Are you looking for the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies? Well then this blog post has got you covered and will help you plan the perfect Canada itinerary.
The Canadian Rockies are home to over a thousand hiking trails and if you want you could spent years trying to cover them all. Of course some of these Canada hikes are a little more spectacular and those are the ones that we will focus on!
So when I was planning my trip to the Canadian Rockies I had listed a couple of hikes that I absolutely couldn’t miss. Unfortunately once we got there our entire itinerary went up into flames, or better into snow, due to the fact that the past spring had been incredibly cold. All of the hiking trails above 2000 meter were still covered in a huge layer of snow (I am talking waist height) and there was a high avalanche risk.
This pretty much meant that I had to search for new hikes that were possible and safe to complete! But I managed to find some incredible other options and a couple years later we still talk about how amazing this trip was and how we can’t wait to go back one day!
Plus I will give you all the tools and tips you’ll need so you yourself can have an amazing and safe time on these hikes in the Canadian Rockies!
I just arrived home from an amazing holiday in Canada. For the main part we focussed on exploring the Canadian Rockies in both Alberta and British Columbia. In my opinion the two most beautiful provinces in entire Canada. Then of course I am a sucker for mountains and crystal clear lakes.
All of the hikes listed here can be done in a single day, even though that some will require a very early start if you want to finish. I know that it’s not always easy to handle all of the logistics when planning a trip to a destination that you’ve never visited before. And especially with Canada all of the different camping options, permits and overall logistics seemed a little overwhelming while I was still home.
So while some of these hikes in the Canadian Rockies might seem very long, it’s important to know that if needed they are some backcountry camping options as well to split these hikes in half
Incredible hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies
1. St. Marks Summit – Cypress Provincial Park
Distance – 11km
Elevation – 460m
Duration – 4 hours
Type – Out & back
Level – Moderate. The path is well-marked and includes a mix of forested areas, rocky sections, and open viewpoints.
Parking – The trailhead is located at the Cypress Mountain ski area parking lot.
Best time to hike – July to October
St. Marks Summit is a popular hiking destination located in Cypress Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. The summit offers breathtaking views of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Range, and the surrounding coastal mountains. This wonderful hiking trail in the Canadian Rockies will lead you through a beautiful forest, through meadows and with a little bit of luck you’ll even spot a black bear in the distance.
St. Marks Summit is part of the Howe Sound Crest Trail that spans over 30km from Cypress to a point along the Sea to Sky Highway near Porteau Cove.
The section of the trail that St. Mark’s Summit is on starts from Cypress Mountain which is the first mountain along this route and offers spectacular views of Howe Sound on a clear day.
2. Joffre Lakes Hike – Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Distance – 10km
Elevation – 400m
Type – Out & back
Duration – 3.5 hours
Level – Moderate. The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain or early in the season when snow may still be present. Proper hiking boots are recommended.
Parking – The trail is extremely popular, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early helps avoid crowds and ensures a parking spot.
Best time to hike – Late June to September
The hike up to Joffre Lakes is one of the most popular hikes near Vancouver. Joffre Lakes is one of BC’s most beautiful hikes and is relatively easy to access compared to other alpine lakes in the region.
The hike is divided into three main sections, each leading to one of the three Joffre Lakes
- Lower Joffre Lake – A short walk from the parking lot, offering a beautiful view of the first turquoise lake with surrounding mountains.
- Middle Joffre Lake – The trail continues through forested areas and some steeper sections to reach the second lake, which provides a stunning view of the Matier Glacier.
- Upper Joffre Lake – The final section of the trail is more challenging, with rocky terrain and some switchbacks leading to the third lake. This lake is the most picturesque, with vibrant turquoise waters and the glacier as a backdrop.
During this hike near Pemberton you’ll pass by all 3 lakes and all of them are vibrant turquoise in color. That is if the sun is shining, otherwise they’ll look more emerald.
💡 PERMIT – A free Day-Use Pass is required to hike this trail beginning June 17, 2022. Reservations can be made with BC Parks.
3. Emerald Lake Hiking Trail – Yoho National Park
Distance – 5.1km
Elevation – 122m
Type – Loop
Duration – 1.5 hours
Level – Easy. Mostly flat terrain
Parking – From Field, British Columbia, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west. Turn onto Emerald Lake Road and follow it for about 8 kilometers to reach the parking area. The drive from Field takes about 20 minutes.
Best time to hike – May to October
Emerald Lake is a spectacular and serene turquoise glacial lake surrounded by mountains in Yoho National Park. The lake is surrounded by snow capped mountains and on a clear day you’ll see them perfectly reflected into its crystal clear water.
This is one of the easiest hiking trails in this article and one that is ideal to complete with the entire family. The Emerald Lake hiking trail will take you all around one of the most beautiful lakes in Yoho National Park and afterwards you can grab a drink at the café across the boathouse.
Another popular activity here is to rent a canoe and go out on the water. Besides this lake being so stunning it’s a lot less frequently visited than those other glacial lakes in the Canadian Rockies such as Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
4. Lake Agnes Tea House Hike – Banff National Park
Distance – 8km
Elevation – 378m
Type – Lollypop Trail
Duration – 2.5 hours
Level – Moderate
Parking – Parking at Lake Louise can be limited, especially during peak season. Consider using the shuttle service provided by Parks Canada if parking is full. We made sure to arrive before sunrise and then spent a full day at Lake Louise.
Best time to hike – June to October
The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is one of the most popular short hikes in Banff National Park and its start is located right next to the spectacular Lake Louise. The hike begins at the end of the lake, following a well-marked trail.
The trail starts with a steady incline through a dense forest. Along the way, you’ll pass Mirror Lake, a small picturesque lake, before continuing the ascent to Lake Agnes. The final stretch involves a series of switchbacks leading up to the tea house.
The tea house, built in 1901, offers a variety of teas, homemade soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. It provides a rustic and cozy atmosphere with stunning views of Lake Agnes and the surrounding peaks. The final destination, Lake Agnes, is a serene and picturesque alpine lake.
Don’t expect to have the tea house to yourself since this is a very popular trail and if you want to grab a drink you’ll need to have cash with you.
5. Little Beehive Hiking Trail – Banff National Park
Distance – 11.5km
Elevation – 535m
Type – Lollypop Trail
Duration – 3.5 hours
Level – Moderate
Parking – Parking at Lake Louise can be limited, especially during peak season. Consider using the shuttle service provided by Parks Canada if parking is full. We made sure to arrive before sunrise and then spent a full day at Lake Louise.
Best time to hike – June to October
The Little Beehive Hiking Trail is a scenic and rewarding hike located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. This trail offers panoramic views of Lake Louise, the Bow Valley, and the surrounding mountains. It is often combined with the Lake Agnes Tea House Hike, providing an excellent extension for those looking for more adventure and breathtaking vistas.
After reaching the Lake Agnes Tea House, continue on the trail that leads to the right of Lake Agnes. The path ascends through a forested area with some switchbacks before reaching the Little Beehive lookout.
The Little Beehive offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Louise, the Bow Valley, Mount Fairview, and the surrounding peaks. The elevation and positioning provide a unique vantage point that is perfect for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
💡 TIP – For those looking to extend their hike further, the Big Beehive offers another excellent lookout point. The trail to the Big Beehive can be accessed from Lake Agnes and provides even more panoramic views of the area.
6. Lake Minnewanka Hiking Trail – Banff National Park
Distance – Up to 58 kilometers round trip (to the end of the lake and back), but you can choose shorter sections.
Elevation – Varies, but generally around 200 meters for shorter hikes.
Duration – Varies depending on the distance hiked. Day hikes can range from 2-8 hours.
Type – Out & back
Level – Moderate
Parking – There is ample parking at the day-use area, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Best time to hike – June to October
The Lake Minnewanka shoreline trail is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park. And the best part about this hike is that you can make it as short or as long as you would like. It’s an out & back trail that will give you incredible views over the Lake Minnewanka reservoir and its surrounding mountains.
The first kilometer you’ll follow the paved trail next to the shore of Lake Minnewanka which will also be the busiest place cause here you’ll also find a couple of café’s and the boat house. But it doesn’t take long to leave the crowds behind and you’ll find yourself in a lush forest and crossing the Cascade river.
Don’t forget to take in the views of the Stewart Canyon once you pass the wooden bridge. After that the trail leads up through the forest and eventually you’ll walk on a rocky gravel path up next to the spectacular lake.
❗️Since this hike is on the edge of core grizzly territory, there are seasonal restrictions in place. Between July 10 and September 15, cycling is not permitted, hikers must hike in tight groups of 4 or more (carrying bear spray) and dogs are not permitted past the Stewart Canyon Bridge.
💡 TIP – When driving to Lake Minnewanka make sure to drive the full circle of the Minnewanka Scenic Road. It’s one of the most spectacular sceneries in Banff National Park and one where it’s very easy to spot wildlife in the early morning or late evening. In just two days we spotted a black bear, a grizzly bear with her cub and several elk.
7. Barrier Lake Hike – Kananaskis Country
Distance – 10km
Elevation – 451m
Duration – 3 hours
Type – Loop
Level – Moderate
Parking – The trailhead is located at the Barrier Lake Day-use Area, which is accessible from the Kananaskis Trail (Highway 40).
Best time to hike – June to October
The Barrier Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Kananaskis Country and pretty unique in its kind. For a pretty short hike up you’ll be rewarded with a one of a kind view. You’ll see the Rocky Mountains on one side and look out over the prairie on the other.
It’s one of the very few places in Canada where you’ll find yourself in the Canadian Rockies and also see the prairie.
So the thing about most hikes in Kananaskis Country is that they are very badly indicated and the cell service here is pretty non existent. Therefore I highly recommend downloading your trail map before heading out! The only time I ever had any cell service was when I was already on top of the mountain.
You can do the trail to the Prairie View Lookout either as an out & back hike or as a loop. I highly recommend doing it as a loop! It will add a couple more kilometers but it’s a lot less dull and you’ll also pass by a waterfall!
8. Windtower Hiking Trail – Kananaskis Country
Distance – 9.8km
Elevation – 898m
Duration – 5 hours
Type – Out & back
Level – Moderate to strenuous. This hike is physically demanding due to its length and elevation gain. Ensure you are in good physical condition and prepared for a strenuous workout.
Parking – There is parking available at the trailhead near the Spray Lakes West Campground. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a parking spot.
Best time to hike – June to October
One of the most breathtaking views in Kananaskis Country is from on top of one of the mountains surrounding Spray Lakes. There’s a ton of hikes to choose from but when we were there the hike up to Windtower was the only one that wasn’t in an avalanche risk and not still fully covered under a thick carpet of snow.
Make sure to bring enough layers with you cause even on a sunny day it can get incredibly windy on top of the mountain and the weather can shift in a minute.
The hike begins at the West Wind Pass Trail, which is a steady ascent through a forested area with occasional open sections offering views of the Spray Lakes Reservoir. The trail to West Wind Pass is moderately challenging and is a popular destination on its own.
The path now goes alongside the mountain and for a while it remains flat with some climbing involved. the last part of the hike is another 400 meter climb up on loose gravel rocks. Easy to hike back down but a pain in the ass to hike up. Take small steps and bring hiking sticks with you for some extra support.
Once you’re at the top get ready to enjoy spectacular 360° views! From the summit of Windtower, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Spray Valley, Bow Valley, and the surrounding peaks, including Mount Lougheed, the Three Sisters, and Wind Ridge.
9. Valley of the Five Lakes Trail – Jasper National Park
Distance – 4.6km
Elevation – 162m
Type – Loop
Duration – 1.5h
Level – Easy. The trail is a well-maintained loop that winds through a mix of forested areas, open meadows, and along the shores of the five lakes. The trail is marked with numbered posts corresponding to the lakes.
Parking – The trailhead is located along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), about 9 kilometers south of Jasper townsite. Look for signs for the Valley of the Five Lakes parking area. There is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during the peak season. Arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Best time to hike – June to October
One of the most beautiful and rewarding hikes in Jasper National Park is the Valley of the Five Lakes hiking trail. This easy hike will take you along 5 pristine lakes, one even more beautiful than the other and can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Each of the five lakes has its distinct color and character. The lakes are named simply First Lake, Second Lake, Third Lake, Fourth Lake, and Fifth Lake.
- First Lake: The smallest and often the least visited, offering a peaceful start to the hike.
- Second Lake: Known for its vibrant turquoise color and picturesque surroundings.
- Third Lake: Popular for its beautiful reflections of the surrounding trees and mountains.
- Fourth Lake: Often considered the most photogenic, with clear blue waters and great picnic spots.
- Fifth Lake: The largest and deepest, offering excellent views and opportunities for exploration.
10. Maligne Canyon Trail – Jasper National Park
Distance – Varies depending on the route taken. The full loop is approximately 7.4 kilometers round trip.
Elevation – 131m
Duration – Typically 2-3 hours round trip.
Type – Loop
Level – Easy to moderate
Parking – There is ample parking at the main trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during busy times. Additional parking is available at the Fifth and Sixth Bridge trailheads further down Maligne Lake Road.
Best time to hike – June to October
Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, with a depth of more than 50 meters at certain points. You can explore this incredible landmark by crossing 6 bridges built across various points of the canyon.
The trail features several beautiful waterfalls, particularly during the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak.
- First Bridge: Located near the parking lot, it offers the first impressive view of the canyon.
- Second Bridge: Provides views of one of the deepest sections of the canyon.
- Third Bridge: Features a dramatic waterfall plunging into the canyon below.
- Fourth Bridge: Another great viewpoint for waterfalls and canyon depth.
- Fifth and Sixth Bridges: Located further downstream, these bridges offer views of the widening canyon and quieter river sections.
11. Sulphur Skyline Trail – Jasper National Park
Distance – 7.9km
Elevation – 653 meters
Duration – 3.5 hours
Level – Moderate to hard. This hike is physically demanding due to its elevation gain and steep sections.
Type – Out & back
Parking – There is ample parking at the Miette Hot Springs parking lot, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. Arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Best time to hike – June to October
The Sulphur Skyline Trail is a popular and rewarding hike located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Known for its stunning panoramic views, this trail takes hikers to the summit of Sulphur Skyline, offering some of the best vistas in the park. It’s a challenging hike, but the breathtaking scenery makes it well worth the effort.
This is one of my favorite hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies cause it’s not every day that you can get 360° views with only hiking up that amount of elevation. And do you want to know the best part? After completing this hike you can take a dip in a hot spring!
Yes, you read that right! The trailhead for the Sulphur Skyline Trail is located at the parking lot for the famous Miette Hot Springs.
I really enjoyed this hike cause the elevation goes gradually and at the very end there’s a bit of a steep climb. But by then you are already above the tree line and you can enjoy the incredible views while hiking up.
I advise you to start this hike early in the day cause it’s a very popular trail. We even saw an entire school class making their way up while we were already heading back down.
When to go hiking in the Canadian Rockies
So hiking season in the Canadian Rockies officially starts at the start of June and will last until the end of September. However there are a couple of very important details that you need to factor in:
- In June and early July there can still be a lot of snow on the higher alpine levels meaning there’s a high avalanche risk and that some hiking trails will still be closed off.
- If you want access to as many hikes in the Canadian Rockies as possible I recommend booking your holiday in August.
- In September it will already be a lot colder but if you go in the first two weeks then the chances of encountering snowfall will also be very low. Plus there will be a lot less people on the trail and the larches will already start turning yellow and orange.
Essential tips for hiking in the Canadian Rockies
- Wear proper hiking shoes – A lot of the trails can be rocky and uneven and you don’t want to loose your balance or slide down. I love my Danner Mountain Light Boots and Blundstone Boots the most for exploring the outdoors.
- Pack for 4 seasons – even in the summer months it can be very cold if you start hiking in the early morning. Make sure you’re wearing layers so you can easily take something off or put on an extra layer if you’re taking a break. Weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly. Bring layers, waterproof gear, and be prepared for cooler temperatures and wind at higher elevations.
- Make sure to arrive early at the most popular hiking trails to ensure you have the best experience.
- Bring a small first aid kit with you. You can always hurt yourself during a hike and it’s important that you’re able to disinfect wounds as fast as possible.
- Safety – Due to the steep and exposed nature of the trail, it is advisable to hike with a partner. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife.
Before you head out hiking in Canada you’ll need to
- Research your trail – I usually do this on the AllTrails app where you can read a detailed description and look through other people’s reviews and photos. This way you’ll also have a good idea of what you’re getting yourself into.
- Factor in overall distance, elevation gain, current conditions and your fitness when selecting a trail.
- Print a physical map of the trail and/or download offline maps. You can easily do this within the AllTrails app if you take the subscription.
- Tell someone your plans before heading off (where you are going and when you will be back).
- Read up on the Leave no Trace Principles – Pack out all trash and respect the natural environment to help preserve the beauty of the area.
Map of the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies
🗺️ How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
If you have any questions about the Canadian Rockies or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
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