Best Road Cycling Route Around Pigeon Lake, Alberta: A 60km Scenic Loop from Rundle Mission

Cycling Around Pigeon Lake, Alberta

A Scenic 60km Road Bike Loop from Rundle Mission

This intermediate road cycling route around Pigeon Lake has become one of my favourite rides in central Alberta. The loop combines steady climbs, fast descents, lake communities, and wide-open scenery, all within an easy day trip from Edmonton.

Why Ride Around Pigeon Lake?

Unlike some of the busier cycling routes closer to the City of Edmonton, riding around Pigeon Lake offers long quieter stretches of pavement mixed with small summer communities, rolling hills, and changing scenery throughout the ride. It is a route where steady riding, scenic stops, and a few challenging climbs are all combined into one loop.

The full paved loop around Pigeon Lake is just under 60km and usually takes me about 2.5 hours of riding time, plus a stop along the way. I normally start on the northwest side of the lake near Rundle's Mission, although many cyclists begin at The Village at Pigeon Lake instead. Starting at Rundle Mission works well for me because the village ends up being roughly the halfway point and makes the perfect snack stop. My go-to reward is always a donut from Holy Grail Bakery.

The outer loop follows paved roads around the lake and is best suited for road bikes. An inner loop also exists through some of the summer villages, but parts of that route are unpaved. For road cycling around Pigeon Lake, I prefer sticking to the outer loop and riding clockwise around the lake.

Cycling Route Overview

This Pigeon Lake cycling route is considered an intermediate ride with approximately 360m of elevation gain over the course of the loop. One of the longest sustained climbs comes near the Pigeon Lake reserve area on the south side of the lake, while the steepest climb arrives near the end of the ride by Zeiner Campground.

Most of the roads around Pigeon Lake have been repaved over the last few years and are now in very good condition for road biking. Shoulder width varies depending on the section, but most of the route offers comfortable riding conditions.

One stretch on the northwest side of the lake has not yet been repaved, so riders should be mindful of cracks, potholes, and narrow shoulders in that area.

This ride can be enjoyed from spring through fall and even into the first snowfall if conditions stay dry. Early morning rides are recommended before the roads become busier and temperatures rise later in the day. Winds around the lake also tend to be calmer in the morning.

Although cyclists ride the loop in both directions, I usually prefer riding clockwise. The route flows nicely this way with a good balance of rolling farmland, resort communities, climbs, and fast sections throughout the ride.

Starting the Ride at Rundle's Mission Historic Site

Early mornings around Rundle Mission are peaceful. The lake is usually calm, traffic is light, and the ride begins with a sharp climb almost immediately to wake the legs up.

Parking is available near the mission area and there is also a nearby corner store if you need a last-minute snack or drink before heading out. Once over the opening hill, the route settles into rolling countryside roads around the lake.

First Stretch: Rundle Mission to Mulhurst Bay

Exploring Mulhurst Bay

Mulhurst Bay has a relaxed marina and cottage-town atmosphere. Riders can stop near the waterfront and enjoy views across the lake before continuing south.

The combination of lakeside homes, beach access, and small-town summer energy gives this area a classic Alberta lake-country feel. 

East Side Ride to Ma-Me-O Beach

Leaving Mulhurst Bay, the road climbs steadily out of town before dropping into a fun and fast downhill section. Not long after, riders reach one of the longest sustained climbs on the route heading toward the reserve area along the south side of the lake.

This section features long open stretches through farmland with little shelter from the wind. On calm mornings it feels smooth and fast, but windy conditions can make this one of the toughest sections of the loop. 

Stopping in Ma-Me-O Beach

Ma-Me-O Beach is one of the classic summer communities around Pigeon Lake. The beachfront area, boardwalk, small shops, and seasonal food stops make it a popular stop for both visitors and cyclists.

It is a great place to pause for a quick break, stretch your legs, or cool down by the water before continuing around the lake. 

South Shore Ride Toward The Village at Pigeon Lake, Alberta

As the route curves northward, the scenery shifts from open farmland into more forested roads lined with cabins, campgrounds, and resort properties. Traffic becomes slightly busier approaching The Village at Pigeon Lake, especially during summer weekends. 

Mid-Ride Break at The Village at Pigeon Lake

The Village at Pigeon Lake makes an ideal midpoint stop on the ride. Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and convenience stores can all be found here, making it easy to refill water bottles and take a proper break before the second half of the loop.

For me, this is where I usually stop for a donut at Holy Grail Bakery before getting back on the bike for the return ride toward Rundle Mission. 

Return to Rundle's Mission on the North Shore

Leaving the village, the road begins with a long gradual climb before rolling into a tougher section of three hills near Willow Greens Golf Resort and Pigeon Lake Provincial Park.

The ride finishes with the steepest climb of the loop near Zeiner Campground. It is not a long hill, but after nearly 60km in the saddle it is enough to make you work before the final stretch back toward Rundle Mission.

Returning to Rundle Mission feels like completing a full tour of one of central Alberta's best cycling areas. The mission grounds also make a nice place to relax afterwards or enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake before heading home. 

Tips for Road Cycling Around Pigeon Lake

What to Bring

- Extra water and snacks
- A wind layer for changing conditions
- Repair kit and spare tube
- Front and rear lights for visibility
- A phone to take pictures or to call if you run into troubles

Road Safety Notes

- Expect heavier traffic near beach communities on summer weekends
- Watch for occasional dogs along rural sections of the route
- You may occasionally spot wildlife in some of the more wooded sections around the lake
- Weekday mornings are usually the quietest riding conditions
- Be cautious on the northwest section with rough pavement and narrow shoulders 

Final Thoughts

Road cycling around Pigeon Lake is a great mix of rolling hills, quiet roads, summer villages, and long open stretches through central Alberta farmland. It is close enough to Edmonton for a day trip but still feels like a proper cycling adventure once you get out on the roads around the lake.

Whether you start at Rundle Mission, Mulhurst Bay, or The Village at Pigeon Lake, this Alberta road cycling route offers a solid challenge with enough scenery and good stop options along the way to keep the ride interesting from start to finish.

Best Road Cycling Route Around Pigeon Lake, Alberta: A 60km Scenic Loop from Rundle Mission

 Cycling Around Pigeon Lake, Alberta, Canada