View of Backswamp – Vermilion Lakes loop from Johnston Canyon

Bike touring routes & trails

Canada

Alberta

View of Backswamp – Vermilion Lakes loop from Johnston Canyon

Moderate

4.6

(36)

551

riders

View of Backswamp – Vermilion Lakes loop from Johnston Canyon

02:36

42.7km

360m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Banff National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

12.3 km

Wildlife viewing along the Bow Valley Parkway

Highlight • Viewpoint

Stretching for 48 kilometres between Banff and Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway is widely regarded as one of the park’s best wildlife-viewing corridors due to its lower elevation, diverse …

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14.0 km

View of Backswamp

Highlight • Viewpoint

Incredible view. Really incredible! My personal highlight of the area, you can see the glowing Bow River behind a scenic train and in the background the huge Backswamp. Phenomenal!

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16.7 km

Bow Valley Parkway

Highlight • Cycleway

Connecting Banff with Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway provides access to all manner of superb outdoor adventures. Here is the jumping off point for adventures up to the Cory …

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16.7 km

Fireside Day Use Area

Highlight • Rest Area

This is the entrance to the Fireside Day Use Area and the trailhead to Cory Pass Trail and Bearspirit Trail.

Please note: From March 1st to June 25th, travel is …

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20.8 km

Vermilion Lakes

Highlight • Lake

A beautiful spot just outside of Banff. Great for bike rides, hikes, paddles, etc...

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22.2 km

Vermilion Lake Viewpoint

Viewpoint

22.6 km

Johnston Canyon Entrance

Highlight • Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a true gem and also one of the most popular spots in Banff National Park. A foot trail leads along the shore of Johnston Creek deep into …

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42.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

34.5 km

7.23 km

752 m

159 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

42.0 km

728 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,490 m)

Lowest point (1,380 m)

Weather

Today

Saturday 10 October

-3°C

-7°C

70 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

September 13, 2025,Banff to Johnston Canyon along Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway)

Via Vermillion Lakes, Sundance Ridge and Sawback Ridge. This section of highway 1A is closed to motorised traffic for a few weeks in late summer and accessible from Banff from the Fireside Day Use Area. Perfect for a quick spin to Johnston Canyon

May 25, 2025,25.05 - De Banff à Johnston Canyon

A beautiful, sunny Sunday on a magnificent route!
Mountains, lakes, and forests as far as the eye can see. We encountered lots of animals; the wildlife was out in force!

On the lunch menu: first poutine followed by... two cups of Ben & Jerry's 😋

We ended the day with a hike in Johnston Canyon, with its stunning waterfalls.

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