June 26-July 2, 2027
Tour Divide
Banff National Park, Kananaskis Country, Fernie, and the Whitefish Range, MT
Ride the first 400-plus miles of the Tour Divide, the world’s best-known bikepacking race. On this weeklong tour, you’ll follow the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Banff, Alberta, to Whitefish, Montana. You’ll climb high mountain passes, cross the Continental Divide, and ride remote gravel roads deep into the Canadian Rockies. This ride is for intermediate to advanced riders ready for a real backcountry adventure with our full support. Bike rental available.
June 26 – July 2, 2027
Starts and ends in Whitefish, Montana. Camping; one motel night.
Fundraise or Pay: $3,500
Family pricing: $2,200 (ages 12-21)
Event Details
Itinerary Overview
The itinerary is subject to change
Day 1
Shuttle from Whitefish, MT to Banff
Bike ~10 miles on Bow Valley Parkway
We leave Whitefish at noon on June 26, so riders can arrive that morning. From there, we take a 5-hour shuttle to Banff National Park, where we’ll camp for the night. When we arrive, you can go on a warm-up ride on the Bow Valley Parkway to loosen up your legs and make sure your bike is ready for a week on the Tour Divide. We’ll end the day with a group welcome dinner at Johnston Canyon Campground.
Day 2
50 miles, +3,800 feet of climbing
After a big breakfast, we take a short shuttle to the official Tour Divide start line in downtown Banff. The route heads straight into the Canadian Rockies and through Kananaskis Country on a mix of dirt roads, doubletrack and singletrack. The terrain changes often and climbs gradually, so today gives you a good sense of the variety ahead this week. Tonight we camp at a developed campground with power, water and hot showers.
Day 3
58 miles, + 2,800 feet of climbing
Today we leave Kananaskis Country and cross into B.C.’s Elk Valley, following the Elk River south on a mix of singletrack and doubletrack. After a short climb in the morning, the rest of the day is a long, gradual descent, with miles of car-free riding between tall peaks on both sides of the trail. We finish in the small town of Elkford. At the campground, you can take a hot shower and have a hot meal before sleeping under the dark skies of southeastern British Columbia.
Day 4
46 Miles, +3,200 feet of climbing
After a hot breakfast, we follow the Trans Canada Trail south, parallel to the Continental Divide. The route passes through the region’s mining and railroad history, including the Terex Titan in Sparwood, which was once the largest truck in the world. We end the day in Fernie, a mountain town known for skiing and biking. Tonight we stay in a hotel and go out to dinner in town.
Day 5
35 Miles, +2,481 feet of climbing
Today is a recovery day, with less distance and climbing. We leave Fernie on a mix of paved and dirt roads, and there are a few places to swim in the afternoon. Tonight we camp in the woods just north of the U.S. border and have dinner together.
Day 6
66 Miles, + 6,200 feet of climbing
Today is the ‘Queen’s Stage’ of the week, and it has a bit of everything. We start with “The Wall,” a steep singletrack hike-a-bike that Tour Divide riders know as one of the toughest sections of the route. Then we cross into the United States at the Port of Roosville and ride a short stretch of pavement before climbing deep into the Whitefish Range. On our last night of the trip, we’ll camp in the backcountry and rinse off in a cool creek.
Day 7
63 Miles, +3,882 feet of climbing
Today we ride backcountry dirt roads with big views of Glacier National Park. We’ll stop at a hidden swimming hole, then make the last climb of the trip, past alpine lakes and over Red Meadow Pass. We finish with a picnic lunch at Whitefish Lake, where you can wash off a week of dirt. From there, you can catch an evening flight, stay longer in Whitefish, or keep riding south to Mexico!
FAQs and More Info
The Trip Start
Don’t forget your passport! We’ll pick you up in Whitefish, MT at 12:00 PM. Please arrive with your luggage at our Whitefish meeting spot, ready to ride your bike. We will have long-term parking available. We’ll also have an airport pick-up (at Glacier International Airport – FCA) around 11:30 AM.
Please keep a copy of your passport on your phone that will be accessible during the trip.
Your Banff National Park entrance fees are included in the fundraising minimum for the trip. If you have a park pass, please bring it with you.
Is this trip suitable for Beginners? Can I do this?
Climate Ride Tour Divide is not a beginner ride. It’s far more approachable than riding the Tour Divide on your own and unsupported, but the route still crosses rugged, remote backcountry. Our guides will support you every step of the way. However, there are long stretches where vehicles can’t reach riders.
Before signing up, you should be confident that you can:
- Ride 60 miles a day on rough terrain
- Handle beginner to intermediate singletrack
You don’t need a full-suspension bike, and many riders finish this route on fully rigid gravel bikes. The route does have rocks, roots and other obstacles, so you’ll need some bike-handling skills that riders who only ride on the road may not have yet.
Is there a hotel option?
No, due to the remote camping spots on this trip, there is no hotel option. However, we will be staying in a hotel one night of the trip while in Fernie, British Columbia. You should be prepared to camp for the rest of the trip.
The hotel in Fernie is included as a double-occupancy room. If you’d like a single room, we will accommodate you on a space-available basis for an additional fee of $99.
Do I need a tent? Can I rent a bicycle?
Cyclists must bring their own tent, sleeping bag, and pad, or you can rent camping gear from us if needed.
You can bring your own bicycles or can rent from us. In your Ride Guide, there is information about how to rent bikes or how to ship your bike to a local bike shop. We recommend Bike Flights if you are going to ship your bike.
You’ll want either a mountain bike or gravel bike with 2.2″ tires for this trip. Due to our lack of access to reliable power at many of our campsites, e-bikes may not be suitable. Email us if you’re interested in participating and using an E-bike.
Accommodations & Meals
Tour Divide is a 6-night, 7-day charitable camping trip starting in Banff National Park and ending in Whitefish, MT, just outside of Glacier National Park. We will ride the first section of the legendary Tour Divide Route, which is a rendition of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route developed by Adventure Cycling Association. This is a remote, backcountry adventure similar to the Tour Divide, but you’ll have the advantage of not needing to carry all of your gear and having to source all of your food and water. Though you’ll still need to pedal the miles and climb endless climbs, Climate Ride will support you every step of the way and keep you safe and well fed.
Amenities in camp include beautiful scenery, hot showers (4 of the 6 nights – where there’s no shower, we have excellent swimming opportunities and warm hand towels), nearby restrooms, electricity, potable water, and a great spot to set up your tent.
We camp at campgrounds where our camp chefs prepare delicious, healthy, warm meals for the group. Think hot, filling breakfasts with coffee and tea, and tasty dinners with delicious desserts. Each morning you will pack snacks to carry with you. Our morning snack table will have items to keep you energized all day while cycling. We reduce waste by using compostable items for our picnics and pack lunches, and for dinner, we use real plates & cutlery.
What are my options for travelling to and from the ride?
PLANE: The closest airport is in Kalispell, Montana (airport code: FCA). The airport is a 20-minute drive to Whitefish. Delta, United, Allegiant, Avelo, and Alaska/Horizon are the main carriers. There are several rental car companies at or near the airport. Reservations are advised. We recommend Dollar Rent A Car (800-800-3665), Avis (800-331-1212), or Budget (800-527-0700). Car rentals are also available in West Glacier. For a shuttle to and from the airport to West Glacier or Whitefish, you may contact Glacier Taxi (406-250-3603). To West Glacier, the cost is approximately $50-55. To Whitefish, the cost is approximately $32. Please call for exact rates. Uber is now available.
TRAIN: Amtrak has service from Seattle and Chicago to the Whitefish station or to West Glacier/Belton station (where the trip starts). The Chicago train arrives each day at 8:23 PM. The Seattle train arrives each day at 8:16 AM. NOTE: The trains can be delayed by several hours to days. There is no checked baggage service at the West Glacier/Belton stop. If you are traveling to the ride with Amtrak, you may be able to bring your bike onboard. Learn more here.
CAR: You may park your vehicle at the trip start in Whitefish while you are on Glacier Ride, or you can ask your hotel if they will allow you to park your car for the week.
Glacier Ride will end back in Whitefish at approximately 5:00 PM on Day 7. We’ll say our goodbyes before collecting our luggage, bikes, and gear and departing. We recommend making flight arrangements from FCA the following day.
Do I need my passport?
Yes! If you forget your passport, you will not be able to enter Canada on Day 2 of the trip. According to Canadian Law, your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Grantees
This event is open to our full grantee list. Upon registering for the event, you’ll get to choose up to 3 grantees from our official list.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 to be raised by: | 3/26/2027 |
| $1,750 to be raised by: | 4/26/2027 |
| Transfer deadline: | 4/26/2027 |
| $3,500 to be raised by: | 5/26/2027 |
Learn more about deadlines and transfers on our Policies page.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
Photo Gallery
Testimonials
Our Supporters
Full Event Story
Join Climate Ride for an extraordinary 6-day, backcountry biking adventure along the iconic Tour Divide route! Starting in the majestic Canadian Rockies, this journey takes you through breathtaking wilderness, dramatic mountain passes, and pristine river valleys from Banff, Alberta, to Whitefish, Montana.
The Route & Ride Experience
Your journey begins with a warm-up ride framed by the soaring peaks of Banff National Park. From there, pedal south through the rugged beauty of Kananaskis Country, navigating fast double-track, smooth singletrack, and quiet mountain corridors. Traverse remote wilderness down into Fernie, BC, before pushing across the US border into the dense forests of northern Montana, finishing in the vibrant outdoor hub of Whitefish. Our ride starts and ends in Whitefish, Montana with a pre-trip shuttle to Banff leaving around noon on day 1.
Support, Accommodations & Logistics
Experience the freedom of back-country riding with the safety net of full Climate Ride support. Immerse yourself in nature while our on-the-bike guides support you on the way; additionally, our dedicated support vehicles meet the group daily to transport luggage, provide meals, and offer aid along accessible road junctions. Nights are spent immersed in nature at picturesque campgrounds like Elkwood and Elkford, along with a comfortable motel stay in Fernie to recharge mid-ride.
Pedal for the Planet
More than just an epic ride, this event empowers you to raise critical funds and awareness for climate action, clean energy, and environmental conservation. Every mile ridden helps support Climate Ride’s beneficiary partners working to protect the planet. Tackling this route from Banff to Mexico is a huge commitment. Join us in 2027 as we take on the first segment and we’ll add additional sections in the future!
