Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon Bike Ride

Date: September 22nd, 2024
Bike Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
Bike Finish Time: 2:00 p.m. (approximate)
Distance: 39 km (approximate)
Elevation Gain: 427 m (approximate)
Difficulty: Moderate (slow/casual pace)

Let's go celebrate the Bow Valley Parkway Cycling Experience Pilot and enjoy a scenic and vehicle-free adventure from Vermilion Lakes to Johnston Canyon.

We'll find parking along the Vermilion Lakes road near Banff, ideally as close as we can get to the Banff Legacy Trail, i.e. where this road ends. We'll then meet and begin our journey towards Johnston Canyon. We'll be riding on paved road for the entirety of this trip.

Please be advised that there are bears on this trail and you should keep bear spray accessible and know how to use it.

As usual, it's preferred to stick to the group, though depending on the group size we may split into two smaller groups and let the faster people lead the way. We'll take as many breaks as needed and wait on everyone.

E-bikes are permitted and most recommended for this ride!

Full GPS Route

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48152552

What to bring

• Helmets are mandatory!
• Bear spray 🐻🐻🐻
• Dress in layers - cycling appropriate clothing.
• Gloves to protect your hands from the sun and from blisters :)
• Plenty of water.
• Nutritious snack/lunch.
• Personal first aid kit.
• Bike/tire repair kit (if you have one).
• Bike lock (in case we stop at Banff and/or visit the canyon).
• A backup tube or patch kit.
• Sunscreen & bug repellent.
• Cycling shades or sunglasses.
• Light bag or backpack to carry all of the above comfortably while riding.

Carpooling/Bike Rentals

If anyone needs a ride, please make arrangements through the event messaging. Consider a contribution to your driver for the gas and park pass.

Bikes can be rented from University of Calgary and most towns along the way, but please note that it is your responsibility to arrange and most likely, you will need to secure a bike a day before the event - the group and its organizers are not making arrangements for bike rentals.

Meeting Spot

Banff Legacy Trail (end of Vermilion Lakes Rd) - 8:00 a.m.

References

• GPS Route
• Weather & Smoke Forecast
• Banff National Park Pass
• BVP Cycling Experience 3-Year Pilot
• Be Bear Smart
• The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
• The Ultimate Guide to Biking the BVP
• 20 Tips For Biking The Bow Valley Parkway

Contact

If you have any questions please leave a message in the event discussion below.

Event Waiver

By signing up for this event you acknowledge and accept the following:

"I acknowledge that this activity in which I am participating, organized by Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and/or its members, involves risks which are beyond the control of the group. Notwithstanding the acknowledgement of such risks, I hereby release the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and its organizers from all claims for damage however so arising as a result of my participation in this and any other activity organized by the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures. I affirm that I am aware of the nature of this activity, its length, duration and degrees of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. I have no medical or other condition which might preclude my participation. I agree to pay the cost of emergency evacuation of my person and/or my belongings that may be necessary. I agree to follow the directions of the organizer(s) and any assistants at all times."

Cover photo: thebanffblog.com