Cycle tour in May in Kananaskis, kooteney and Yoho National Parks

Hi guys,

I am new here and looking for some advice, I have suddenly found out I have 3 weeks off work (visa issues - i'm from england) and so want to do some bike touring so that i'm not just wasting my free time. I live in Calgary, so want to do around an 8 day solo cycle tour in kananaskis, kootenay and yoho, but from all the information i've read its still way too early and the winter gates are still closed and at best i might be able to do a big circle around it all rather than meandering through the parks themselves.

Has anyone done much cycle touring in this area and have any advice for me, particularly on the time of year? I would also love to go offroad a bit on mountain bike trails but i spoke to the visitor centres and they pretty much seemed shocked that I even asked! My guidebook says that they open in may though and I would be looking at going on or just before the 1st of May.

Also advice on what you believe are the best and most scenic routes would be great, I'm not looking for the hardest and most challenging routes although i am capable of them if need be, but i mostly enjoy seeing the scenery and spotting wildlife than pushing myself to the limits!

Any help/advice very much appreciated!

Regards,

Shelley

I am in Calgary.

Really, you would be advised not to cycle on the trails up in the mountains...since the weather is unpredictable at this time of year. Calgarians are accustomed to freak snowstorm..even in July. And the city is not even in the mountains/higher elevation.

The ground is still muddy/slippery and soft with melting snow on higher elevation. I know because a work colleague who does go skiing, and hiking, spent last weekend with his girlfriend in Canmore town, not doing a whole lot: not worth hiking in. And he knows Canmore/Kanaskaskis area.

This is not England at all. It is wilderness with animals and bears like to come down eventually too to get more food. We have travelled by car on the Bow Valley Parkway in spring, which should be ok on the roads. But still no, not go cycling on the trails in the parks. But again, the big if, is sudden weather changes...very different from Calgary at times...meaning colder, snowier and icier.

Frankly I don't think it's that pretty at this time of year, the deciduous trees are still abit bare and brown.

Have you gone skiing/snowshoeing or snowboarding this winter in Banff/Kanaskaskis or Canmore area or Lake Louise? Lake Louise got a ton of snow, at least quadruple the amount compared to Calgary. We were there snowshoeing in January.

The parks staff are well trained and know their territory well. Take their advice...

Yes Yoho National Park is gorgeous..Marble Canyon, etc. For a 1-2 day ride around the edges of the parks, etc. on paved roads, would be better. If I was in your shoes, I would wait another 2 wks. or so.