Everything You Need to Know About Biking in Canmore and Kananaskis

There’s something about riding a bike through mountains that just hits differently. In Canmore and Kananaskis, you’re surrounded by ridgelines, wildflowers, and open sky. Some rides are smooth and paved, others are bumpy and wild. Choose what fits your mood, your skill, and your curiosity. Your ride starts here.

Wildlife safety

Wildlife is common throughout the Bow Valley, including bears, elk, moose, and more. Encounters can happen anywhere on the trails, so it’s important to know how to reduce risk and respond safely if needed. For tips, read our wildlife safety guide for outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies.

Plan ahead

Plan out your route in advance and bring or download an offline map to help navigate the trail networks. Most trails are rideable between May and October, but trail conditions can change quickly, so always check the weather forecast and trail conditions before you head out. If you are planning on driving to Kananaskis Country to start your ride, make sure to purchase a valid Kananaskis Conservation Pass for your vehicle.

What to pack

A few basics to keep in your pack or bike frame:

• Helmet
• Water and snacks
• Eye protection
• Sun sunscreen
• Trail map (downloaded or printed, and remember that cell reception can be mixed in Kananaskis Country)
• Patch kit, spare tube, pump, multitool
• Bear spray

What to wear

Quick-dry layers work best. Weather can shift quickly, so dress for wind, heat, and the occasional surprise rain shower. You’ll want:

• Activewear and/or padded shorts
• Lightweight jacket or breathable shell
• Gloves
• Solid footwear with grip
• For winter biking: insulated jacket, waterproof pants, warm gloves, and face protection

Where to rent a bike

You can find bike rentals in Canmore at several shops:

• Sports Garage Consignment: Road bikes and e-bikes
• GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals: Road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, kid bikes, and trailers
• Trail Sports: Gravel bikes, mountain bikes, e-mountain bikes, and fat bikes
• Pedego Electric Bikes Canmore: E-bikes
• Rebound Cycle: Road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, e-mountain bikes, kid bikes, and trailers
• Kananaskis Outfitters: gravel bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes, kid bikes, and trailers
• Rocky Mountain Adaptive: Adaptive bike rentals

Not sure what type of bike you need? Staff in local shops are happy to help match you to the right gear based on your planned ride.

Where to take lessons

• Trail Sports: Located at the Canmore Nordic Centre, Trail Sports provides mountain biking lessons and skill clinics for all levels.
• Kananaskis Outfitters: Hire a bike coach at Kananaskis Outfitters to learn how to mountain bike or improve your confidence on more challenging trails.
• Rocky Mountain Adaptive: Work with a local adaptive guide who provides private lessons for visitors with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities.

Biking responsibly and trail etiquette

• Ride only on designated trails.
• Yield to other trail users when appropriate. If you are mountain biking, make sure to make noise to avoid collisions with other bikers and make your presence known to wildlife.
• Be prepared for wildlife encounters.
• Check to confirm where e-bikes are allowed.

Road and gravel biking trails

Legacy Trail: Smooth, scenic, and popular, this paved route connects Canmore to Banff and runs approximately 22 km (13.6 mi) one way. Read our Legacy Trail blog post for more information.

Highwood Pass: The highest paved road in Canada, Highwood Pass flows through the mountain ranges of Kananaskis Country. Read our Highwood Pass blog post for more information.

West Bow River Pathway: A paved pathway that links downtown Canmore to the Three Sisters Mountain Village neighbourhood with unparalleled views of the Bow River.

Mount Allan Drive: A trail from Kananaskis Village to Wedge Pond, approximately a 22 km (13.6 mi) return trip.

William Watson to Lower Kananaskis Lake: This entirely paved pathway starts at the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre and weaves 19.2 km (11.9 mi) return to Lower Kananaskis Lake.

Local trails in Canmore: Meander through the local trail network and explore the town at your own pace.

Mountain biking trails

Canmore Nordic Centre (CNC) trails: The CNC has over 100 kilometres (62 mi) of riding trails that meander through forests and meadows. Riders are treated to breathtaking views of the mountains of the Bow Valley.

Montane, Horseshoe, and G8 trails: A network of trails above residential neighbourhoods on the north side of Canmore.

Quarry Lake trails: Gentle, flowy trails that are great for beginners, with the iconic Quarry Lake just nearby for a quick swim to cool off when you are finished with your ride.

For more details, read our blog post about mountain biking in Canmore.

Fat biking trails

Fat biking is a fun way to explore winter trails on two wheels. You can ride many of the same routes used in summer, including the Canmore Nordic Centre and designated multi-use paths around town.

To learn more, read our blog post about fat biking in Canmore.

In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.