Rundle Bike Trail Guide for Banff and Canmore E-Bike Rentals
Ride the Rockies — Trail Guide
10 Trails
110+ km
2 Regions
Banff · Canmore
Rocky Mountain
Legacy Trail
01
Distance
22 km one way
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
~200 m gain to Banff
E-Bike Time
2.5–3.5 hrs return
Route checked July 2026 by the Rundle Bike team
"The signature ride — a dedicated paved path that links Canmore and Banff with mountain views the whole way."
The Legacy Trail is the premier paved e-bike route in the Canadian Rockies. Running 22 km one way between Canmore and Banff (about 45 km round trip), it's a dedicated multi-use path almost entirely separated from vehicle traffic, with spectacular views of the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle, and the Three Sisters for virtually every kilometre.
The Canmore end starts at the Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre off Bow Valley Trail; the Banff end connects to the Bow River Pathway and downtown Banff. On an e-bike, the full Canmore-to-Banff return trip takes 2.5–3.5 hours depending on stops, pace, and battery level.
What Makes It Special
Very few places in the world have a paved multi-use trail of this quality running through active national park wilderness. You're riding in the shadow of the Rockies from start to finish. Wildlife sightings — elk, deer, coyotes, and occasionally bears — are common.
E-Bike Note
The trail has a gradual net elevation gain heading westbound (Canmore to Banff) and a nice long descent heading eastbound — so start from Canmore for the easiest ride back. Range isn't an issue for most rentals; Banff-end riders should check battery before the return leg.
Safety Tips
- Stay right and pass left on the shared path — pedestrians and cyclists share the trail
- Call out "passing on your left" before overtaking
- Wildlife crossings are common — slow down and give animals space
- Bear spray recommended; bears and coyotes are regularly seen here
- The trail follows the Trans-Canada for stretches — don't mistake frontage roads for the trail
Banff
Bow River
Pathway
05
Distance
5–15 km
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
Minimal
E-Bike Time
30–90 min
"Banff's paved riverside loop — mountain views, elk sightings, and the iconic Fairmont backdrop."
The Bow River Pathway is the main multi-use cycling path through Banff townsite, running alongside the Bow River through Banff's most scenic corridor. You can ride 5 km out-and-back for a quick tour, or extend it up to 15+ km by connecting to Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain, and the Legacy Trail.
Elk are a constant presence along the river corridor — especially in the morning and evening — making this one of the most reliably wildlife-rich rides in the park.
What Makes It Special
The view from Bow Falls — where the river churns through a narrow canyon framed by Mount Rundle — is worth stopping for. Add the view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel from the east bank and you've got two of Banff's most iconic scenes in one ride.
E-Bike Note
Flat and paved — this is the ideal first ride for anyone new to e-bikes. Great for families and hotel guests exploring Banff. Connect to the Legacy Trail for a longer adventure.
Safety Tips
- Elk can be aggressive, especially cows with calves in spring — stay 30 m away
- Slow down near pedestrian crossings and around children
- Bow Falls area gets extremely crowded mid-day — go early for a peaceful ride
- Some sections cross roads at grade — look both ways before crossing
Canmore
Quarry Lake
Loop
02
Distance
4 km
Surface
Paved + Gravel
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
Minimal
E-Bike Time
30–45 min
"A short, stunning loop to Canmore's hidden swimming hole — Ha Ling Peak reflected in turquoise water."
A gem of a short ride just east of Canmore's townsite, the Quarry Lake Loop leads to a former limestone quarry turned stunning recreational lake. The water is a brilliant turquoise in summer, Ha Ling Peak towers above, and it's one of the few spots in the area where swimming is popular and permitted.
The access road and loop around the lake combine paved and hard-packed gravel sections — easily rideable on any rental e-bike.
What Makes It Special
The combination of swimming access, dramatic Ha Ling Peak views, and easy access makes this a perfect mid-ride stop. Link it into a longer ride via Canmore's trail network.
E-Bike Note
The access road has a moderate uphill grade — a good example of how e-bike assist makes the climb more enjoyable. Return is all downhill.
Safety Tips
- Bear spray recommended — grizzlies are active in this area
- The lake is deep — free lifejackets available in summer at the lake entrance
- Stay on designated trails; no bikes in the designated swimming area
- No dogs off-leash outside the adjacent dog park area
Banff
Vermilion
Lakes Road
06
Distance
4.3 km
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
30–70 m
E-Bike Time
20–45 min
"Iconic Mt. Rundle reflections on mirror-calm lakes — one of Banff's most photographed views from two wheels."
A scenic 4.3 km paved road running along three shallow lakes with some of the most iconic views in the Canadian Rockies. On calm mornings, Mount Rundle's reflection in the still water is one of Banff's most photographed scenes. The route passes marshlands rich with birdlife and elk, with benches, docks, and picnic spots scattered along the way.
It connects to the Legacy Trail and Bow Valley Parkway for those wanting to extend the ride into a longer adventure.
What Makes It Special
Sunrise at Vermilion Lakes is one of those bucket-list moments. The mirror-like reflections of Mount Rundle are unforgettable, and the route is flat enough for anyone to enjoy.
E-Bike Note
Flat, paved road — ideal for e-bikes with near-zero effort required. This is a perfect family route. Extend via the Legacy Trail for a full half-day ride.
Safety Tips
- Bear spray recommended — prime grizzly habitat alongside the marsh
- Keep 100 m from bears, 30 m from all other wildlife
- The road is shared with vehicle traffic — ride single file
- Check for wildlife-based road closures before heading out (Parks Canada app)
Banff
Sundance
Trail
07
Distance
3.7 km
Surface
Gravel / Crushed Rock
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
Minimal
E-Bike Time
20–40 min
"A peaceful riverside trail through old forest — Banff's quieter side, best ridden in the golden hour."
A 3.7 km (one-way) gravel trail running alongside the Bow River upstream from Banff townsite toward Sundance Canyon. The path travels through old-growth spruce forest with Bow River views throughout. Unlike Banff's busier paved routes, Sundance Trail offers a quieter, more immersive experience.
Bikes are permitted to the canyon entrance only (3.7 km). Lock up and walk the short canyon loop on foot for a beautiful finish to the ride.
What Makes It Special
The combination of riverside riding, old forest, mountain views, and the option to explore the canyon on foot makes this a genuinely varied half-day. Less traffic than the Bow River Pathway means a more peaceful ride.
E-Bike Note
The gravel surface is compact and well-maintained — easily rideable on standard rental e-bikes. Bike racks available at the canyon entrance for the walking portion.
Safety Tips
- Bear spray essential — dense forest habitat with regular bear activity
- Yield to horses and hikers; keep speed down on the gravel sections
- Bikes not permitted in the canyon loop — use the bike racks at the entrance
- Watch children near drop-offs and rock steps in the canyon
Banff
Tunnel Mountain
Drive
08
Distance
9 km loop
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation
120–150 m
E-Bike Time
45–75 min
"Banff's only real climb — panoramic Bow Valley views, the famous Hoodoos, and a descent you'll want to ride again."
A scenic paved road loop with a steady climb leading to some of Banff's best viewpoints. Starting from Surprise Corner — where you get a postcard-perfect view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with the Bow River below — the loop climbs through forest past the Hoodoos lookout, Tunnel Mountain campground, and panoramic viewpoints of the Bow Valley and Mount Rundle.
This is the only trail in this collection with a real climb, making it a rewarding ride for those wanting a bit more challenge.
What Makes It Special
Surprise Corner alone is worth the trip, and the Hoodoos — ancient geological formations unique to this valley — add something genuinely unexpected. The climb is manageable with e-bike assist and the panoramic viewpoints are second to none in Banff.
E-Bike Note
The only moderate trail in the guide. The steady climb is very manageable with assist — this is exactly what e-bike assist was made for. Shared road with cars; ride predictably. The descent rewards the climb.
Safety Tips
- This is a shared road — ride predictably and single file where vehicle traffic is present
- Signal your intentions and check over your shoulder before moving across lanes
- Descending: keep speed controlled; the road has curves with limited sightlines
- Bear spray recommended — forest on both sides of the loop
Banff
Golf Course
Road
09
Distance
11 km
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
Minimal
E-Bike Time
45–70 min
"Easy riverside riding to the base of the Fairmont — elk country with front-row mountain views."
Golf Course Road traces the south bank of the Bow River from Banff townsite to the Banff Springs Golf Course and Bow Falls. The mostly flat route passes through prime elk habitat, with the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel visible for much of the ride. It connects with the Bow River Pathway and Spray River trails for those wanting a longer adventure.
This route works especially well as a morning ride when elk are most active along the river flats and the Fairmont catches the early light.
What Makes It Special
The classic postcard view of the Fairmont Banff Springs from across the river is best seen from this route. Elk are nearly always present on the golf course flats in the early morning and evening.
E-Bike Note
Flat, paved, and low-traffic — excellent for beginners and families. Park at Bow Falls for easy access to both this route and the Bow River Pathway.
Safety Tips
- Elk are frequently on the road surface — stop and give them space to move
- Golf course vehicles share the road; yield and be predictable
- Bears are occasionally spotted near Bow Falls — keep bear spray accessible
Canmore
Engine Bridge
Loop
03
Distance
15 km
Surface
Paved + Gravel
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
Minimal
E-Bike Time
45–75 min
"Canmore's local favourite — a scenic riverside ride across the historic Engine Bridge with panoramic views of the Three Sisters and Mount Rundle."
The Engine Bridge Loop is Canmore's classic in-town ride, connecting the downtown core to the Bow River via the restored Engine Bridge — a heritage railway bridge now open to cyclists and pedestrians. The 15 km route combines paved pathways and smooth gravel trails along both sides of the Bow River, giving riders a full circuit of Canmore with mountain views in every direction.
It's the perfect orientation ride for first-time visitors: you'll see downtown Canmore, the riverfront, Policeman Creek, and the north side of the valley, all without leaving town.
What Makes It Special
The Engine Bridge itself is a piece of Canadian Pacific Railway history — originally built to carry steam engines across the Bow, now a beautifully restored crossing. The view upriver toward the Three Sisters from mid-bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Canmore.
E-Bike Note
Mostly flat with a couple of short climbs — ideal for riders new to e-bikes who want to explore Canmore at their own pace. Easy to extend via the Legacy Trail or Quarry Lake connections.
Safety Tips
- Stay right and pass left on shared paths — this is a busy local route
- Watch for pedestrians and dog walkers near the river
- Some road crossings — dismount or slow down at intersections
- The Engine Bridge deck has wooden planks — ride slowly in wet conditions
Canmore
Three Sisters
Parkway
04
Distance
15 km (one-way)
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
~120 m
E-Bike Time
60–90 min one-way
"A straight shot toward Canmore's most iconic peaks — unbeatable mountain views with every pedal stroke."
Three Sisters Parkway is the scenic road leading from downtown Canmore out toward the base of the Three Sisters mountains. The 15 km one-way route follows a paved, low-traffic parkway with a wide cycling shoulder, rolling gently past the Canmore Nordic Centre turnoff, Stewart Creek, and the Three Sisters Village developments.
Most riders turn around at the southeastern end near Dead Man's Flats for a 30 km round trip, but you can extend or shorten to fit your energy and time.
What Makes It Special
The Three Sisters — Big Sister (Faith), Middle Sister (Charity), and Little Sister (Hope) — dominate the southern skyline the entire ride. On a clear morning the alpenglow on the peaks is spectacular. It's also one of the quietest paved rides in the area, especially on weekdays.
E-Bike Note
Gentle net uphill on the way out, easy downhill on the return — an e-bike keeps the full round trip manageable. Check battery before committing to the full 30 km out-and-back.
Safety Tips
- Ride single file and use the cycling shoulder — this is a shared roadway
- Front and rear lights recommended, especially in shoulder seasons
- Watch for wildlife crossing the parkway, particularly at dawn and dusk
- Wind can pick up in the valley — check forecasts before heading out
Banff
Hoodoos from
Bow Falls
10
Distance
10 km (loop)
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation
~150 m
E-Bike Time
60–90 min
"From the thunder of Bow Falls to the otherworldly spires of the Hoodoos — a signature Banff ride packed with iconic viewpoints."
This 10 km loop connects two of Banff's most recognizable landmarks: Bow Falls and the Hoodoos. Starting from the Bow Falls parking area, the route climbs gently along Tunnel Mountain Drive to the Hoodoos Viewpoint, where dramatic limestone pillars rise above the Bow River Valley, then loops back via the Banff townsite pathways.
You'll pass the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, catch glimpses of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, and finish at one of the park's most popular geological wonders.
What Makes It Special
The Hoodoos are natural limestone spires formed by erosion — a striking contrast against the surrounding pine forests and mountain peaks. The viewpoint is accessible right off the bike route and offers sweeping valley views you can't get anywhere else in Banff.
E-Bike Note
The climb from Bow Falls toward the Hoodoos has a sustained moderate grade — an e-bike turns what is normally a sweaty climb into an easy cruise. Great for riders who want iconic views without a hard workout.
Safety Tips
- Tunnel Mountain Drive has vehicle traffic — ride single file and use lights
- Bears and elk are frequently seen along this route — carry bear spray
- Stay behind viewpoint railings at the Hoodoos — the drop-off is steep
- The descent back toward Bow Falls is fast — keep speed under control
