A Rocky Mountain Getaway - Canmore to Castle Mountain Junction (Part 1)
Just to let you know that this is a long trip report which is why I’ve wisely decided to submit the start and return legs in two separate posts if that makes any difference. 
We capped of a rather mundane week with an epic ride in the Canadian Rockies yesterday. Our initial plan was to cycle from the Fenlands Rec Center in Banff to Baker Creek Resort and back a total distance of just under 100km. It wasn’t until my wife noticed on the drive towards the townsite that our annual parks pass had expired. Sooo…with that in mind, we made our way to the park gate and queued up with the hundreds of other vehicles most of which were clearly from out of province. It was incredible to see this many people continue to come here even after the summer holiday travel season. After waiting in line for 15 minutes and with traffic trickling along at a snail’s pace, we had enough as it was approaching noon hour. Driving into Banff to purchase a pass would have eaten up more time so it was at that moment that we decided to lose our place in line, turn back onto the TC Hwy and drive the 4km back to Canmore where we would eventually start our ride. This would be the third time that we’ve cycled this route but have never done so before on analog road bikes. The weather conditions were ideal with little wind and with fall approaching it was a bit on the cool side which was much to my wife’s liking.
Our ride began at the Canmore Visitor Info Center which was also the start of the Legacy Trail.
The Legacy Trail is a gorgeous 26 km paved parkway in the heart of the Rocky Mountains that runs parallel to the TC Hwy and starts from the SE terminus at Canmore to the Banff wildlife gate at the corridor to the Bow Valley Parkway. It was built in honor of Banff National Parks 125 anniversary. From the Banff Townsite, one is able to cycle a section of the Bow Valley Parkway/Hwy 1A which is closed to traffic from May 1 to June 25 and Sept 1 to Oct 1.
Plenty of views along the Legacy Trail. For many locals, it’s just another MUP used for commuting between the two townsites. What an invigorating way to start one’s work week wouldn’t you agree?
Made from recycled plastic, these bright red Adirondack chairs are placed in various locations within the confines of the park. These two are at the Valleyview picnic area along the Legacy Trail.
The only recumbent that we came across but ebikes were in abundance as well as those on non powered rides.
Cycling down Banff Avenue. As a kid, my dad used to take the entire family and haul our old single-axle travel trailer to Tunnel Mountain or Two Jack Lake for weekend outings. It was truly an adventure for us youngsters and a way for my pop to escape the stress of work that he left behind. Those days are history and Banff has lost much of its rustic charm to over zealous development and upscale boutiques. Nevertheless, it’s a mecca for tourism and will always carry special moments for those who either are only here for the day or fortunate enough to plan a multi day trip.
Just outside of the townsite, we stopped briefly to admire the views along Vermilion Lakes Road. The fall colors were just starting to emerge and the reflection off the lakes with the majestic backdrop of Rundle Mtn speaks for itself.
The junction at Hwy 1A and the TC Hwy overpass.
Bienvenu! The start of our car(e)free run along the Bow Valley Parkway.
Note: Vehicles are still allowed on the west section of the parkway from Johnston Canyon to Whitehorn Road near Lake Louise so it wasn’t all fun and games.
Site of a prescribed burn that took place back in 1993.
Sai climbs her way up the final crest towards Castle Junction.
A little over two hours before arriving at Castle Mountain Junction. We stopped for a quick snack before turning south for the return leg back to Canmore.
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lol.