Day trips from Canmore

[Northern Ninja]

Like the title says, we are renting a condo in Canmore in Sept. and looking for some interesting day trips around there.  We're gonna be there for about a week and need to be back in Canmore or Calgary every night (family).  We think at least one day we'd like to do Canmore - Lake Louise - Golden - Radium -Canmore.  Any other ideas and the best routes would be much appreciated.  We're on sport bikes so... please, no off road adventures.  Looking for interesting places to eat, photograph, and, of course, ride.  Thanks very much folks!

[Kootenanny]

If you haven't done it, the Icefields Parkway (Lake Louise to Jasper) is definitely worth it, and you can do it out and back in one day.  Not the best road, but the scenery is world-class (you'll be ogling so much you'll be thankful the road isn't too technical).

I've not ridden this, but I understand Hwy 40 (Kananaskis Hwy) is a must-do in that area as well.

[KLRchickie]

View Larger Map

This route is about as good as the interesting riding gets in Southern Alberta.  After the weekend we just spent in BC (three trips across the 31A in two days) the 1A didn't feel *all* that twisty riding home this afternoon, but we've noticed that before  It still beats taking the #1 from Canmore to Calgary.

[Northern Ninja]

We're gonna try all that sh!t!  Thanks folks!

[Kootenanny]

Here's a pic of the Icefields Parkway, from another thread (taken about a week ago, by Notarian from this forum...)

[veefer800canuck]

Ride out to Field. BC (just across the border, 30 km from Lake Louise), eat lunch at the Truffle Pigs Bistro, and ride to Takkakaw falls and also Emerald lake (very close by).

Both nice for a little looky-loo scenery and a short leg-stretch off the bike.

If you do the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, check out the Sunwapta falls and also Athabasca falls.

Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon near Banff is a beautiful road with an abysmally low speed limit.

[veefer800canuck]

View Larger Map

[blkhrt81]

Castle Junction south to Radium or Fairmont isn't a bad ride, 160 km from Canmore to Radium and Sept shouldn't be too busy. Could probably even make Kimberly or Fort Steele in a day but it'd be a long day to get back.

[birdrunner]

If you haven't done it, the Icefields Parkway (Lake Louise to Jasper) is definitely worth it, and you can do it out and back in one day.  Not the best road, but the scenery is world-class (you'll be ogling so much you'll be thankful the road isn't too technical).

I've not ridden this, but I understand Hwy 40 (Kananaskis Hwy) is a must-do in that area as well.

They'd be my choices.

There's so much to see that if you decide to hit any of the "sights" you'll find your days VERY full.

[birdrunner]

you should know that Sept in the AB. Rockies can be very fickle weather wise.  Could be great,  could suck big time.

[Northern Ninja]

you should know that Sept in the AB. Rockies can be very fickle weather wise.  Could be great,  could suck big time.

Ya, we're packing snow chains and skidoo suits.

[Northern Ninja]

Thanks for all the great info guys .  Pretty sure this is the trip that'll convince me to get that Ninja 1000.

[MrsCablebandit]

If you haven't done it, the Icefields Parkway (Lake Louise to Jasper) is definitely worth it, and you can do it out and back in one day.  Not the best road, but the scenery is world-class (you'll be ogling so much you'll be thankful the road isn't too technical).

 

You will see blues in the sky that you never knew existed and you will remember those colors for the rest of your life.  I can still remember standing on the side of the road taking pictures saying, "Look how BLUE the sky is!!!"  

If you stop in Banff, I recommend Evelyn's Coffee Bar (the original location - 201 Banff Avenue).  The muffins, hot cider, and hot chocolate are all delicious!!!  

[Northern Ninja]

So, realistically, it's more or less 350k, one way? So we can count on 10 hours, all in?  That's do-able.  I've been to Banff a few times, but never Jasper.  This trip was originally supposed to start in Jasper but we couldn't find good accommodations, so we settled on starting from the other end.  I'm trying to break the wife in gently so I don't want any thousand km days.  You guys have helped convince her to do the Jasper thing and I really appreciate all of your input.  I get about 200km from a tank on my bike so is that going to be an issue?
  On a totally un-related matter, I'm on a couple of other forums and this one is starting to feel like it's the right fit for me.  Thanks again.

[birdrunner]

Jasper can be tough to find room, ( I saw some "Vacancy" signs there last week)  but Hinton is nearby.   Plus Hinton is a really nice ride to Miette Hot Springs, which is

A)  At the end of a VERY fun road
B) a really nice Hotspring, which is sure to make your wife happy.

[County Tar]

What is that 3 tiered railroad loop on the way to Field?  We stopped and watched a train in and out of 3 tunnels at the same time.  There is a big pulloff for vehicles.  

You canucks are fortunate.  That whole area is beautiful.  

[Kootenanny]

What is that 3 tiered railroad loop on the way to Field?  We stopped and watched a train in and out of 3 tunnels at the same time.  There is a big pulloff for vehicles.  

You canucks are fortunate.  That whole area is beautiful.  

Those are the "Spiral Tunnels," and if you're interested in engineering, they were a real feat!