Fat Tire Fun in Alberta's National Parks
Imagine rolling past glacier-fed rivers, climbing towards soaring peaks, and winding through lush forests. With new trails opening in each park, there has never been a better time to pick up a Parks Canada trail map to enjoy fat-tire fun.
Banff National Park
With just over 190 km of signed bike trails, Banff National Park is Alberta’s biggest cycling destination. Just remember to breathe, as Banff’s trails are built for cross-country enthusiasts not downhill thrill-seekers. Expert cyclists should check out the Rundle Riverside and The Toe trails for technical singletrack, while beginners will find their challenge Tunnel Bench Loop or the Brewster Creek Trail. Regardless of the trail you choose, enjoy a day surrounded by towering Rocky Mountain peaks, a unique way to explore the backcountry.
Jasper National Park
If Banff is Alberta’s biggest cycling destination, Jasper National Park is its most underrated. Ten singletrack bike trails, built and maintained by the Jasper Park Cycling Association, compliment over 130 km of multiuse trails. Grab a trail map to explore official trails like Overlander and Valley of the Five Lakes, or drop into a local bike shop to ask about wilderness routes like Ganges and Magic Ridge. Two wheels will take you where four wheels could never go.
Waterton National Park
Mountain Biking in Waterton National Park is limited to five trails, but between the lakeside Kootenai Brown Trail and challenging Crandell Loop, the emphasis is more on breathtaking scenery than heart-stopping adventure.
Banff National Park
With just over 190 km of signed bike trails, Banff National Park is Alberta’s biggest cycling destination. Just remember to breathe, as Banff’s trails are built for cross-country enthusiasts not downhill thrill-seekers. Expert cyclists should check out the Rundle Riverside and The Toe trails for technical singletrack, while beginners will find their challenge Tunnel Bench Loop or the Brewster Creek Trail. Regardless of the trail you choose, enjoy a day surrounded by towering Rocky Mountain peaks, a unique way to explore the backcountry.
Jasper National Park
If Banff is Alberta’s biggest cycling destination, Jasper National Park is its most underrated. Ten singletrack bike trails, built and maintained by the Jasper Park Cycling Association, compliment over 130 km of multiuse trails. Grab a trail map to explore official trails like Overlander and Valley of the Five Lakes, or drop into a local bike shop to ask about wilderness routes like Ganges and Magic Ridge. Two wheels will take you where four wheels could never go.
Waterton National Park
Mountain Biking in Waterton National Park is limited to five trails, but between the lakeside Kootenai Brown Trail and challenging Crandell Loop, the emphasis is more on breathtaking scenery than heart-stopping adventure.