This Itinerary Of The Canadian Rockies Is The Best Way To Explore The Area
Explore forests, mountains and lakes on foot and on bike.
Are you eager to get some mountain time in at places like Jasper, Canmore and Banff but aren't quite sure where to start? As one of the top travel destinations in the world, the Canadian Rockies are famous for stunning alpine skylines, rushing rivers, dense forests, vibrant blue-green lakes, sprawling glaciers and abundant wildlife.
The vast landscape is truly breathtaking but with so much to explore, taking the time to plan your trip before you go is key. There are many things travellers need to consider — from what to see, how to get around and (perhaps most importantly) where to stay.
For budget-conscious Canadians, resorts and hotels may not be an option. But hostels — with their proximity to town centres and choice of shared or private rooms — are an easy, affordable and accessible way to visit more pricey areas, like the Rockies can be.
Hostels can be downright charming too. Hostelling International Canada hostels, for example, provide travellers with one of the best ways to see the Rockies. These lodge-style mountain digs have in-house kitchens and full-service cafes, plus many of them offer fun gatherings like pancake breakfasts or group hikes.
Staying in a hostel can make it easy to meet people and get to know the down-to-earth side of the Rockies with friendly and safe communal spaces.
HI Canada has recently kicked off a Bed & Bike offer, partnering with local bike shops so guests can make their trip complete with a place to stay and a bike to ride.
When you book a bed with HI Canada, you'll get access to special discounts at select bike shops in the Rockies. You can choose your bike and chat with the friendly shop staff to get the low-down on the area's best routes for all levels of riders — because you don't have to be a pro to explore the Rockies on a bike!
By hopping on a bike to explore the Rockies, you'll not only show Mother Earth some love, but you'll save money on fuel, avoid the headache of traffic and never have to struggle with parking. Plus, you'll get some exercise and fresh air while soaking up your surroundings.
In fact, cycling is a super way for all cyclists of all levels to enjoy the area, whether you're most comfortable on the road, a mountain path, on a wide, flat trail, or even whizzing past everyone as you zoom uphill on an e-bike.
Ready to get exploring? Check out these five top Rocky Mountain destinations to visit and explore on your bike this summer (and find out how you can win a night in an HI hostel in the Rockies including bike hire for you and a pal!).
Banff
Where To Stay:
HI Banff Alpine Centre, 801 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Rent Your Bike From: Snowtips Bactrax, 225 Bear St., Banff, AB
Why You Need To Go: There's a reason why Banff is the Rockies' busiest town, drawing over four million visitors a year. With activities like canoeing the stunning Bow River, riding the scenic Sulphur Mountain gondola, hiking the trails to Silverton Falls and scrambling Cascade Mountain, Banff is an adventurer's playground.
To explore by bike, head out to the 13.1-kilometre paved loop from the Cascade Pond picnic area, along the Lake Minnewanka waterfront and back inland past Two Jack Lake. Or, for an easy-breezy ride with tons of wildlife to see, check out the closed 17-kilometre section of the Bow Valley Parkway.
No matter what you choose to do, you can roll out of bed and literally be on the trail outside HI's hostel on Tunnel Mountain in minutes. Afterward, cycle back to town for a bite to eat and peruse the shops; you'll find both local gems and familiar brands.
Once you're done for the day, HI Banff Alpine Centre gives you tons of space to put your feet up after your adventure, like at their two fireplace lounges.
Lake Louise
Where To Stay: HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre, 203 Village Rd., Lake Louise, AB
Rent Your Bike From: Wilson Mountain Sports, 101 Lake Louise Dr., Lake Louise, AB
Why You Need To Go: It's fair to say that the most iconic thing to do in Lake Louise is a walk around the lake and a hike to Lake Agnes Tea House. You can also easily enjoy the lake's pristine turquoise water via bike or canoe.
From HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre, challenge yourself with a mountain ride on the Highline Trail. Or grab an e-bike and head to Moraine Lake for a leisurely cruise and gorgeous views.
No matter what you're into, you'll find something for every type and level of biker right outside your hostel door. And when you need to replenish your energy, check out the hostel's restaurant right on-site. It's a favourite among locals and serves three meals a day.
Kananaskis
Where To Stay: HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel, 1 Ribbon Creek Rd., Kananaskis, AB
Rent Your Bike From: Kananaskis Outfitters, 1 Mount Sparrowhawk Cres., Kananaskis, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for a bit more serenity, you'll find it in Kananaskis Country (which is also a haven for cyclists).
This is a beautiful area to bike, drive, hike or paddle your way through. Don't miss Highwood Pass — at over 2,200 metres, this is Canada's highest road pass and offers plenty to see and do, including hiking trails, hot springs and cycling routes.
Head to the High Rockies Trail for your choice of gravel roads or winding mountain bike trails, and for an easy ride from HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel (complete with pretty creek views as you cross multiple bridges), you can cruise the Ribbon Creek Trail.
What's so nice about this particular off-the-grid wilderness hostel is that you still get the comforts of home, including that long, hot shower after an epic day of cycling.
Jasper
Where To Stay: HI Jasper, 708 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Jasper, AB
Rent Your Bike From: Vicious Cycle, 630 Connaught Dr., Jasper, AB
Why You Need To Go: With gorgeous mountain and lake views all around, Jasper is a must-see destination on your Rocky Mountain adventure. The Athabasca Glacier and powerful Athabasca Falls are just two spectacular attractions to visit in the area.
Jasper is a cyclist's dream, with scenic road cycling and mountain bike trails that suit all fitness levels and bike types. For something a bit more laid back, you can't go wrong with the Wapiti Loop or Lac Beauvert Loop, among others.
After a long day of cycling and sightseeing, head back to HI Jasper and its new, modern kitchen, where you can cook up some comfort food to refuel. In the evening, don't miss your chance to stargaze. As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper National Park is a great place to see the Milky Way, constellations, planets and even the northern lights.
Canmore
Where To Stay: HI Canmore, 201 Indian Flats Rd., Canmore, AB
Rent Your Bike From: Gear Up Mountain Sports, 1302 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB
Why You Need To Go: Even though Canmore is one of the top cross-country skiing areas of the Rockies, don't overlook it in the summertime. Besides hiking the Three Sisters or rafting the Bow River, biking is a must-do in this mountain town just outside of Banff.
You'll find plenty of bike trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. For a fun and unique way to get to Banff, follow the 22.3-kilometre Legacy Trail and enjoy the wooded backtrails along the Bow River.
However you end up spending your mountain day in Canmore, you'll be ready to relax and recharge afterward. Put your feet up while you take in the gorgeous peaks of the Three Sisters from the deck of HI Canmore's cozy mountain cabin.
As seasoned veterans of Rocky Mountain travel for over 80 years, HI Canada can help you out with everything from planning your routes to connecting you with the best bike rentals at discounted prices.
So pack your bags, grab your friends and get ready to enjoy all that these special spots have to offer — from the back of a bike or from the comfort of a cozy hostel. If you're feeling lucky, you can enter this contest for your chance to win a night in a HI hostel in the Rockies (including a full-day bike rental) for you and a pal:
To start planning your epic Rocky Mountain getaway, check out HI Canada's website, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.