Mountain biking trails in the Lake Louise area
Banff National Park
Important information:
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E-bikes, with the exception of pedal assist E-bikes, are not permitted on trails in Banff National Park. For more information on where pedal assist E-bikes are permitted and how Parks Canada defines pedal assist E-bikes, please refer to the Restricted Activity Order.
Mountain biking trails in the Lake Louise area:
| Trail | Distance (one way) | Elevation gain / loss* | Pedal assist E-Bikes permitted |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bow River |
Up to 5.7 km | minimal | Yes | Great Divide |
9.8 km | 115 m / 205 m | Yes |
 Tramline |
4.3 km | 220 m / 30 m | Yes |
| Pipestone |
4 km | 105 m / 15 m | No |
 Moraine Lake Highline |
9.3 km | 485 m / 325 m | No |
*Note: On most trails you will gain and lose elevation before you reach your destination. Elevation gain represents all the up and elevation loss represents all the down you will experience on a one-way ride.
Easy rides
Bow River
Description: Ideal for families, this gentle riverside trail travels both sides of the Bow River and can be shortened by cutting across any of the bridges. Interpretive signs along the way highlight the Bow River ecosystem. This trail is popular with pedestrians who may not hear your approach above the river’s sound; ride respectfully and make your approach known. This route connects with the Tramline Trail.
Distance (one way): up to 5.7 km
Elevation gain: minimal | Elevation loss: minimal
Trailhead: Lake Louise Campground, or opposite the historic Lake Louise train station (Station Restaurant) beside Bow River bridge on Sentinel Road.
Transit Information
Note: A trail segment south of the soft-sided campground is closed seasonally from May 15 until October 15.
Great Divide
Description: This route (formerly the Highway 1A) is closed to vehicles. Though paved, the surface is rough. Connect from Lake Louise Drive via the Great Divide into Yoho National Park.
Distance (one way): 9.8 km
Elevation gain: 115 m | Elevation loss: 210 m
Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, 4 km from the community of Lake Louise. Paid parking in effect. Accessible by transit.
Transit Information
Note: The Great Divide parking lot is closed.
Moderate rides
Tramline
Description: This wide trail is the former route of a tramway (1912 to 1930). The trail begins in the community of Lake Louise and comes out at the Louise Lakeshore parking lot, which is an alternative starting point for a downhill ride on this trail.
Distance (one way): 4.3 km
Elevation gain: 220 m | Elevation loss: 30 m
Trailhead: Opposite Lake Louise train station (Station Restaurant) beside Bow River bridge on Sentinel Road, or Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot.
Transit Information
Note: The lower section of this trail is seasonally closed (May 15 until October 15). Begin the Tramline from the Bow River parking lot on Sentinel Road, cross the bridge, take a left and follow the Bow River Trail until the junction with the new Tramline route.
Pipestone
Description: This well-defined gravel and dirt trail heads up along the Pipestone River into the Pipestone Valley north of Lake Louise. Watch for horse users and bears. Not far from the trailhead, 0.7 km side trail offers a short, sometimes muddy, trip to Mud Lake. Cyclists are not permitted beyond the bike turnaround point at 4 km.
Distance (one way): 4 km
Elevation gain: 105 m | Elevation loss: 15 m
Trailhead: Parking lot on Slate Road, turn off Trans-Canada Highway, 1.5 km west of Lake Louise.
Difficult rides
Moraine Lake Highline
Description: The most demanding of the Lake Louise trails, this single-track trail climbs onto the shoulder of Mount Temple and then descends to Moraine Lake. Hikers are often encountered on the first km from the trailhead. Roots and rocks on the narrow trail will pose a challenge for less experienced bikers. The upper trail section, is often exposed as it follows side hills, but offers tremendous views.
Distance (one way): 9.3 km
Elevation gain: 485 m | Elevation loss: 325 m
Trailhead: The trail begins 2.5 km up Moraine Lake Road. There is very limited all-day parking in the community of Lake Louise. There is no parking in the Great Divide parking lot or at the Moraine Lake junction.
Transit Information
Note: When buffalo berries (an important food for bears) ripen in mid to late summer, the upper section of this trail is closed to all users. This allows grizzly bears to forage undisturbed and keep visitors safe. During this time, a stub trail allows access from the trail to the Moraine Lake Road at the bottom of the seasonal trail closure. Check with Lake Louise Visitor Centre staff and the trail conditions report for closure dates and important information.
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