Registration
Annual Bike Pilgrimage
AUGUST 23, 2025 | 2:00 pm
Event: A scenic bike pilgrimage from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Banff to the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies in Canmore via the Legacy Trail.
Date & Time: Scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., typically lasting about two hours.
Route & Logistics: Approximately 27 km, generally downhill from Banff to Canmore for a relaxed pace.
Rest stops along the way, including a major pause near Seven Mile Hill (~11 km from Banff) for snacks, first aid, and bike maintenance.
Ceremonial Elements: The group gathers at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s for a blessing by Fr. Dan before departure.
Upon arrival around 4:30 p.m., Fr. Pilmaikén Lezano greets participants for a procession into the Shrine in time for 5:00 p.m. Mass, in honor of the Queenship of Mary.
Purpose: Held as part of the Jubilee 2025 celebration and Marian devotion theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
- For those who are only travelling one way, we have a truck to transport bikes from Canmore into Banff.
- Drop off your bikes between Noon and 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 23 at the Shrine parking lot.
- Roam Buses leave the Palliser bus stop (west of the Shrine) at 12:23 pm and 1:08 pm for Banff.
- The buses can also take a few bicycles, but space is limited.
- We might have rain on the trip so be sure to bring rain gear. The pilgrimage will go on!
- However, if you make the half way point at 7-mile hill, and cannot continue, we have a car to pick up injured or exhausted riders.
- Your bicycles can be secured and picked up later.
- We arrive at the Shrine between 4 and 5 pm where you can find washrooms, and refreshments.
- The statue of Mary that comes with us on the pilgrimage will be brought into the special votive mass at 5:00 pm.