MOUNTAIN BIKINGIf you fancy mountain biking, Banff has many exciting trails to keep your wheels spinning. The Ski Stop at The Fairmont Banff Springs Conference Center and in downtown Banff offer mountain bike rentals and provide the necessary safety gear. Route recommendations are also available at the Ski Stop and the Concierge Desk.
Soft Adventure Tours
There are four basic rides designed to accommodate your desires and stamina. The total time for each ride is a 'guesstimate' and can vary based on your stamina and desired pace. It's not a race and we recommend you 'stop and smell the roses', take pictures and breathe in all that Mountain Air!
- Vermillion Lakes Tour: Approximately one hour This is rated an EASY tour. It is a 5.0 Kilometer (3 miles) ride out and back along the edges of the three Vermillion Lakes. A camera is a must . Binoculars are also handy. Lots of birds, even eagles, to be seen and who knows beaver, muskrat and the sheep may be seen and whatever else might pop out of the woods!! Total time out and back will be around one hour. Great for the family or for a relaxed spin with a friend.
- Bow Falls and BSH Golf Course Loop: 2 to 2.5 hours This is rated a MODERATE tour as some hills are part of the ride. It is a 12K (6.5 miles) loop starting at the Falls and then looping out on the golf course and around by the river. You'll see the backside of Tunnel Mountain, a whole new perspective on Rundle (the most photographed peak in the Rockies). Elk can be seen but don't count on too many 'birdies'.
- Tunnel Mountain Road - Surprise Corner - Vermillion Lakes Tour: 3 to 3.5 hours Maximum Charge This is rated an AGGRESSIVE tour. Some hills to be climbed but its worth the effort! Its 20 k (12 miles) round trip and you will see Surprise corner and the view from above Bow Falls. You will go by the Banff Center and up Tunnel Mountain to the town overlook and then get a break as you ride down to the Hoodoos. A great opportunity to see the Bow Valley from the Hoodoos and again get some great photos of Banff. Vermillion Lakes will finish the tour and watch for the Eagles cruising overhead.
- Lake Minnewanka Loop: 3 to 3.5 hours Maximum Charge This one rates as a VERY AGGRESSIVE tour. 24K (13.5 miles) loop that has some steep climbing and some great downhill coasting. You can also take a short side trip to Johnston's Lake for quick dip if you want! You will see the old mining community ruins from Bankhead and the largest (and some say coldest!) lake in the park - Lake Minnewanka. The sheep will be out begging but no feeding the wildlife!