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Alberta

Vermilion Lakes – View of Backswamp loop from Banff

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Canada

Alberta

Vermilion Lakes – View of Backswamp loop from Banff

Moderate

4.6

(29)

444

riders

Vermilion Lakes – View of Backswamp loop from Banff

02:59

49.4km

400m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Banff National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

104 m

The Great Divide

Highlight • Mountain Pass

3.46 km

Vermilion Lakes

Highlight • Lake

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

Tip by

4.91 km

Vermilion Lake Viewpoint

Viewpoint

5.30 km

Banff National Park Parking

Highlight • Parking

7.56 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 …

Tip by

7.57 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

10.3 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

25.1 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

37.7 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 …

Tip by

49.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

36.9 km

11.5 km

843 m

159 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

48.7 km

375 m

204 m

143 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

Tuesday 1 September

21°C

6°C

-- %

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Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Vermilion Lakes – View of Backswamp loop from Banff

The Great Divide

Vermilion Lakes

Banff National Park Parking

Bow Valley Parkway

Fireside Day Use Area

View of Backswamp

Johnston Canyon Entrance

Wildlife viewing along the Bow Valley Parkway

Nearby routes

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