View of Backswamp – Vermilion Lakes loop from Johnston Canyon

Bike touring routes & trails

Canada

Alberta

View of Backswamp – Vermilion Lakes loop from Johnston Canyon

Moderate

4.6

(36)

551

riders

View of Backswamp – Vermilion Lakes loop from Johnston Canyon

02:36

42.7km

360m

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: September 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Banff National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

12.3 km

Wildlife viewing along the Bow Valley Parkway

Highlight • Viewpoint

Stretching for 48 kilometres between Banff and Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway is widely regarded as one of the park’s best wildlife-viewing corridors due to its lower elevation, diverse vegetation, and relatively quiet atmosphere compared to the nearby Trans-Canada Highway.

Tip by

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!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

16.7 km

Bow Valley Parkway

Highlight • Cycleway

Connecting Banff with Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway provides access to all manner of superb outdoor adventures. Here is the jumping off point for adventures up to the Cory Pass, routes to Mount Edith and for those looking to explore the Bear Spirit Trail, popular with ice climbers in winter due to its frozen waterfall.

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 not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17-kilometre section of the Bow Valley Parkway from the Fireside Day Use Area to Johnston Canyon Campground. This is to ensure the area remains a high quality home for wildlife.

Tip by

20.8 km

Vermilion Lakes

Highlight • Lake

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

Tip by

22.2 km

Vermilion Lake Viewpoint

Viewpoint

22.6 km

Banff National Park Parking

Highlight • Parking

42.3 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 a tall canyon. You explore beautiful waterfalls and scenic pools. The biggest waterfalls are Lower Falls and Upper Falls. So it is definitely worth to get off your bike and do a little hike.

Tip by

42.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

34.5 km

7.23 km

752 m

159 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

42.0 km

728 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 4 October

10°C

1°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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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