The Banff Centre, Banff
Nestled on the side of Tunnel Mountain and just five minutes from downtown, Banff Centre hotel features newly renovated rooms and breathtaking vistas.
Embark on a high-altitude adventure. Explore the scenic roads, forested walking paths and spirited waterways of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. Cycle along the most spectacular parkway in the country, lined with dazzling snow-capped peaks and abundant wildlife. Retreat to the peace and tranquility of the walking trail as you discover stunning mountain passes rising from the shores of iridescent blue lakes. Feel the energy of the living landscape as you paddle the glacier-fed waters clear enough to reflect the wooded slopes around you. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the ancient rocky landscape by day, and enjoy the luxurious comfort of mountain lodges at night. The magnificence of these dramatic surroundings will leave an impression that is bound to last a lifetime.
Because of the current dearth of local transfer options in Lake Louise (and the advantage of having flexibility), participants will need to rent a vehicle in Lake Louise for the days between Lake Louise, Field, and Emerald Lake. We will provide you with the contact information to rent locally in your confirmation package. This cost and the vehicle park pass has been taken into consideration in the pricing of the trip. When hiking in Lake Louise, you can access the lake from the village on foot by walking a trail between the village and the lake or by local bus; it is strongly discouraged to drive a private vehicle from the village to the lake because of such limited parking so the rental vehicle is only for when departing Lake Louise. We will provide you the necessary information to plan accordingly and ensure a memorable trip and are always available to assist.
Straight Talk
Banff, AB, Canada
Day 1
Lake Minnewanka, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Day 2
Lake Louise, AB, Canada
Day 3+4+7
Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge, Center Street, Field, BC, Canada
Day 5+6
Kicking Horse River, Columbia-Shuswap A, BC, Canada
Day 5
Takakkaw Falls, Columbia-Shuswap A, BC, Canada
Day 6
| Start any date between Jun 1 and Sep 30. |
|---|
| Custom trips are also available and can start any date. |
Moderate
Hiking: 10 to 18 km (6 to 11 mi)
Biking: 45 to 50 km (28 to 31 mi)
Hilly for biking, mountainous for hiking
Classic Accommodation: CAD $2,950
Single Supplement: CAD $800
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $3,450
Single Supplement: CAD $1000
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: CAD $200
Racing Bikes: CAD $300
E-Bikes*: CAD $320
Prices are per person before tax. Alberta applies a 5% GST.
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
Your tour starts in Banff the oldest and largest town in the National Parks of the Rockies. Located 150 km (94 miles) west of Calgary, Alberta; Banff is situated in the scenic Bow Valley surrounded by Cascade Mtn, Tunnel Mtn, Mt. Rundle, Sulphur Mtn, and Mt. Norquay.
There is regularly scheduled air service to Calgary from across North America, with non-stop flights to Calgary from all major Canadian and many US centres, including: Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Dallas & Seattle. Additionally, non-stop international flights are available from London and Frankfurt.
A number of companies offer an airport shuttle service to Banff from the Calgary Airport. If you are flying home from Calgary Airport, a special transfer might be necessary to enable you to catch a flight on the same day as the tour end.
Banff
Arrival in Banff. This vibrant little town is at the centre of some of the most scenic cycling routes found anywhere in the Rocky Mountains National Parks. Stroll about town searching for that perfect souvenir or visiting the excellent museums. If you arrive early enough enjoy a warm-up cycle out to The Cave and Basin – the location of the first hot mineral springs discovered in 1883.
Hike Distance: 3km; elevation gain: 0 m
Lake Minnewanka
Pedal the scenic network of roads around Banff – exploring Tunnel Mountain and the oddly shaped Hoodoos. Add on a loop up to Lake Minnewanka, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the Rockies. Once known as Devil’s Lake or Cannibal Lake, Minnewanka is the site of many ghostly occurrences in native legends.
Ride Distance: 46 km; elevation gain: 470 m or 51 km; elevation gain: 286 m
Lake Louise
Continue your cycling journey north along the Bow Valley Parkway to the staggeringly beautiful scenery of Lake Louise – the gem of Banff National Park. As you twist and climb along the Parkway take in the magnificent views of the Sawback, Sundance and the Massive mountain ranges. Upon arrival in Lake Louise, soak up the natural splendour, of the area.
Ride Distance: 58 km; elevation gain: 603 m or 96 km; elevation gain: 1,303 m
Lake Louise
You have a number of choices today to explore the incredible beauty of Lake Louise. Step out of your lodge and begin with a hike to the highest teahouse in Canada, hidden in a picturesque alpine valley. Take in the Plain of Six Glaciers and the Beehive formations. You could also take a canoe onto the lake to enjoy a leisurely paddle on the crystalline Lake Louise. Perhaps choose to transfer to the quieter Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks for its magnificent views.
Hike Distance: 17 km; elevation gain: 500 m
Yoho National Park
If staying at Emerald Lake Lodge, start your day with a short transfer and begin your hike from Takakkaw Falls. Feel the exhilaration as you reach Yoho Pass. Be enthralled by your first glimpse of Emerald Lake as it glistens in the afternoon sun. Stop for a picnic on the tree lined shores of secluded Yoho Lake while soaking in the natural wonder and inspiring beauty of the area. The spectacular President’s Range with waterfalls cascading down the rocks merit a stop. If you are staying in Field, you have the option of hiking the Iceline Trail from Takakkaw Falls.
Hike Distance: 11 km; elevation gain: 350 m or 12 km; elevation gain: 100 m or 17.9 km; elevation gain: 715 m
Emerald Lake
If staying at Emerald Lake, explore the beautiful trails around Emerald Lake. Hike to Emerald Basin in the President’s Range, which ends in a rocky amphitheatre of hanging glaciers and avalanche paths. Maybe choose the less travelled route to Hamilton Lake, a classic alpine lake. Or perhaps take time to enjoy the wonderful surroundings of Emerald Lake by renting a canoe, relaxing in the hot tub or lingering on the outdoor terrace. If staying in Field, alternatively, join a guided hike to Mt. Stephens to learn about the Burgess Shale, a world renowned fossil site of the first marine ecosystem from 508 million years ago (additional fee of $94.50 CAD as one must be with a licensed guide to visit the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site). End your day at your lodge for a quiet evening of relaxation.
Hike Distance: 11 km; elevation gain: 280 m or 11 km; elevation gain: 800 m.
Hike Distance to Mt. Stephens: 8 km; elevation gain: 795 m (rated challenging as it’s short but steep)
Depart
Take a final stroll through this unforgettable landscape before your transfer arrives to return you to Lake Louise and onward to home or your next adventure.

Nestled on the side of Tunnel Mountain and just five minutes from downtown, Banff Centre hotel features newly renovated rooms and breathtaking vistas.

Nestled in a forest with tremendous views, it feels secluded, yet is a scenic five-minute walk from a variety of services and shopping. Guests can visit the whirlpool and steam room area to relax.

This charming lodge is located in Field, in the heart of Yoho National Park.
Very welcoming rooms, terrific views of the Rockies, hip decor and superb restaurant make this hotel a guest favourite.

The main lodge complements its natural setting with square timber, post and beam construction and high open ceilings. The decor boasts old-world craftsmanship and a simple, elegant design.

Lake Louise is only a few minutes walk from this rustic inn; after a day of activities, enjoy the rooftop hot tub with a dazzling Victoria Glacier view. The dining room is one of the best in the region.

This charming lodge is located in Field, in the heart of Yoho National Park.
Very welcoming rooms, terrific views of the Rockies, hip decor and superb restaurant make this hotel a guest favourite.
Tour Reviews
“Your area manager was extremely helpful and very nice and supportive. He listened well to us and to the teenage girls and helped us use our open time to the max. This trip exceeded our expectations.”
“The scenery was magical. Just when we thought we had seen the most beautiful lakes, we saw lakes just as beautiful, but with a glacier and waterfall added! We liked the difficulty of the tour. The rivers and mountains made all the up hills a pleasure.”
“I am writing to thank you for the wonderful tour you arranged for my husband and myself. I can honestly say this was by far the best vacation we have ever taken! As my husband puts it, this was the first time he has been on a trip where he didn’t want to go home by the end of it. The trip exceeded all our expectations and hopes and we will highly recommend you to as many people as we can think of. Your staff has been extremely helpful in putting together a custom trip for us and has cheerfully answered our plethora of questions along the way. The trip was well thought out and the information we were provided with was comprehensive and extremely helpful. I wouldn’t consider going on a trip like this without going through Randonnée. In fact, I fear that any other kind of vacation is now ruined for us, so I just hope you are going to be around for a long, long time.”
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