The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail 

The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail is a very popular off road, multi-use recreational trail that connects the towns of Canmore and Banff. The Legacy Trail is located primarily in Banff National Park and opened in 2010 to commemorate Parks Canada's 125 anniversary.

The Legacy Trail has a 3 m wide asphalt surface, is 27 km long one-way, runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway, and is usually open between
mid-April and mid-October. A round trip for cyclists typically requires 2 to 3 hours.

Banff townsite is 60 m higher than Canmore townsite so cycling from Banff to Canmore is easier and usually aided by a tailwind. Roam Transit
buses operate between Banff and Canmore. All Roam buses are equipped with exterior bike racks for up to three bikes (including e-bikes up to 25 kg/55 lbs), so cycling in one direction and riding Roam Transit for the return trip enables more people to experience the Legacy Trail.

There are two Legacy Trail day use areas, that provide ideal places to stop and take in spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, including the
Rundle Range and Cascade Mountain. Both day use areas feature Parks Canada 'red chairs' and have picnic tables and public washrooms.

The Valley View Day Use Area is located at the halfway point between Banff and Canmore. Access to the Cascade Ponds Day Use Area is approximately 4 km from the Banff trailhead. Use the short tunnel under the Trans-Canada Highway, beside a wildlife gate, and bike 0.5 km to the Cascade Ponds. This short detour from the Legacy Trail to the Cascade Ponds, is worth the effort!

The Legacy Trail has recorded more than one million rides over the last decade, and over 3,000 rides in a day in July 2020. The advent of e-bikes in the last few years, and many new bike and e-bike rental operations in Banff and Canmore, have made the Legacy Trail even more popular.

Visit Parks Canada Legacy Trail page for a map, trail etiquette, and other details that can help make it a great day!