With incredible mountain scenery and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, the Bow Valley Parkway is a must-visit in Banff National Park.
The Bow Valley Parkway scenic drive is a 48 kilometer secondary highway that parallels the Trans-Canada Highway and connects Banff to Lake Louise. In fact, prior to the Trans-Canada Highway, this stretch was the main highway between the two mountain towns.
Announced February 15, 2022, Parks Canada will begin a new 3 year pilot program for cycling the Bow Valley Parkway starting May 1, 2022. Continue reading for all the details on Highway 1A closures and cycling opportunities in 2022-24.
The Bow Valley Parkway, also known as Highway 1A, is a prime habitat for wildlife in the Bow Valley. Thanks to its diverse vegetation, lower elevation and access to plenty of sunshine, the Bow Valley Parkway is an ideal place to spot wildlife in Banff.
A scenic drive on the Bow Valley Parkway has always been a highly recommended Banff activity. And cycling the Bow Valley Parkway isn’t new for road cycling enthusiasts. Anyone visiting Banff in the summer and taking the scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway could expect to see cyclists along the road.
The Bow Valley Parkway is a more leisurely route than the Trans-Canada Highway with a reduced speed limit of 60 km/h, impressive views and plenty of roadside pullouts to enjoy. It’s no surprise cycling the Highway 1A has long been a popular activity for road cyclists in Banff National Park.
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Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway – Pilot Project
In case you are interested in the background of this pilot project, here’s how cycling the Bow Valley Parkway came to be. In 2021, cyclists on the Highway 1A had the opportunity to cycle the section of the Bow Valley Parkway east of Johnston Canyon without public vehicle traffic. With this section of Highway 1A between the gate at the Fireside day use area and Johnston Canyon closed to public vehicles, it offered a Banff cycling experience like no other.
Parks Canada requested feedback from the public on this cycling opportunity and based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback launched a 3 year pilot program which started in 2022 and ends after the 2024 cycling season.
Bow Valley Parkway Closures
It can be a bit confusing, but here are the main details of the various Bow Valley Parkway closures:
3 Year Cycling Pilot Project
Starting in 2022 and continuing through 2024, the pilot project limits vehicle traffic on a section of the road in the spring and fall, allowing even casual cyclists to enjoy this unique cycling opportunity.
The eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway starting near the Town of Banff to Johnston Canyon) will have restricted public vehicle access in the Spring and Fall.
The western section of the Bow Valley Parkway, from Johnston Canyon to Whitehorn Road near Lake Louise WILL NOT be affected.
Spring Closure
Each spring from May 1 to June 25, no public vehicles will be allowed on the eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway.
No Closures in Summer
In the summer, the Bow Valley Parkway is extremely busy, especially with the popular Johnston Canyon hike along this road. There will not be any restrictions in the busy summer months of July and August. Cycle with care during this busy season!
Fall Closure
Again in the fall of each year, starting August 30 to September 30, public vehicles will not have access to the eastern section of Highway 1A. This cycling pilot will be in place 7 days a week for the spring and fall dates mentioned.
Seasonal Wildlife Closures – Spring
There is also a seasonal travel restriction on the eastern 17 km section (Johnston Canyon Campground to Fireside day use) of the Bow Valley Parkway from March 1 to June 25 from 8 pm to 8 am.
Note, this seasonal closure applies to all forms of travel (walking, hiking, cycling, vehicles, etc) and is in place to give the animals space.
Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway Details
The Bow Valley Parkway can be accessed from 3 separate locations (click for Google Maps):
- Highway 1A West exit (6 km west of Banff),
- Castle Junction (Hwy 93 South exit), or
- Highway 1A East exit (at Lake Louise).
Cyclists looking to ride the section of the Bow Valley Parkway closed to public vehicles can start either in Banff or at the first Highway 1A exit (gate at Fireside Day Use area). Parks Canada is encouraging cyclists to park at the Train Stations Parking Lot in Banff.
Starting Point for Cycling Bow Valley Parkway
There are several options for where to start biking the Bow Valley Parkway:
Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway is actually a continuation of the Legacy Trail. The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail begins in Canmore, runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway to the Town of Banff and can be accessed again at the end of Vermilion Lakes Road.
Cycling the Banff Legacy Trail from Canmore through the Banff townsite up to the Bow Valley Parkway is an additional 26.8 km.
The Bow Valley Parkway technically starts at the Highway 1A West exit (6 km west of Banff). From Banff, the access point for cycling the Bow Valley Parkway cycling is by taking Vermilion Lakes Road to the end to connect to the Legacy Trail which will join the Bow Valley Parkway at the first exit.
For anyone looking to cycle the entire Bow Valley Parkway it can be accessed from either the Highway 1A East side at Lake Louise side or the Highway 1A West side near Banff.
How long is the Bow Valley Parkway?
The Bow Valley Parkway is 48 km long (one-way). Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway from the Town of Banff to Johnston Canyon is 50 km return. Cycling the entire Bow Valley Parkway from the Town of Banff would be 112 km return.
Is Biking the Bow Valley Parkway Difficult?
Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway has extended hills to climb and fast downhills, which should be expected on this mountainous road. Total elevation gain is 771 m over the 24 km from Banff to Johnston Canyon.
If this sounds too difficult, there is always the opportunity to rent e-bikes for the Bow Valley Parkway cycling experience.
How Long Does it Take to Bike the Bow Valley Parkway?
The time to cycle the Bow Valley Parkway will vary greatly depending on fitness, starting point and any stops along the way.
Doing a leisurely ride from Fireside to Johnston Canyon will take 1-2 hours. Plan for 3-4 hours round trip for just your Bow Valley Parkway cycling adventure, with more time allotted for stops along the way. Obviously, serious road cyclists will take far less time than this.
Will There be any Vehicle Traffic on the Bow Valley Parkway in 2024?
Yes, the sections of the Bow Valley Parkway west of Johnston Canyon will not have any public vehicle access restrictions, so you can expect traffic on this section.
Even the eastern section from Johnston Canyon will still have limited vehicle traffic during the closures (typically you’ll see some Parks Canada trucks and other service trucks on this section). It’s important to still follow the rules of the road.
Starting May 19 until mid-September, the Roam Transit Route 9 will also run on the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon.
Local Tip
If taking transit is part of your plan, please check the Roam Route #9 Bus to Johnston Canyon – Schedule and Route before heading out to make sure there haven’t been any changes.
Best Time to Cycle the Bow Valley Parkway
Early April the Bow Valley Parkway becomes clear of snow, making April and May an ideal time to cycle the 1A highway. It will continue to get busier throughout the summer and more traffic will appear on the road starting in May when the Johnston Canyon Bungalows open.
We rode the Bow Valley Parkway in early April and it was clear of all snow and ice. In fact, it had also been swept and was clear of any gravel. This will change every year and be dependent on the spring weather conditions.
The following year, we cycled the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Johnston Canyon in mid-April. While the Bow Valley Parkway was clear of all snow and ice, the Legacy Trail portion from Vermilion Lakes Road was still covered in ice.
Parking for Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway
There are couple of different options for parking to access Bow Valley Parkway cycling:
1. Town of Banff Parking
If you are riding from Banff, there’s parking at the Fenlands Day Use and the Banff Train Station. Parks Canada is requesting that cyclists park at one of these lots and ride the Vermilion Lakes Road to access the Legacy Trail connector then onto the Bow Valley Parkway.
Unfortunately they are no longer allowing any parking at the gate at the Fireside area.
2. Vermilions Lakes Road
There are a few small parking lots along Vermilion Lakes Road and at the end of the road where you connect to the Legacy Trail.
Bow Valley Parkway Map
Banff National Park publishes a printable Bow Valley Parkway Map that is useful to for understanding the different areas of the Bow Valley Parkway.
Places to Stop Along the Bow Valley Parkway
A bike ride along the Bow Valley Parkway is much more enjoyable if done at a slower pace. There are plenty of roadside turnouts and Banff picnic areas to make a day of it.
1. Johnston Canyon
Hiking Johnston Canyon is a popular Banff activity year-round. If you have the time for a 5 km hike to see the impressive Upper Falls, it’s well worth it.
2. Ink Pots
Hiking to the Ink Pots is a great addition to or alternative to Johnston Canyon. There are two ways to get to the Ink Pots: via Johnston Canyon or via Moose Meadows (2 km down the road from Johnston Canyon).
3. Picnic Spots
Picnic areas along the Bow Valley Parkway include Muleshoe and Sawback.
4. Roadside Turnouts
Other roadside turnouts with interesting reads about the area: Pilot Pond, Hillsdale Meadow, 1993 Prescribed Burn, and Moose Meadows.
5. Amenities
Castle Junction has a gas station and general store. Johnston Canyon has the Blackswift Bistro restaurant and a small cafe in the gift shop.
Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway with Kids
Biking the Bow Valley Parkway is a fun thing to do in Banff with kids. Since there are some large hills to contend with, make sure your kids are comfortable using their brakes.
This would be a longer ride for some kids, but no one says you have to do the entire length. It would be a fun outing to include a bike ride and stop at one of the picnic areas along Highway 1A.
Tips for Biking the Bow Valley Parkway with Kids:
1. Follow Road Rules
As there is still some vehicle traffic on the Bow Valley Parkway, even with the closure, it’s best to keep your kids on the right side of the road and be aware of any traffic.
Not only that, but you’ll encounter some speedy road cyclists on the Bow Valley Parkway and you’ll avoid accidents if you keep the kids predictably on the correct side of the road. This is the best way to keep it a good experience for everyone sharing the road.
2. Stay in a Group
The Bow Valley Parkway is known for having an abundance of wildlife. Don’t let kids go too far from the group. It’s not unusual to see bears along the Bow Valley Parkway, so there is safety in numbers.
3. Start Early on Weekdays
You’ll have the road mostly to yourself, have no issues with parking and will encounter less traffic if you start early.
4. Carry Bear Spray
Always be prepared for animal encounters and make plenty of noise. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible holster.
5. Bring Lots of Water and Snacks
Like any activities with kids, snacks are key to good energy!
6. Dress Everyone in Layers
Even in the summer, mornings in Banff can be very chilly. Be prepared by dressing in layers and don’t forget gloves.
7. Pack a Bike Lock and Repair Kit
You’ll be glad you have a bike lock if you decide to do one of the hikes along the Bow Valley Parkway. A repair kit is always a good idea so you don’t have to walk your bike back in case of a flat.
If you plan to bike with kids from the Town of Banff or from the Fireside area, plan to make fun stops along the way like at the Muleshoe picnic area or the Sawback picnic area.
Also, we recognize that it will be tempting to skip hills by going the wrong way on the one-way sections. Don’t do this, it’s dangerous for everyone involved.
9 Tips for the BEST Experience Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway
1. Start Early
The Bow Valley Parkway will be the busiest at mid-day on weekends. By starting early, you will have no issues getting parking but you’ll also have the road mostly to yourselves, at least for the first while.
2. Be Prepared for Animal Encounters
It’s not uncommon to see bears along the Bow Valley Parkway. Ride in a group, carry bear spray in an easily accessible holster and make a lot of noise.
3. Don’t Cause Parking Issues
There are several options for parking in Banff and closer to the Bow Valley Parkway. Please always park legally in designated parking lots. To ensure parking, arrive earlier or consider cycling from the town of Banff by parking at Fenlands Recreation Centre or the Train Station.
4. Ride the Bow Valley Parkway on a Weekday
If your schedule allows, cycling the Bow Valley Parkway on a weekday is a great idea. It will be much less busy and a much more enjoyable experience.
5. Don’t Rush
Take the time to stop and take pictures of the incredible views along this scenic Banff road. This is a unique experience to get to ride the road without traffic, make the most of it! Make a day of it by stopping at Johnston Canyon, hiking to the Ink Pots or stopping at one of the picnic spots.
6. Be Safe
This is still a road with some vehicle traffic. Wear a helmet and continue to follow all the rules of biking on a road.
7. Dress for the Cool Mornings
You can expect mornings to be cool, even in the summer. Pack layers and even gloves. Don’t forget hats and sunscreen for stops along the way.
8. Bring a Bike Lock
If you stop to hike Johnston Canyon or the Ink Pots, keep your bike safe by locking it up.
9. Leave No Trace
Always pack out what you packed in.
Bike Rentals for Biking Highway 1A in Banff
If you don’t have your own bikes while visiting Banff, bikes can be rented in Banff. We’ve included bike rental locations that also have kids bikes, chariot bike trails or trail-a-bikes.
Always make sure you get a lock and everyone in your party gets a well-fitting helmet.
Banff Bike Rentals: Ultimate Sports or Snowtips Bactrax
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Celine Brewer, a local Canmore resident, is the co-owner of Travel Banff Canada. She has a passion for being out in the mountains any time of year. In the summer, you'll often find her hiking or mountain biking. In the winter, she enjoys cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking the most.
As much as she loves the mountains, she also loves travel! When she's not playing outdoors at home, she's either traveling the world with her husband and two kids or working on their other two travel sites: Family Can Travel and Baby Can Travel.