Cascade Trail
Banff, Alberta, Canada

Cascade Trail is a true backcountry adventure as it takes you well away from civilization. Best ridden in the fall, Cascade is a scenic ride that can be enjoyed by novice riders and families. An out-and-back, one has the option to turn around at any point to return to the Upper Bankhead parking lot.

This ride is an enjoyable cruise along a former fire road, now doubletrack, taking you towards Stony Creek. The ride starts with a sustained climb, which eases at about the 4 km mark. The rest of the ride along the doubletrack is undulating with no huge elevation gain. Ride in groups and carry bear spray as the trail takes you well into the Cascade Valley, prime bear habitat.

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Trail Stats

Distance: 29.6 km (return)
Time: 2 - 4 hrs
Elevation Gain: 457 m
Elevation Loss: 457 m
Min Elevation: 1,462 m
Max Elevation: 1,669 m
Technical Rating: Intermediate
Physical Rating: Moderate
Season: June - October
Permit Required: Yes (Park Pass)

Trail Location

Trailhead: The trail starts at the Upper Bankhead parking lot. Drive North on Lake Minnewanka Road – do not turn right towards Two Jack – for about 3.5 km until you see a large sign indicating to turn left into the Upper Bankhead parking lot. The trailhead sign indicates the direction of Stony Creek, among other points of interest; there is no mention of Cascade Trail, but rest assured this is the direction of your ride.

GPS: N51 14.215 W115 31.145

Downloads

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

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