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5 Mountain Biking Spots in Alberta Both Skilled and Beginners Will Enjoy
If you ask locals what they do for fun in Canada’s great outdoors, they’ll most likely answer mountain biking. I’m guilty of this as well, as it’s one of the first things I got into when I moved to Alberta.
It’s hard to avoid getting into mountain biking in Alberta, as the city features amazing trails that offer exciting challenges and spectacular views. Avoiding this hobby would be like seeing a pot of gold and not dipping your hands into it—but I digress.
So allow me to gush about my favourite trails around the city as I provide in-depth descriptions of them on this list. This way, you can add another exciting activity to your week-long itinerary in Alberta!
High Rockies
Media credit: dazed.adventure
Location
Approximate length: 80 kilometres
Elevation gain: 2,789 metres
Estimated time to complete: 21 hours and 51 minutes
Challenge level: Moderate to advanced
High Rockies is one of the go-to trails of expert mountain bikers and hikers. It covers a total of 2,789 metres, but you don’t have to go through the entire trail in one go—in fact, people usually camp overnight to complete it!
As you may have gleaned from its name, the trail offers spectacular views of the Alberta Rockies, from its snowy peaks down to its countless pine trees. One of the best spots to admire these views is the suspension bridge that hangs above a breathtaking creek.
We’ve decided to categorise it under expert because of its length, but the trail itself is moderate because it’s well-maintained. There are rocky roads here and there, but it’s mostly purposely built for hiking and mountain biking.
Pro tip:
Pack as many extra layers as you can fit in your backpack when visiting the High Rockies, as the weather here is volatile. It may be sunny at the beginning of your adventure, but it can get extremely cold once you start gaining elevation.
Lake Minnewanka Shoreside
Media credit: eldielivingstone
Location
Approximate length: 15.6 kilometres
Elevation gain: 505 metres
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours and 31 minutes
Challenge level: Moderate
Lake Minnewanka offers one of the most scenic mountain biking trails in Alberta, thanks to its thick blanket of snow. But even if it’s out and sunny, you’ll still be mesmerised by the sight of the titular lake.
We like to classify it as an easy-to-moderate trail because the paths themselves aren’t well-maintained, and there are rough terrains here and there. We have a feeling that you won’t be focusing too much on the trails, though, as the cross-country trail offers plentiful views.
The Devil’s Gap is one of the highlights of this trail, offering stunning sights of pine trees as far as the eye can see. However, if the trail left you wanting more, some bikers opt to continue their adventure to the Ghost River Wilderness Area.
Pro tip:
Since this place is home to bears, be sure to bring a repellant spray and learn how to use it beforehand through Parks Canada’s official website.
Braggin Rights
Media credit: braggcreektrails
Location
Approximate length: 15.1 kilometres
Elevation gain: 555 metres
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours and 35 minutes
Challenge level: Moderate
If you’re looking for a moderately challenging mountain biking loop, then Braggin Rights should be right up your alley! This aptly named trail will satisfy the adventure-seeker in you, as conquering it isn’t a cakewalk but is extremely rewarding.
For starters, you’ll be granted stunning views of the valley and the hills. If you’re lucky, you may even bump into its gorgeous wildlife species, like deer living their best lives.
However, we do want to note that this place is a famous attraction for joggers and pet owners, so be ready to share the trail. Speaking of, the trail of this loop is mostly well-maintained, and the only thing you have to worry about is the slightly descending paths along the way.
Pro tip:
You can also try snowshoeing if you prefer something more slowed down as opposed to mountain biking. The best time to try this activity is from October to March when snow levels are at the perfect height.
The Odyssey
Media credit: canmore.nordiccentre
Location
Approximate length: 2.6 kilometres
Elevation gain: 76 metres
Estimated time to complete: 19 minutes
Challenge level: Easy to moderate
Thrill-seekers will love The Odyssey because of its exciting descending tracks. Going down these paths will grant you ridiculous speeds, so it’s best to keep your fingers on the brakes for this one!
At first glance, it may seem like a scary trail, but thanks to the mostly well-maintained paths and berms, it’s easy to ride through. It’s also one of those trails you could go through multiple times because of its short but sweet total distance.
We recommend experiencing it at both high and low speeds. The former is great for your daily dose of adrenaline rush, while the latter is perfect for taking in the views of the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park.
Pro tip:
Check out Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park’s trail report page for the latest updates regarding the tracks’ condition before visiting. There may be some closures due to maintenance or unsafe weather conditions.
Ranger Summit
Media credit: cara.mcculloch3
Location
Approximate length: 8.9 kilometres
Elevation gain: 364
Estimated time to complete: 2 hours 49 minutes
Challenge level: Advanced
Ranger Summit is a moderately challenging trail enjoyed by both cyclists and hikers. It mostly consists of rocky off-road tracks that feature numerous winding paths.
Cyclists will also love the slight descents of the track, especially the smooth ones during wintertime.
Meanwhile, the views mainly consist of the tall trees in the area. But, the real reward comes at the end of the trail, where you’ll be greeted by the stunning sights of the ridge!
Pro tip:
Consider bringing your dogs here if you’re planning on hiking! The trail features sections that allow dogs to roam free without a leash.
