The Bow Valley Parkway, or the 1A, is a road every visitor should find themselves on at least once. Before the Trans Canada Highway, the Bow Valley Parkway was the original road linking Banff and Lake Louise in the early 1900s.
Now, this 50km road is primarily used for sightseeing and outdoor recreation. It’s one of the most scenic drives in Western Canada, but you don’t just have to drive it. It’s also one of the most popular places to cycle in Banff - and e-bikes are allowed.
From March 1 to June 25, 2025, travel is not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17-kilometer eastern section of the parkway from the Trans-Canada Highway / Bow Valley Parkway interchange (Fireside Picnic Area) to Johnston Canyon Campground (please study the map). This restriction applies to all forms of travel (vehicle, walking, and biking) and ensures a high-quality home remains in place for wildlife.
Until 2030, Parks Canada has approved a program that restricts vehicles only every day from 8am to 8pm from May 1 to June 25, 2025 and from August 28 to October 2, 2025 only along the eastern 17-kilometer section of the parkway. This is to allow for a vehicle-free cycling experience. This closure is between the Fireside Day-use Area and Johnston Canyon (study map).
Where to Park and Begin Your Cycle
Parks Canada suggests that cyclists should park their vehicles at the Banff Train Station Parking Lot, accessible via the Mount Norquay Road entrance to the townsite; this is where there is free and ample parking (https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/les10-top10/promenade-de-la-vallee-de-la-bow-bow-valley-parkway#bowpilot).
You can also park at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola to start your ride from Lake Louise, as well at Castle Junction, where there is a small parking area near the bridge.
Please read this post to learn more and get better prepared: https://thebanffblog.com/biking-bow-valley-parkway
The event will take place at the posted coordinates for half an hour. Meet us there to join the group photo session and claim your smiley. We shall meet approximately halfway from each end - at the posted coordinates. Note that you cannot drive to GZ. Neither can you fly yourself on a drone or any other apparatus. You must ride your bike (scooter/e-bike) or walk for 10+ km - slightly and steadily uphill from Banff, downhill from Johnston Canyon. With all the sightseeing and bear dodging, the ride to GZ should take about an hour one way.
Be prepared. At a minimum, you need:
- park pass
- bear spray
- bike repair kit
- first aid kit
- layers of clothing
- snacks/lunch
- lots of water or water filter
Please note that the event may get cancelled by Mother Nature and her severe mountain weather. Log "Will Attend" to stay informed.
