A 25 km bike ride in Western Canada provided an unforgettable scenic experience for my family.
On the fourth day of our week-long visit to Banff in Alberta, I planned a full-day outing around T's love for biking; it was just last summer that our 9-year-old took off his training wheels.
There are numerous bike rental shops in town and we rented ours from Banff Cycle and Sports.
There are more than 190 km of biking trails in Banff - some trails are within town, some take you out far out, and all are scenic and lovely.
Based on recommendations, we decided to cycle the 25 km to Johnston Falls, which includes part of the Legacy Trail, along the way.
Boy, it did not disappoint with the breathtaking views all along the way!
The trail was well paved and maintained and most of the trail was exclusive to cyclists.
In addition to the scenery, we also spotted wildlife, including moose and deer!
The hubby catching up after pausing to look at a moose spotted along our ride!
We took short breaks to hydrate and take in the gorgeous lookouts.
Funnily, of all the photo breaks, this under bridge below was the one T got most excited about!
The hubby and I are not avid cyclists - nor do we have T's energy - so we underestimated how hard 25 km would be, especially when you factored in the heat, sun and the many hills!
By the time we got to this Welcome point below, we still had 17 km to go! Our legs were starting to feel sore - and we still had to bike back after! - but T kept wanting to go and explore.
We are thankful we went against our better judgment, because the journey did not disappoint.
Look at these magnificent views.
Look at our T go - responsibly and safely sharing the road with cars and motorcyclists.
The last 5 km were trying. Our legs were jello and we walked the bikes up the hills.
When we arrived at Johnston Canyon, we were ecstatic to learn the local bus had a stop there that took people back to town and also had a bike rack. Crisis averted! 😂
So we rewarded ourselves with lunch at the local cafe then explored the beautiful canyon.
When I look back at this trip one day, this bike excursion will be one of the highlights.
I will remember how T kept us going through the ups and downs and exhaustion, much like how he is the reason I plo through life's ups and downs.
I will treasure the sweaty contentment on his face throughout the bike ride and enthusiasm he cycled through this heavenly trail.
I will remember how he curled up on his seat on the bus ride home, passed out from exhaustion, then adjusted himself so his head rested on my lap.
When we got home to our hotel, I noticed T was clingy to me and being extra helpful.
When I said I was taking a shower, he turned on the water for me. Then he brought the toiletries. Then he said he tidied up my bed.
This was his way of saying thanks.
A week later, when we were a few days home from the trip, I asked T what his favourite moment at Banff was.
I expected him to say it was the bike trip.
He said, "Spending time with you."
Explore our Banff trip
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