The Canadian Rockies are dwelling to Canada’s prime mountain wilderness, so it’s not stunning that this mountain vary attracts hikers from all around the globe.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to dwell subsequent to Banff Nationwide Park for about three years. Throughout this time, I explored lots of the greatest and most scenic hikes within the space. That being stated, you might spend a lifetime right here and by no means run out of trails to hike!
The Canadian Rockies are dwelling to a number of nationwide parks – Yoho, Banff, Jasper and Kootenay. On high of that, the Icefields Parkway drive between Banff and Jasper is among the most scenic routes in Canada, filled with unimaginable climbing alternatives.
Image snowy peaks, turquoise blue lakes, scorching springs, luxurious cabins, glittering glaciers, wildlife, and plush evergreen forests.
On this submit, I share my favourite hikes within the Canadian Rockies. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a brief, family-friendly stroll or a multi-day climbing journey, I’ve one thing for you on this checklist.
1. Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit
Path Fundamentals
Simply the phrase O’Hara brings “oohs” from previous hikers who trekked this lake. And it is sensible. You’re feeling a way of awe whenever you’re wanting on the glowing emerald blue waters of Lake O’Hara straight from the highest of the Alpine Circuit hike. This can be the most effective (if not the very best) day hikes within the Canadian Rockies. The route is solely divine!
Lake O’Hara is in Yoho Nationwide Park. It’s a dream climbing vacation spot dotted with meadows, lookouts, ridge walks, turquoise lakes, and meticulously formed stone trails.
What makes this hike much more particular is that a quota system limits the variety of hikers. You aren’t allowed to drive your individual automotive to the trailhead. As an alternative Lake O’Hara reservations have to be booked months upfront to take the bus to Lake O’Hara for day use and tenting from mid-June to early October.
Reservations open from April for the summer season season, however test the web site for the precise date because the reservations replenish shortly. Cancellations do occur (that is how Kristen snagged a allow!), so don’t lose hope in the event you don’t handle to get your spot.
After the 20-minute bus journey to the lake, you’ll get dropped off at Le Relais, a wood shelter the place books and maps are offered. I like to recommend going clockwise, tackling the steep ascent to Wiwaxy Hole when your legs are recent. Alongside your route, you’ll move the gorgeous Lake Oesa and Opabin Lake. You’ll even have sweeping views of a few of the most iconic peaks within the Canadian Rockies.
If you wish to lengthen your hike past a day journey, you may spend a number of days both within the historic Elizabeth Parker alpine hut or within the Lake O’Hara campground. Because the hut sleeps 20 folks, it’s an effective way to satisfy new like-minded people.
Learn Kristen’s expertise about tenting at Lake O’Hara for a full three-day itinerary.
Shuttle Reservations
Reservations are solely required for the inbound shuttle, outgoing buses fill on demand.
2. Johnston Canyon
Path Fundamentals
Johnston Canyon is probably one the most well-liked hikes within the Canadian Rockies, however rightly so. The canyon is gorgeous all yr spherical, however I discover it particularly enchanting in winter when the waterfalls freeze. The frozen canyon partitions at Johnston Canyon turn into a winter wonderland you can ice climb.
A brief and straightforward 1.1 km (0.7 mile) path takes you up catwalks via a towering canyon to the 10-meter (33-foot) Decrease Falls. Should you maintain strolling, you’ll attain 30-meter (100-foot) Higher Falls. Passing via the tunnel was one of many highlights for me!
Proceed previous the crowds and enterprise 5 km (3.1 miles) additional to the Ink Pots – six inexperienced pure swimming pools, which is able to take you nearer to 4 hours roundtrip. It’s a magical place and far quieter after the vacationer rush of the canyon.
There may be additionally close by Johnston Canyon Campground. It’s a tranquil campground nestled in a nice forest lower than 20 minutes from Banff. The surroundings is spectacular, and the wildlife is considerable in and round this campground. A small creek flows proper by the tenting space.
After your hike, you may spend the remainder of the day exploring Banff and consuming at one of many many top-notch eating places. Whereas right here, you shouldn’t miss out on taking a dip at Banff Higher Scorching Springs.
Should you plan to go to Johnston Canyon in winter, spending white Christmas in Banff mixed with world-class snowboarding is very magical.
Mountain climbing Johnston Canyon within the Winter
Winter is a magical time to hike Johnston Canyon, however I like to recommend sporting microspikes in the event you do. The trail might be icy and slippery. Microspikes add further traction and cut back the danger of slipping or falling.
3. Skyline Path
Path Fundamentals
Top-of-the-line multi-day hikes within the Canadian Rockies is Skyline Path, which winds for about 44 km (27 miles) previous a few of the Jasper Nationwide Park’s most putting surroundings.
The path has the best elevation achieve within the park, and the climate might be tremendous unpredictable right here, so I like to recommend packing further layers. Sadly, this isn’t a kind of hikes that you are able to do as a spontaneous weekend getaway. It requires a good bit of planning.
Firstly, you need to guide the backcountry allow months upfront to hike the Skyline path. On the plus facet, it additionally means the climbing path doesn’t get too overcrowded.
Parks Canada limits the variety of folks it permits into these areas to guard the delicate terrain. All of the reservations usually get snatched up inside a number of hours on the day that reservations open, so keep watch over the web site.
It’s a multi-day hike (2 or 3 days) with in a single day stops at campsites* or the country Shovel Cross Lodge, which is midway alongside the Skyline path. The lodge was in-built 1921, and I like its tremendous cozy rustic vibe. Scrumptious home-cooked dinners and breakfasts plus lunch baggage are included within the value. All of the provides and meals elements are delivered to the Shovel Cross Lodge by horses twice every week to make this expertise attainable. How superior is that!
Reservations for Shovel Cross Lodge open in November for the next yr.
Ideas for climbing Skyline Path
4. Sulphur Skyline Path
Path Fundamentals
To not be mistaken with Skyline Path that I discussed above, the 8km (5-mile) Sulphur Skyline Path is one other fantastic scenic Canadian Rockies hike in Jasper.
From the summit, you may see the Fiddle River Valley, the Miette Mountain Vary, and the cliffs of Asher Ridge.
This path is especially pretty within the autumn when all of the colourful leaves pop up. Nevertheless, I is perhaps biased as a result of I completely adore Canadian autumn!
Sulphur is a reasonably difficult hike, with 700 m (2,297 toes) of elevation achieve. The primary 2 km (1.4 miles) is a gentle climb and the path turns into very rocky and steep close to the highest.
My favourite a part of this hike, although is soaking at Miette Scorching Springs after you come back again down the path. The nice and cozy water feels tremendous rewarding and enjoyable. These are paid scorching springs, however the entrance price is price it for a number of hours of bliss.
Oh, and did I point out they’re the most popular scorching springs within the Canadian Rockies? The new springs’ pure temperature is 54°C (129°F) however the pool is cooled all the way down to a snug 40°C (104°F).
Additionally, maintain your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep on the highway that results in Miette Scorching Springs.
Ideas for climbing Skyline Sulphur Path
5. Floe Lake
Path Fundamentals
Floe Lake is among the highlights this hike, however your entire path has gorgeous views. Earlier than placing it on you hike-it checklist, although, it’s essential to know that the hike to Floe Lake isn’t simple. It requires about 20km (12.6 miles) of strolling, but it surely positive is definitely worth the effort and sweat!
When you get to the lake, you may reward your self with a dip within the water to chill down if it’s a scorching summer season day. On the high, you’ll additionally discover Floe Lake Warden Patrol Cabin in its spectacular setting near the shores of Floe Lake.
The hike is manageable inside a day, however I recommend staying in a single day at Floe Lake Campground when you’ve got two days. The lake is essentially the most photogenic within the morning, too, so spending the night time will enable you benefit from the early morning views. Remember that the Floe Lake Campground is the most well-liked backcountry campground in Kootenay Nationwide Park, so guide as quickly because the reservations open every year.
Should you can’t get sufficient of the Canadian Rocky Mountains’ pure magnificence, you too can make it right into a multi-day journey alongside The Rockwall Path.
Tip: The path to Floe Lake leads largely via a burn space with little to no shade, which implies full solar publicity on a scorching day. Convey numerous water, solar safety, and sunblock. (An enormous fireplace ravaged this space in 2003).
6. Tent Ridge
Path Fundamentals
Tent Ridge is my absolute favourite hike in Kananaskis. On the high, you get 360 jaw-dropping views over Spray Valley, the reservoir and the best peaks in Kananaskis Nation.
However be ready to work for it! There are a number of technical parts the place you need to scramble and climb rocks, which generally is a bit nerve-wracking and intimidating for newer hikers. Mountain climbing poles are actually useful to have alongside this sections. I like to recommend doing the hike clockwise as a result of counterclockwise route is far more difficult. Should you can, go for a dawn. You received’t remorse it!
One other factor to bear in mind is that the highway resulting in the trailhead isn’t paved, so prepare for a 40-minute drive on a gravel highway with many potholes. Additionally, there are not any outhouses alongside the path, however there may be one at Spray Lake, which you’ll move 5-10 minutes earlier than attending to the trailhead.
7. Lake Agnes Path
Path Fundamentals
There are dozens of standard day hikes in Banff Nationwide Park to select from, however Lake Agnes deserves the spot on this checklist of the very best hikes within the Canadian Rockies. In autumn, the yellows of the larch season are particularly lovely.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Lodge is a place to begin for a number of brief, reasonably strenuous Canadian Rockies climbing trails, together with this 7.4 km (4.6-mile) return hike to Lake Agnes or, as some prefer to name it, “The Lake within the Clouds”.
The path passes via an old-growth forest and a waterfall earlier than ending at Lake Agnes teahouse, the place you may cease for tea and dessert (carry money). The teahouse additionally serves soups, sandwiches, and snacks. I like, you can take pleasure in tea on high of a mountain with wonderful lake views. I imply, what’s there to not love about sipping tea and appreciating the fantastic view?
For extra unimaginable mountain views, maintain strolling down the path in direction of Beehives. From the Lake Agnes Tea Home, you’ll observe the well-signed path because it heads again all the way down to Lake Louise, passing Mirror Lake alongside the best way.
Tip: In 2021, Parks Canada applied a compulsory parking price for the Lake Louise car parking zone from mid-Might to mid-October. Alternately you may take a shuttle. Be taught extra about Lake Louise parking and shuttle.
8. Emerald Lake Loop
Path Fundamentals
On my first go to to Emerald Lake, I bear in mind considering to myself, I perceive the way it acquired its identify. Emerald-green water surrounded by towering mountains makes this lake nothing in need of extraordinary. It’s simply some of the photogenic locations in all of Canada.
The 5km (3 miles) loop across the lake is usually flat and straightforward to hike. One of the best views are from the western shoreline. Should you really feel adventurous, you may lengthen your stroll and climb in direction of Emerald Basin. Alternatively, you may escape the crowds by renting a canoe and paddling throughout the lake.
If you’re executed along with your hike or paddle, seize a espresso, ice cream, a house-baked cookie, or a lightweight lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge, which has an outside patio restaurant overlooking the lake.
It’s also possible to discover the world additional by taking the brief path (800 meters (0.5 miles) to Hamilton Falls. The path continues to Hamilton Lake which is quieter and approach much less crowded than Emerald Lake. It’s a steep hike so an excellent cardio exercise.
Tip: Don’t miss the possibility to see Canada’s highest waterfall at 373 meters – Takakkaw Falls, which is barely half an hour’s drive from Emerald Lake. The falls are simply accessible from the car parking zone.
Different Wonderful Hikes within the Canadian Rockies
Searching for extra hikes? Listed below are a number of extra so as to add to your checklist:
Wildlife Security within the Canadian Rockies
Mountain climbing within the Canadian Rockies just isn’t solely in regards to the gorgeous surroundings but additionally unforgettable wildlife viewing alternatives. From herds of elk and moose to black bears and mountain goats, you identify it.
Listed below are a number of recommendations on staying secure and respecting wildlife within the Canadian Rockies:
Helpful Ideas for Mountain climbing within the Canadian Rockies
New to climbing within the Canadian Rockies? Listed below are a number of suggestions that will help you plan your journey and keep secure on the paths:
Planning a Canadian Rockies highway journey? Take a look at these posts to assist plan your journey:
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Have you ever hiked within the Canadian Rockies? What are your favourite treks? Which of them are in your bucket checklist? Go away a remark under!
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