Banff, Canada: Road climbs?

Schleck's Chain
Schleck's Chain Posts: 31
edited August 2014 in Road general
I'm off to Banff National Park shortly for a holiday. Does anyone know any good tarmac climbs out there (I'm not into mountain biking)? They don't have to lead anywhere in particular; just be scenic and a decent challenge. Appreciate any tips!

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    If you love breathing RV fumes, enjoy. Roads aren't particularly steep IME, but shoulders are pretty rough - probably best find some dead-ends into the mountains or take a CX bike and ride some gravel forest roads
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Apparently there are organised cycle trips along the Ice Fields Parkway between Banff and Jasper - I can imagine few rides that combine such fantastic scenery with such mind numbingly tedious cycling. That road is very wide and lacking in sharp corners and it is very long. I drove around quite a lot when I was there but didn't recall anything that would have been fun on a road bike.

    I think Monty is right - CX is the best chance for anything interesting.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • KINGGARY
    KINGGARY Posts: 89
    I reckon the ride from Banff up to the sulphur mountain cable cars must be a good old climb, I have only walk down it but is seemed a rather long way.
    That parts of Canada is really far more geared up for mountain biking and there are some great trails heading out from Banff itself starting along the river, from memory there are plenty of hire places as well equipped with good quality mountain bikes. Maybe you should get yourself a little dirty.
    Alternatively have a look round tunnel mountain at the back of Banff there are several smaller roads around their from memory, most will be dead ends as they finish at ski resorts.
    If you haven't already been to Banff and the surrounding area it is in my opinion one of the most beautiful places on earth.
    Have a great trip.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,317
    You need an off roader and a can of bear spray
    left the forum March 2023
  • Bordersroadie
    Bordersroadie Posts: 1,052
    Seriously, keep an eye out for bears in late August. We saw a grizzly and several black bears crossing the road at the same time of year. Better to be in a car on such occasions!

    Climbs are long and gradual, by the way.

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