Bow River Trail – Vermilion Lakes loop from Banff

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. 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 benches here and there. Many locals picnicking or walking the dog. It is a beautiful walk and most of it is paved.

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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 not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17-kilometre section of the Bow Valley Parkway from the Fireside Day Use Area to Johnston Canyon Campground. This is to ensure the area remains a high quality home for wildlife.

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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 vegetation, and relatively quiet atmosphere compared to the nearby Trans-Canada Highway.

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