The trip counter on the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff registered the one millionth trip milestone in mid-June. There was absolutely NO fanfare or media coverage that I've been able to find! But it's a great excuse to share our top recommendations for cycling adventures that include the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail.
Lake Minnewanka Loop is a short, scenic road ride. In 2021, Parks Canada is piloting a 4 day/week vehicle free road cycling option during shoulder season.
One good thing about 2020? Bike pathways were not closed!
Parks Canada is doing their best to lay on a few pandemic perks in Banff National Park. For example, the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to vehicles between Banff and Castle Junction. With fresh asphalt and no cars, it's a great summer of 2020 highway ride for cyclists.
The summit stretch of HIghwood Pass is closed to vehicle traffic from Dec 15 through June 14 each year. Depending on snow pack and spring temperatures, that means there's a short window each spring when it's possible to ride from the locked winter gates to the summit of HIghwood Pass. We made our first attempt in 2016 (successful) on mountain bikes and have returned each spring since, usually on our cyclocross wheels which make for an easier ride. Highlights from our 2020 ride include spotting a couple of white-tailed deer, riding into strong and gusting headwinds on the descent and seeing a grizzly bear on the drive out. At the date of publication, there are two more weekends to ride Highwood Pass before it re-opens to vehicle traffic on June 15, 2020.