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Alberta

Bow River Trail – View of Backswamp loop from Banff

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Canada

Alberta

Bow River Trail – View of Backswamp loop from Banff

Moderate

4.7

(23)

392

riders

Bow River Trail – View of Backswamp loop from Banff

03:01

50.0km

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: March 1, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Banff National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

617 m

Bow River Trail

Highlight • Trail

Along the Bow River, from the train tracks to almost the Surprise Corner or the Bow Falls, there is a beautiful trail, the Bow River Sidewalk. To pause there are …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3.33 km

Vermilion Lake Viewpoint

Viewpoint

4.04 km

Vermilion Lakes

Highlight • Lake

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

Tip by

5.88 km

Banff National Park Parking

Highlight • Parking

8.14 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

10.8 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

25.7 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

50.0 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

36.9 km

12.2 km

723 m

159 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

49.3 km

368 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

Today

Wednesday 20 May

9°C

-1°C

63 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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

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Bow River Trail – View of Backswamp loop from Banff

Bow River Trail

Vermilion Lakes

Banff National Park Parking

Fireside Day Use Area

View of Backswamp

Johnston Canyon Entrance

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