The West Fish Creek Hike in the western part of the park is one of our favourite ways to reconnect with nature when we don’t have time to drive out of town. 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. Distance: 7.5km It is always way more fun to switch things up and see new sights. Time: 1–4 hours. The Best Winter Hikes Canmore December 12, 2018 November 27, 2018 by courtyardadmin Canmore is one of Alberta’s most charming little mountain towns, and while it’s a delight year-round, it truly begins to sparkle once the snow begins to fall. Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Barry from HikingWithBarry.comAudrey from BanffandBeyond.com, Closest city: BanffLength: 8.6 kmElevation Gain: 535 mTime: 4-5 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. Varying in difficulty, hikers should be able to find a trail to match the adventure they want to experience. Route type. 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. A local ferry provides access to the trailhead from Waterton Village Marina to the far shore on Upper Waterton Lake. Time: 1.5–2.5 hours. Start at the campground and hike through an otherworldly landscape of hoodoos that come in … It’s mostly paved, making for a nice walk during the winter. Time: 1–2 hours. Mar 28, 2018 - 10 minute read. This is a superb choice for kids—it’s a short distance, but you could spend hours in these narrow caves letting imaginations run wild with fantasies of ice princes and princesses! Wide open plains and arid badlands beg to be explored, too. Distance: 3.9km (+ other various routes) Mayrhofen. 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 last leg of the climb to the summit can be tricky for an inexperienced hiker, so take this into consideration and stay safe. Closest city: Milk RiverLength: 4.4 kmTime: 4 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. Big views expand from the top of this highly-rated trail. Mount Edith Cavell Meadows Kurt Morrison @kurtmorrison, Closest city: Jasper Length: 6-7 kmElevation Gain: 500 mTime: 3-5 hoursDifficulty: Difficult. Pack up the car, these Calgary-area hikes are worth the drive. This particular trail runs through avalanche terrain, so be careful and prepared to enter this high-risk area. Two kilometres up 93A, turn right onto Marmot Road. 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. We want to help you find them. We want to offer everyone choices, from families wanting a quick loop to hardy keeners looking for a winter workout. The trailhead begins on the north side of St. Julien Road. Time: 1–2 hours. To reach Kananaskis from Calgary, you’ll be in the car for about an hour—but it’s well worth the drive. Many trails connect through this park, so you have plenty of options to make it as short or as long as you like. How do I get to Grotto Canyon trailhead? Last Updated August 9, 2020. You’ll see hoodoos, pinnacles, sandstone ridges and so much more. Drive another 3.5 kilometres and park just past the gravel pit. Kristin lives nomadically, settling in small towns close to adventure. Elevation: 490m Elevation: 144m Distance: 3.6km If you need some directions, download the route guide for the Hogarth Lakes trail to be prepared. Nothing beats the feeling of getting outdoors and finding your work-life balance again. How do I get to the Baldy Fire Lookout trailhead? 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. A relatively easy hike which may spur your interest in what the best hiking trails in Banff National Park are all about. If you haven't stood among the majestic peaks of Alberta's Rocky Mountains, you need to start planning a visit. We prefer it in the winter when you still get magnificent landscapes but deal with way fewer crowds. 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. Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team. Distance: 3.7km Details: Waskahegan Trail is one we've described before as "hidden in plain sight." Closest city: Fort Smith Length & Time: VariesDifficulty: Easy. Difficulty: Easy to moderate; Hiking time: Upper Falls – 1.5 hours return. But if you feel like exploring off-trail, a set of snowshoes can be freeing on fresh powder. 20/19. It is an extremely popular, easily accessed area with gorgeous waterfall views. Travel Alberta . The Crypt Lake hiking trail is considered one of the best in Canada. Fish Creek Provincial Park is a preserved area in Calgary where you can escape into nature without leaving the city limits. Are you ready for the hikes?! Pocaterra Ridge is one of the nicest hikes I’ve done in Alberta Ha Ling Peak near Canmore One of the early season hikes that will get you into shape for summer hiking. Don’t forget your hiking poles to help with the tough descent. The Hogarth Lakes Trail is a leisurely loop through the forest and along shorelines of frozen lakes. Be wary of logging trucks and off-road vehicles that climb the gravel track alongside hikers. Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Leigh from HikeBikeTravel.comJill from GhostBearPhotography.com, Closest city: Canmore Length: 4 kmElevation Gain: MinimalTime: 2 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. More filters (1) Clear filters. However, if you’re only visiting the Canadian Rockies for a short vacation, you’re going to want to hike the best of the best winter trails throughout Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Yoho National Park. You'll find the trailhead marked by a sign at kilometre 12. Lower trailhead: From Banff Ave, turn east onto Buffalo Street, which turns into St. Julien Road. 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. Feel free to download the guide for the Bow River trail before you go. Alberta has so many amazing trails to choose from—it would take a lifetime to hike them all! It’s one of the most scenic alpine hiking areas in Alberta and the best part is you don’t have to work hard to get there. Distance: 4.2km Top Alberta Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Alberta, Canada on Tripadvisor. Details: Taking the trail to Devil’s Thumb as a side trip from the Lake Agnes/Big Beehive Trail is a tough, but rewarding, option. One part snowshoe and one part hike with microspikes, this trail’s distance does not necessarily reflect its difficulty—your blood will be pumping, guaranteed! Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Rachel from BetterLivin.caBob Spirko, Closest city: WatertonLength: 8 kilometresElevation Gain: 350 mTime: 3 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. 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. Hiking in Alberta ★ With currently 415 hiking routes all around Alberta there are plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. 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: Fall – my favourite season of the year and the best time to hike in Alberta. Check out these 17 breathtaking winter trails in Alberta. Upper trailhead: Alternatively, begin this hike from Tunnel Mountain Drive. Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Tanya from RockiesFamilyAdventure.comKarlie at MissWanderlust.ca, Closest city: Sherwood ParkLength: 5.8 kmTime: 2 hoursDifficulty: Moderate. Yes, with the aid of a certified ACMG Guide, hikers can walk on glaciers and view scenery usually reserved for mountaineers only. Why not try it out for yourself? Winter is often preferable due to fewer crowds. Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team. Details: This section of the park contains a lot of hills, wildlife and beaver ponds There are several trails within the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, and the Siksika Trail connects some of these. Distance: 5.5km Frozen waterfalls are a common theme in this list, but that’s what happens when you see waterfalls in winter. It’s a place local Calgarians know and love but is overlooked by many visitors. With a trailhead seemingly on every doorstep, sweeping vistas and crystal-clear rivers are just a hike away. Featuring an easy, scenic walk to a pristine lake, Black Prince Cirque is another one of the best hiking trails in Kananaskis for families and also a popular spot with snowshoers in the winter months. The serene landscapes showcase some of the best of Alberta’s autumn scenes as it moves through the rolling parkland. Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Rhonda from TravelYesPlease.comBarry from HikingWithBarry.com, Wilson Hui CC by 2.0 flickr.com/photos/wilsonhui, Closest city: BanffLength: 11.9 kmElevation Gain: 883 mTime: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Difficult. This would be a lovely hike for a weekend date or an after-work jaunt away from the city. 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. Aug 8, 2020 - Explore Road Trip Alberta's board "Popular Alberta Hikes", followed by 130 people on Pinterest. Here are 25 hikes to get you started: P.S. Turn left just past the bridge, onto the Sulphur Gates Road. This quick hike will bring you through open meadows with views of Kananaskis Country in the distance and a look back at Calgary to the east. 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. How do I get to the Siksika Trail trailhead? You don’t have to travel far from the city to refill your nature cup. Hikers are spoiled for choice in Kananaskis Country (K-Country) thanks to the slightly lower elevation than the rest of the Rockies. 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. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that ALL hiking in Banff is breathtaking! 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. Troll Falls is a great, family-friendly hike in the Nakiska area. Want something close to home? Head out for a lovely walk through the forest with the Bow River next to you. Turn right onto Maligne Road. Be careful with icy patches on the way down, but keep your camera out—the views are equally as impressive hiking out. 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). Distance: 3.5km Ready for some activity? Directions to Astoria River: Find the trailhead across from the HI Edith Cavell Hostell along Edith Cavell Road. Details: Completing this trail end-to-end means using two vehicles or taking the shuttle service from town. Details: The trail to Vimy Peak features views of Crypt Falls and Waterton Lake. m ft. Make sure to wear waterproof boots, and gaiters would be helpful as some sections can get slushy. Closest city: BrooksLength: 1.4 kmElevation Gain: MinimalTime: 30 minutesDifficulty: Easy. Difficulty. 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. Bloggers who have lived the adventure:Karlie from MissWanderlust.comLucie & Martin from laidbacktrip.com, Closest city: JasperLength: 33 kmTime: 3-4 daysDifficulty: Moderate. Last Updated August 9, 2020. Get your heart pumping on this out-and-back trail in one of the most magnificent locations in the Rockies: the Columbia Icefield. Time: 1–1.5 hours. With the proper gear and technical skills, the Grotto Canyon Hike can be a fun exploration during winter. Details: This is an easy, mostly flat trail that will take you across footbridges to Blakiston Falls and the viewing platforms. 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. Located in Banff National Park, around 10-15km away from Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is probably the most photographed and best hikes in Alberta to explore if you want an iconic landscape. Start at the Writing on Stone Provincial Park Visitor Centre. Turn right at the Sunwapta Falls Resort. You can then turn towards the Waterfall Lookout for a neat perspective overlooking the top of the falls. In fact, the snow and ice adds a special kind of magic that you can’t find in summer. Check out the Tunnel Mountain hike guide and plan a winter getaway in Banff. Here are our top picks for winter hikes in this stunning national park. 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. BC is a hiker’s paradise and opportunities abound. 12. Details: Hiking Grotto Canyon, you’ll be able to experience hiking along a creek bed, which can only be reached by foot. From the editors of Explore Magazine, a subscription box filled with outdoor gear, adventure challenges and an amazing community. Leigh McAdam. 20/19. Maybe catch the sunrise? Best hikes in Alberta. This is much more than a casual walk in the park—prepare to work up a sweat on the Prairie Mountain Trail. Crowds will likely be minimal due to colder weather, so bundle up and take a peaceful walk out of town and rest on one of the many benches to sip a hot beverage and have a chat with your walking buddy. Share. One of the hike’s viewpoints is a popular spot for photographers trying to capture that iconic mountain, trees, and frozen lake picture. Elevation: Minimal Elevation: 47m Details: This is an easy and popular hike for visitors to Banff. How do I get to Larch Valley trailhead? Best backpacking trails in Alberta, Canada. Guide to the Best Hikes in Kananaskis – Alberta 2:42 AM. Jun. One of the best options for all levels is the Stawamus Trail in Squamish. 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. Here are a few of my favorite hikes from Alberta, Canada. Length. Time: 1–2 hours. Alberta contains a portion of the Canadian Rocky Mountains with breathtaking trails to be explored (almost) year-round. To help you prepare for your adventure, we have a recommended packing list at the end of the article. Leigh McAdam. Elevation: 15m The Hoodoo Trail, is a stunning 4.0 km (2.5 mi) out-and-back interpretative hike in Canada’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, Writing-on-Stone /Aisinai’pi, located in the southeast corner of Alberta. Continue past the falls to an area of shallow pools called the Ink Pots to extend your adventure. Dinosaur Provincial Park is located about 48 kilometres northeast of Brooks. Time: 2–3 hours. The entire length wraps in roughly a circular route, passing through eastern and southern Alberta. How do I get to Carthew-Alderson trailhead? You’ll likely encounter large crowds at the beginning of your journey, since the trail starts near Chateau Lake Louise, but the view during your hike will be worth it. The colours of the leaves are slowly changing, turning the forested landscape from dark green to warm hues of yellow & gold. Distance: 4.3km Elk's Pass is a day hike that begins in Alberta and ends in B.C. Can't wait for the Rockies to cover in snow, so many places to visit! Elevation: 485m Elevation: 120m Follow the lakeshore, to the right, to the trail marker sign. Elevation: 60m Little Elbow Trail Bragg Creek and Sheep River. As of August 2020, it is closed for construction, so check for updates before planning your adventure. 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. border. 12 of the best winter hikes and snowshoe trips in Alberta . Details: Don't miss this gorgeous day hike in Banff National Park. 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