Ride the 1A for a free beer and swag
UPDATE: Parkway to Pint has been extended to Sunday, October 1st!
It’s the ultimate outdoor summer activity to do with your family or friends. Grab your bike and head out to Banff to begin this biking challenge along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A.) Although the road will have vehicles on it this year, it's still one of Canada's most memorable & scenic bike routes.
A 58 km ride takes you right to the quieter side of Lake Louise, at the Summer Gondola. Show the servers at Slopeside Coffee your Strava or Garmin activity and receive free swag to take home which includes a Banded Peak beer* and a Parkway to Pint water bottle**!
If you are already in Lake Louise, you can still participate. Take advantage of the free parking from the Summer Gondola and begin your journey. Travel along the Bow Valley Parkway down to Castle Junction and back, which is roughly the same distance.
If you don't have your own bike, we are offering e-bike rentals.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Water bottles have officially arrived! While supplies last.
Details
- Pick any day from August 1 to October 1 to participate.
- Start your journey in Banff or Lake Louise & park at any of the specified locations, below.
- Track your adventure using Strava, Garmin, Map My Ride, or any other app of choice.
- Ride the Bow Valley Parkway to the Lake Louise Summer Gondola (3 hours 20 min average time).
- Show the servers at Slopeside Coffee your ride activity on your phone.
- Receive free swag which includes a Banded Peak beer* and a Parkway to Pint water bottle**.
Additional Details
- Offer available to participants who are 18 years of age or older with a valid photo ID.
- Free water bottle** and beer* are only available for pickup during the Slopeside Coffee hours of operation (see below) so please plan accordingly.
- If you aren’t up for the return trip to Banff, Roam Transit is available from the village and can take you and your bike back to your car.
- E-Bikes, Road Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Recumbent Bikes… use any bike to get you there!
- *Free Banded Peak beer must be consumed offsite.
- **While supplies last.
Further info below.
Parking Info
Banff Parking Info
Information taken from Parks Canada’s website.
Cyclists planning to ride the Bow Valley Parkway should park at the Town of Banff Fenlands Recreation Centre or Train Station parking lots. Both are accessible via the Norquay Road entrance to the town (across from the giant Banff sign.)
From there, you ride along Vermilion Lakes Road (shared with vehicles) to the far end, then hop on the paved Legacy Trail to reach the Bow Valley Parkway or 1A.
Lake Louise Parking Info
There is plenty of free parking at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola. Start your journey here (or in town) if you are doing the Lake Louise route.
Hours of Operation
Slopeside Coffee Hours
- 8:30am to 5:00pm.
E-Bike Rentals
Rent one of our new e-bikes and complete the challenge from the Lake Louise Summer Gondola to Castle Junction and back!