6 best hikes in the Canadian Rockies (easy to hard)

The Canadian Rockies are a hiker’s paradise. Whether or not you want alpine lakes, mountain tops, canyons with waterfalls, or glaciers, we’ve received you coated.

This publish options one of the best hikes within the Canadian Rockies situated in Kananaskis Nation, Banff Nationwide Park, Jasper Nationwide Park, Yoho Nationwide Park, and Kootenay Nationwide Park. Yow will discover hikes right here from simple to troublesome, various lengths and instances irrespective of your health stage.

I’ve been climbing within the Canadian Rockies for a decade, so it’s a difficult process to slim it down with lots of of trails. I’m that includes my favorite six hikes to get you began.

Get able to be mesmerized by the panorama and colors of the Canadian Rockies!

Finest hikes within the Canadian Rockies

1.      Galatea Lakes

Galatea Lakes in Kananaskis Nation is simply an hour from Calgary, the closest massive metropolis. It’s the proper hike on a sizzling summer time day as you principally hike sheltered within the forest and go to three beautiful lakes.

The path begins flat, crossing a number of picket bridges the place you possibly can cool off within the Galatea Creek. After a simple 6.2 km, you attain Lilian Lake, a quiet emerald lake with a backcountry campground.

Only one.5km (0.9 mile) of uphill with one steep rocky part, and also you attain Decrease Galatea Lake. Most hikers benefit from the view, have a snack and return, however I extremely suggest climbing a bit additional. Hike across the lake and throughout the small hill, about 1.5 km (0.9 mile) extra, and also you arrive at Higher Galatea Lake, one other beautiful lake which you’ll in all probability have all to your self. Swimming within the alpine lakes within the Rockies is all the time very refreshing, and I extremely suggest it.

Total it’s an 18 km (11 mile) roundtrip hike with reasonable problem. For those who’d like a better lake hike that’s family-friendly, Grassi Lakes close to Canmore is wonderful, that includes two emerald lakes, and it’s solely 4 km (2.5 mile) roundtrip.

2.      Sulphur Mountain

Sulphur Mountain is a basic hike in Banff Nationwide Park. For those who ever noticed any footage of Banff, likelihood is you noticed Sulphur Mountain. It’s principally widespread because of Gondola resulting in the highest, however you can even take the extra adventurous route and hike up.

The trailhead is situated on the Higher Sizzling Springs. By way of a sequence of switchbacks with continuous incline and an occasional view of Rundle Mountain, you attain the highest of Sulphur Mountain in about two hours. The 5.5 km lengthy path ends on the higher gondola terminal at 2,300 meters.

You possibly can go to a café, restaurant, present store, or an interpretative show contained in the terminal. There’s an remark deck offering a wide ranging panoramic view of the peaks across the city of Banff and Bow Valley. For those who’d wish to go a bit additional, you possibly can take the 1 km lengthy boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak, an outdated climate station.

The beauty of Sulphur Mountain is that you could hike up the mountain year-round; put on microspikes in winter because of potential icy situations. However the path is often in good situation and well-trodden; it’s a favorite amongst locals on the lookout for a day hike close to Calgary.

READ MORE: Native tips about what to do in Banff

3.      Johnston Canyon

An ideal family-friendly hike in Banff Nationwide Park is Johnston Canyon. It options a number of cascading waterfalls whereas strolling by means of a deep canyon.

The trailhead is situated alongside the Bow Valley Parkway, an amazing street for wildlife watching.

Johnston Canyon is a particularly widespread hike, so intention to reach within the morning, so you find yourself ready in line to see the waterfalls. A brief paved 1.2 km (0.7 mile) path results in Decrease Falls, following the Johnston Creek with small cascading waterfalls. When you arrive at Decrease Falls, take the trail by means of a rock tunnel to see the falls up shut.

Then, proceed 1.5 km (0.9 mile) on the marginally uphill filth path to Higher Falls. You possibly can see the enormous falls from two viewpoints: from the catwalk on the underside or viewpoint from the highest.

Only some folks proceed past the falls. 3.3 km (2 miles) additional up, the path results in an enormous meadow with 5 effervescent and vibrant mineral swimming pools referred to as Ink Pots surrounded by mountain peaks. The Johnston Canyon hike to Ink Pots and again is 12 km (7.5 miles) roundtrip and really a lot price it.

4.      Wilcox Go

Wilcox Go Hike in Jasper Nationwide Park is among the highlights when travelling on Icefields Parkway. Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper Nationwide Parks, and it’s thought of one of the lovely roads on the earth.

Aside from many lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers, there are various hikes alongside the Icefields Parkway. My favorite one is Wilcox Go because of its size and unbelievable views. Whereas your complete hike is 8 km (5 miles) one-way going from A to B, it’s essential self-organize a shuttle to select you up; you don’t must do all of it.

The start of the path climbs by means of the bushes, however when you clear the treeline, the views open up in each route. You see the Icefields Parkway chopping by means of the Rockies with the enormous Athabasca Glacier throughout the street. I solely went about 4 km (2.5 miles) one-way after which returned the identical manner.

If that’s not sufficient, you possibly can chill within the well-known pink chairs and watch bighorn sheep that wish to frequent the world.

READ MORE: 8 of probably the most lovely locations in Jasper nationwide Park and 5 Unforgettable stops on the Icefields Parkway

5.      Iceline Path

Iceline Path is my absolute favorite hike within the Rockies. Whereas Yoho Nationwide Park is small, it has lots of pure wonders, just like the Takakkaw Falls, the 2nd highest waterfall in Canada.

Iceline Path hike begins by the Whiskey Jack Hostel and climbs steeply by means of the bushes till you attain the treeline. The toughest half is over, and any longer, you will have probably the most lovely views in each route.

In your proper is Takakkaw Falls, 254 meters (833 ft) excessive, and as a reward for climbing the steep path, you get a singular view of the glacier feeding the falls. The marginally inclined path continues to a small pristine lake surrounded by glaciers. Some hikers proceed to Stanley Mitchell Hut in a single day, however we proceed in the direction of Celeste Lake Path as a substitute.

You allow the rocky path behind and enter a lush inexperienced forest with many mushrooms rising. With a view of Yoho Glacier within the distance, you hike downhill till you attain emerald lakes. The path flattens, you move the large Laughing Falls, after which see the Takakkaw Falls once more.

The entire Iceline Path loop is eighteen.3 km (11.3 miles) lengthy, and as a result of distance, I’d fee it troublesome, however there aren’t any harmful elements on the path.

6.      Floe Lake

Kootenay Nationwide Park is the least visited within the Rockies as a result of most of it’s inaccessible. Nevertheless, Floe Lake is a little-known hike with a well-trodden path.

You in all probability discover the least folks right here from all hikes on this publish. The trailhead is alongside the Banff-Windermere Freeway, and the car parking zone is clearly signed.

The Floe Lake hike begins with crossing the turquoise Kootenay River. As a result of wildfires years in the past, many bushes burnt out, however the path is slowly gaining some elevation on a simple filth path. Shortly earlier than reaching the lake, the path steepens considerably, and you already know you’re nearing the tip.

After 11 km (6.8 miles), you see the beautiful Floe Lake with the enormous wall within the background.

Suggestions for climbing within the Canadian Rockies

• For visiting nationwide parks in Canada, it’s essential buy a park move, both each day or yearly. And for Kananaskis Nation, the place Galatea Lakes hike is situated, you want a Kananaskis Conservation Go. Visiting Kananaskis Nation is free when you go to on Wilderness Wednesdays, the primary Wednesday of each month.
• Earlier than heading out, be certain to take a look at path situations. Some trails would possibly shut because of avalanche hazard or bear presence. For trails in nationwide parks, see Parks Canada, and for Kananaskis Nation, see Alberta Parks.
• When climbing within the Canadian Rockies, you’re in bear habitat. Parks Canada and Alberta Parks strongly suggest carrying a bear spray inside arm’s attain, learn to use it, and make noise whereas climbing, so that you don’t shock any bears.

What do you concentrate on climbing within the Canadian Rockies? Which hike would you select first? For those who solely have time for a number of hikes, I like to recommend Galatea Lakes, Sulphur Mountain, and Iceline Path, and also you test all of the bins – alpine lakes, mountain prime, glaciers, and waterfalls.

Have enjoyable and completely happy climbing!

Excursions within the Canadian Rockies to Think about

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