The Canadian Alps

Pedal along the Glaciers

Registration Closed for June 22 - 28, 2025

Tour Info

Tucked away in Western Canada is one of the most beautiful places in the world. A place I call the Canadian Alps. Here the mountains leap up from the roadway and soar over you while a torrent of glacial meltwater thunders next to you. This UNESCO World Heritage Site weaves along the majestic peaks of the Great Divide as six major glaciers flow between them feeding the Athabasca and Bow River. Pedal through a wonder of pristine environments. Walk on a glass bottomed overlook suspended 900 feet in the air gazing down the rivers path. Step onto the Columbia Glacier and take a taste of prehistoric water. Enjoy stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. Roll past bighorn sheep, elk, and other local flora and fauna. Step out to view mountain lakes the color of crayons.

We take our time on this tour, stretching out the distance over 6 riding days to make sure you have the time to fully experience this ride. Daily riding distances are kept relatively low, averaging under 40 miles a day. With so much to see in Banff, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefields, and Jasper, you’ll find time slipping! So enjoy the riding and sightseeing on this amazing bicycle vacation!

Note: Profits will be donated to Blue Sea Foundation and the work they do to help charities thrive across Canada and the United States.

Experience the Icefields:

  • Marvel at the glaciers as you take a guided walking tour on the ice. June is late spring up here and one of the best months to cycle this region - the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to vehicles from Banff to Johnston Canyon, the average high temp is in the upper 60’s (F) with very low humidity, and it’s prior to the arrival of peak summer visitors. Late spring weather can be a mixed bag so make sure to bring a warm fleece or puffy jacket for the nights, and some packable rain shells.

  • Relax each evening in your private room. Enjoy your private room. Lodging along the Parkway is limited and a mix of lodges and hotels. If you prefer, you can share with several roommates for significant savings.

  • Let us take a load off your shoulders. Once you arrive and check-in, the Pedalstroke staff will transport your luggage each day from room to room. Just focus on your pedal stroke and enjoy your vacation.

  • There is no better spice than bicycling to make food delicious! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included each riding day unless noted in the detailed itinerary. The region is an interesting collection of cuisines influenced by tourism, mountainous terrain, and an appreciation of international cuisine. Because of the remote nature of the parkway, trail lunches will be provided each riding day. The regions diversity of fruits and vegetables gives local craft brewers, distillers, vintners and restaurateurs an extensive palette to entertain your palate!

  • Your Pedalstroke Tours crew includes a mechanic, massage therapist, and SAG stewards who are here to make your bicycling vacation a thing of wonder.

  • Amazing bike friendly roads and trails like the Rocky Mountain Heritage Trail, Bow Valley Parkway, and the Icefields Parkway. Like most national parks, summer traffic along the parkways consist of families and campers. However

  • Pedal without worrying about peak fitness. Like all Pedalstroke Tours, you can choose your daily distance. The grades on Icefields Parkway stretch for miles and you’ll experience an occasional 6% grade, higher altitude ( 4,000 - 7,000 feet), and descents which will require good bike handling skills. While you won’t need peak fitness to enjoy this tour, we recommend arriving in good fitness. Each day has route options to meet your mood and condition. On long uphill routes, where possible, we include an option to shuttle close to the top to reduce the climb. Choose your daily distance simply by letting the Pedalstroke team know what you’ve chosen for the next day and of course you can always sit out any day.

  • Time to explore and wonder! You’ll have time to relax by the lake, hike a few trails, explore ski towns like Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, or just spend some quiet time in the great outdoors.

General Itinerary

Day 0 - Arrival

The Pedalstroke crew will meet you at Calgary Airport (YCC), or local hotels and whisk you off to Canmore (elev. 4,296’) where you’ll pick up your registration packet. Tonight, surrounded by 9,000 foot peaks, enjoy a light reception and orientation while meeting your fellow riders and the Pedalstroke Tours crew. Mileage options 0.

Day 1 - Banff

Today we pedal to Lake Minnewanka along the Banff Legacy Trail then it’s onward along the trail to enjoy the village of Banff (elev. 4,337’) . One of the first things you notice about Banff are all the bicycles! We’ll just miss the start for the world famous Tour Divide mountain bike race which typically starts here behind the Fairmont Hotel in early June. Enjoy all the village has to offer - relax at the hot springs, or take the Banff Gondola to the Sky Bistro. With so many choices, tonight you're on your own for dinner. Mileage options 0 - 26.

Day 2 - Lake Louise

Today is prelude as you pedal stroke along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise. Have your camera ready to capture the iconic views and watch for grizzlies, elk, deer and big horn sheep. Along the way we’ll explore Johnston Canyon and take a short hike up to Johnston Falls. At Lake Louise hike along the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail. If you're feeling ambitious go all the way to Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. Then after dinner we’ll shuttle up to Moraine Lake. Mileage options 0 - 39.

Day 3 - Saskatchewan River Crossing

While we’ve already had two amazing days of cycling, today begins the official route of the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park. As you reach Bow Pass you can see the mountains lined up ahead of you as you descend the next 20 miles to the Saskatchewan River. On the way take the time to explore the scenic trails along Bow Lake and Peyto Lake where you’ll have your breath taken away by the amazing glacial views. We’ll dine and overnight in a rustic inn nestled at the foot of Mt. Wilson. Mileage options 0 - 49.

Day 4 - Columbia Icefields

After breakfast we’ll spend the day at the Jasper National Park Icefield Information Centre, one of the highlights of the tour. Here you can enjoy guided tours on the Athabasca Glacier, walk along the glass bottomed Columbia Icefield Skywalk, hike along groomed trails and learn more about the parks and the Icefields Parkway. Riders who love climbing can skip the off-day and pedal from the inn (elev. 4,741’) up a 31 mile climb to the Icefield Information Center (elev. 6,539’). After dinner take an optional excursion to one of the worlds largest Dark-Sky Preserves and spend some time star-gazing. Mileage options 0 - 31.

Day 5 - Athabasca Falls

It’s a day of powerful falls and long descents. Starting at the top of Sunwapta Pass we’ll follow the waters of the Athabasca River from its headwaters in the Columbia Icefields downhill to Sunwapta Falls. Created by a hanging valley, a place where a smaller glacial valley “hangs” over a larger glacial valley the falls roar over the precipice. Then it’s more downhill riding past the Goats & Glaciers Lookout to the thundering Athabasca Falls (elev. 3,862’). From here you can choose to shuttle into Jasper or pedal the last 20 miles of the Icefields Parkway into town. Mileage options 0 - 65.

Day 6 - Maligne Lake

We visit Maligne Lake, the largest lake in Jasper National Park. Today is filled with a leisurely cruise on Maligne Lake and our farewell lunch. Mileage options 0 - 34.

Day 6 - Departure

What an awesome week! The wonder of the Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise and Columbia Icefields. The views, food, and the amazing crew of Pedalstroke Tours! Now it’s time to return home and begin planning for your next Pedalstroke Tour! After lunch on Maligne Lake we’ll shuttle back to Calgary International Airport and area hotels.

Please note, registered participants review detailed itineraries, maps, and timelines each day during the Rider Meeting.

2025 Pricing

Hotel Tour

Double

Single

Early Bird

$3,200

$3,700

After March 31

$3,400

$3,900

Pricing is per person based on the number of people sharing a room. Registration Deadline is May 30.

What is included:

  • Some of the most stunning bicycling views in North America.

  • Six days of epic bicycle vacation, six nights lodging, five dinners, and six breakfasts.

  • Optional riding distances that let you choose the one that fits your mood.

  • GPS turn by turn navigation and daily paper cue sheets.

  • The AMAZING Pedalstroke Tours (PST) team which includes a mechanic and SAG stewards to make your bicycling vacation a thing of wonder.

  • Transport of your luggage from room to room each day.

  • Full SAG support. SAG stops with a full snack selection, ice cold drinks, electrolytes and water. SAG stops are usually spaced 20-25 miles apart depending on the daily route. SAG wagons to help riders along the route.

  • Charging station for e-bikes and electronics at the second SAG Stop.

  • Daily rider meeting to review the next day’s route, schedule, and any changes.

  • Entry into Banff and Jasper National Parks, Columbia Icefields Skywalk, Jasper National Park Icefield Information Centre, and the Maligne Lake Cruise!

  • Airport Shuttle - transportation from Calgary International Airport (YCC) or surrounding hotels to the start on Day 0, and from the finish to Calgary International Airport (YCC) or surrounding hotels on Day 6. Please note, arrival at YCC and it’s surrounding hotels varies. We recommend participants not plan on same day flight departures.

Tour Options:

You can also add the following options:

  • Bike Rental - A great option if you don’t want to transport your bike. Pedalstroke Tours manages the delivery and return of bike rentals with a local shop. We don’t rent bikes, but we do partner with a local rental shop to provide the best possible price and keep it easy for you. Make sure to check the rental option at registration so we can contact you and plan accordingly.

  • Bike Boxing and Shipping - Post tour boxing and shipping by our tour mechanic or qualified bike shop.

Bikes on Tour:

All bikes in good mechanical condition are welcome at PST including e-bikes, unicycles, trikes, tandems, recumbents, mountain, hybrid, gravel, touring and fat bikes. The Icefields Parkway consists of asphalt, but some sections are rough and access to some points of interest may consist of rough gravel. Past participants recommend using a bicycle with wider puncture resistant tires of at least 28c for maximum comfort and minimum effort. Road bikes should be prepared for rough gravel.

Adjustments by our tour mechanic are included with registration. Parts, major repairs, and shipping will incur a fee from the tour mechanic. Please note, due to the remote nature of the tour, bikes that cannot be repaired by the tour mechanic may result in the loss of several riding days to have your bike repaired by a shop in Jasper or Banff so please arrive with your bike in top condition.. If you would like the tour mechanic to assemble your bike prior to the tour, or boxed and shipped home to you after the tour, please make arrangements directly with the tour mechanic. Pedalstroke Tours will transport your bike and box for the duration of tour.

SAG on Tour:

PST provides SAG support for all participants. The route is patrolled by SAG and SAG stops are provided. Support includes transport of riders and their bikes as necessary to make sure they are safe. Bicycles are transported on a hitch style bike rack. If you bike requires special handling, please review those needs with us prior to arrival on the tour so we can respect your wishes. SAG stop locations are reviewed during the evening Rider Meeting. SAG wagons also provide transportation to riders who have chosen a custom riding distance.

Tour Pricing

Standard pricing is based on double occupancy. Couples and riding partners who wish to share a room should register for double occupancy and name the roommate during registration. Anyone choosing double occupancy without a named roommate will be assigned one. Due to the lack of availability, triple and quad occupancy is not possible. Non-Riding partners who wish to room with their rider will need to register. Please sign up for our newsletter for notifications of upcoming tours and discounts.

Reserve your space by registering and placing a $500 deposit. You will receive balance reminders until the registration deadline which is the last day to submit your balance. For cancellation and refund information click here.

Arriving and Departing the Tour:

Participants are responsible for getting themselves to and from the shuttle pick up location at Calgary International Airport. Those who need long term parking should consider utilizing the airports long term lot. At 3 PM on Day 0 the shuttle will depart for Canmore. Anyone who misses the shuttle is responsible for getting themselves and their gear to Canmore.

Detailed itinerary including arrival and departure information is provided to all registered riders.