Bow River Trail – Vermilion Lakes loop from Banff

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Canada

Alberta

Bow River Trail – Vermilion Lakes loop from Banff

Hard

5.0

(7)

126

riders

Bow River Trail – Vermilion Lakes loop from Banff

07:04

117km

930m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Banff National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

617 m

Bow River Trail

Highlight • Trail

Along the Bow River, from the train tracks to almost the Surprise Corner or the Bow Falls, there is a beautiful trail, the Bow River Sidewalk. To pause there are …

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1.27 km

Echo Creek

Lake

4.38 km

Vermilion Lakes

Highlight • Lake

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

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5.84 km

Vermilion Lake Viewpoint

Viewpoint

8.48 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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11.2 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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53.8 km

View of Mountains and Railway in Banff National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

59.3 km

Lake Louise Village

Highlight • Settlement

Lake Louise Village offers amenities like restaurants, grocery stores, and lodging. It's also just a short ride to the shoreline of the iconic Lake Louise.

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87.9 km

Johnston Canyon

Highlight • Canyon

105 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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