Every Trail Where You Can Legally E-Bike in Banff National Park

Where can you e-bike in Banff? That question’s trickier than it sounds, because Banff is both a national park and a town with its own rules.

Inside the townsite, pedal-assist e-bikes (the kind that only kick in when you’re pedaling) are not considered motor vehicles under Banff’s bylaws. That means you can legally ride them on streets, paved multi-use trails (like along Banff Ave and the Bow River), and even in specially marked “non-motorized vehicle lanes” that exclude cars.

Banff’s pretty e-bike-friendly. They even offer residents a rebate to buy one. Just don’t ride on sidewalks, and keep it chill on shared trails.

But the moment you leave town and hit a national park trail? You’re under Parks Canada’s rules, which are way more specific about where e-bikes are allowed.

Here’s every trail where you can legally ride a pedal-assist e-bike in Banff National Park.

Banff Legacy Trail

• The route

This is the big one. It’s a paved trail that starts at the Banff East Gate and runs all the way into the town of Banff, through town, along Vermilion Lakes Drive, and ends at the east end of the Bow Valley Parkway. There's even a handy connector to Cascade Ponds.
Pro tip: If you're coming from Canmore, you’re technically on the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail until you hit the Banff gate. Same path, just a different name.

Brewster Creek Trail

• The route

This gravel trail picks up where Healy Creek leaves off and takes you to Sundance Lodge. It’s a steady climb with solid forest vibes, and yes, e-bikes are allowed from the Healy Creek junction onward.

Cascade Ponds – Bankhead Trail

• The route

A short but sweet connector trail that links Cascade Ponds to the Lower Bankhead Interpretive Trail. Good for a casual cruise with scenic picnic spots nearby.

Fenland Loop

• The route

An easy loop through a peaceful old-growth forest at the northwest end of town. It’s flat, scenic, and a great intro if you're easing into your e-bike adventure.

Healy Creek Trail

• The route

You can legally e-bike this one from the Healy/Brewster parking lot to the Brewster Creek junction — but not beyond that junction toward Sundance. Watch the signs so you don’t accidentally ride into a restricted zone.

Redearth Creek Trail

• The route

E-bike your way from the trailhead all the way to the Shadow Lake Trail junction. It's a steady uphill ride, often used as a ski trail in winter, but great for a fall e-bike with golden larches if you time it right.

Sundance Trail

• The route

A paved trail starting at the Cave and Basin and leading to the base of Sundance Canyon. It’s wide, scenic, and mostly gentle terrain.

Heads-up: The Marsh Loop section, even though it branches off nearby, is not e-bike legal. Stick to the pavement.

Tunnel Mountain Bench Trails

• The route

This is a network of trails near the Tunnel Mountain Campground and Banff townsite. Some are e-bike friendly, but not all.

Here’s what’s off-limits to both regular and e-bikes:

• Hoodoos Interpretive Trail

• Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail

• Corrals to Tunnel Mountain Campground

• Corrals to Tunnel Mountain Road
  Stick to the signed bike-legal trails in this area, and you’re good.

Bow River Trail (Lake Louise)

• The Route

A peaceful path that runs from the Lake Louise Campground area to the Bow River Bridge near the historic train station. It’s an easy ride with mellow grades and postcard scenery.

Tramline Trail (Lake Louise)

• The route

This trail climbs gently from the Bow River area to the upper Lake Louise lakeshore parking lot. It follows an old tramline route — hence the name — and is a smooth uphill for e-bikers.

Louise Creek Trail

The route

This one has a bit of a catch: you can only e-bike from the junction of the Great Divide Trail uphill to the junction of the Tramline Trail. Outside that section, you're off limits.

Great Divide Trail (Old 1A Highway)

• The route

This is a gem. A wide, gravel path that follows the old 1A Highway from Lake Louise Drive to the Lake O’Hara turnoff in Yoho National Park. It's long, mellow, and lined with trees — perfect for those who want a full e-bike day out.

Before You Head Out

Always double-check for updates. Trail access rules can change due to wildlife, maintenance, or seasonal restrictions. You can find the most current e-bike regulations and trail bulletins on the Parks Canada website here.