Scenic Alberta cycling route named the most beautiful in the world
If you’re looking for a gorgeous place for a bike ride, you don’t have to look far, as an Alberta spot was just named the most beautiful cycling route in the world.
The ranking comes from Explore, an adventure travel company and was created using eye-tracking technology to measure how visually striking 52 cycling routes appeared to people, and the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park made the top of the list.
“We believe cycling tours are one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in a country, giving you the chance to take in the landscape and scenery in a way that walking or driving just can’t match,” Explore said.
Researchers had 200 participants view images of the routes and measured how quickly each image caught their attention and how long participants looked at it. Those results were then combined to give each route an “eye-catching” score out of 100.
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The Bow Valley Parkway recorded an eye-catching score of 97 out of 100, putting it three points ahead of Australia’s Great Ocean Road, which came in second with a score of 94.
“With a score of 97 out of 100, the Canadian Bow Valley Parkway takes the top spot: a scenic route made up of luscious tree-lined paths, with stunning views of Mount Rundle, reflected in the glistening lake below.”
The 51-kilometre stretch between Banff and Lake Louise is known for its mountain views and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
“Native wildlife sits alongside the breathtaking views, with elk, bighorn sheep and the occasional bear frequently spotted in the meadows. It’s a gentler ride than most Rockies routes, but the scenery is every bit as dramatic,” Explore explained.
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Explore also noted the route’s accessibility for cyclists, with traffic restrictions in place through the early morning and evenings during spring and summer.
Only one other Canadian spot made the ranking: the Vancouver Seawall, which came in 15th place with an eye-catching score of 75.