Cycling · 6 Days

Great Explorations | 1
CANADIAN
ROCKIES
Cycling · 6 Days
E [email protected] W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825
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Great Explorations | 2
ROCKY MOUNTAINS
Dare to be adventurous! Come and cycle along the most spectacular
road in Canada, as you journey north to the breathtaking Jasper
National Park. Experience the rugged wilderness of the Canadian
Rocky Mountain parks by day and enjoy the warm, luxurious
comfort of mountain lodges by night. Hearts will pound as you
crest tough mountain passes offering unparalleled views of snowcapped peaks. You’ll begin your exploration in Banff National Park,
where towering mountains rise from the shores of turquoise-blue
lakes, glaciers gleam, lakes shimmer, vistas overwhelm and forests
enchant. Rewarding rides throughout this marvelous UNESCO
World Heritage Site provide an exhilarating sense of accomplishment
that will last a lifetime. So come along and test your legs and lungs on
these eastern flanks of the Pacific Ring of Fire, protruding jagged and
steep out of fertile valleys; your only concern being you don’t have
more time.
ITINERARY
Getting there
Banff: There is regularly scheduled air
service to Calgary from across North
America, with non-stop flights from all
major Canadian and many US centres.
Additionally, non-stop international
flights are available from London
and Frankfurt. Airport shuttle service
to Banff from the Calgary Airport is
available.
Day 1
Banff
This vibrant town is at the centre
of some of the most scenic cycling
routes found anywhere in the Rocky
Mountain National Parks. Stroll about
town searching for that perfect
souvenir or visiting the excellent
museums. We’ll fit bikes between
2:00-4:00 and meet at 6:00 for dinner.
If you arrive early, enjoy a warm-up
cycle out to The Cave and Basin the location of the first hot mineral
springs discovered in 1883.
Day 2
Lake Louise
Pedal the scenic network of roads
around Banff — exploring Tunnel
Mountain and the weirdly shaped
Hoodoos. Add on a loop up to Lake
Minnewanka, one of the largest and
deepest lakes in the Rockies. Once
known as Devil’s Lake or Cannibal
Lake, Minnewanka is the site of
many ghostly occurrences in native
legends. Then journey north along
the Bow Valley Parkway to the
staggeringly beautiful scenery of Lake
Louise — the gem of Banff National
Park. As you twist and climb along
the Parkway take in the magnificent
views of the Sawback, Sundance and
the Massive mountain ranges. Upon
arrival in Lake Louise, soak up the
natural splendour, take a canoe onto
the lake, or enjoy a short walk into
the mountains. D2: 60 km/ 37.5 mi;
approx. 345 m.
E [email protected] W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825
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Only Great Explorations
· Small groups, extraordinary
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·
·
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guides, and authentic
experiences
Dinner at the atmospheric Treehouse Restaurant, on Saltspring
where you will be entertained by
musicians under the stars
A picnic at Lighthouse Park on
Mayne Island, where whales may
be spotted offshore
Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
Distinctive, charming hotels too
small for larger groups
We design and operate our own
trips so there are only good
surprises
Dates
2016
June 12-17
June 20-25
July 10-15
July 26- 31
August 7-12
2017
June 11-16
June 19-24
July 9-14
July 25-30
August 6-11
Level
You’re cycling the Rocky
Mountains so you can guarantee
some challenging terrain.
Moderately-challenging
60-100km daily
(35-60 miles)
Van supported
Trip Size
8-16 participants
Total Days
6 days/5 nights
Arrive/Depart
Banff/Jasper
Great Explorations | 3
Jasper
FINISH
WEATHER (BANFF)
Columbia
Icefield
MT. WILSON
Bow Lake
BANFF
NATIONAL PARK
Lake Louise
CALGARY
Banff
START
VANCOUVER
CALGARY
Day 3
Bow Lake
Cycle up to Moraine Lake in the Valley
of the Ten Peaks (considered by many
to be even more beautiful than Lake
Louise) and then opt for a ride along
the Great Divide Road. No longer
accessible to cars, this bike route
will take you over the continental
divide where you can check out the
monument that marks this watershed
divide on the summit of the Kicking
Horse Pass. Continue your journey
north to the splendid Num-Ti-Jah
Lodge on the shores of Bow Lake. D3:
79 km/ 49.5 mi; approx. 645 m.
Day 4
Columbia Icelfield
Cycle along the splendid Icefields
Parkway, soon cresting Bow Summit,
the second highest point reached by
a public highway in Canada. Take in
the Peyto Lake viewpoint, or stop for
a short hike into the Mistaya Canyon.
Pedal past the braided streams of
the North Saskatchewan River on
your way to the Athabaska Glacier.
Look out for moose grazing on the
succulent water-plants in the Rampart
Pond area. Relax beside the Weeping
Wall of the Cirrus Mountain before
you head up the challenging Big Bend
and over the Sunwapta Pass. Coast
down to the foot of the glacier at
the Columbia Icefield, where you will
spend the night. If you arrive early,
take the time to explore the glacier
on one of the guided glacier walks or
‘Snocoach’ buggy tours. D4: 98 km/ 61
mi; approx. 800 m.
Day 5
Jasper
Today you will encounter a variety
of ecological riches on your way to
Sunwapta Falls Resort. Cycle past an
ancient forest (more than 700 years
old) along the lower slopes of Mount
Wilcox. Watch for mountain goats
grazing on the precarious slopes of
the Sunwapta Canyon gorge. Enjoy
some time off your bike as you walk
a short distance to the impressive
Stanley Falls. In keeping with the
rest of this tour, many magnificent
viewpoints await your discovery—
Mount Christie, Athabasca River and
Whirlpool Valley. A short detour will
take you to the thundering Athabasca
Falls, set against the pink-purple cliffs
of Mt. Kerkeslin. Arrive in Jasper — a
burgeoning little town and the site of
the earliest fur trade outpost in the
central Rockies. D5: 60 km/ 37.5 mi;
approx. 288 m.
Day 6
Departure Day
Depart at your leisure (shuttle option
back to Banff available).
E [email protected] W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825
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Average Daily High °C
°F
June
19
67
July
22
71
August
22
72
September
16
61
Great Explorations | 4
OUR BICYCLES
The majority of our bicycle fleet are
Cannondale bikes; Cannondale is one
of the premier bicycle manufacturers
in North America and in Europe. Our
hybrid bikes are typically Cannondale
Quick model. Racing bikes are available
in many, but not all destinations. Please
state your preference on the registration
form.
Our hybrid bikes are Cannondale Quick with
specs as follows:
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Aluminum frame with carbon seat stays
Carbon fork
Crank 30/39/50
Rear cogs 9 speed: 12-26
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Tires 700 x 32C
The bikes come fully equipped with handlebar bag, seat
bag, rear rack, water bottle cage, pump, spare inner
tube, tire repair kit and a multi-tool. For safety and
hygiene reasons, we ask that you bring your own helmet.
Depending on the seat you are used to riding at home,
you may wish to bring yours with you; Area Manager will
switch over for you. Same goes for clipless pedals- bring
these if you prefer over flat pedals, but only if you have
experience using them.
Cost
Land Cost (current year):
CAD $2680/US $2680
Includes all meals
Single Supplement:
CAD $480/US $480
Bike Rental:
Hybrid (Cannondale Quick 2 with carbon forks)
CAD $140/US $140
Racing (Cannondale Supersix 105
carbon)
CAD$280/US$280
*Price before tax. Canada applies a 5% GST
What’s included in cost?
·S
ervices of one or more
experienced Great Explorations
guides and support vehicle
· 5 nights lodging
· All meals
· Entrance fees for selected
historical sites and museums
· Detailed map and route
instructions.
· All baggage transportation
· All transportation from initial
meeting point to final dropoff.
E [email protected] W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825
>>>RESERVE YOUR TRIP<<<
Ready to reserve?
·C
all or email Travel Advisor
with any remaining questions
and to reserve your space
1.800.242.1825
· Reserve your flights to and from
the region
· Book your night before hotel,
if necessary
· Consider travel insurance.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision;
any changes made are done so in an attempt to
provide the best possible trip given route conditions
and available services. Due to the nature of our
business and exchange rates, prices are subject to
change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we
gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due
to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability
fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would
like to confirm space on this trip before making
your reservation, please contact us at [email protected] or by telephone at 604.730.1247
Great Explorations | 5
CLASSIC ACCOMMODATIONS
Brewster’s Mountain Lodge
Banff
This inn is located in historic
downtown Banff, surrounded by the
splendour of the mountains. Here
you’ll enjoy an authentic Western
atmosphere with log architecture
and where each guest room features
handcrafted natural log furnishings.
Brewster’s Mountain Lodge
Mountaineer Lodge
Lake Louise
Nestled in a forest with tremendous
views, it feels secluded, yet is a scenic
five-minute walk from a variety of
services and shopping. Guests can
visit the whirlpool and steam room
area to relax.
Mountaineer Lodge
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Bow Lake
This lodge has one of the most
dramatic views in the Rockies. The
rooms are rustic and simple but
very comfortable. Guests can relax
in the Nashan-esen Lounge, Elkhorn
dining room or the library. *On some
itineraries, we use The Crossings
Resort.
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate
alterations. ©Great Explorations. Revised March, 2014.
E [email protected] W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825
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Great Explorations | 6
CLASSIC ACCOMMODATIONS
Glacier View Inn
Glacier View Inn
Jasper National Park
The Glacier View Inn occupies the 3rd (top) floor of the
Icefield Centre, which was built to incorporate the pristine
environment that surrounds it. There are 32 guest rooms,
and a good restaurant on site. The Athabasca Glacier is
your view. *On some itineraries, we use Sunwapta Falls
Rocky Mountain Lodge.
Chateau Jasper
Chateau Jasper
Jasper
Located on the shore of Lake Beauvert, this luxurious hotel
is pleasantly furnished with mountain decor in mind. There
is tennis, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and an
award-winning, fine dining room.
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge, Jasper
The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate
alterations. ©Great Explorations. Revised March, 2014.
E [email protected] W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825
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OUR CONNECTION
After finishing high school in Ontario,
I decided to spend a year traveling
before enrolling in university. I bought
a car for $250 and drove west; my
plan was to not stop until I got to
the mountains. I will never forget
my first glimpse of the Canadian
Rockies, which required me to pull
over, get out of my car and just stare
in wonder. I decided right then to
spend a year in Banff, Alberta, which
is virtually surrounded by mountains,
with turquoise lakes and infinite
trails. I skied through the winter and
then hiked and biked in the spring,
summer. I made friends that year that
are still friends today. As anyone who
had enjoyed a ‘gap year’ can attest,
your life is never quite the same
again after this kind of experience.
Although I later moved further west to
Vancouver, I returned often to Banff
and Lake Louise to guide hiking trips
(Full Disclosure: I worked as a guide
for Butterfield & Robinson for 18 years,
and the Rockies was one of the trips I
lead for them).
When I started Great Explorations in
1997, the Banff-Jasper route was a
natural to include in our trip offerings.
I recently went back to cycle the
route again myself to see what was
new and to see if the wonder was still
there. I was very impressed with the
new paved cycling trails built in and
around Banff but I was particularly
happy to see that much of this region,
being in a National Park, had not
changed. It is still as pristine and
special as it has ever been. North of
Lake Louise, on the road known as the
Icefield’s Parkway, you will see wildlife,
glaciers, mountain peaks, turquoise
lakes and open skies. As a cycling
route, many people say it has no
equal, and in terms of natural scenery
that is true; but as locals know there
are some hidden trails and sites that
we will share with you along with our
connections with local musicians,
storytellers, and naturalists. And like
every trip we offer, there will be some
wonderful surprises. On my recent
trip, as I watched a grizzly wink at me
from across Moraine Lake Road (see
photo), I realized how precious this
environment was. Yes, the wonder is
still there.
Robbin McKinney,
Founder and owner of Great
Explorations, makes his home in
Vancouver and and returns to the
Rockies often.
OUR GUIDES
Our guests tell us time and time again that our guides
are what set us apart from other companies. Caring,
knowledgeable, athletic, articulate and fun-loving,
each one is a natural leader…
Here at Great Explorations, we are
tremendously proud of our guides.
A diverse group of passionate and
charismatic professionals, they have
the local know-how and expertise
to make your vacation incredibly
rewarding. Whether it’s fitting your
bike, arranging a one-of-a-kind
activity or being your personal
interpreter, our guides wear many
hats with ease. They are intimately
familiar with their travel regions,
having either lived or traveled there
extensively.
Comfortable speaking the local
language and knowing all of the
off-the-beaten track secrets, our
guides ensure you’ll have the journey
of a lifetime. Our website features
detailed bios on some of the more
than sixty guides who lead trips for us
worldwide.
Great Explorations | 8
DID YOU KNOW?
Banff is the oldest and largest town in the National Parks
of the Rockies. It’s also the highest town in Canada!
Bow Summit is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway.
In 1882, Canadian Pacific Railroad packer Tom Wilson was
the first white man to see Lake Louise after being guided
there by a Stoney Indian. He named it Emerald Lake,
though it was later renamed Lake Louise in 1884 after the
daughter of Queen Victoria. Some Douglas fir trees within
the park boundaries are more than 700 years old!
HOW TO GET THERE?
Your tour begins in Banff, 150 kilometers west of Calgary,
Alberta. There is regularly scheduled air service to
Calgary from across North America, with non-stop flights
to Calgary from all major Canadian and many US cities
including Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Los Angeles,
San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Dallas & Seattle.
Non-stop international flights are available from London
and Frankfurt.
A number of companies offer an airport shuttle service to
Banff from the Calgary Airport. If you’re flying home from
Calgary Airport a special transfer might be necessary to
enable you to catch a flight on the same day as the
tour ends.
BON APPÉTIT
The western-most Prairie province of Alberta, has deep
roots in agriculture; producing wheat, barley and canola in
abundance.
With an ever-increasing farmers’ market scene Alberta
farmers are producing award-winning honey, ancient Red
Fife goods and outstanding cheese. There are numerous
microbreweries popping up everywhere these days
producing excellent stouts, pilsners and IPAs. A review of
Albertan food would not be complete without a mention
of the rich Alberta game meats. Thanks to extensive
conservation efforts rebounded herds of bison, elk and
deer graze naturally here and the resulting meat is fresh,
lean and tender.
E [email protected] W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825
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