Mountain Biking Trails in Banff & Lake Louise
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced rider, Banff has plenty of mountain biking trails, adventure, and fun for all skill levels.
Moraine Lake Highline Trail
Canada’s Banff National Park is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or an experienced rider looking for technical terrain, the trail options here deliver.
When to Ride + Trail Conditions
Mountain biking season typically runs from late May–early October, depending on elevation and weather. Lower-elevation trails near the Bow Valley tend to open earlier, while alpine routes may still have snow into June.
Things to Keep in Mind
Wildlife closures are common, especially for grizzly bear activity. Always check for alerts before heading out.
Trail conditions can change quickly after rain or snowmelt. Expect some mud, especially in spring and early summer. Check conditions here.
Trail etiquette matters: Yield to hikers, stay on designated trails, and respect posted signs.
Where to Rent a Bike
If you need to rent a bike, reserve one at a rental shop in Banff, or have one delivered to our Bozeman location and add a bike rack to your RV rental to ride trails between Bozeman and Banff.
From Bozeman, Banff and Lake Louise are roughly 9 hours 550 miles). Many RVers stop in Glacier National Park along the way, about 5 hours from Bozeman (297 miles).
Top Mountain Biking Trails in Banff & Lake Louise
Easy & Intermediate Rides
1. Fenland Trail Loop
Location: 1 mile northwest of Banff town center
Length of Ride: 2 km (1.2 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Flat gravel path
Highlights: Forested riverside ride, great for beginners or families
Perfect for a quick warm-up ride or a family outing, the Fenland Trail is an easy loop through a white spruce forest just west of downtown Banff. The wide, well-maintained gravel path winds along Forty Mile Creek where you might spot local wildlife like elk and squirrels.
With almost no elevation gain, it’s great for beginners or anyone easing into mountain biking in Banff.
2. Tunnel Mountain Campground Loop
Location: Tunnel Mountain Campground
Length of Ride: 6.4 km (4 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Singletrack
Highlights: Ride through pine forest, fun switchbacks with great views of Mt. Rundle
This loop is a beginner-friendly mountain biking trail that encircles the Tunnel Mountain Campground in Banff National Park. The packed gravel loop is a gentle ride, making it ideal for families and novice riders. It goes through quiet forested areas and open meadows, with opportunities to spot local wildlife such as elk, deer, and coyotes.
3. Moraine Lake Highline Trail
Location: Paradise Valley Trailhead, Lake Louise
Length of Ride: 9 km (5.6 miles) one-way
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Type: Singletrack
Highlights: Views of the Ten Peaks, with moderate climbs
This intermediate trail has incredible views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks and feels truly alpine, especially if you ride early in the day before it gets busy. The route is a mix of rolling terrain and moderate climbs, with some rooty and rocky sections that demand focus.
It’s a scenic ride that connects with other trails like Paradise Valley if you want to extend your adventure.
Scenic & Longer Rides
4. Goat Creek Trail to Spray River Loop
Location: Start at Goat Creek Parking lot SW of Canmore, finish in Banff
Length of Ride: ~12.8 km (8 miles)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Type: Mix of single and double track
Highlights: Remote wilderness feel, waterfalls, scenic bridges, awesome ride ending right in Banff
This epic ride follows an old fire road through remote mountain terrain, past waterfalls, meadows, and valleys. You have a long, gradual descent before climbing through the scenic Spray Valley, eventually looping back to Banff.
The mix of doubletrack and forested singletrack offers a true backcountry feel, and it’s a great half-day ride for intermediate riders.
5. Legacy Trail (Banff to Canmore)
Location: Along the Trans-Canada Highway
Length of Ride: 22 km (13.7 miles) one-way
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Trail Type: Paved multi-use path
Highlights: Smooth ride with wonderful mountain views, also great for e-bikes or casual rides
A paved multi-use trail with nonstop mountain views, the Legacy Trail runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway and connects Banff and Canmore in about one hour (one way).
The ride includes a few steady climbs and fast descents, but it’s not technical so it’s perfect for casual riders, families, or e-bike users. Expect lots of cyclists, especially on weekends.
Explore Banff & Lake Louise in a Blacksford RV!
Advanced & Technical Trails
6. Stoney Squaw Trail (Upper and Lower)
Location: Mt. Norquay
Length of Ride: 14.5 km (9 miles)
Difficulty: Advanced
Trail Type: Technical singletrack loop
Highlights: Tight, rocky trail through dense forest; challenging and rewarding
This narrow, rugged singletrack begins at the Mt. Norquay parking area and dives into the forest with immediate climbing and root-covered trail sections.
It’s steep and technical in parts, with sharp turns and challenging terrain—ideal for experienced riders looking for an intense ride. The forested trail keeps views limited but the challenge and solitude make it a worthwhile adventure.
7. Ross Lake Trail via Great Divide
Location: Ross Lake Bike Trailhead
Length of Ride: 17.7 km (11 miles)
Difficulty: Advanced
Trail Type: Singletrack with some climbing
Highlights: Remote alpine lake, fewer crowds, roots and rocks to navigate
This trail goes deep into the forest with steady elevation gains and punchy sections of singletrack. The reward is serene and remote Ross Lake near the BC border—an excellent spot for a break.
Expect a technical ride with roots, rocks, and uneven terrain, especially in early summer when the trail can be muddy from snowmelt.
8. Highline Trail (Banff)
Location: Southeast of Canmore
Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles) one-way
Difficulty: Advanced
Trail Type: Technical singletrack
Highlights: Big climbs, rock slabs, and punchy turns through alpine forest
Starting at the intersection of Three Sisters Boulevard and Hubman Landing, this trail is a local favorite for its combination of tough climbs, tight switchbacks, and rocky technical sections. It weaves through pine forest with stunning views of Mount Rundle and glimpses of the Bow Valley.
The trail can be ridden in either direction, but both ways have advanced-level terrain and require solid fitness and bike-handling skills.
Helpful Tips and Resources
Rentals: If you didn’t bring your own, check out Banff Cycle & Sport or Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise.
Gear to Bring: Helmet (required), bear spray, water, basic bike repair kit, and a trail map or offline GPS app. Gear can be rented or bought at bike shops in the area, and Blacksford’s Bozeman location also sells bear spray.
Check Trail Conditions: Visit Parks Canada – Banff Trail Conditions for updates before you ride.
Don’t Forget! From Bozeman, you will be crossing the border into Canada, so you will need your passport. For U.S. citizens with an Enhanced ID, you can use this to get into Canada, but having a passport is recommended.
Add Mountain Biking to Your RV Trip
Adding mountain biking to your Banff RV itinerary means more adventure, better photos, and memories that last a lifetime. Whether you bring your own bikes or rent locally, you'll discover hidden corners of Banff that most visitors never see.
And after each ride, you’re just minutes from local eats in Banff, a lakeside stroll, or a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Planning your Banff RV trip? Start your rental in Bozeman for the ultimate experience. You'll hit both Glacier National Park and Banff's incredible biking trails in one unforgettable journey.
Book with Blacksford and get ready to explore two wheels at a time!