On this cycling Tour we bike in 2 countries and 4 National Parks and along the way ride the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road and Icefields Parkway! We'll cycle across the internatonal boundary, from Glacier National Park in Montana, into Alberta Canada, and then on to Waterton Lakes National Park. From there we bike deeper into Canada along the Height-of-the-Rockies Park on our way to Banff National Park, the Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefields, and Jasper National Park. This is an Epic Tour!
Day |
Day |
Ride Day |
Glacier to Jasper Route 2022 |
Elevation Gain |
Miles |
28 |
Sun |
... |
Shuttle / Check-in & Orientation - 9:00am |
--- |
--- |
1 |
Bike West Glacier |
1,500' |
30 |
||
29 |
Mon |
2 |
Going to the Sun Rd / Logan Pass |
5,500' |
70 |
30 |
Tue |
3 |
Many Glacier to Waterton Lakes |
4,400' |
69 |
31 |
Wed |
4 |
Highwood Pass / Bow River Valley |
2,500' |
65 |
1 |
Thr |
5 |
Banff - Layover Day |
--- |
0-60 |
2 |
Fri | 6 |
Bow Valley Parkway / Lake Louise |
3,800' |
56 |
3 |
Sat |
7 |
Icefields Parkway / The Crossing |
3,300' |
52 |
4 |
Sun |
8 |
Icefields Parkway / Columbia Icefield |
3,500' |
60 |
5 |
Mon |
9 |
Icefields Parkway / Jasper |
1,500' |
35-95 |
... |
Shuttle to Banff OR Stay Over in Jasper |
||||
... |
. |
... |
Total |
26,000' |
500 |
2022 Route Map - Glacier Section
Route Map - Banff to Jasper
Scroll Down for Itinerary
Riders should fly into Kalispell on Saturday so you are ready to go Sunday morning. After a brief 9:00am shuttle from the Red Lion Hotel to West Glacier, we'll make introductions and set up the bikes so we can go for a 30 mile shake down ride around the west side of Glacier National Park. Dinner is on your own the first night, with 3 restaurants within walking distance of our hotel in West Glacier, the Belton Chalet.
(Note: Red Lion Hotel fills up early due to Glacier Park so book early)
30 miles / 1,500 ft. elevation gain
Starting on the west side of Glacier, this bike tour rides across Glacier National Park via the Going to the Sun Road, one of the all-time classic cycling routes. We have to get an early start because they shut the road down to cyclists after 11am. Once we reach the summit at Logan Pass, we can check out Jackson Glacier and the Continental Divide before desending to Mary Lake. From here we bike outside the east entrance of the park, then back in to the Many Glaciers section.
Our hotel for the night is the Many Glacier Lodge, with one of the most amazing views anywhere in the world. Take a stroll on footpaths around the lake, or hike up to a glacier.
70 miles / 5,500 ft. elevation gain
After our night in East Glacier, we cycle into the Many Glaciers section of the park, before crossing into Alberta Canada on our way to Waterton lakes, the Candian section of Glacier National Park. Don't forget your passport!
Tonight we stay at the historic Prince of Wales Lodge. The hotel sits on the shores of the lake overlooking the town of Waterton. Enjoy traditional Afternoon Tea service at the Prince of Wales with fresh baked pastries and delicate dainties. Or perhaps a cocktail in the Windsor Lounge before retiring to dinner in the Royal Stewart Dining Room.
69 miles / 4,400 ft. elevation gain
After cycling the backroads of Waterton Lakes, we shuttle north to Height of the Rockies Park where we'll bike along the Kananaskis Parkway over Highwood Pass, Canada's highest paved pass, into Banff National Park and two nights at the Banff Park Lodge, right in the center of Banff. Dinner and breakfast are on your own the next two days, with the entire town of Banff within walking distance.
Day 5 is a layover day. Go for a hike. Explore the town of Banff. Go river rafting. Or go for a 60 mile ride around the mountains and lakes of Banff.
65 miles / 2,500 ft. elevation gain
Leaving Banff, we bicycle along the Bow Valley Parkway on our way to Lake Louise (and Moraine Lake, if you choose to ride the 6 miles up to it). The Bow Valley Parkway is a major bear spotting area! Today's bike ride is a little shorter, giving you the opportunity to explore Lake Louise, hike to the Teahouse or the Glacier, or kayak the lake's turquoise glacier waters. Dinner is on your own tonight, with various restaurant choices within walking distance.
39-56 miles / 2,900-3,800 ft. elevation gain
The next three days find us cycling along the Icefields Parkway on our way to Jasper. Leaving the amazing Lake Louise, we cycle past Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier on our way to Bow Summit and it's stunning view of Peyto Lake (above).
Back on the Icefields Parkway, we get a great downhill into Saskatchewan River Crossing and the Crossing Resort, our stop for the night. Go for a spectacular hike after the ride or just relax on the deck of the lodge with a drink and enjoy the views.
52 miles / 3,300 ft. elevation gain
Today we climb up to the Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier, a sight to behold. You may wish to climb on the glacier before riding on. From here we descend toward Sunwapta Falls and the Rocky Mountain Lodge, our stop for the night. Our route after Athabasca Glacier takes us mostly downhill, with stops along two waterfalls. The hike to Sunwapta Falls is a must do before dinner.
60 miles / 3,400 ft. elevation gain
Our final day finds us cycling on the Icefields Parkway into Jasper National Park. This is the shortest day, with only a 35 mile ride to complete our Epic journey into Jasper. We should arrive before 12:00 noon. Our final stop is the Train Station in downtown Jasper, where you may catch a train or shuttle bus, or ride an optional 60 mies to Maligne Lake and back. Departure options are listed below. Congratulations on finishing your Epic cycling tour!
35-95 miles / 1,200 ft. elevation gain
After the last day of cycling we arrive in Jasper by 12:00 noon. You have several options from here:
Option 1: Take the shuttle Bus back to Banff. The Bus leaves the Train Station at 1:45 PM. There is only one bus daily. You can take it to Banff or continue on to Calgary airport. It is 6 hours from Jasper to Calgary.
If you are staying over in Banff It is a 4 hour drive, so you should arrive around 6:00pm. You will have to book your own hotel in Banff for Monday night. On Tuesday you can take the local shuttle bus to Calgary.
Option 2: Stay in Jasper overnight, with options of flying out on Tuesday from Edmonton or the Calgary airport (arriving late). You will need to book your own hotel in Jasper for Monday night. Book early!
Note: Riders must book their own Hotel room in Jasper or Banff if staying overnight. If departing Jasper on Monday, riders must book their own shuttle at 1:45pm with local shuttle company Brewster Transportation. There is only one shuttle a day. Another option is renting a car one way back to Calgary.
Lunch on ride days is always included. On this Tour 2 group dinners are included and riders are on their own for the remaining, with suggested seating times for those wishing to dine with others. A continental breakfast is always included of Greek yogurt, a selection of natural cereals, Bagels, cream cheese, etc. Hot breakfasts are on your own and require eating early in the Lodges.