Bow Valley Parkway Car-Free Riding Ends October 6: Less Than a Week Left
The eastern 17 km of the Bow Valley Parkway belongs to cyclists until Tuesday, October 6. Here's where to park, what to pack, and why the bears get a say.
Somewhere in Banff right now, a cyclist is promising themselves they'll do the parkway ride next weekend. That cyclist is running short of weekends, because the Bow Valley Parkway car-free season ends on Tuesday, October 6.
Until then, the eastern 17 km between Fireside Day-use Area and Johnston Canyon belongs to people on bikes. After that, the cars get it back, and everyone else gets to wait until spring.
Your Bow Valley Parkway Car-Free Ride Starts at the Train Station
Parks Canada wants riders to leave their cars at the Banff Train Station lot, reached via the Mount Norquay Road entrance to town. From there, you pedal out along Vermilion Lakes Drive and join the Legacy Trail, which makes a decent warm-up for anyone whose legs have spent September on a sofa.
Banff: 4-Hour E-Bike and Walking Tour in Johnston Canyon
See some of Banff’s most beautiful scenery on this guided e-bike and hiking adventure. Cruise past Vermilion Lakes and along the Bow Valley Parkway with the help of an easy-to-ride e-bike, then explore the dramatic cliffs and rushing waterfalls of Johnston Canyon on foot. It’s a fun way to combine sightseeing, fresh air and a little adventure in one memorable tour.
Services Are Limited, Which Is Parks Canada for "Bring a Sandwich"
Pack food, water, layers, repair tools and bear spray. Parks Canada is clear that visitors are responsible for their own safety, which means the person fixing your flat tyre at kilometre 12 is you.
Car-free also comes with a small asterisk. Utility crews and Parks Canada vehicles still use the road, so anyone riding three abreast for a group photo should expect company.
The Other Road Users Have Fur
This stretch runs through the montane, which is critical habitat for wolves, cougars and bears. Riders are asked to give wildlife plenty of room, stay on the trail and respect any closures.
If you do meet something large, report it to Banff Dispatch on 403-762-1470. Save the number before you set off, not while a bear watches you scroll for it.
The Pilot Isn't Going Anywhere, Even If This Season Is
Parks Canada trialled the scheme from 2022 to 2024, found no shortage of keen cyclists, and has extended it through 2030. Staff will keep collecting data on safety, access and wildlife, so riders may see the rules adjusted along the way.
The spring window, April 30 to June 25, is scheduled to return next year for anyone who misses this one. That's a long wait for someone who spent all of fall saying "next weekend".
Seventeen kilometres, no traffic, six days to go. Even by Banff standards, that's a short season.
