It’s early June and the mountains are calling. Canada’s highest public paved road is snow free but closed to motor vehicles until June 15th. What to do? Join the steady stream of cyclists and pedal to the summit of Highwood Pass!
This year, we cycled the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail from mid-May through mid-October, when the trail officially closed for the winter. Thanks to a wide range of extensions available on either end, our rides ranged from 53 to 86 km and included a good mix of destinations in both Canmore and Banff. Amazing scenery and minimal elevation change make this a “must ride” trail for those visiting Canmore/Banff during the riding season.
Thanks to the multitude of community partners backing the Rotary-Mattamy Greenway, Calgarian’s have pathway access to more neighbourhoods than ever before. Wondering where to start your exploration of the Greenway? We offer up five recommendations based on pedaling more than 500 km on Calgary pathways over the last six weeks. We also share advice on which areas to avoid – at least until the final construction phase is complete. Once the missing bits are finished, the Greenway is gonna be truly awesome! We might even try to ride the whole thing in one day!
Construction of the High Rockies Trail is slated for completion prior to Canada’s 150th celebration in 2017. Trail runners, hikers and mountain bikers are already exploring the completed section running from Goat Creek to Buller Creek in the Spray Valley. We rode from Driftwood Day Use Area to Buller Creek and rate the High Rockies Trail two thumbs up. With multiple access points, some great views and lots of ups and downs, this trail is sure to be popular with locals and visitors alike. We’ll definitely ride it again (and again).
Constructed to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Banff National Park, the Banff Legacy Trail comprises a significant part of any bike ride between Three Sisters in Canmore and Cascade Ponds just outside of Banff. The ride west has a slight incline and is often against the wind. The ride east is a little easier. But be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out. Getting caught in a thunderstorm while riding a bike is not a great situation!
