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Alberta

View of Backswamp – First Vermilion Lake loop from Johnston Canyon

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Canada

Alberta

View of Backswamp – First Vermilion Lake loop from Johnston Canyon

Moderate

4.8

(32)

482

riders

View of Backswamp – First Vermilion Lake loop from Johnston Canyon

02:46

45.4km

380m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 20, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Banff National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

14.0 km

View of Backswamp

Highlight • Viewpoint

Incredible view. Really incredible! My personal highlight of the area, you can see the glowing Bow River behind a scenic train and in the background the huge Backswamp. Phenomenal!

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Tip by

16.7 km

Fireside Day Use Area

Highlight • Rest Area

This is the entrance to the Fireside Day Use Area and the trailhead to Cory Pass Trail and Bearspirit Trail.

Please note: From March 1st to June 25th, travel is …

Tip by

22.1 km

First Vermilion Lake

Highlight • Lake

First of three beautiful lakes outside of Banff.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

22.9 km

Vermilion Lake Viewpoint

Viewpoint

23.5 km

Vermilion Lakes

Highlight • Lake

A beautiful spot just outside of Banff. Great for bike rides, hikes, paddles, etc...

Tip by

25.4 km

Johnston Canyon Entrance

Highlight • Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a true gem and also one of the most popular spots in Banff National Park. A foot trail leads along the shore of Johnston Creek deep into …

Tip by

45.4 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

34.5 km

9.97 km

745 m

159 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

44.7 km

721 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,490 m)

Lowest point (1,380 m)

Weather

Sunday 28 June

7°C

3°C

-- %

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Comments

September 13, 2025,Banff to Johnston Canyon along Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway)

Via Vermillion Lakes, Sundance Ridge and Sawback Ridge. This section of highway 1A is closed to motorised traffic for a few weeks in late summer and accessible from Banff from the Fireside Day Use Area. Perfect for a quick spin to Johnston Canyon

May 25, 2025,25.05 - De Banff à Johnston Canyon

A beautiful, sunny Sunday on a magnificent route!
Mountains, lakes, and forests as far as the eye can see. We encountered lots of animals; the wildlife was out in force!

On the lunch menu: first poutine followed by... two cups of Ben & Jerry's 😋

We ended the day with a hike in Johnston Canyon, with its stunning waterfalls.

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View of Backswamp – First Vermilion Lake loop from Johnston Canyon

View of Backswamp

Fireside Day Use Area

First Vermilion Lake

Vermilion Lakes

Banff National Park Parking

Johnston Canyon Entrance

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