CYCLING TOURS AND HOLIDAYS

CANADIAN ROCKIES & WHISTLER GRANFONDO


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28 August - 11 September 2023 - SOLD OUT

Join us for a 15 Day Cycling Tour Exploring the Canadian Rockies. Finishing with the awesome Vancouver to Whistler Gran Fondo.


Ride Holidays invites you to join us on this amazing cycle tour and holiday. Experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies; a part of the world that was simply designed for a bicycle. Our tour will then meander in and out of the Canadian Rockies. Stopping at Lake Louise, Banff and of course Jasper National Park. The cycling is epic however we also prioritise wildlife, Canadian culture and of course great restaurants. A perfect mix of cycling, relaxing and sightseeing.

We use two vehicles in Canada. We can cater for all abilities, for example - we can easily drop cappuccino riders up the road so that they don't need to try and keep up with the espresso cyclists. We will always have a vehicle at the front, as well as at the back. We can also offer e-bikes which takes the pressure off.

Despite the word Rockies - this tour isn't overly hilly. It's not like Italy or France. The roads tend to snake through the valleys as opposed to heading over a mountain col. Those that want to be challenged certainly will. Those who want an exercised based holiday will get exactly that. It's the perfect holiday - for everyone.

Our last ride is the epic Vancouver - Whistler Gran Fondo. It really is a fantastic way to finish. And by that stage you will certainly be fit. Whistler is also a pretty good place to relax for a few days.

See you in Calgary.




Overview of the Tour










Tour Details


Tour Inclusions

  • Gran Fondo Canada - Vancouver to Whistler
  • Two nights in Vancouver - one of the world's most beautiful cities
  • Two nights in Whistler - you will see bears, not possums.
  • Choice of two to three guided rides daily. 50km to 100km plus
  • Jasper and Banff national parks
  • Two vehicles allowing for lots of flexibility
  • Ride 230km along the Icefields Parkway
  • Three cycle guides, mechanic and drivers
  • 3 & 4 star accommodation throughout
  • 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners (includes tips)
  • All cycling snacks while on the road.
  • Capilano Bridge entry
  • Bike Transport in a custom enclosed secure bike trailer
  • All Gratuities for Staff/Drivers
  • National Park Passes
  • Ride Cycling jersey and souvenir booklet


The Tour Price Excludes

  • Airfares and travel insurance (Karl can arrange this)
  • Bike hire - can be arranged. (Gravel bikes or e-bikes)
  • Additional excursions (kayaking, golf, hot springs etc)

The Tour Cost

  • $NZD9600.00per person twin share

  • $NZD2500.00 for single room

  • $675.00 Bike Hire (Optional)

The NZD & AUD vs CAD exchange rate has always been challenging. We reserve the right to adjust the tour cost.

There will be a $2000.00 NZD per person deposit to be paid 12 months out. Canadian hotels demand that.

Full payment will be 60 days prior to departure. (Both of these can now be covered via various travel insurance policies which would be my recommendation.











    Canadian Rockies Cycle Tour Itinerary

    Day 1, Monday 28 August 

    Arrive Calgary

    Welcome to Calgary and the province of Alberta. Once you've cleared Customs and Immigration you will be met by Ride Holidays and transferred to your hotel. Which is perfectly located in central Calgary. This afternoon we help you put bikes together and make sure that the rentals fit properly. We'll then pop out for a short ride around the city just to make sure everything is working. (You and the bike)

    Tonight, we'll have our first team dinner together. Not just an ordinary dinner. Good friends of Karl's own a craft brewery nearby and we'll do a tasting followed by a meal. We'll then introduce everyone and run through the plan for the next 15 days. Great to have you here. Welcome to Canada.

    / Accommodation: Westin Calgary
    / Meals Included: Dinner and welcome drinks.

    Ps, it would be our advice for you to arrive one day prior to the trip starting. We will book your accommodation and arrange transfers if you choose to do this.


    Day 2, Tuesday 29 August

    Highwood Pass…

    After breakfast we pack the vehicles and head off towards the Canadian Rockies. Yes, things are about to become lumpy. It's a two and a half-hour drive. Our home for tonight is the Pomeroy at Kananaskis. The lodge sits 1500m above sea level. A stunning hotel that you won't forget. And, in 2018 & 2019 we saw bears here.

    This area has 4,000 square kilometers of National Parks. Our goal is Highwood Pass. Canada's highest paved road which tops out at 2200m above sea level. This pass is completely closed from 01 November through to the end of March.

    Our plan today – please pack all your cycle gear in your day bags as you won’t have access to your luggage. We’ll find a nice place to park the vans 30km away from the summit of Highwood pass. We’ll then ride to the top and then down the other side to our hotel. It’s an amazing descent. All up we’re looking at 80km however there’s certainly no pressure on all of you to do that. The vans will be around you at all times so you can pretty much hop in when you’ve had enough. There’s also the option of a few extra km’s for those wanting the three figures

    Today we'll see who has been following the training program A true test of your fitness. You will also start to realise how beautiful Canada is. There's plenty of time for photos.

    / Accommodation: Kananaskis Pomeroy
    / Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


    Day 3, Wednesday 30 August

    Kananaskis to Banff (hotel to hotel)

    After breakfast we leave our Pomeroy Hotel and head towards the tourist resort town of Banff. Other than Whistler this is the biggest town we'll stay in.

    There will again be cappuccino, latte and espresso options today. Ranging from a social 60km right through to 85km which will be hotel to hotel. Team Macchiato (non-riders) - it's worth having a look at Canmore. Especially the Winter Olympic Park that dominated the 1988 games.

    Canmore which sits at about halfway on today's journey is where we'll stop for lunch. After lunch we ride the new Legacy trail - a traffic free bike path which runs right into Banff.

    Depending upon our arrival time we'll offer shuttles up to the Banff Hot Springs. Bring your speedos - your legs deserve it.

    Tonight, is a free dinner in town. However, we'd suggest you eat at Earls which is where the staff will be hanging out. See you there.

    / Accommodation : Banff Ptarmigan Inn
    / Meals : Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner - own arrangements)

    Day 4, Thursday 31 August

    Exploring Banff

    Today is what we refer to as loop day. There are three loops on offer - you choose. 1,2 or all 3. They're all spectacular. We start with the golf course loop and finish with the lakes loop. There's also a chance to ride up Mount Norquay which is Banff's local ski field. It's a 6km climb at about 6%. If you ride all three loops and also Norquay then your total mileage will be about 75km and 1200m of climbing. Nothing too scary.

    This afternoon we advise you check out the town. It's ideal for those who have promised presents for the grandkids as it has great shopping. Team Mac - if the weather is nice then we'll run you up to the gondola which gives you a 360-degree view of Banff. It's also a prime way of spotting wildlife. In fact, there are quite a few wolves in this area.

    One thing you have to try while in Canada is the iconic Tim Hortons. Timmy's to the locals. Tim was a Canadian ice hockey star before turning his hand to coffee and donuts. The result being Canada's largest fast-food chain. I for one can't wait to get back there.

    Tonight's dinner is at your leisure (there's no shortage of options) although Karl has booked a number of seats at Banff Brewing Company just a short walk from the hotel, we hope to see you there.

    / Accommodation - Banff Ptarmigan Inn
    / Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner - own arrangements)








    Day 5, Friday 01 September 

    Lake Louise

    Again, we ride hotel to hotel. That’s the beautiful thing about this trip. Some of you will hardly set foot in a vehicle.

    We ride a tourist road which is used in the Banff Gran Fondo. It's 60km of pure bliss and very little traffic.

    Time permitting we'll cycle up (or drive) to Moraine Lake and then up to Lake Louise itself. Touristy but a must see. We'll look for a friendly Canadian pub as you certainly deserve a cold drink. We aren't in a rush today. Relax, spin and take it all in.

    Tonight, we dine at the train station. It's actually a gorgeous old restaurant these days so I doubt it will be just a standard railway pie. The next three days offer some challenging cycling.

    Tomorrow we start on the Icefields Parkway.

    / Accommodation: Lake Louise Mountaineer Lodge, Lake Louise
    / Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner. (Lunch own arrangements)


    Day 6, Saturday 02 September

    Icefields Parkway

    It's our first day of three on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) which joins the hamlet of Lake Louise in Banff National Park with the Town of Jasper in Jasper National Park. The total distance is just shy of 250km.

    The Icefields Parkway parallels the Continental Divide through some of the most wild and remote portions of Banff and Jasper national parks. It is a veritable feast of glaciated peaks, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and the spectacular Athabasca Glacier - part of the Columbia Icefield.

    Today's first section is not to be missed. It will be a highlight of the trip. Our ride again travels hotel to hotel. The absolute highlight being Bow Summit (2129 m above sea level) which looks out across Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. If you can't take a good photo today, then you shouldn't be in charge of a camera. (phone)

    Located in Banff National Park in the heart of the famous Canadian Rockies, The Crossing Resort nestles at the base of towering Mt. Wilson. Surrounded by stunning mountain vistas and glaciers.

    / Accommodation: The Crossing - Icefields Parkway
    / Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner - own arrangements)


    Day 7, Sunday 03 September 

    Columbia Icefields

    Another day in the Rockies, another day in Paradise. Everywhere you look are snow covered peaks. It’s day # 2 on the Icefields Parkway. You will see a lot of wildlife today. 

    We ride to Sunwapta Falls which is our destination for tonight. A popular (only) hotel in these parts. We had to waitlist 3 years in advance, and it’s only just been confirmed. It’s exactly 100km away.

    For the first 30km you'll be riding next to a series of huge mountains that tower above you, culminating with the Weeping Wall, a sheer 300m high cliff face covered with a series of waterfalls at the base of 3200m high Cirrus Mountain.

    This ride is the most challenging of the whole trip and includes a 10km hill up to Sunwapta Pass. Which sits at just over 2000m and marks the watershed divide between the Athabasca River to the north and the North Saskatchewan system to the south. Waters flowing north from this summit eventually reach the Arctic Ocean via the Mackenzie River.

    The Columbia Icefield is the largest glacier in the Rocky Mountains. Astride the Continental Divide along the border of British Columbia and Alberta. The ice field lies partly in the north-western tip of Banff National Park and partly in the southern end of Jasper National Park.

    We will certainly have the support vans close by. The good news is that it's all downhill after lunch. There will be plenty of time for those who want to walk the Glacier Walkway or visit the Sunwapta Falls.

    / Accommodation: Sunwapta Falls Lodge
    / Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch own arrangements)


    Day 8, Monday 04 September 

    To Jasper we will go....

    Our last day on the Icefields Parkway.

    Again, hotel to hotel. Sunwapta to Jasper is only about 60kms. There’s an optional (recommended) 30km extension up to Mt Edith Cavell. Edith certainly was the surprise package for us when we started running these trips. We offered it as an optional ride and only a handful joined the guides. It's not often I'm speechless however this ride is the one not to miss. At the top you are greeted by a massive glacier and the descent is Ventoux worthy.

    Lunch is at the impressive Athabasca Falls. (Think Huka Falls)

    Our home for the next 2 nights is Jasper. An alpine town in western Alberta, is the commercial centre of Jasper National Park. The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, spanning 10,878 km2 It is located in the province of Alberta, north of Banff National Park and west of Edmonton. The Park includes the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, hot springs, glacier fed lakes, forests, waterfalls, rivers, mountains and abundant wildlife. Speaking of, it was here in 2016 where we we greeted by a rather large Elk and 20 of his closest ladies. They literally walked through where we were staying.

    / Accommodation - Beckers Chalets Jasper
    / Meals included - Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch own arrangements)

    Day 9, Tuesday 05 September

    Jasper oh Jasper

    There are two must do rides here.

    Edith is one – tick.

    The other is Maligne Lake. The round trip from our hotel is just over 100km. And include 1253m of climbing. For the cappuccino and latte riders we will drop you halfway.

    Thousands of tourists descend upon Maligne every day. Only 30 will travel via bike on a road that has an enormous shoulder. One can't help but smile as your riding along taking it the stunning scenery around you.

    For those wanting a day off the bike there's a really good network of walking trails in and out of town. It would be impossible for you to get lost. Well, almost impossible. It’s even worth checking out the laundromat as it offers the best coffee in the whole of Canada. Fact.

    Accommodation – Beckers Chalets Jasper
    Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner own arrangements. The staff will be back at Earls)


    Day 10, Wednesday 06 September

    Blue River

    It's our last day in the Rockies. All good things have to come to an end. We'll have a choice of three rides, ranging from 60km to 127km. Some will be wanting to take it easy given that we have the fondo in three days’ time.

    All rides start from our hotel, and all feature the Mount Robson Provincial Park. It's the second oldest park in the province and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. We ride in awe as Mt Robson slowly comes towards us. At 3,954 m it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rocky chain.

    Tonight, we are staying at Mike Wiegele's luxury heli ski resort. Take a well-earned dip in Eleanor Lake which is literally outside the back door of your cabin. Blue River is well known for its wildlife, and it would be unusual for us not to see Yogi. Warning - do not pat.

    / Accommodation - Blue River Wiegele’s Resort
    / Meals included - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner




    Day 11, Thursday 07 September

    An early start this morning as we travel to Vancouver. Our longest commute of the trip. By no means is a boring drive as the scenery heading up the valley is pretty special. We travel alongside the North Thompson River for most of the day. It's about a 6-hour journey and you should look at today as a recovery day. It’s the only actual non-riding day on the trip.

    Late this afternoon the team will clean and tune all the bikes.

    Vancouver has it all: superb restaurants, world-class shopping, recreation to boggle the mind, and remarkable cultural diversity. With the West Coast’s busiest port, the fairest weather in Canada.

    Our hotel for the next couple of nights is perfectly placed literally right at the entrance to Stanley Park. You could throw a golf ball out your hotel window and hear a splash. (Please don’t do this) That’s how close you are to the harbour

    Tonight, is a free night in an outstanding city. Enjoy.

    / Accommodation: Westin Bayshore Vancouver
    / Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner is own arrangements)


    Day 12, Friday 08 September

    Vancouver

    Pancakes with Maple Syrup please. Why not!! Today is all about active rest. Tomorrow is a big day. After a leisurely breakfast we again target the fantastic cycle paths around Stanley Park with a side trip across the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. Here we'll visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park where you'll cross over the chasm of the Capilano River to towering evergreens, cedar-scented rainforest air and Treetops Adventure. There are 7 suspended footbridges offering views 110 feet above the forest floor to explore. A cliff walk follows a granite precipice along Capilano River with a labyrinth-like series of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms.

    This afternoon it's all about preparing for tomorrow's adventure as we head to the Vancouver Convention Centre to visit the cycle expo and to register / pick up our rider packs for the Sea to Sky Fondo.

    Dinner is included tonight as we run through logistics of getting you and your luggage to Whistler.

    / Accommodation: Westin Bayshore Vancouver
    / Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner



    Day 13, Saturday 09 September

    Sea to Sky Gran Fondo Canada

    Quite probably - the best GranFondo you will ever do. Everything is first class. The scenery, roads, safety and where else can you have waffles and maple syrup at a rest stop. Did I mention that the Lion Gate Bridge and motorway are closed all the way up to Whistler? Just for us. Boom.

    It's an early start this morning. The bonus is that the start line is only 1km from our hotel as we join 5000 cyclists in Stanley Park. The most popular distance is 122 km with an elevation gain of 1700m. A shorter distance of 55 km (Whistler to Whistler) and a longer distance of 152 km (includes 800m extra elevation gain up to the summit of Cypress as a side trip on your way to Whistler) are also available as options for this event.

    We all meet in Whistler for a well-deserved beer at the prize giving. Welcome to the number 1 ski resort in North America although at this time of the year it's lycra, not snow that dominates.

    / Accommodation: Whistler Crystal Lodge
    / Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


    Day 14, Sunday 10 September

    Whistler (paradise) at leisure

    Whistler really is special. Most of your guides have lived there at some stage so will be able to point you in the right direction. Some of you will feel like a day off the bike and in which case there's plenty to choose from.

    Those who want to ride can do so - we'll head out on a leisurely 30km Whistler sightseeing ride around all the bike paths. There will also be a mountain bike option for those who want to catch the gondola to the top and ride back down.

    This afternoon it's time to clean and pack all the bikes away. Tonight, we celebrate our last dinner together. It's been an amazing two weeks.

    / Accommodation: Whistler Crystal Lodge
    / Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch own arrangements)


    Day 15, Monday 11 September

    Home, James | Last Day of the Tour

    You'll be just a hop skip and jump away from Vancouver International Airport. After breakfast some will head straight home. Others may decide to continue travelling. Or, without doubt the best option - stay in Whistler for a few more days.

    Thank you for joining RIDE Holidays. Safe travels back home.

    Meals Included: Breakfast




     

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