Route

A once in a lifetime opportunity to ride a gran fondo in one of the world's most picturesque locations, Banff National Park. Connect intimately with the surrounding scenery and cultural heritage as you ride this spectacular, fully-supported course. 

The Journey - GranFondo 150km

Riders will follow a counter-clockwise path around Tunnel Mountain and past the Hoodoos. Continuing to the gorgeous and challenging Lake Minnewanka, cyclists will ride along Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive in a counter-clockwise direction. Riders then go back through the downtown core and around Central Park where family, friends and spectators will be cheering.

After a healthy dose of encouragement, the route ventures off onto the epic Bow Valley Parkway. By this point, the welcoming vistas and surrounding beauty of the town will have you thinking, "I have arrived in Banff. The Bow Valley Parkway will see temporary closures to vehicular traffic for your riding pleasure, so soak in the experience and enjoy the ride. Ride the undulating roads all the way to the Lake Louise Turnaround, our third Rest Stop. Make your way back down towards Banff along the same parkway, but take note of the beautiful change in views and scenery.

The Journey - Medio 90km

For years, riders have been asking for an option of a shorter distance in the RBC GranFondo Banff. Drumroll please... announcing the new, 90km Medio route. Medio riders will experience the same breathtaking vistas on the the closed Bow Valley Parkway as the granfondo riders, but avoid the steepest climb found up Tunnel Mountain. All of the fun and a third less the distance. Startling in Central Park at 8:30am, Medio riders will head west on Bow Avenue and follow the Bow River and join the GranFondo riders on the Bow Valley Parkway.

The Epic Bow Valley Parkway

As you ride along this part of the course, take in the fact that you are riding through ages of history. Running parallel to the Bow Valley Parkway is the famed Canadian Pacific Railway, which took four years to build from 1881 to 1885. The Canadian Pacific Railway was instrumental in Banff's early years, building the Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise to attract tourists from all over North America.

The ride will end in the town of Banff, but the event is far from over. Dismount your bike and join in on the celebration with family and friends at Central Park, the location of the Finish & Celebration Plaza. Refuel your body, enjoy the music and celebrate all you have achieved.

On Course Support

All riders are fully supported along the course with Rest Stops. No need for support crews to follow riders - we’ve got you covered. 

All Rest Stops will supply:

• Fresh water provided by the Town of Banff
• Isotonic/electrolyte beverages
• Nutritional supplements
• First Aid attendants ready to help with any ailments to your body
• Toilets
• Mechanical assistance with fully trained mechanics and tools available to assist riders in making repairs

Please note: Rest Stops will have nutritional supplements available but are not intended to provide the primary meal for riders during the day.

GranFondo Course Map

See below for the entire 2016 RBC GranFondo Banff Route Map with Rest Stop information as well as an elevation profile. Note: the route may be delayed, re-routed, or shortened due to a presence of sensitive wildlife on course!

For a more detailed map, visit our RidewithGPS Page.

Total GranFondo Distance: 150 km
Total GranFondo Elevation: 1440 metres

(Click image to view as a PDF)

Medio Course Map

See below for the entire 2016 RBC GranFondo Banff Medio Route Map with Rest Stop information as well as an elevation profile. Note: the route may be delayed, re-routed, or shortened due to a presence of sensitive wildlife on course!

For a more detailed map, visit our RidewithGPS Page.

Total Medio Distance: 90km
Total Medio Elevation: 770 metres
Total Medio Rest Stops: 2 rest stops

(Click image to view as a PDF)