Reservations for bike tourists on the Icefields Parkway?

[MrBent]

Hey, Bikers:  My wife and I are about to launch on a trip down the Rocky Mtns,--four months' worth!  Anyway, I've neglected to get reservations for the biking portion of the trip.  If we land at a campsite, will they simply turn us away?  Often going to the next campground isn't an option for cyclists.  I had the whole notion of hiker/biker in my head so didn't make reservations--not that many (any) would be available for this time of year.  Also, there's the whole question of trying to be a little loose with our planning, which is nice.  I realize there are constrictions in the parks, however!

Please shoot me some advice and experiences ASAP!  We leave the day after tomorrow--Tue. 7th, just when a nice,  fat storm is due.  Oh, joy.

Thanks again.

Scott

[valygrl]

No don't worry about it.  The only ones that are crowded are Lake Louise and Banff.  At Lake Louise they get a lot of cycle tour traffic, and when the campground starts to fill up, they start asking bike campers if they are willing to share.  Last time I was the we had 5 people - me & my tour partner + 3 random other folks - in one site, and that worked just fine.  In Bannf... man, I can't remember exactly how it worked out, but we did end up camping even though we were initially told it was full.

If any campground is full it's usually possible to ride in and find someone in a van or motor home who is willing to share their tent pad - offer to split the fee, of course!  The rangers will generally try to help you out, as long as you are polite and ask, rather than demand, help.

The hostel at Rampart has a wood fired sauna.  Just FYI.

Icefields Parkway is spectacular, enjoy!

[MrBent]

Thanks, Valygrl.  We've got some storms comin', so it's going to start with a challenge.  Oh, well that's Canada!  I just hope the views aren't too trashed by the weather.  We REALLY want to dig the big peaks, some of which we climbed back in the day.

Cheerz,

Scott

[adventurepdx]

The hostel at Rampart has a wood fired sauna.  Just FYI.

And so does Moosequito, er, Mosquito Creek.

The primitive hostels on the Icefields are great, but they would definitely require reservations. Great if you can do it. But Icefields is good no matter what way you do it!