March 23, 2011 (Banff, AB) – Banff National Park Opens Picturesque Trails-Breathtaking scenery right from your saddle (Authentic Experiencer) Canada’s first national park offers some of the most inspiring cycling in the Canadian Rockies suited for all abilities. Now with the expansion of two new trails to the 190 km system, cyclists will have even more options conveniently accessible from the town of Banff.

Conceived to celebrate the park’s 125th anniversary, the Banff Legacy Trail opens officially in 2011. Cyclists can now travel from the park east gate to Lake Louise and beyond on a combination of paved, non-motorized trails and parkways.

Banff’s Tunnel Mountain trail system has long been a well-kept secret with the locals. New upgrades and trail loops, signage, and maps have been added to make the nearly 20 km of trail systems even more available to beginner, intermediate, and advanced cyclists. The scenic and quiet trails connect cyclists to magnificent views overlooking Mount Rundle, Spray Valley and the renowned Hoodoos—those spire-like rocks that jut majestically out of the landscape.

From mountain bikers who enjoy intense climbs, to road bikers looking for gentle treks on asphalt, Banff National Park offers remarkable landscapes for cyclists, right from the bike saddle.

2011 Banff National Park Bike Fest – June 16 to 19
Banff National Park will be home to the 4th annual Bike Fest, June 16 through 19. Elite cyclists from across Western Canada and the United States come to Banff National Park for the four-day festival to participate in a 6-kilometre hill climb, an 80-kilometre sprint, a 21-kilometre Individual Time Trail, a 117 kilometre men’s road race, a 52-kilometre women’s road race and criterium race. Athletes expect tough and challenging courses with hairpin turns, breakaway sprints and fierce competition while spectators enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery and the excitement as cyclists whip past at remarkable speeds.