Mountain Bike

We have two Trek mountain bikes to choose from depending on your riding goals:

All mountain bike rentals include:

• Bike helmet and lock

• Tire changing kit, including tire lever, CO2 canister, and spare tube

• Bringing your own bike shoes with cleats? We can install Shimano SPD (MTB/Commuter), Shimano SPD-SL, Look KEO, or SpeedPlay Zero pedals at no charge. Select pedals under “Extras” at checkout.

• Like all our rentals, we offer 100% refund on all cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance.

Mountain Bike FAQ’s

• Where can I go mountain biking around Banff?

  • When you arrive at the shop to pick up your bike rental our knowledgable staff will be happy to help you plan your route for your day(s) of riding.

  • For ease of navigation on the mountain bike trails, we highly recommend downloading the Trailforks app before you arrive. There is a free version that works well.

  • There are many great cross-country biking trails around Banff, from family-friendly rides to more difficult technical trails. Click here to check out a full list and trail report from Parks Canada.

  • To view the trails in downloadable/printable map form click here for the mountain biking trail map from Parks Canada.

• Should I carry bear spray when mountain biking?

  • When mountain biking you are more likely to have a surprise encounter with animals. We recommend carrying bear spray with you when mountain biking, and knowing how to use it.

  • Slow down and make noise especially when going through shrubby areas or approaching blind corners.

  • We do not have bear spray available for rent or purchase at the shop. However, there are places very close by that do.

• Can I ride a mountain bike on paved pathways and trails?

  • Yes, you can. However, mountain bike tires are designed primarily to be used on dirt and gravel trails. They are much slower and less efficient to ride on paved surfaces compared to road or hybrid road/ mountain bikes. If you want the option to ride on paved trails as well as some hard packed gravel trails, we recommend renting our hybrid road/mountain bike.

• Should I rent an electric mountain bike or a regular mountain bike?

  • There are some reasons you may want to consider renting a regular mountain bike instead of an electric mountain bike:

    • Parks Canada allows non-electric mountain bikes on more trails than it permits electric mountain bikes on. Click on those links to compare.

    • Electric mountain bikes are significantly heavier than non-electric mountain bikes (approx. 25 kg vs. 15 kg). This can make them more difficult to manoeuvre on single-track trails, especially if you are new to mountain biking.

    • If you are an advanced rider looking to do technical trails, you will have an easier time with our Trek Fuel EX 7, since it has full suspension.

    • That said, electric mountain bikes do make it much easier in terms of effort, especially up hills, and make it possible to ride for much longer without getting as fatigued. And honestly, they’re just a whole lot of fun!