We love to hike the Rockies
Our ten most recommended hikes:
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Plain of Six Glaciers, Banff National Park
The Plain of Six Glaciers trail in Banff National Park is a captivating adventure that takes hikers on a scenic journey through alpine meadows and rugged terrain. The trail begins at Lake Louise and winds its way up the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, towering peaks, and turquoise-hued lakes. As hikers ascend, they are rewarded with the sight of the impressive Plain of Six Glaciers and its icy wonders. The trail culminates at a rustic teahouse, where weary explorers can refuel while soaking in the awe-inspiring panorama of glaciers and snow-capped summits that surround them.
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Sulphur Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park
The Sulphur Skyline Trail is a captivating trail located in Jasper National Park, Canada, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic vistas. This approximately 8-kilometer round trip trek through dense forests before ascending a rugged, switchback trail. The path is quite steep in places but rewards hikers with a stunning variety of flora and fauna native to the Rocky Mountains. At its zenith, approximately 700 meters in elevation gain, the trail unveils a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges and the Fiddle River Valley. It's a challenging but rewarding hike, often finished with a rejuvenating soak at the Miette Hot Springs, making the Sulphur Skyline Trail a must-experience destination for adventurous spirits.
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Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley, Banff National Park
The Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley trail is an iconic and stunning hiking trail nestled within Banff National Park in Canada. The hike, approximately 11.6 kilometers out-and-back trip, starts at Moraine Lake, renowned for its turquoise waters and towering Ten Peaks. The trail then leads up a series of switchbacks through a forested area to the Larch Valley, an enchanting valley filled with larch trees that turn a vibrant gold in the fall. From there, the trail continues to climb, offering awe-inspiring views of the Ten Peaks and nearby Paradise Valley. The final push to Sentinel Pass is steep and challenging, but the reward is an unrivaled, panoramic view of the surrounding rugged mountains and valleys. This hike is considered moderate to difficult, depending on fitness levels, and is typically best experienced from July to September when the trail is clear of snow.
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Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park
The Iceline Trail, located in Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies, is a stunning alpine route celebrated for its breathtaking vistas of glaciers, waterfalls, and expansive mountain views. Covering a length of approximately 21 kilometers for the full loop, this trail starts near the charming Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. It then steadily ascends, running parallel to and above the treeline, providing hikers with up-close views of several impressive glaciers and the unique terrain left behind by retreating ice. The Iceline Trail offers panoramic sights of the Yoho Valley and the majestic peaks of the President Range. The hike is considered moderate to strenuous due to its length and significant elevation gain. It is typically accessible from June through September, but it is always recommended to check current trail conditions before embarking on this awe-inspiring journey.
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Crypt Lake Loop, Waterton Lakes National Park
The Crypt Lake Trail is a renowned hiking route situated in Waterton Lakes National Park, on the border of Canada and the United States. This approximately 19-kilometer round-trip trail is known not only for its breathtaking views but also for its unique and adventurous elements. The trail starts with a scenic boat ride across Waterton Lake to the trailhead at Crypt Landing. From there, the path gradually ascends, winding through diverse landscapes of dense forests, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. A key highlight is the narrow, thrilling tunnel through the mountain, followed by a ledge traverse assisted by a steel cable. The culmination of the hike is the stunning Crypt Lake, a serene, crystal-clear body of water nestled in a rocky cirque. The Crypt Lake Trail is considered strenuous due to its length and elevation gain and is typically best hiked from late June to early September. The route's unique features and awe-inspiring views have earned it acclaim as one of the most exciting trails in Canada.
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Wilcox Pass, Jasper National Park
Wilcox Pass is a popular hike located in Jasper National Park, renowned for its sweeping alpine meadows and impressive views of the Columbia Icefield. This approximately 9-kilometer out-and-back trail begins near the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic drives. The path ascends through a forest of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce before breaking into open, expansive meadows adorned with wildflowers in the summer months. The trail offers exceptional views of the Athabasca Glacier, Mount Athabasca, and Mount Andromeda, among other towering peaks of the Columbia Icefield. It's not uncommon to see bighorn sheep grazing in the meadows, adding a touch of wildlife to the experience. The hike is generally considered moderate, and it is accessible from June to September, with the wildflowers peaking in July.
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Parker Ridge Trail, Banff National Park
The Parker Ridge Trail is a popular and rewarding hike in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. This relatively short trail, approximately 6.5 kilometers out-and-back trip, is located along the Icefields Parkway and offers an impressive bang for your buck in terms of scenic beauty. After a series of switchbacks through subalpine forests, the trail opens up to reveal a broad, open ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The real showstopper, however, is the stunning view of the Saskatchewan Glacier, the largest glacier in the Columbia Icefield, which unfolds as you crest the ridge. On clear days, you can see the glacier's icefall and the braided river valley it feeds. The hike is considered moderate to hard due to its steady uphill climb and the higher elevation. The trail is typically snow-free from June to September, and the stunning views make it a must-visit for those traveling along the Icefields Parkway.
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Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots, Banff National Park
This trail 11.5 kilometers out-and-back trip, offers a diverse and engaging hiking experience. The initial part of the trail takes hikers through the stunning Johnston Canyon, a deep and narrow limestone gorge carved by rushing water over thousands of years. Along this path, visitors traverse a series of catwalks attached to the canyon walls, leading to the Lower and Upper Falls, both offering breathtaking views. Beyond the Upper Falls, the trail continues through a dense forest and opens up into a valley where the Ink Pots – a collection of seven vibrant, spring-fed pools in a meadow – await. The trail is considered moderate due to its length and some steep sections but is well-maintained and typically accessible from May through October. Whether you're captivated by the lush forest, the roaring waterfalls, or the serene beauty of the Ink Pots, the Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots trail offers a uniquely rewarding hiking experience.
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Helen Lake Trail, Banff National Park
The Helen Lake Trail is a delightful alpine hike located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. This roughly 12-kilometer out-and-back trail invites hikers through a diverse landscape, beginning in a dense, fragrant forest before transitioning into open meadows bursting with a riot of wildflowers in the summer months. The trail, punctuated by gentle streams and small waterfalls, steadily ascends to Helen Lake, a crystal-clear body of water beautifully nestled amidst towering peaks. The lake offers a serene spot to rest and enjoy a picnic with the stunning backdrop of Dolomite Peak. For the more adventurous, the trail continues beyond the lake, offering the option to summit Cirque Peak for panoramic views of Bow Valley and the Waputik Range. The Helen Lake Trail is considered moderate, and it is typically accessible from June through September when the trail is free of snow.
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Cory Pass Trail, Banff National Park
The Cory Pass Loop Trail is a challenging and exhilarating hike located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. This trail, approximately 13 kilometers round trip, is considered strenuous due to its significant elevation gain, steep inclines, and sometimes challenging terrain. The hike starts in a dense forest before quickly ascending up a series of switchbacks to Cory Pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks and valleys. The pass itself is nestled between Mount Louis and Mount Edith, providing a dramatic backdrop for photos. Descending from the pass, the trail navigates through the Gargoyle Valley, renowned for its unusual limestone rock formations, and then loops back through the forested Edith Pass. This trail is typically best hiked from June to September, and it's advised to check current trail conditions before setting out.
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