Mountain biking in Bow Valley and beyond (v1)
Calling all mountain bike enthusiasts!
The mountain bike trail network in the area can be overwhelming. Simply because there’s an abundance of trail networks in the area and you really need to decide where you’ll park for the day.
As I’m settling into the area, I’ve come to realize that within a 2-hour drive, you can explore an abundance of trail networks. Local mountain bike communities are working with Alberta parks to ensure a safe and supported mountain bike network is available to all types of riders.
If you are in Bow Valley, here’s some recommendations that I can provide based on my experience thus far.
Canmore
Parking: If you park at the Nordic Centre you need a Kananaskis pass
Trail pass: Free, covered with your Kananaskis parking pass.
Post Bevvy food and drink: JK Bakery Canmore Brewery Local Fergus&Bix Sheepdog
Hydration: Nuun sport (grape or lemonade)
Ride: Hardtail 27.5
One of my favourite trails is EKG and Odyssey. When you start out at the main area, you will stay left and climb up towards the top of the ski trails. Get those punch climbs over with and focus on connecting to EKG. Something to note is that when you return, if you want to easily end up back at the lodge, ensure you take the Baby Baluga trail back. If not, it’s no big deal, you’ll end up behind the Rundle damn and can make your way back to the lodge.
If you want to ride around the Quarry, you can park there for a fee (the pass won’t help) and you can go around the lake trails and head below the powerline. There is Hydroline trail which is a fun and challenging set of climbs which will take you to three sisters.
Banff
Parking: If you can find parking at one of the lots at Tunnel Mountain that is best. If not, just drive towards Banff and you’ll see some lodges and find some free parking on the side streets.
Trail pass: Require a Banff Park pass
Post Bevvy food and drink: Whitebark café! It’s in town and it’s fantastic!
Hydration: Nuun sport (grape or lemonade)
Ride: Hardtail 27.5
The signage here is a bit old and faded, but overall I would recommend the Tunnel loop, Big Toe Loop, The Spine and Coastline to start.
West Bragg Creek
Parking: You need a Kananaskis Parking pass (one per vehicle)
Trail pass: Bring cash to donate. The lock box can be found near the main information trailer.
This network is around 1hrs 15 minutes from Canmore, but I assure you it is well worth the drive! West Bragg Creek on Trailforks
https://www.trailforks.com/region/west-bragg-creek
The trail I feel with the best bang for its buck is Merlin. You can get there via Mountain service road, but we opted to take West Crystal single track out to the Moose Connector trail. I would HIGHLY recommend you do this route counterclockwise. Although this merlin loop is multi-directional, you will want to climb up the CC way and enjoy the nice long descent down!
Post Bevvy food and drink: Try out Heart Cafe, Cinnamon Spoon or Bragg Creek Bakery & Café!
Hydration: Nuun sport (grape or lemonade)
Ride: Hardtail 27.5
Nipika Mountain Resort
Parking: Free
Trails: Free with a request of donations.
Food and Drink: From the highway it’s about 15km into Nipika. I’d recommend you bring food and drink that you need and you’re able to fill up water and grab a few snacks with cash at the day lodge. Radium has some coffee shops and restaurants to dine at when you’re done riding!
This network of trails is sorrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery you can ask for. Lyle, Steve and the team a really building up the network here to be inclusive for everyone to enjoy. I particpated in the spring moutain bike camp and I would highly recommend others to join! The lodging is very comfortable and the food was fantastic!
Check out my vlog to learn more!
Hydration: Nuun sport (grape or lemonade)
Ride: Hardtail 27.
