Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon

Bow Valley Parkway to JOHNston Canyon

25 km (15 mi) one-way, 184m (600 ft) elevation gain
This is the most popular ride for road cyclists in the Bow Valley, and one of the very best road-biking rides in Canada. The Bow Valley Parkway, or Highway 1A, is the old highway between Banff and Lake Louise, and has relatively little traffic.

There are a few good hills along the way in both directions. You are gaining elevation overall on the way to Lake Louise, and generally have a headwind on the way there, which usually means a tailwind on the way home (no guarantees!).

Parks Canada has announced for 2023 that the Bow Valley Parkway will remain closed to vehicle traffic in May, June and September, continuing this amazing cycling experience. Even with vehicle traffic, the Bow Valley Parkway is also a bike-friendly roadway with large shoulders and excellent pavement.

Directions from Banff Townsite:

  • From Banff townsite, you head towards the Trans-Canada highway on Mount Norquay Road

  • Turn left on Vermillion Lakes Road (before highway overpass)

  • Continue to end of Vermillion Lakes road and onto bike path

  • Bike path passes through two gates and ends at Highway 1A

  • Turn left onto the highway and continue on this road to Lake Louise

Elevation profile one-way from Banff to Lake Louise along the Bow Valley Parkway.

Map of full ride

Close up of directions from Banff to Highway 1A past Vermillion Lakes and onto bike path.

Brand new pavement on some sections of the Bow Valley Parkway, June 2019.