mountain Traverse, Jasper Banff 500 and Tour de Mallorca trips.

On our cycling trips, your luggage will be transported to the next accommodation by our trip leaders. You only need to carry a snack, a jacket, a camera, and personal items desired for that day. For our hiking trip, we use the Lake Louise campground as our basecamp for the week, your luggage will stay at camp while you are out exploring during the day. Your guides will make daily recommendations on what to carry while hiking, canoeing, or rafting.

Our cycling trips are outfitted with a support van and a large trailer to ensure comfort and safety throughout your trip. Onboard are snacks and refreshments, first aid, your luggage, and a driver who is never far away, ready to offer a lift, congratulations, or words of encouragement. Our trailer is equipped with an onboard kitchen and BBQ where we prepare delicious lunches and a variety of refreshments. One guide will be cycling or hiking with the group, pointing out interesting things along the way, giving directions, and offering mechanical support. Our hiking guides will always make themselves available to offer the support you need to guarantee your satisfaction during your holiday. Whether you need medical attention, a photo taken of yourself, or a high five, they will never be far away, you can count on them.

Our cycling tours start with a great breakfast in our hotel to get you ready for a day of activity. During the ride, we provide everything you could want from water and sports drinks to fresh fruit and energy bars. At lunchtime, we stop in a scenic location and our guide/chef will prepare a gourmet outdoor lunch from fresh produce and other delicatessens. After a day filled with exercise, a well-deserved delicious dinner awaits you in a restaurant reflecting the flavor and ambiance of our destination. Here is an example of one of our freshly prepared gourmet lunches, lemongrass marinated chicken served with rice noodles, fresh vegetables, peanuts in an amazing setting. 

Our hiking tour has all the meals served and prep at camp for an authentic experience, you will be asked to help out in the preparation of certain meals at dinner time. Every morning, your guides will serve a warm or cold breakfast as well as set up a lunch spread for you to pack for your day’s adventure. Warm camp food will be served in the evenings, such as salmon cooked on cedar planked with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Followed by a sweet treat around the campfire where you will be reminiscing about the day.

On our cycling tours, you will be accommodated in the warmth and security of a selection of the area’s most charming hotels, lodges, and B&B’s. In each case, the properties have been selected because they reflect the tranquility and beauty of the region, they are ideally situated, or they have the intimacy of the resident proprietor we have befriended. All rates are based on double occupancy. You can always look forward to a comfortable bed and a warm shower at the end of the day, unless otherwise stated (i.e., some backcountry lodges).

The first and last night of our hiking tour packages is spent in a Calgary hotel near the airport for convenience. Once in Lake Louise, we will provide you with a tent and sleeping pad for your week of camping. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. We recommend using a sleeping bag rating of -7 Celsius since summer nights are typically cool in the Canadian Rockies. All rates are based on double occupancy. The campground is outfitted with bathrooms and warm showers for your comfort.

If you are traveling on your own and would not mind sharing your room or tent with another single traveler, we are more than happy to assist you in saving the single supplement fee and we will try to book you together with another guest (of the same gender). Almost half of our trip participants are individuals traveling alone. If you request single accommodations, or if a roommate – tentmate cannot be found, a single supplement fee applies.

Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours provides custom trips and itineraries to meet the specific needs of groups of seven or more. Accommodations, destinations, activities and meals can be designed according to the desires of your group. Pricing is determined by the number of participants, required support, level of accommodations and meals. This is an excellent option for families, groups of friends and business associates.

All you need to bring is your personal equipment. You will receive a detailed clothing and equipment recommendation with your pre-departure information package.

For carefree travel we recommend renting one of our hybrid Specialized Sirrus comp or Cannondale Quick 2 or if you prefer a road bike, we rent Specialized Roubaix and Ruby as well as Cannondale Synapse. Our rental fleet is turned over frequently so your rental bike will always feel current. If you bring your own saddle and/or clipless pedals, our rental bike feels almost like your own. If you wish to bring your own bike, our pre-departure package contains valuable information on the best ways to transport your bike to the start destination.

The winters in the Canadian Rockies are long. But summers, although short, are spectacular and are blessed with glorious bursts of heat. A typical day in the summer averages in the high 70’s (25C) while evenings cool off to the high 50’s (15C). Higher elevations may see frost in any summer month. Rain showers can occur at any time, but they are generally short and infrequent. In fact, by the time clouds have arrived over the Rockies, their moisture has been spread over the coastal mountains and the interior of British Columbia.

Western Canada and especially its National Parks boast an abundance of wildlife. Frequent sightings of elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goats are almost guaranteed. Black and grizzly bears are often seen in the parks munching on berries along the roadsides. Smaller animals like squirrels and chipmunks or ravens are most often seen, especially when you leave your snacks unprotected.

Valid identification in the form of a passport is required by Canadian Immigration when entering Canada. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States can cross the border usually without difficulty but will need to provide a valid passport. Visitors from countries other than the United States must have a valid passport and may require additional documentation such as visas. Check with the nearest Canadian Consulate or your travel agent well in advance of travel, if you are uncertain of entrance requirements.

Covid-19, as of September 2021, all international travelers desiring to enter Canada will need to provide the following: Proof of full vaccinations (two doses) administered 14 days before arrival in order to avoid the 14 days mandatory quarantine for partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Travelers will also need to provide a PCR negative test result taken within 72hours from arrival in Canada. Travelers will also be mandated to register with the ArriveCan apps 72hours prior to entry into the country. If you have any questions please contact your travel agent or visit travel.gc.ca for more information.

Western Canada is an outdoor enthusiasts’ mecca with a lot of things to see and to explore. Many of our guests arrive early or stay a few more days to get a relaxed start or to wind down after the trip. If you are arriving early or staying on after the tour, there are many options available to you. We will be more than happy to assist you with further adventure travel and lodging arrangements.

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies and is located 90 miles (145 km) east of Banff. Transport from the airport to Banff is really well organised and there are several ways to get to Banff.

The most convenient are Brewster Express Brewster-express and Airporter banffairporter.com

Due to the nature of our trips and small group sizes, space on our departures can be limited. Some trips are very popular and fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment, we encourage participants to book as early as possible. In order to confirm your space on any of these trips, we only require a $500 CAD deposit.

If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply at the time we receive written notice of your cancellation: Until 61 days $200 CAD, 31 to 60 days 50% of trip cost, 0 to 30 days 100% of trip cost. We strongly recommend purchasing a cancellation insurance through your travel agent.

Yes! You can purchase a specific trip and give it as a gift, or you can purchase a Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours Gift Certificate which can be applied to any of our trips. Our tours make awesome gifts for many occasions – honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, graduation – or any other celebration.

Signing up is easy! Sign up on-line or call us toll-free at 1-800-661-BIKE(2453) and reserve a space with your credit card ($500 CAD deposit per person). Or you can mail the application with credit card details or a cheque. If you are signing up within 60 days of the trip’s departure, full payment is required. Upon receipt of deposit, we will send you our pre-departure package containing information about the destination, a suggested reading list, a recommended conditioning program, the exact meeting time and place, transportation available to the meeting place, accommodation information, a medical questionnaire and a liability release. The latter two should be returned to our office with the balance due 60 days prior to departure.

Road Cycling Tours

Absolutely! Travellers with partners who would rather not cycle can still enjoy our favourite locations in Rocky Mountain style!
The season of your tour will contribute to what you should bring with you. Typically, light and airy clothing is all that’s required in the warmer months; although for the tours that go to higher altitudes, the evenings tend to get a little brisk. So a need for a sweater or cozy jacket is also recommended. For winter cycling tours, we advise mits, jackets, thermal leggings, etc.
This will be based on the type of cycling you choose. For example, our Great Canadian Mountain Traverse Tour is a challenging one-week excursion through the three primary mountain ranges in Western Canada. As such, you’ll need to be prepared with a robust mountain bike. However, if you’re opting for a less intense tour, like our Best of Lake Louise and Banff trip, then an everyday road bike will suffice, provided it’s in good condition.
Yes, bicycle tours result in scores of dirty laundry! Generally, hotels provide a laundry service. Ask your tour guide or us if you require more details.
Typical sources of cycling-associated injuries include improper riding positioning and pushing your body too hard. Very few cycling injuries actually involve impact with other objects or vehicles. You’re much more likely to injure yourself falling off your bicycle or colliding with an immobile object.
We strive to provide you with the best cycling tour experiences in Canada. And this entails first-rate accommodation, food, beverages, guides, and more!

Hiking Tours

We have detailed a few important items you should bring on your hiking tip. They include:
  • Waterproof boots, jacket and trousers
  • A backpack
  • Thick socks, gloves, and a hat
  • A water bottle & lunch case
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Your camera (or a fully charged phone) for pictures!
Late June to mid-September is the best time to visit the Canadian Rockies for a hike!
Our rocky mountain hiking tours often sell out quickly. For this reason, we recommend booking as soon as possible. We also suggest booking your tour prior to booking air travel.
Nope! Your luggage will be transported to and from Calgary and safely kept at the Hotel or the Campsite during your hike! You don’t have to worry about stressing your back during the excursions, so you can take in the beautiful scenery and focus on enjoying yourself.
It is common for first-time guests to worry they will have difficulty camping (sore backs, poor sleep quality, etc). However, more often than not, guests have been pleasantly surprised at how cozy they were during camping.
We have been in the Hiking guiding business since the early 2000s, we previously didn’t offer our hiking tour to the general public. They were only available to members of America’s largest outdoor gear co-op. With over 200 successful departures, we have gained a reputation of being the top leader regarding Canadian rocky mountain hiking tours. Our dynamic and passionate hiking guides have over 50 years of cumulative experience in leading tours in the Canadian Rockies and in the Whistler B.C. area. They are experts when it comes to providing the best and safest experience to our guests from all around the world. Let them lead you on an adventure of a lifetime through Canada’s most famous National Parks.

Custom Tours

You may cancel your tour at any time by notifying Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours at 1-800-661-2453 or via email at rockymountaincycletours@gmail.com. A $650 CAD deposit (per person) is required when booking. Also, if trip is cancelled more than 60 days before departure, we’ll reimburse the deposit excluding a cancellation fee of $200 CAD. If the trip is cancelled 31-60 days before departure, 50% of the trip fee is non-refundable. And if the trip is cancelled 30 days or less prior to departure, the trip fee is non-refundable. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended.
Once your request is received, the refund is processed internally. And once we’ve processed the request, it will take about 5-7 days for the refund to appear in your bank balance.
The custom tour package pricing includes all transportation, activities, accommodation, and whatever else you’d like to include on your dream Canadian Rocky Mountain adventure! Whether you prefer a calm-sightseeing excursion or an intensive sweat-inducing hike/bike ride, these packages are all included within the custom tour package.
You should pack based on the season you’ll be travelling. For example, for our summer adventures, we advise packing light and airy clothing, since the days can become quite mild. Ensure you bring your swimmingwear, as opportunities to dip in some of the world’s most beautiful lakes will be plentiful! Additionally, hot springs and hot tubs are available at some hotels you’ll be visiting. In Winter, it’s advised that you bring layers of warm clothing. It gets cold and icy in the Rockies. And a nice pair of waterproof shoes, a waterproof jacket, and pants are also prudent. Also, don’t forget your toque, gloves and scarf! Lastly, if applicable, bring enough prescription medication for the trip.
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