Park in the dedicated lot. The trail can be a little tricky to find when some snow has fallen, so check our guide on the Mesa Butte trail and download the GPS map to make sure you find the proper trail. With a trailhead seemingly on every doorstep, sweeping vistas and crystal-clear rivers are just a hike away. Distance: 9.8km A bull moose stands tall and proud, knee-deep in a misty pond, his giant antlers tangled with moss. Distance: 11.8km Elevation: 30m Cross the bridge to the parking lot. Start at Shunda Mountain, northwest of Highway 11 outside Nordegg. Hiking in Banff National Park is arguably the best way to see the Rockies, with some of the best and most accessible mountain scenery you’ll find in Canada. Over the years I have been on some amazing hikes both near and far. How do I get to Plain of Six Glaciers trailhead? "This a walk of about six miles or so which starts with a sidewalk pathway through the main street and then crosses to follow a meandering pathway past teh backs of houses and then into forest." Time: 1 hour. Elevation: Minimal There are some tree roots to cross over, so this trail may be difficult for those with a stroller or wheels. Elevation: 230m Details: Completing this trail end-to-end means using two vehicles or taking the shuttle service from town. Innsbruck. Larch Valley (11.6 kms to Sentinel Pass/ 4-5 hours) near Lake Louise is the premiere destination for … Take a shuttle and a chairlift to get up to the meadows and you’ll knock 726 metres (2,382 feet) off the hike. O’Brien Lake surrounded by larches is equally spectacular – one of the top larch hikes in Alberta Larch hikes – Larch Valley for an overcrowded but premiere experience. Keep an eye out for North America's largest land mammal: the wood bison. Details: This trail is a service road, so it isn't the prettiest to hike, but the 360-degree views from the top are worth it. Read the guide on the Troll Falls hike for details about this route. Choosing just nine bucket list hikes is about as big a task as climbing the biggest peaks in the Park, but here’s a start: No problem! It really is one of the best hikes in Alberta for most abilities. If you're looking for a longer trek, continue on for another 2.5 kilometres and hike 200 metres up to Sentinel Pass. The last leg of the climb to the summit can be tricky for an inexperienced hiker, so take this into consideration and stay safe. Details: This hike is actually comprised of two trails: Johnston Canyon Lower Falls (1.2 km one way) and Johnston Canyon Upper Falls (2.5 km one-way). Either way, you’re in for a delightful and challenging hike. How do I get to Tonquin Valley trailhead? An informative post to help hikers choose their next best hike in the Canadian Rockies │HOME │PHOTOGRAPHY & OUTDOOR TRAVEL GUIDES │NEW ZEALAND │CANADA (ALBERTA AND BC) │ITALIAN DOLOMITES │ICELAND │AUSTRALIA GUIDE … Time: 3–4 hours. Here are a few of my favorite hikes from Alberta, Canada. Elevation: 229m While Banff and Jasper are often popular hiking destinations, you can find great trails, perfect for any level of experience, province wide. Walk for about a kilometre, and you’ll leave the sounds of the town behind you as you head deeper into the abundant nature in Banff National Park. The Grotto Mountain day use area is on the north side of the highway and well marked. The colours of the leaves are slowly changing, turning the forested landscape from dark green to warm hues of yellow & gold. This challenging trek is less popular than others, so you may encounter grizzlies rather than other hikers. Head to the Upper Falls outlook at the end of a catwalk where you can expect to catch some ice climbers in action on the weekends. Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Tanya from RockiesFamilyAdventures.comRobin from EliteJetsetter.com, Closest city: BanffLength 10.6 kmElevation Gain: 365 mTime: 4-5 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. Easily accessible from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or the Lake’s public parking lot, this hike begins first as the trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House, a well-known and easy ascent. His glassy eyes watch you – like a king watching his citizen – and you sense he’s in no hurry about anything. Follow the lakeshore trail to the far end of Lake Louise and look for the trail marker. "We strolled around the on the Jasper Discovery, a very gentle trail around the entire the town about 8km with lots of information points, great views and always the chance of seeing some wildlife." Here are 25 hikes to get you started: P.S. The trailhead is in the parking lot. Battle Creek Road, Spruce Coulee, Sunset, Soggy Bottom, Shoreline and a number of other linking trails in the park comprise this trail system. Drive south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway. You’ll see hoodoos, pinnacles, sandstone ridges and so much more. Download the route guide for the Grotto Canyon hike if you plan to go. Canada’s Rocky Mountain national parks beg exploration—boundless and beautiful, these wild spaces offer some of the best hiking in the world. border. We've scoped out some of the best, and have broken them down into lists by difficulty. But what we really love about hiking in Wild Rose Country is that you don't have to be in the Rockies to find unscripted wilderness. You’ll get a panoramic view of the city, the Bow Valley and Mount Rundle. Check out our guide on the Boom Lake trail. Time: 1–2 hours. Nature’s Stairmaster! A relatively easy hike which may spur your interest in what the best hiking trails in Banff National Park are all about. Stop here to get more information about the trail you wish to hike, and its access point. Get your heart pumping on this out-and-back trail in one of the most magnificent locations in the Rockies: the Columbia Icefield. Jasper National Park is an absolute gem. Distance: 4.3km To help you prepare for your adventure, we have a recommended packing list at the end of the article. Go hiking: Jasper National Park 780-852-6176 $19.60/family pc.gc.ca> Read more: 7 cool family activities to do in the Alberta Badlands> The best in family fun: Alberta> All the best family campgrounds in Canada> 4 family-friendly beaches near Calgary> We’ve also included a family-friendly option for the little ones to enjoy. This former coal-mining town has reinvented itself in recent years, and is now one of the best destinations in the region for hiking, cycling, rock climbing and cross-country skiing. The Crypt Lake hiking trail is considered one of the best in Canada. Thimphu. The lakes and views in this area are equally as impressive in winter as in summer, especially when the lakes freeze over, and when now has frosted the trees. Beginner-friendly and efficient are two ways to describe the Johnson Lake Trail. Meet up with your favourite hiking buddy and explore this fragrant trail of Douglas firs, and snap some iconic Canadian shots of snow-capped mountains, frosted trees, and frozen waters on the way. This is a tremendous half-a-day adventure in K-Country; although, people are starting to learn about this gem, so try to visit during a weekday. His glassy eyes watch you – like a king watching his citizen – and you sense he’s in no hurry about anything. Details: Waskahegan Trail is one we've described before as "hidden in plain sight." Make sure to wear waterproof boots, and gaiters would be helpful as some sections can get slushy. Instead, find a nice spot to chill by the lake and sip on that hot beverage you remembered to pack. Read more about our, 25 Incredible Hiking Trails in British Columbia, Hoodoo Trail in Writing on Stone Provincial Park, 16 Best Hikes in Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes National Parks. Hike across moraines, next to boulders, and see lots of different rock formations en route. Exit on the south side, and then head slightly west to the parking lot and trailhead. Time: 2–3 hours. Check out our guide on the Johnson Lake trail. 5 of the best hikes in Southern Alberta Photographer. Jun. Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Barry from HikingWithBarry.comRachel from BetterLivin.ca, Closest city: WatertonLength: 22 kmElevation Gain: 1220 mTime: 7-10 hoursDifficulty: Difficult. O’Brien Lake surrounded by larches is equally spectacular – one of the top larch hikes in Alberta Larch hikes – Larch Valley for an overcrowded but premiere experience. There are 652 moderate trails in Alberta ranging from 0.6 to 76.5 miles and from 843 to 9,783 feet above sea level. How do I get to Wood Bison Trail trailhead? With over 1,600 kilometres (994 miles) of trails, Banff National Park offers adventurers some of the best hiking on the planet, whether it’s an easy hike to incredible vistas or a more strenuous trek deep in the backcountry. Travel Alberta . Route Guides. Distance: 10.6km The trailhead begins on the north side of St. Julien Road. The access point is within the Moraine Lake parking lot. Happy exploring! The most popular part is the view of Amethyst Lakes, 20-some kilometres in. Difficulty. Big Elbow Trail Bragg Creek and Sheep River. We prefer it in the winter when you still get magnificent landscapes but deal with way fewer crowds. Watch out for other winter adventurers on the path, and don’t forget to pack a hot drink to sip once you reach the lake. Closest city: Milk RiverLength: 4.4 kmTime: 4 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. Check out the Johnston Canyon trail guide and take your family on a winter adventure to see frozen waterfalls. Want something close to home? This vast, beautiful national park is home to towering peaks, iridescent turquoise lakes, lush forests and vast wildflower meadows. Remember to stay in designated areas and be careful in the slippery spray. You’ll hike up to Police Coulee Lookout and return along the same trail. Last Updated August 9, 2020. 100 mTime: 1 hourDifficulty: Easy. Finally, one of the most distinctive hikes in Alberta is at Wapta Icefields. Distance: 3.5km To reach Kananaskis from Calgary, you’ll be in the car for about an hour—but it’s well worth the drive. This hike can also be done as an ice hike up the canyon, and ice climbing if you’re properly equipped and trained. Choose one of the benches here and stop for a snack. You'll find the trailhead marked by a sign at kilometre 12. As you poke out of the trees, the views will open up to the mighty Ha Ling and part of Mount Rundle. Can't wait for the Rockies to cover in snow, so many places to visit! These are the best places for budget-friendly hiking trails in Alberta: Mount Edith Cavell Trail; Banff National Park; Sulphur Skyline Trail; Big Beehive; Plain of Six Glaciers; See more budget-friendly hiking … Distance: 6.7km The best part about living in Calgary is that we get the best of both the Rocky Mountains and the Prairies and that is truly an amazing combination. Time: 3–4 hours. Time: 3.5–5 hours. In between the bustling city of Calgary and the tourist mecca of Banff National Park lies a hidden gem of hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and mountains. Frozen waterfalls are a common theme in this list, but that’s what happens when you see waterfalls in winter. K-Country comprises several provincial parks, and some of the winter hikes provide more of a challenge than walks you’ll find near the city. Access this trail from the parking lot at Red Rock Canyon. Many trails connect through this park, so you have plenty of options to make it as short or as long as you like. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. Choosing just nine bucket list hikes is about as big a task as climbing the biggest peaks in the Park, but here’s a start: You can either hike with microspikes or snowshoe many of these trails, depending on how recently significant snow has fallen. Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team. Details: The Lineham Falls Trail is a moderate half-day hike that accesses lakes and leads to a breath-taking view of a beautiful waterfall. Photographers, go wild! This moderate seven-kilometre hike is a bit of a challenge but very do-able (unlike some of the region’s more advanced hikes), and you’ll be rewarded with views of the Squamish Valley. With its imposing serrated peaks, iconic alpine lakes, and a smattering of glaciers, it’s a hikers paradise that can be enjoyed (almost) year-round. Details: If you live in northern Alberta, check out this hiking trail near Grande Cache. 11 KM Return. How do I get to the Skyline Trail trailhead? From Edmonton, take the Yellowhead east. The best way to explore Alberta’s landscape is on two feet. P.P.S: If you're in need of quality hiking gear, check this out. Take a stunning figure-eight hike around Quarry Lake, not far from downtown Canmore. Since this is accessible right from Banff proper, you can imagine that it is popular! If you’re in the Jasper area, we recommend sticking around a few nights to explore some of the other winter hikes. A list of the best day hikes around Canmore and Kananaskis Country with detailed descriptions, length, elevation changes and much more. Read more: How to hike Maligne Canyon. Looking for a hike that isn’t mainstream or overly busy but still delivers where it matters? Waskahegan Trail is maintained by a volunteer organization. Trying to find the best Alberta trails? Time: 1–4 hours. A list of the best day hikes around Canmore and Kananaskis Country with detailed descriptions, length, elevation changes and much more. Jasper National Park is a treasure! Turn left just past the bridge, onto the Sulphur Gates Road. Subscribe. With the proper gear and technical skills, the Grotto Canyon Hike can be a fun exploration during winter. Details: Larch Valley is one of Banff National Park’s feature hikes, so it’ll likely be busy. Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Shelli from howsitgoing-eh.com, Closest city: JasperLength: 8 kmElevation Gain: 700 mTime: 4-6 hoursDifficulty: Difficult. Details: The Tonquin Valley offers scenery you won’t soon forget, and is touted as a “must do” for all serious backpackers. The roads are cleared from 7 am to 3:30 pm, but always check the conditions before driving into this no-cell-service area. You can hike it as an out-and-back trail, or leave cars parked at either end to drive back once you’ve completed one way. Best Larch Hikes in Banff, Alberta. There are sections where snowshoes won’t do the trick, which is why we suggest packing microspikes as well. It’s a short, but oh-so-sweet circuit around the stunning Johnson Lake, a common spot for fishers during the summer. Elevation: 144m Closest city: NordeggLength: 5.6 kmElevation Gain: 400 mTime: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. 12. This hike is suitable for beginners and brings you through the Akamina Parkway to Wall Lake. What we love about the Mesa Butte Trail is its funky fire pit at the top (which you can use if there are no fire bans in place—check Alberta Parks first). Even a walk through downtown Banff will wow you – especially if it’s your first time visiting. Pack a hot drink in your thermos, and if fires are permitted and you have the skills, light up a campfire in this unique spot with awesome views (just make sure it’s completely put out when you leave!). The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is considered to be one of the most popular backcountry hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Appearances can be deceiving. How do I get to Johnston Canyon trailhead? Check the winter conditions before you go. Best Winter Hikes in Jasper National Park, Recommended Packing List for Winter Hikes, An Extensive Guide to Big Bend National Park, The Complete Guide to Camping in the Lakes District, Zion National Park in Winter: Things to Do for Outdoor Lovers, Hike with a buddy and bring a satellite messenger as cell service is sporadic or non-existent, National park roads generally well-maintained, but there can be ice patches, Driving conditions deteriorate during and following a snowstorm, Drive slowly and make sure you have snow tires, Many hikes go through avalanche terrain—always check the, Trail guide and offline map—you can download route guides from, Satellite communication device if venturing far from service or in avalanche terrain. Austria. Start early, end early, is the best hiking advice I’ve ever received. The trail starts near the Blackfoot Lake Staging Area in Sherwood Park, just off Highway 16. Directions to Portal Creek: Drive south out of Jasper on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) and turn right onto Highway 93A. The smallest and least-visited of the three, Waterton is often considered the most dramatic Rocky Mountain park, as its peaks jut abruptly from the prairie grasslands and it harbours the Canadian Rockies’ deepest lake. How about a chill hike to balance out the challenging ones above? Take a moment to appreciate the expanse of this area; it’s breathtaking. Copyright © 2020 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Travel Alberta . This hike, named after its destination, leads hikers to the forefield of the Athabasca Glacier. Each of these nine hikes offers either stunning mountain views, a lake or a combination of the two. Be careful with icy patches on the way down, but keep your camera out—the views are equally as impressive hiking out. While most tourists visit Alberta during the summer, fall brings its own special reason for visiting. Get the GPS route and guide for the Galatea Creek and Lillian Lake trail to help navigate while you’re out in the snow. 10 of the Best Hikes near Canmore, Alberta by Kristin Warkentin / Jun 8, 2018 Share Tweet Share Share Pin . Beautiful Forgetmenot Pond is a popular picnic spot, but also makes a great walk with young children as the trail is flat and only 2 km long. If Alberta is known for anything, it's those gorgeous Rocky Mountains. Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Karlie from MissWanderlust.comLucie & Martin from laidbacktrip.com, Closest city: JasperLength: 33 kmTime: 3-4 daysDifficulty: Moderate. Time: 0.75–1.5 hours. Distance: 3.7km The Best Alberta Hikes You’ve Never Heard Of. It is always way more fun to switch things up and see new sights. The trail is generally packed down, so you will be fine hiking with microspikes. Closest city: WatertonLength: 20 km one-wayElevation Gain: 650 mTime: 6-8 hoursDifficulty: Difficult. We're spilling all the waterfall hikes in Alberta that only locals know about. Elevation: 115m Look for a blue sign. How to get to Waskahegan Trail? Details: Hiking Grotto Canyon, you’ll be able to experience hiking along a creek bed, which can only be reached by foot. Upper trailhead: Alternatively, begin this hike from Tunnel Mountain Drive. Distance: 7.5km How do I get to Tunnel Mountain trailhead? Fish Creek Provincial Park is a preserved area in Calgary where you can escape into nature without leaving the city limits. Download an offline map for the Wilcox Pass hike to help navigate when you’re out there. The Boom Lake Trail has it! Elevation: 47m Distance: 3.9km (+ other various routes) How do I get to the Badlands Trail trailhead? This would be a lovely hike for a weekend date or an after-work jaunt away from the city. Bloggers who have lived the adventure: Audrey and Jack from banffandbeyond.com, Banff Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography, Closest city: BanffLength: 4.3 kmElevation Gain: 300 mTime: 1-2 hoursDifficulty: Easy. Once at the top, you have amazing views: you can see Fiddle River Valley, Mount Drinnan, the Miette Range, Utopia Mountain and Ashlar Ridge. Here are 16 top treks to get you started: Copyright © Explore Magazine. From Chateau Lake Louise, follow the shoreline path to the trailhead for Lake Agnes/Big Beehive. How do I get to Blakiston Valley trailhead? Hiking is one of my favorite parts of traveling. Zell am See – Kaprun. Elevation gain. From the top of the chairlift, you get outstanding views of the Sunshine Meadows and the surrounding larch forest. I've been to Boom Lake and Johnston Canyon during the winter - so beautiful! One of the hike’s viewpoints is a popular spot for photographers trying to capture that iconic mountain, trees, and frozen lake picture. Turn right onto 93A and follow that for 5.5 kilometres. Take the cruise boat across Waterton Lake. Details: While hiking the Hoodoo Trail in Writing on Stone Provincial Park, you’ll come by a variety of landscapes including hoodoos, sandstone cliffs and rock art, prairie grassland, the Milk River valley and coulees. Other hikes to consider are Ptarmigan Cirque, Burstall Pass and Buller Pass. And, let’s be honest, freshly fallen snow on the mountains and trees is undeniably magical. Guide to the Best Hikes in Kananaskis – Alberta 2:42 AM. Troll Falls is a great, family-friendly hike in the Nakiska area. Time: 1–2 hours. Hey you! It’s a place local Calgarians know and love but is overlooked by many visitors. Time: 3–6 hours. The trail begins at Cameron Lake, at the end of Akamina Parkway in Waterton. You'll circle Flyingshot Lake, which offers good opportunities to view waterfowl. 15,421 Reviews. Walking through the meadows, you’ll be among jagged, snowy peaks, making a lovely backdrop from some winter family pics. Welcome to the wonderful world of winter hiking! Distance: 5.5km Check out the details and download the guide for the Quarry Lake hike. And no, they're not all in Banff. Hikers must take a boat to and from Crypt Landing to access this thrilling trail. The colours of the leaves are slowly changing, turning the forested landscape from dark green to warm hues of yellow & gold. But it comes with crowds and traffic. Subscribe to Calgary for all the latest and greatest stories. We want to offer everyone choices, from families wanting a quick loop to hardy keeners looking for a winter workout. We love this trail on a bluebird day as a fun family outing. 3.) Details: This section of the Trans-Canada Trail system spans about 32 kilometres from the Saskatchewan/Alberta border to the west end of Elkwater Lake. The trail leads through the forest and climbs steadily, opening to views of the surrounding light-grey striated mountains that comprise the Kananaskis landscape. Along the way, you’ll be impressed by the surrounding peaks comprising the Icefields Parkway—a destination people hail to from all over the world. PS. Varying in difficulty, hikers should be able to find a trail to match the adventure they want to experience. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that ALL hiking in Banff is breathtaking! It peaks twice a year first in the early summer when the valley flooded with millions of wildflowers and again in fall when the larch trees turn gold. Why not try it out for yourself? Or for some great local park options, check out Nose Hill Park or Griffith Woods Park near Calgary. Since skiers and snowshoers generally pack this well-trafficked trail down enough, you should be able to hike with microspikes. How do I get to Devil's Thumb trailhead? To easiest access to Johnston Canyon is from the Castle Junction exit off of the Trans-Canada Highway (1). Difficulty: Easy to moderate; Hiking time: Upper Falls – 1.5 hours return. Begin the journey at a couple of creeks, and then you’ll head up a steep ridge. Details: The Skyline Trail is well known for its stunning views, with most of the hike being above the treeline. BC is a hiker’s paradise and opportunities abound. Did these 25 hikes inspire you to get outside and explore more? Are you ready for the hikes?! There are stairs and steep sections, and the trail can get hot. You can hike right up to them and stand in the almost-enclosed canyon surrounded by magical ice formations. Leigh McAdam. Pin me! Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Tanya from RockiesFamilyAdventure.comKarlie at MissWanderlust.ca, Closest city: Sherwood ParkLength: 5.8 kmTime: 2 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. If you dislike crowds synonymous with Banff, visit Johnston Canyon in the winter because it’s very popular in the summer. How do I get to Larch Valley trailhead? Table Mountain, Castle Provincial Park. 10. If you live in Canmore, this is a leisurely hike you can fit in after work, and you’ll thank yourself for getting out to enjoy the sun while it’s there. We know it’s hard to pick one, so here’s an overview of some of the best hiking routes around Alberta. There are different groups of trails; find maps here. Wildflowers abound along this challenging climb to reach views of town. Read more about our policy. You can then turn towards the Waterfall Lookout for a neat perspective overlooking the top of the falls. Details: This is an easy and popular hike for visitors to Banff. From there it’s an 8.7-kilometre hike one way and rises up to 1,981 metres (elevation gain of 695 metres). Your efforts during the ascent will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Athabasca and Dome glaciers and stunning peaks around. How do I get to Waskahegan Trail trailhead? Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Alison from Alisera.blogspot.caMarta from Inafarawayland.com, Skyline Trail Leigh McAdam @hikebiketravel, Closest city: JasperLength: 44 kmElevation Gain: 1,205 mTime: 2-3 daysDifficulty: Difficult. In fact, the snow and ice adds a special kind of magic that you can’t find in summer. This is a family-friendly route with magical views along the Kananaskis River, ending at the icy, frozen Troll Falls. Time: 3–4 hours. Distance: 3.6km Last Updated August 9, 2020. Still, the 18-metre-tall waterfall and surrounding views are well-worth a visit. Want to see where these hikes rank against Canada's greatest hikes? Feel the freshness of the winter air as you immerse in nature amid the urban jungle of Calgary. The parking lot will be at the end of the access road, about 300 metres. With its imposing serrated peaks, iconic alpine lakes, and a smattering of glaciers, it’s a hikers paradise that can be enjoyed (almost) year-round. Depending on this area’s most recent snowfall, this trail is suited for snowshoeing or winter hiking with microspikes. It’s breathtaking for two reasons: it’s a heck of a workout, and the views of the Spray Lakes Reservoir and the neighbouring snow-capped peaks are, just, wow. Chris Istace. 20/19. But if you feel like exploring off-trail, a set of snowshoes can be freeing on fresh powder. AllTrails has 1,814 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Directions to Astoria River: Find the trailhead across from the HI Edith Cavell Hostell along Edith Cavell Road. Avalanche risk is non-existent on this hike, so it’s ready to attempt when you are. Big views expand from the top of this highly-rated trail. If you're in B.C., check out 25 Incredible Hiking Trails in British Columbia. How do I get to the Hoodoo Trail trailhead? In my heart, I knew I was going to come back to Canada to explore it more. Look for the sign (and trailhead) just before. Reaching the pass, you can head to Wilcox Pass lookout for unprecedented views of Mount Athabasca, Snow Dome, and the glaciers clinging to them. The entire length wraps in roughly a circular route, passing through eastern and southern Alberta. There’s the option of day and multi-day hikes, with alpine hut accommodation available. Mar 28, 2018 - 10 minute read. Starting from the Elbow Falls parking lot on Highway 66, you’ll hike up, up, up to summit Prairie Mountain. The trail climbs out of the meadow and past the treeline rather steeply. Hikers are spoiled for choice in Kananaskis Country (K-Country) thanks to the slightly lower elevation than the rest of the Rockies. Explore my suggestions below, and you’ll find yourself hiking through beautiful snowy meadows on your way to alpine lakes and backcountry cirques. It’s a good intermediate hike, and an excellent option if you’re a novice hiker hoping to push yourself a little … Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Leigh from HikeBikeTravel.comJill from GhostBearPhotography.com, Closest city: Canmore Length: 4 kmElevation Gain: MinimalTime: 2 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. Bulgaria. Near the top, you’ll emerge from the forest and walk along the ridge offering incredible views of the Kananaskis peaks to the west and the prairies to the east. 5 of the best hikes in Southern Alberta Thu. Plus, you can relax and enjoy the tea house, which is less well-known (and less crowded) than the popular Lake Agnes tea house. Top Alberta Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Alberta, Canada on Tripadvisor. Follow the lakeshore, to the right, to the trail marker sign. I love hiking, so I knew I had to do the best hikes in Banff National Park. Want to see where these rank against Canada's greatest hikes? Once you reach Lillian Lake, don’t go past it as it’s a high-risk avalanche zone. 12 of the best winter hikes and snowshoe trips in Alberta . With snow dusting the trail in the winter, you’ll get an interesting perspective of this geographically wonderful place. Keep your eyes out for Troll dolls hidden in the trees, adding a bit of magic to your hike and a fun game for the kids. Share. From short, easy walks around blue-green lakes to demanding treks up muddy paths, these hikes have the best eye-candy the province can offer. From Edmonton, take the Yellowhead to Jasper National Park and watch for a sign to Miette Hot Springs. Cross over Galatea Creek several times, and keep an eye out for frozen falls clinging to small cliffs along the way. Fall – my favourite season of the year and the best time to hike in Alberta. Time: 1.5–2.5 hours. In the right light, the colours pop icy blue against the golden-tan rocks. Route type. Hiking in Alberta ★ With currently 415 hiking routes all around Alberta there are plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a place local Calgarians know and love but is overlooked by many visitors. Once you’re exposed, the elements can be relentless, so bring some layers to block the wind. Biking or boating cuts off tedious hiking hours so you can enjoy the ridges and wildflowers. Having been to 42 countries so far, she's created a life rich with experiences and thrives on pushing the limits of her comfort zone. Winter is often preferable due to fewer crowds.