It is September already and we want to remind you that the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to motorized vehicle traffic from September 1st to 30th. This section from Banff to Lake Louise is a great cycling option so check out our Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise Route Combinations to plan your route. Enjoy some scenic Fall traffic free cycling!

This past Sunday was a scorcher with a high of 31 degrees C. In this heat my friends Kris, Wes, and Martin wanted to show me how to easily combine a bike ride with a canoe trip down the Bow River. Only one vehicle (best with a truck) is required to perform this recreational duo.

First we loaded up the truck with both the canoes (you could substitute SUPs, kayaks or rafts) and the bikes. We then dropped off the canoes at the Graves Bridge launch site and tethered them to a concrete pilon. Next, we went down to the Fish Creek boat launch site at the end of Bow Bottom Tr. S.W. and got suited up to bike upstream to the canoes. We chose to go on the Bow River bike path on the opposite side of the river up on the escarpment by the communities of Mountain Park and Douglasdale. There, we could get excellent views of the Bow River, city, and Rocky Mountains. Once we arrived back at Graves Bridge we released the canoes and locked up our bikes. We then launched the canoes and had a relaxing paddle down to Fish Creek. Along the way we saw a variety of birdlife including Cormorants and Merganser Ducks. Finally, after docking the canoes at Fish Creek, we loaded them back in the truck and retrieved our bikes from the Graves Bridge site (total time was about 3.5 hours). What a great way to spend a hot day!

There are endless options for distance on the Bow River. For instance, a day trip could involve a drop off at Bowness Park and cycling back from Fish Creek. I was fortunate to have some skilled canoeing friends to show me the best river channels to take as we travelled downstream.

On this beautiful summer morning I met Lisa in Banff so that we could ride to Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway. We had an ulterior motive…., free beer. That’s right, if you show proof (i.e. STRAVA) that you have ridden this route, then you are eligible for a free beer and swag at the Banded Peak Brewing Base Camp located next to the Lake Louise Ski Area Gondola. This offer ends on September 4th so don’t miss out on this great promotion. After savoring a cold drink for the road (iced tea) we stashed our beer in our packs. It was now a blistering 31 deg. C

On the way back we rode down to the Lake Louise townsite to catch the ROAM bus back to Banff to avoid heat stroke. Some of these buses have bike carriers on the front and/or bike racks inside the bus. Please be aware that if you have an e-bike that you will have to remove the battery from the bike before you are allowed to . We were able to jump on the bus (fare is $10.00) at the bus stop to the West of Samson Mall. During the summer it is recommended to book your seat in advance.