Pedaling Paradise: Exploring Canmore’s Breathtaking Bike Trails

If you're a biking enthusiast, you're in for an exhilarating treat! Canmore boasts a network of stunning bike trails that wind through picturesque landscapes, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for both beginner and seasoned riders. This blog is your one stop spot if biking through lush forests and open meadows sounds alluring to you.

Beginners Trails

If you are new to biking or you are looking for a low key casual ride Canmore has many options for you. The trial around then Bow River is perfect for a nice afternoon ride. While biking the loop next to the turquoise colors of the river you journey over an old engine bridge. The path is gravel and easily maneuverable for bikers of all levels. If your venturing into the world of mountain biking and looking for a beginner trail, the Canmore Nordic Center has many trails. Any of the green trails (Nordic Center trail map) are perfect for someone wanting to dip their toes into the world of mountain biking.  Take a longer ride and bike the Legacy Trail to Banff. This fully paved path is one of Canmore's most well known rides. You can either bike back or take Roam public transport.

Intermediate Trails

If you are a competent rider that likes a more technical the Bow Valley is the place for you. The Montane Traverse, located on the sunny side of the valley, provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Starting at Cougar Creek this trail starts off with a kick, two steep hills get your heart rate elevated right from the get go. It then moves into some fun cross country, including a couple of creek crossings and some exhilarating downs.  While there is too many trails in the Nordic Center to cover in this blog, it arguably boasts the more popular intermediate trail among locals, the Odyssey Trail. Starting at the day lodge you can take the FYI and EKG trails to the meadows and link to Odyssey from there. The trail is well marked and has great berms and lots of flow, perfect to get your adrenaline going.

Advanced Trails

There is honestly a trail for every style of rider in Canmore and it does not lack options for advanced riders. The trail system is ever evolving, The Nordic center have just added a new trail called Top Gun. Not for the faint of heart, it includes some wooden wall rides and unavoidable jumps. The Reclaimer trail is another black trail. It starts of step with a few quick turns but them levels out into a nice flowy trail. You can bike up to the trail head but it is also to get someone to shuttle this fun exhilarating trail. If you have the ability to get to Exshaw (located 17km east if Canmore), check out Prospector trail. It starts with a steep incline with some switchbacks. There is  some rock slab, wooden features and  an over all sense of adventure on this route.

When biking in Canmore be sure to always check the routes, know where your going and be bear smart. If you are stopping in town with your bike ensure it is locked up and secure. Canmore has a bike route for everyone. Bring the family along and have a day out enjoying the easier routes. Peddle yourself to some amazing viewpoints and through meadows. Push yourself on more technical terrain. Enjoy the ride, let the wind blow through your hair and most importantly get outside and have some fun.

Want to know more about the history of Canmore? Check out our blog Canmore: From Mining Town to Mountain Paradise.