Banff Legacy Trail

Banff, Alberta, Canada

The Banff Legacy Trail, built to commemorate Parks Canada’s 125th anniversary, was completed in the fall of 2010. It is a scenic three metre wide, 22 kilometres-long, commuter trail. The route runs parallel to the highway and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. A great trail for families and cyclists of all abilities to enjoy.

The main leg of the trail begins at the end of Banff Avenue and heads east to the Banff East Gate. An extension to the Legacy trail from the Banff East Gate to Harvie Heights is currently under construction, while a proposed extension from the Harvie Heights overpass to the Info Centre in Canmore is currently under review.

Please note, parking at the Banff East Gate is not allowed; therefore, I suggest starting your trip in Banff where you’ll find plenty of parking. From there you can take the main leg (16km) east or opt for a shorter route by taking the Legacy to the 1A (6km). The second option is to park in Canmore and ride the roads to the start of the trail at the East Gates.

bikepirate rating:

Trail Stats

Distance: 16km (Banff Ave to East Gates)
Time: 1 - 2 hrs
Elevation Gain: 46 m
Elevation Loss: 103 m
Min Elevation: 1,329 m
Max Elevation: 1,393 m
Technical Rating: Beginner
Physical Rating: Easy
Season: May - October
Permit Required: Yes (Park Pass)

Trail Location

Trailhead: Access the main leg of the Legacy Trail via Banff Avenue. Look for the trail to your right when leaving Banff.

The extension to the 1A starts on Vermilion Lake Road off of Mt. Norquay Road.

GPS:
N51 08.015 W115 24.433 (East Gate)
N51 11.193 W115 33.197 (Banff Ave)
N 51 11.146 W115 34.935 (Vermilion)

Downloads

Trail Map: click here
GPS Map (GPX): click here
Google Earth: click here
Trail Report: click here

Google Earth trail view only works if you have the program; download it here (free)

Buy your Banff trail guide:
Bow Valley Mountain Bike Trail Guide
 
  • Begee0831

    What is this I hear about needing a permit to ride a bicycle into Banff?

    • http://www.bikepirate.com Peter Oprsal

      Can you be more specific as to what you’re asking? To visit any National Park across Canada you need a day or season pass. Please see Parks Canada for more details.

  • Dave_williams

    April 18, 2012:   The trail Is not swept, but is almost clear of snow. 100m around the valley view
    lookout, and again a bit near banff. Not swept, so take a cross bike,
    or a mountain bike. but once the snow goes, it should get cleared soon.



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