Mountain biking trails in the Banff area

2.1 km loop
Elevation gain minimal
Trailhead: Fenland Trail parking area, west off Mount Norquay Road

This short loop is a pleasant escape from the bustle of town.

3.7 km one way
Elevation gain 75 m, elevation loss 60 m
Trailhead: Cave and Basin National Historic Site 

This paved trail is perfect for families with kids and bike trailers as it winds along the Bow River and climbs gently to the Sundance Canyon picnic area where you can explore a lovely creekside hiking trail. Sundance is popular with hikers. To experience the canyon, bring a bike lock. Connector: Healy Creek. 

6.4 km loop
Elevation gain 70 m
Trailhead: Tunnel Mountain Campground 

Perfect for beginners and children, this simple, packed gravel trail forms a large loop around Tunnel Mountain Campground. There are many places to stop and rest. Be sure to watch out for strolling campers, elk, deer and coyotes. 

29 km one way
Elevation gain 24 m, elevation loss 113 m
Trailheads: Valleyview, Cascade Ponds, Vermilion Lakes and Fireside day-use areas or east end of Banff Avenue

The Banff Legacy Trail offers cyclists, runners, roller skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts 29 km of paved trails and roadways with breathtaking views, rest stops and picnic areas. The trail connects the Bow Valley Parkway with the town of Banff, Cascade Ponds, the Banff East Gate and the town of Canmore. This three-season trail is typically snow-free and ridable from April to October. An absolute must.

5.5 km one way
Elevation gain 95 m, elevation loss 100 m
Trailhead: Healy/Brewster Parking Lot

This forested trail close to the town of Banff is ideal for visitors wanting to experience a taste of the backcountry. For a memorable one-way adventure, arrange a drop-off at the Healy/Brewster parking lot, and at the end of the Healy Creek trail, take a short detour to Sundance Canyon (bring a bike lock as bikes are not permitted in the canyon). After the canyon, continue along Sundance Trail to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. A short trail will bring you along Cave Avenue to the parking lot just before the Banff Avenue bridge.

5.7 km one way from Spray River East trailhead (Golf Course Road) to Spray River Bridge
5.6 km one way from Spray River Bridge to Spray River West trailhead behind Fairmont Banff Springs
Elevation gain 242 m, elevation loss 113 m

This winding, rolling gravel double track can be ridden as a loop in either direction or as an out-and-back from either trailhead. Choose your own adventure! The trail parallels the rushing Spray River. Great as a family outing and picnic near the bridge. Be sure to yield to horses. Connector: Spray River and Goat Creek.

2.7 km one way
Elevation gain 52 m, elevation loss 12 m
Trailheads: Cascade Ponds Day Use Area or Lake Minnewanka Road

From Cascade Ponds, ride past the picnic tables, over the creek and left to cross Minnewanka Road. Follow the old Canadian Pacific rail grade to the ghost town of Bankhead. Ride as out and back. 

14.6 km one way
Elevation gain 230 m, elevation loss 60 m
Trailhead: Upper Bankhead parking area 

This former fire road is a gravel double track that opens with a sustained climb. It travels into the wilds of the Cascade Valley, through prime bear habitat. Cycling ends just before the remote Stoney Creek campground (Cr15).

4.3 km one way
Elevation gain 97 m, elevation loss 82 m
Trailheads: Cascade Ponds or Johnson Lake Day Use Areas

This trail begins at the northeast corner of Cascade Ponds, crosses a small creek, and climbs up an almost impossible-to-ride-up set of steps (prepare for significant hike-a-bike on this moderately challenging section of the trail). The remainder of the trail to the water tower is an easy, sweet singletrack that dips and turns its way along the edge of the escarpment above the Trans-Canada Highway. Views of the Bow Valley and its iconic mountains, Rundle and Cascade, are spectacular. From the water tower, it’s worth your while to continue along a short section of gravel road leading to Johnson Lake. This trail is easily ridden as an out and back from either end.

8.5 km one way
Elevation gain 280 m, elevation loss 110 m
Trailheads: Cave and Basin National Historic Site or Healy/Brewster parking lot

Ride Sundance and/or Healy Creek until you get to the Brewster Creek Junction where the trail begins. This trail is a double track that climbs steadily up the Brewster Creek valley to the Sundance Lodge (service for guests only). The ride to the lodge is not suitable for beginners. Brewster Creek is used by commercial horse traffic and is not recommended in wet conditions.

10 km one way
Elevation gain 330 m, elevation loss 95 m
Trailhead: Redearth Creek parking area

This former fire road provides bike access to some very scenic backcountry hiking near the Great Divide. Bring a lock, as you must leave your bike at the end of the road and continue on foot in order to access popular hiking destinations such as Shadow Lake Lodge, Shadow Lake, and Egypt Lake.

18.7 km one way (trail is rated easy for first 10 km, then moderate to Canmore)
Elevation gain 435 m, elevation loss 160 m
Trailhead: Spray River West trailhead behind the Fairmont Banff Springs

This popular, rolling double track follows the Spray River for 10 km before reaching the easy-to-miss turn that veers off on the left just past the base of a short downhill section. Fork left, then head down over the bridge. From there the trail turns to a moderate rating as it rises gradually along the lower slopes of Mount Rundle, ending at the Goat Creek parking area on the Smith-Dorrien Road above Canmore. Alternatively, arrange for a shuttle up to the Goat Creek trailhead and ride the long, gentle descent to Banff. Connectors: Canmore Nordic Center (take the Banff Trail) with the Rundle Riverside Trail and Golf Course Road. Note: Due to the clay content of the Goat Creek trail, it is not recommended in wet conditions.

29.4 km one way
Elevation gain 45 m, elevation loss 35 m
Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka Day Use Area, kiosk at far end of picnic area

Don’t let the gentle opening of this iconic ride fool you; the physical demands and the remoteness of this trail require excellent fitness, bike handling skills and preparation. The challenging and at times exposed sidehill trail climbs steeply out of Stewart Canyon and heads east on a rollicking single track towards the park boundary at Devil’s Gap. Destinations include the Aylmer Pass junction (16 km return) and the Warden’s Cabin (32 km return). This is a popular hiking trail, so mountain bikers should aim for weekday rides in May/June and September/October.

NOTE: Trail is closed to cycling between July 10 and September 15.

3.3 km one way
Elevation gain 65 m, elevation loss 50 m
Trailheads: East end of Banff Avenue at the junction with the Banff Legacy Trail or Tunnel Mountain Road

This rolling trail runs parallel to Banff Avenue roadway. Access from the start of the Legacy Trail located at the east end of Banff Avenue then ride or walk 100 m until you see a steep path going up through thick forest. The trail levels off gradually until it reaches an open meadow; head left on nice rolling singletrack. The trail ends at Tunnel Mountain Road. Return the same way or for a longer ride into town, connect with the Coastline on Tunnel Bench Loop, and return to town via the Hoodoos to Surprise Corner Trail.

4.8 km one way
Elevation gain 115 m, elevation loss 90 m
Trailheads: Hoodoos Viewpoint and Day Use Area or Surprise Corner

Can be enjoyed in both directions but best ridden north to south. This trail offers an exhilarating experience with some steep climbing and descending. The route has spectacular views of Mount Rundle, a short section along a braid of the Bow River, and a short hike-a-bike section at a set of stairs.

9.7 km loop 
Elevation gain 60 m
Trailheads: Hoodoos Viewpoint and Day Use Area or Tunnel Mountain Campground

Typically ridden clockwise, this popular loop connects The Spine, Coastline, Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Don’s Bypass to make a winding and varied entry-level singletrack with minimal elevation gain. Take in the spectacular views of iconic Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain as well as the Fairholme Range. Be aware that some sections have significant vertical exposure. If you are uncomfortable, be sure to walk your bike. Connector: The Toe and Hoodoos to Surprise Corner.

2.7 km loop
Elevation gain 80 m
Trailhead: Tunnel Mountain Drive near reservoir

These fun and twisty technical trails have wooden features, big curving berms, a wall ride, ladder bridges, skinnies and endless switchbacks. Riders typically ride down Star Wars and complete the loop on Return of the Jedi. The trails were designed and built in partnership with the Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance.

7 km of trails
Elevation gain 124 m, elevation loss 124 m
Trailheads: Spray River West trailhead or Banff Upper Hot Springs parking area

Several loops connect the Middle Springs neighborhood with the Spray River West trailhead and Banff Upper Hot Springs parking area. Some parts of the trail are used by commercial horse tours and can become quite mucky in wet weather.

7.8 km one way
Elevation gain 885 m
Trailhead: Cave and Basin National Historic Site

This ride is for endurance seekers. Follow Sundance 2.6 km to the junction, where you’ll find the Sulphur Mountain Westside Trail branching back to the east. From there this old weather station access road is a gruelling “Sulphur-fest” of a climb. Use caution and make brake-cooling stops on the descent back down the same route you came up – bicycles are not allowed on the Sanson Peak boardwalk, the gondola, or the trail on the east side of Sulphur Mountain.

3.9 km one way
Elevation gain 299 m, elevation loss 357 m
Trailhead: Tunnel Mountain Drive near reservoir, west of the entry to the Tunnel Technical Trails 

Built for experienced riders, the trail starts with a challenging feature—if you cannot ride it, return to Star Wars for the ride down. This trail is a step up from the Tunnel Technical Trails, and full of wooden features, big curving berms, ladder bridges, skinnies and endless switchbacks with an incredible flow. At the end, this trail connects up with Return of the Jedi. Ride back up the hill for another run, or continue to Hoodoos to Surprise Corner and back into town.

13.9 km one way
Elevation gain 265 m, elevation loss 296 m
Trailhead: Golf Course Road (kiosk at far end)

Intermediate and advanced riders may relish the challenge of this rocky roller coaster trail linking Banff and Canmore. Eight kilometres of rough and rooty singletrack give way to six kilometres of double track approaching the Canmore Nordic Centre. Full suspension is recommended. Be prepared with a repair kit; the remoteness of this trail may be an issue if you get into trouble. Connector: Canmore Nordic Centre (Banff Trail), Spray River and Goat Creek and Golf Course Road.

4.2 km one way
Elevation gain 11 m, elevation loss 328 m
Trailhead: Mount Norquay Ski Area parking lot

This is a great trail for intermediate riders to work on their technical skills. Ride past the day lodge and down the ski area service road near the cascade lift for 1.4 km. Watch closely on the right for a sign indicating the entrance. The steep sidehill nature of the trail features many rough and rocky sections, and drops continuously to the highway. Watch for hikers, horses and bears on this fast, technical descent and be sure to close the fence gate. Return to Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway to the Norquay exit. Take extra caution when biking along this busy section of highway.

4.8 km loop
Elevation gain 228 m, elevation loss 243 m
Trailhead: Immediate right at Mount Norquay Ski Area parking lot

This narrow, technically difficult, rooted little trail climbs, at times steeply, through thick forest to the Stoney Lookout. If you can “clean” this trail you’re a rock star! Enjoy a snack and a well-deserved rest at the viewpoint, with astonishing views of Cascade Mountain and the Bow Valley beyond. From there, continue north and descend a rocky, twisting technical trail back to the old ski runs above the Mount Norquay day lodge. Connector: Lower Stoney for a challenging, yet easily accessible loop out of the town of Banff.

7.9 km of trails
Elevation gain 82 m, elevation loss 82 m
Trailheads: Hoodoos Viewpoint and Day Use Area or Tunnel Mountain Campground

An exhilarating mix of challenging and exposed technical riding, long climbs and descents, and winding narrow single-track. It can be ridden in any direction and has some exceptional views. For a short side trail along the main loop, try out Wolf Scat Alley. This area is sensitive to erosion and wildlife movement—please ride with care.