Riding south from Banff we crossed two provincial parks and climbed our first major pass on the trail south. The views were stunning and the people we met super nice.

We then rode the dirt road down the Elk Valley which we followed for two days almost to the U.S. border. On the way we passed through Elko, Sparwood and Fernie. Elko and Sparwood are fairly prosperous mining towns and Fernie has become a ski and mountain biking town. One of the best things about the area is that there are dozens of mountain bike trails connecting the towns. It makes for really fun riding. With trails and roads through meadows bordered with wildflowers.

We also saw some great views.

After Fernie we headed for the border and while looking for a campsite for the night a local directed to us to this lovely lake beach. Not legal per se, but everyone said not to worry and it was one of the most peaceful nights I have ever spent and our last in Canada.