Cycling the Icefields Parkway

Photo Courtesy of Mountain Madness Tours

What’s better than driving the Icefields Parkway, you may ask? According to Ben Johnson, owner of Mountain Madness Tours, that’s a no-brainer. Biking it.

Meandering through some of the most majestic mountain scenery on the planet, the Icefields Parkway hardly needs an introduction. With dozens of legendary stops along the 230 km route – including Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Sunwapta Falls, the Columbia Icefield, and many more – thousands of people come from all over the world each and every year to drive this awe-inspiring route between Jasper and Lake Louise.

But the key word there is drive. Biking it affords an entirely different experience that flies under the radar for most visitors. But Ben Johnson, who has been guiding adventure-seeking cyclists along this route for the past ten years, isn’t shy about extolling the virtues of hopping on a sleek road bike, joining some fellow riders, and embarking on an adventure that’s truly bucket-list worthy.

Photo Courtesy of Mountain Madness Tours

“Due to the slower pace of travel, you can really take it all in. There’s no roof to get in the way of the mountain peaks, no windows to insulate you from the sounds and smells of your surroundings. All of your senses are engaged,” says Johnson. “Not only that, but if you see something interesting along the way, you can simply stop and jump off the bike for a while, have a rest, and take in the view for as long as you like. It’s an incredible journey.”

Not surprisingly, during the multi-day tours (typically three or four days), they witness countless cars and buses rushing by, jockeying for position at the crowded stops, only to do it all over again a few kilometers down the road.

Photo Courtesy of Mountain Madness Tours

“For us, time is one of the biggest benefits. Motorists typically complete the parkway in three to five hours and barely do it justice. But instead of quickly gulping it down in a few quick bites, we savour it. And it’s a feast cyclists will never forget. Even the unpredictable and sometimes challenging mountain weather plays a part in the experience, reminding us just how powerful nature’s systems are and the value of letting go and taking things as they come.”

Travelling together as a group over multiple days, sometimes in challenging conditions, deepens friendships and facilitates plenty of camaraderie within the group. “We notice that guests form strong connections with their fellow travellers really quickly as they share the physical challenges, the spectacular rest stops and attractions, various meals throughout the day, sipping a post-ride beverage at the hotels, and so on. With no cell reception and minimal WiFi connections, it’s always great to see people putting down their phones and talking with each other. While most of the tourists who travel between Jasper and Banff focus on the destination, we focus on the journey.”

Photo Courtesy of Mountain Madness Tours

Thanks to their close attention to detail and their many years of experience, the logistics of the trip are looked after every step of the way. Participants are free to bring their own bikes or can rent a quality road bike (Felt VR30 or Scott E-Bikes) through Mountain Madness and their reputable partners. Renting a bike (approximately $50 per day) is often simpler as it alleviates the extra expense and challenge of getting a bike to the starting point, travelling home with it, and so on.

“Our tours are fully-supported,” says Johnson. “The only things cyclists need to carry on the bike are a couple of water bottles and their wallet. Our support van carries all the luggage, extra clothing, food, supplies, and so on. And it’s never far away. We set up lunch and snacks at rest stops, hotel accommodations, meals, bike transfers, park entrance fees, photographs of you and your group biking, and much more. If you need to rest on a certain leg of the trip, that’s not a problem! The support van has a seat for you whenever you need it.”

Photo Courtesy of Mountain Madness Tours

While a medium level of fitness is highly recommended for the Jasper to Banff tour (they also do other custom tours in other locations), advanced biking skills are not required. “I’ve guided a huge variety of people from all walks of life on this tour,” says Johnson. “A good mental attitude will triumph all challenges and you’ll come out on the other side of this tour stronger and more confident than ever.”

And, of course, you’ll have experienced one of the best little bike rides the world has to offer.

By: Andrew Penner