© Paul Zizka Photography
Banff Legacy Trail
Banff National Park
The Banff Legacy Trail was built for Banff National Park’s 125th anniversary. The trail is a celebration of the values of the national park, encouraging visitors and Bow Valley residents to explore the landscape in an environmentally friendly way.
The Banff Legacy Trail is best enjoyed from mid-April to mid-October. A Winter Conditions Warning is in effect on the trail from the first snows of fall until the trail is snow-free enough to be maintained in the spring.
- 22.3 km of paved pathway and parkway from the Bow Valley Parkway to the Banff Park East Gate
- The trail extends an additional 4.5 km from the Banff Park East Gate to the Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre in Canmore. The entire trail is collectively referred to as the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail - a distance of 26.8 km, with a 30 m elevation gain and an estimated timeline of 2-3 hour round trip for cyclists.
- A multi-use recreational pathway accessible mid-April to mid-October (weather permitting)
- Multiple rest spots and picnic areas along the way
- Informative interpretive panels
- Links to other trail networks
Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail Map (PDF 8.6 MB)
Trail Distances
| Trail Segments | km |
|---|---|
| Bow Valley Parkway to Vermilion Lakes Drive | 1.7 |
| Vermilion Lakes Drive | 4.3 |
| South Norquay Road to Railway Tracks | 0.6 |
| Through the town of Banff (Railway tracks to east end of Banff Avenue) | 2.2* |
| End of Banff Avenue to Cascade Ponds connector | 3.4 |
| Cascade Ponds connector to Banff Park East Gate | 12.3 |
| Banff Park East Gate to Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre | 4.5 |
| Total distance | 26.8* |
* Distance through the town of Banff is not included as part of the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail distance.
Trailhead and Parking
The Cascade Ponds Picnic Area is the recommended parking location and starting point for the Banff Legacy Trail. Parking is also available at:
- Town of Banff Fenlands Recreation Centre
- Banff Train Station parking lots
- Valleyview Picnic Area
- Fenland Picnic Area
Gates and electrified rubber mats
- There are five sets of pedestrian gates on the trail, three of which may be bypassed by cyclists via state-of-the-art, solar-powered electrified mats that span its width.
- The gates are intended to protect wildlife and to create an uninterrupted route for cyclists.
- Mats allow the gates to be open for trail users and deliver a low amperage charge (10 kilovolts) to deter wildlife from accessing highway and trail systems.
- Cyclists simply roll across the mats without stopping.
- Pedestrians, pets and other users should avoid the mats completely and use the pedestrian gate.
About the electrified mats…
The charge is uncomfortable, but not harmful.
To avoid a charge, ride across the mats without stopping.
Keep pets off of the mats, as they will get an uncomfortable shock.
Cyclists can cross the mats with no effect thanks to their rubber tires, do not dismount unless you are wearing rubber-soled shoes.
Considerations for wheelchair users and recumbent cyclists
The trail travels through the heart of the Canadian Rockies over rolling terrain. There are a few short, steep hills along the way. These spots are clearly marked with signage. Be aware of these locations and ensure you have a plan to travel safely.
Traveling through the town of Banff
Users following the pathway have route options for travelling through the town of Banff: a scenic route travelling through the neighborhoods of Banff or a more direct route through the downtown district.
Trail Etiquette
This multi-use recreation path is built for the enjoyment of diverse users – from cyclists to skateboarders to in-line skaters. To ensure enjoyment of all users, please:
- Always keep to the right.
- Wear a helmet.
- Use power-assisted bicycles responsibly; yield to slower trail users.
- Travel at a reasonable and controlled speed; maximum 20km/h is advised.
- Announce “on your left” and pass with care.
- Horses always have the right of way; stop and allow horses to pass safely.
- Keep your pets on leash and under physical control at all times.
If you encounter any wildlife along the trail, give them the space they need to continue moving in the direction that they are traveling.
More information
Contact us or email banffinfo@pc.gc.ca
Related links
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