Great Divide (NOBO) - Off Day in Canmore (Banff, AB to Canmore, AB)

Off Day in Canmore (Banff, AB to Canmore, AB)
July 9 2022
Banff, AB to Canmore, AB - 16 Miles
Start 9:49 AM Finish 11:38 AM
Total Duration 1:49
Moving Time 1:11
Stopped Time :39
Ascent 284 Feet
Descent 753 Feet
Tour Total 2,834 Miles

I slept great at the Banff Alpine Center (HI) in a lower bunk bed in dormitory room 101. There were backpackers, travelers, and cyclists sharing co-ed rooms. The hostel was akin to something one would find in Europe. Canadians are so civilized. There was a cafe, a bar, a kitchen for guests to use, laundry facilities, and public space throughout the building for guests to socialize. 

Yesterday after I left the brewery I noticed that my front tire was flat, the tour's first. I dealt with it out in front of a Sotheby’s office. Tourists were browsing local real estate prices while I was adding sealant and pumping. My front tire was still leaking when I got to the hostel. I got to work plugging the tire, while drying my wet tent in the sun. I met two Belgian cyclists who were finishing their divide tour. A trail angel had hooked them up with bike boxes, and they were stripping down their rigs and packing. I would be breaking down my bike in a week. I was finally able to get my tire plugged, and was fortunate to be dealing with it at a hostel while enjoying a canned margarita. Afterwards I took a shower and began charging my devices. 

I rode back to the Three Bears where I knew I could watch my bike while I ate. I ordered a Smash Burger with Cheese Fries, a Brown Ale, and a Chocolate Cheesecake. Back at the hostel I enjoyed karaoke performances down in the bar. 

Banff is surrounded by incredible first class mountains. As much as I’d longed for a little civilization, the town was too touristy for my tastes. The Asian and brown skin diversity was the most I’d seen the entire tour. It’s so strange that only yesterday I felt remote and in the middle of nowhere. Aside from the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and a few of the older architectural gems, the town seemed largely synthetic. The surrounding mountains were spectacular.

This morning I got up and shaved. I ran a load of laundry while I was having breakfast. I had the Pete’s Plate, eggs over-easy, sausage, hash-browns, bacon, toast, and orange juice. I had wanted to hang my laundry out in the sun, but it was cloudy so I hit the road. I said goodbye to the Belgians and rode back through Disneyland Banff. I got on the fantastic asphalt Banff Legacy bike trail that paralleled Highway 1, alongside the Bow River and a railroad. A ginormous range, that included Mount Rundle, towered to the west. Tons of day cyclists, skaters, and wheeled skiers were on the path. It was hard to keep my eyes on the road with the beautiful surrounding scenery. The sun came out and I decided to stop and hang my wet laundry on a deer fence. 

In Canmore I went to Rebound Cycle where I purchased more sealant and plugs. Canmore was much smaller than Banff and I quickly got a feel for the town. The Canmore Alpine Club  (HI) had unfortunately been booked so I reserved a bunk at the Party Hostel downtown. I was unable to check in until 4 PM. The nearby Lamphouse Hotel was CA $320 a night. Other hotels cost even more. I hope that I wasn’t being penny smart and dollar foolish. I sat in the Rotary Friendship Park, while I edited reports and posted my social media. I rode over to Riverside Park which had astounding mountain views. I stretched out on a picnic table and took a nap. I passed the time watching people. Afterwards I rode over to The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company where I ordered a Rutting Elk Red and a Boar Bacon Udon Carbonara.

Tire repair in front of the Banff Alpine Center Hostel

The tour's first flat

Drying my tent out in front of the hostel

Line drying my laundry on a deer fence

Canmore, AB

Well deserved pint of Grizzly Paw Brewing Company Rutting Elk Red

Map/Elevation Profile

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