Anyone ride Banff

[Paul Swenson]

Me and my brother are going to a wedding in a couple weeks in Lake Louise and were hoping to do some mountain biking. Although it appears our trail options are extremely limited, the Lake Minnewanka Trail sounds like it might be worth checking out. We're planning on renting bikes.

Has anyone ridden out there or have wisdom to share on the area?

[ryno lite]

Watch out for Grizzlies. Other than that, it is really beautiful out there. Don't know how good the riding is, but I heard that there are a lot of multiple use trails open to mtn bikes. Not sure if they have much singletrack or not. I'd assume that the town of Banff and Canmor should have rentals. Have fun, it is cool out there. I wish my friends would have their weddings in great spots like that.

[GearDaddy]

In the immediate area of Banff/Lake Louise I just rode at the Canmore Nordic Center. Nothing spectacular. It's mostly X-C ski trail system, thus not too technical but a good workout.

Lake Minnewanka sounds interesting, but it also sounds like it's an out-and-back and is shared with hikers, which probably isn't a big deal. I think a lot of the most technical and interesting stuff is actually back towards Canmore, mostly outside of the national park area.

I also went all the way up the icefields parkway to Jasper (3 or 4 hour drive) and rode some really sweet trails up there.

The Banff/Lake Louise area has a multitude of fabulous hiking trails. It's well worth it to do some hiking.

[berrywise]

Me and my brother are going to a wedding in a couple weeks in Lake Louise and were hoping to do some mountain biking. Although it appears our trail options are extremely limited, the Lake Minnewanka Trail sounds like it might be worth checking out. We're planning on renting bikes.

Has anyone ridden out there or have wisdom to share on the area?

Looks like reviews on mtbr.com are pretty good.

http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/trails-around-the-world/canada-trails/trails-canada-alberta/trail/PRD_165652_4522crx.aspx

[flombe]

My family road trip to Glacier NP and Banff NP starts Wednesday! Planning on some early morning pre-family time rides. Beware of the bears! :crazy2:

Near Banff NP, Canmore is the place, but off-road riding is allowed in the park (which amazes me). This is what I have found so far and will hit the LBS for current info/advice. Pic of Lake Minnewanka Trail here (http://chrysalizz.smugmug.com/gallery/3022681_6yK6H#169305958_SGsWT) - looks like it'll do me just fine.

Banff Trail Guide (http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/activ2a_E.asp)

Lake Louise Trail Guide (http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/activ2b_E.asp)

Still looking for off-road riding ideas near St. Mary, MT on the east side of Glacier NP. Anyone?

[Paul Swenson]

In the immediate area of Banff/Lake Louise I just rode at the Canmore Nordic Center. Nothing spectacular. It's mostly X-C ski trail system, thus not too technical but a good workout.

Lake Minnewanka sounds interesting, but it also sounds like it's an out-and-back and is shared with hikers, which probably isn't a big deal. I think a lot of the most technical and interesting stuff is actually back towards Canmore, mostly outside of the national park area.

I also went all the way up the icefields parkway to Jasper (3 or 4 hour drive) and rode some really sweet trails up there.

The Banff/Lake Louise area has a multitude of fabulous hiking trails. It's well worth it to do some hiking.


I don't mind out and back. A number of the trails I used to ride in Montana were out and back.

My brother hates to hike. Also going out biking will help keep the group small since it will require a certain level of competency. I'll probably do some hiking/trail running by myself. Just not at twilight.

[ryno lite]

I don't mind out and back. A number of the trails I used to ride in Montana were out and back.

My brother hates to hike. Also going out biking will help keep the group small since it will require a certain level of competency. I'll probably do some hiking/trail running by myself. Just not at twilight.

Watch out for bears even in the middle of the day if you are going solo. Certain areas with current bear activity are limited to minimum sized groups that hike together, so you won't be able to solo all trails up there. Usually people who are solo or a couple need to wait at the trailhead and hike with another 2-4 people if these restrictions are put in place. There should be trails open to solo hiking/running though. I really encourage the hiking thing. It is an amazing park to hike. The trails are also a challenge. They have some crazy grades coming out of Lake Louise! You're going to have a great time!

[Digger]

You may have to drive a bit to get there, but check out Kicking Horse. It is located in Golden, B.C, and I think it took me 2 hours to get there from Banff last winter. It looks like they allow mountain bikes on their website. If the biking is half as good as the skiing, it should be great.