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Ski season is nearly upon us, but we will list various Spring and Summer activities so you can plan and get a jump on next season's activities. There is something for everyone — year-round in Banff/Lake Louise. Please follow the links below to discover the varied outdoor activities for summer.

Golfing Hiking Camping Mountain Biking Kayaking Canoeing Horseback Riding Rock Climbing Bird Watching Spelunking

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking Banff/Lake Louise
Mountain Biking Banff/Lake Louise
From the eastern slopes of Kananaskis Country to the northern ranges of Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies offer mountain bikers an extraordinary biking experience with unparalleled scenery.

The Canadian Rockies offer an abundance of biking trails for all enthusiasts, which is a great way to see the backcountry of the Rockies and get a great cardio workout. Carry repair kits and first aid kits as well as food and water to re-hydrate. As many of these trails are remote it is important once again to go prepared. Clothing is also an essential as weather in the Rockies can change without warning. Dress in layers so that you are comfortable throughout the ride. Pannier bags to hold gear are recommended over Backpacks, which can cause strain on the back and shoulders and become uncomfortable after hours of riding.

The months of July and August are ideally times for riding in the Banff National Park as these months have wonderful long days and are the warmest. However, September can be very impressive with warm days, fall colours and no mosquitoes. Higher alpine trails can have snow so be prepared when venturing out during the late months.

The trails in the Rockies are mostly designated as multi-use trails, so hikers; horses will also be sharing the trails with you. To prevent any mishaps on the trail one can have a look at the Rules of the Trail set by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Knowing the rules of the trail before hand will alleviate any inconviences one might encounter while riding these trails.

International Mountain Bicycling Association

1. Ride on open trails only. Respect the trail and avoid areas, which are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

2. Leave no trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Stay on existing trails and do not create new ones. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control your bicycle! Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle regulations and recommendations.

4. Always yield the trail. Make your approach known well in advance. A friendly greeting (or bell) is considerate and works well: don't startle others. Show respect when passing by, slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots.

5. Never spook animals. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud a noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you.

6. Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden or offence to others. Always wear a helmet.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.

Bikes can be rented from a number of venues in Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis Village, Lake Louise and Jasper. Remember to ride safely and prepare for all weather conditions.

A few trails which one might try in the park area are:

The Sundance Trail starts at the Cave and Basin and ends at the Sundance Canyon hiking trail. It can be linked to the Healy Creek route. Length of trail: 3.7 km

The Bryant Creek Trail leaves from the Trail Center and continues to the intersection of the trail to Allenby Pass. Length of trail: 10.7 km

The Lake Minnewanka Trail extends from Lake Minnewanka to Devils Pass. The trail takes you across a large wooden truss bridge to a narrow side trail that wanders up Stewart Canyon or the main trail swings left and then switchbacks uphill through a forested area before opening up and then goes to the lake. The Minnewanka Lake is the largest lake in the park and is an important center of life for many animal and birds. Length of trail: 36 km

Brewster Creek Trail goes to Bryant Creek from Healy Creek Road by way of Allenby Pass. It has the distinction of being the longest trail in the park. Length of trail: 48 km

Alexandra Fire Road Trail is a 26.5 km fire road.

Pipestone Trail heads out from the Pipestone parking lot. Length of trail: 6.3 km

The Johnson Lake Trails are made up of a number of trails in the Johnson Lake area with about 12 km of mountain bike riding available

The Saskatchewan Road Trail starts at the Saskatchewan Crossing and goes for 4 km

Goat Creek Trail extends from and can be linked with the Spray Fire road Trail and terminates at Canmore Road. Length of trail: 8.4 km

Healy Creek Road Trail starts from the junction with the Sundance Trail to Sunshine Road; the trail links up with the Sundance Trail. Length of trail: 4.8 km

Cascade Fire Road Trail goes to Stoney Creek and starts at the Upper Bankhead parking lot. Length of trail: 9 km

Temple Road is a short trail to the Temple Lodge from the Fish Creek parking lot. Length of trail: 4 km

The Redearth Trail extends from Hwy 1 to the Redearth Warden Cabin. Length of trail: 12 km

Banff/Lake Louise Mountain Bike Rentals and Outfitters

Banff Adventures Unlimited is the one-stop adventure shop, offering activities and tours in the Canadian Rockies. Treat yourself to the luxury of hassle-free booking with access to all of the area's activities in one place. Tours include river rafting, ATV tours, horse riding, kayaking, caving, wildlife tours, heli-rides in the summer and snowmobiling, sleigh rides, ice climbing and dogsledding and sightseeing tours in the winter. We even offer mountain bike rentals. Come in and see us at our new Banff location, open 7 days a week.

Banff Adventures Unlimited
211 Bear Street
PO Box 778
Banff, Alberta
T1L 1A8
Web: Banff Adventures Unlimited
Phone: 403.762.4554
Toll Free: 1.800.644.8888
Fax: 403.760.3196

Wilson Mountain Sports helps you maximize your outdoor experience, Wilson's has it all. Bikes, camping, skis, snowboards, and outer wear. We have a good selection of demos and rental equipment including ski rentals, snowboard rentals, x-country ski rentals and in the summer bike rentals. Come to Wilson's for all your outdoor pursuits.

Wilson Mountain Sports
Samson Mall, PO Box 194
Lake Louise, Alberta
T0L 1E0
Web: Wilson Mountain Sports
Phone: 403.522.3636
Fax: 403.522.2178

Banff/Lake Louise Tourist Information

Banff Lake Louise Tourism
P.O. Box 1298
Banff, Alberta, T1L 1B3
Canada
Phone:403.762.8421
Fax: 403.762.8163
Web: BanffLakeLouise.com Summer Activities