From wildflower meadows to spectacular views Alberta has some of the best treks in the country
Whether you’re a novice or seasoned professional Alberta offers some of the most scenic and diverse hiking opportunities in the country. In a single day you can hike through a wildflower meadow meander alongside a rushing river or climb a mountain.
Tunnel Mountain located in the heart of the Town of Banff is an easy introduction to hiking in the Rockies. It is perhaps one of Banff’s more well-known hikes due to its accessibility to the townsite and its well-maintained trail. Climbing to a height of 300 metres (948 feet) the 2.4-kilometre trail offers breath-taking panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding Bow and Spray river valleys.
From a distance the mountain — one of the smallest summits in the Banff townsite — resembles a sleeping buffalo which is fitting considering that was name given to the mountain by local First Nations.
While hikers might search for the mountain’s current namesake they won’t find it. In 1882 a team of surveyors suggested a tunnel should be blasted through the mountain as they felt the most direct route for the Canadian Pacific Railway would be straight through rather than around. But CPR general manager William Van Horne anxious to get the railway completed refused the idea of a “damned tunnel” and the railroad was diverted to its current route. Despite the diversion the name stayed.
The trailhead for the hike is situated just off St. Julien Road near The Banff Centre. Alternately another access point is located at Tunnel Mountain Drive north of The Banff Centre. Rated a moderate hike the trail switches back and forth along the mountainside to make the climb more gradual although there are a few steeper sections. The trail can be icy in early spring and in late fall and winter.
The top of the trail opens up to a panoramic view of Mount Rundle and the Banff townsite in addition to the Banff Springs Hotel. From the top a five- to 10-minute hike along a trail heading east leads to an open grassy meadow. The round-trip takes approximately two to three hours.
For those who want to explore further or are ready for more of a challenge the following list includes some of the top hikes in the Rockies:
CANMORE/KANANASKIS
Grassi Lakes Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
Distance: 3.5km/1.5 hours return
Difficulty: Intermediate/difficult (two routes)
Features: Take one of two interpretive trails down to the Grassi Lakes area surrounded by cliffs often used by climbers. Trails up to the climbing cliffs also lead to pictographs. Hikers can use one trail going up and the other on their return to make this a loop.
Grotto Creek Canyon Trail Bow Valley Provincial Park
Distance: 4.2kms/2 hours return
Difficulty: Intermediate
Features: The trail eventually winds through a narrow canyon featuring a waterfall and vertical rock walls.
For more information on hiking in provincial parks:
albertaparks.ca
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls
Distance: 5.4 km/2-3 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Follow catwalks and cliff-mounting staircases through Johnston Canyon and view a series of waterfalls including the Lower and Upper Falls. Dippers (a type of bird) may be spotted dipping up and down on creekside rocks. Once at the falls you have the option of turning back or continuing three kilometres up to the Ink Pots.
Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots
Distance: 11.6 km/4-5 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: An especially popular family friendly hiking path where the trail leads you to a valley within the unique “Ink Pots” — six pools filled with greenish-blue spring water that remains at a constant 1 C year-round.
Sunshine Meadows
Distance: 13 km/half to full-day return
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Located on the edge of the continental divide the Sunshine Meadows are surrounded by some of the Rockies’ highest peaks and as a result feature some of the most stunning settings in the area. The trail starts from Sunshine Village which you can reach either by gondola or by shuttle bus in the summer. Guided hikes are available.
Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail
Distance: 7 km/approx. 3 hours return from Lake Louise
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: A popular trail starting half a kilometres from the Chateau Lake Louise. Hike uphill along a well-groomed trail through a forested area to a quaint cabin by the lake for tea and a slice of pie. From the teahouse you may choose to hike to other destinations such as the Big Beehive (for views of Lake Louise and the Bow Valley) or Plain of Six Glaciers Trail.
Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass
Distance: 12 km/4-5 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: A great fall hike made popular for its yellow larches in autumn. Hike up to a meadow that allows lovely views of surrounding peaks in the Valley of the 10 Peaks.
For more information on hiking within Banff National Park:
pc.gc.ca
banff.ca
banfflakelouise.com
DAVID THOMPSON/HIGHWAY 11 CORRIDOR
Siffleur Falls
Distance: 8 km/8 hours return to the third set of falls
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Start at the Siffleur Falls and cross a long suspension bridge over the North Saskatchewan River then hike along a long wooden boardwalk up to the Siffleur gorge. Note: there is no cellphone reception here. Catch a glimpse of “siffleurs” (French for whistling marmots) in the crevices and slopes of the Siffleur River.
For more information about hikes in this region:
albertawow.com
travelnordegg.com
whereadventurebegins.com/hiking.htm
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Maligne Canyon
Distance: 4.2kms/ 2 hours round trip
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Features: A self-guided interpretive trail leads you through a limestone canyon that in some parts is only two metres across and 50 metres deep. Discover rare black swifts (a type of bird that nests at waterfalls) raven’s nests waterfalls fossils and underground streams.
Wilcox Pass
Distance: 2.4kms/1 hour return to the first viewpoint; 8kms/3 hours to the second viewpoint
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Named for Rockies climber Walter Wilcox this trail was historically used by First Nations families to bypass a canyon on the Sunwapta River north of the Athabasca Glacier. Trail starts steeply but flattens out gradually to an open meadow where you may spot bighorn rams.
Parker Ridge
Distance: 5.4kms/3 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Climb a ridge along a well-defined trail with switchbacks up 275 metres and then down for a great view of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Catch glimpses of mountain goats and enjoy fields of alpine blue forget-me-nots and pink moss campion between mid-July and mid-August.
For more information on hiking in Jasper National Park:
pc.gc.ca
jasper.travel/content/hiking
WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Bears Hump
Distance: 3 km/1 hour round trip
Difficulty: Easy (short but strenuous)
Description: From the Waterton Visitor Resource Centre climb up what was once known as Bear Mountain by the Blackfoot (Piikani) tribe. The top of the climb leads to a flat plateau (the “Hump”) with spectacular views of Waterton Valley’s lakes and prairies in addition to Mount Cleveland the tallest summit in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
Crypt Lake
Distance: 17.2 km/6-8 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
Description: Take a short boat ride from the village marina to Crypt Landing to begin your hike. Pass through a boulder-strewn landscape then crawl through a four-foot-wide tunnel blasted out of the cliff wall. On the other side climb along a cliff wall while holding on to a steel cable to reach Crypt Lake. Note: Watch the time to make sure you catch your boat ride home.
More information on hiking in Waterton National Park:
pc.gc.ca
mywaterton.ca
HITTING THE TRAILS
Travel Alberta ( travelalberta.com ) recommends always checking the trail reports with park staff or visitor centres before heading out. Trail conditions are frequently changing and some have been affected by the 2013 flooding. While trails in the national parks ( pc.gc.ca ) are open some bridges may be washed out. In the provincial parks ( albertaparks.ca ) some trails remain closed.
Looking for trail maps? The Alberta Parks Library ( albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country/library/maps.aspx ) is a great place to start. GemTrek ( gemtrek.com ) provides wonderful trail descriptions and topographical maps which are available for purchase online at Mountain Equipment Co-op stores and at select gift shops outdoor stores and visitor information centres in the Rocky Mountains. Local visitor information centres are also a great place to obtain information from staff and locals who have experienced many of the areas trails. For more information Travel Alberta can point you in the right direction (1-800-ALBERTA).
Finally be trail wise — follow the basic guidelines to stay safe and respect your surroundings:
• Always bring water with you.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Dress in layers as winds may pick up in higher elevations with less tree cover.
• Stay on marked trails.
• Hiking in groups is usually recommended particularly for longer and more remote hikes.
• Leave no trace behind — always carry out what you brought in.
• Steer clear of wildlife. On some trails carrying pepper spray may be recommended in case of wildlife encounters.
• While some trails like Tunnel Mountain are within cellphone range other more remote trails may not be. Many outfitters offer satellite phone rentals at day rates.
• Consider packing a small first aid kit and water-resistant clothing as weather conditions can change quickly.
• People not accustomed to hiking at higher elevations may tire quickly.
