Route
A once in a lifetime opportunity to ride a gran fondo in one of the world's most picturesque locations, Banff National Park. Connect intimately with the surrounding scenery and cultural heritage as you ride this spectacular, fully-supported course.
The Journey
Riders will follow a counter-clockwise path around Tunnel Mountain and past the Hoodoos. Continuing around the gorgeous and challenging Lake Minnewanka Loop, cyclists will ride past the shores of Two Jack Lake and over the Minnewanka Dam before venturing off onto the epic Bow Valley Parkway. By this point, the welcoming vistas and surrounding beauty of the town will have you thinking, "I have arrived in Banff."
The Bow Valley Parkway will see temporary closures to vehicular traffic for your riding pleasure, so soak in the experience and enjoy the ride. Ride the undulating roads all the way to the Lake Louise Turnaround, our third Rest Stop. Make your way back down towards Banff along the same parkway, but take note of the beautiful change in views and scenery.
As you ride along this part of the course, take in the fact that you are riding through ages of history. Running parallel to the Bow Valley Parkway is the famed Canadian Pacific Railway, which took four years to build from 1881 to 1885. The Canadian Pacific Railway was instrumental in Banff's early years, building the Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise to attract tourists from all over North America.
The ride will end in the town of Banff, but the event is far from over. Dismount your bike and join in on the celebration with family and friends at Central Park, the location of the Finish & Celebration Plaza. Refuel your body, enjoy a well-earned massage and reward yourself with a beer - it's on us.
On Course Support
All riders are fully supported along the course with Rest Stops. No need for support crews to follow riders - we’ve got you covered.
All Rest Stops will supply:
- Fresh water
- Isotonic/electrolyte beverages
- Nutritional supplements
- First Aid attendants ready to help with any ailments to your body
- Toilets
- Mechanical assistance with fully trained mechanics and tools available to assist riders in making repairs
Please note: Rest Stops will have nutritional supplements available but are not intended to provide the primary meal for riders during the day.
Course Map
See below for the entire 2013 RBC GranFondo Banff Route Map with Rest Stop information as well as an elevation profile.
Note: the route may be delayed, re-routed, or shortened due to a presence of sensitive wildlife on course!
For a more detailed map, visit our MapMyRide Page.
Total GranFondo Distance: 142 km
Total GranFondo Elevation: 825 metres
