Lace up your boots, switch your phone to ‘do not disturb,’ and get ready for a hiking adventure in the rich wilderness of the Canadian Rockies.
It’s no secret that the Canadian Rockies are drowning in natural beauty but simply visiting its national parks is not enough. Seeing the views is one thing, but putting yourself right in the middle of them is the way to do it. These parks offer the best hiking trails in the country and a chance to see the turquoise alpine lakes and mountain views you’ve dreamt of.
Sure, you could Google your way through planning a trip, or you could let Intrepid handle the logistics with the trails, tips and local expert leaders, so all you really need to do is lace up your boots.
So that you can spend more time wandering the wilderness and less time trawling the internet, we’ve put together a list of the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies for you. From Banff to Jasper and everywhere between, these hikes are handpicked to give you the best of the Rockies – minus the stress of planning.
1. The Plain of the Six Glaciers, Banff National Park
The Plain of the Six Glaciers hiking trail in Banff National Park has a bit of everything from a bird’s eye view of Lake Louise to a teahouse where you can stop and enjoy a light refreshment before continuing on your journey.
While it may be an 8.5 mile (13.5km) hike, this trail is well worth the effort and exertion as it delivers you straight into a natural amphitheatre, offering magnificent views of massive glaciers resting on snow-covered slopes.
There’s even a chance you might spot mountain goats along the way and if that doesn’t get you excited, we honestly don’t know what will.
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 8.5 miles
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Elevation: 1,500 feet
- Hike type: Out and back
- Highlight: Views of Lake Louise
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2. Maligne Canyon Loop, Jasper National Park
Considered by some as the most interesting canyon in the Rockies, the Maligne Canyon Loop is a short trail that’s not short on views. This trail has everything—a rushing river, hidden springs with water flowing beneath you under limestone boulders, dramatic waterfalls, cavernous channels, a series of scenic bridges and dramatic views that only get better as the canyon narrows. Whew—that was a lot.
It may be a busy area, but hiking with your local Intrepid leader will lead you to the best hidden views, like taking a 2-minute detour to see one of Jasper’s best scenes off the trail. Plus, if you travel in the winter, you’ll get to see the ethereal beauty of the frozen waterfalls and be safely escorted through the maze of natural ice sculptures with tread-enhancing cleats provided.
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Elevation: 400 feet
- Hike type: Loop
- Highlight: Dramatic waterfalls
Choose your Rockies route
3. Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, Yoho National Park
Treat your eyes to a sight so magical you’ll hardly believe it as you hike the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. You might think that if you’ve seen one majestic mountain peak range and beautifully coloured alpine lake then you’ve seen ‘em all but Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park is just as stunning as those found in Banff or Jasper National Parks (if not more).
With sparkling water you could easily get lost in and forested surroundings that’ll instantly bring you peace and tranquillity, the Lake O’Hara Circuit is not only extremely extraordinary but also exclusive. With the road to Lake O’Hara closed to all traffic (access to the hike is by reserved shuttle bus only, but your leader will handle that part), it’s easy to feel as though you have this hiking trail all to yourself.
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Duration: 5 hours
- Elevation: 2,800 feet
- Hike type: Loop
- Highlight: Offers some of the best views in the entire park
WALK THIS HIKE ON OUR CANADIAN ROCKIES TOUR
4. Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park
Sounding more like a mystical landscape straight out of the Lord of the Rings trilogy than a hiking trail in the Canadian Rockies, this sweeping stretch of wilderness won’t hesitate to take your breath away. Find yourself being lured in by the fragrant sappy Douglas Fir trees as they stand guard along the rocky path and listen to the sounds of birds flitting from branch to branch as you place one foot in front of the other.
But the quiet peacefulness that will undoubtedly accompany you isn’t the best part of this hike. Once you make it through the forested woodland and out into the open, you’ll find the commanding and impressive stature of the ten peaks – a collection of snow-covered mountain tops that seem to disappear into the clouds in winter and stand out against the brilliant blue sky in summer.
Acting as a witness to your 5 mile (8km) journey, these peaks make for the most epic of photo backgrounds and will completely steal your nature-loving heart.
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5 miles
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: 1,700 feet
- Hike type: Out and Back
- Highlight: Spectacular mountain views
HIKE THIS WAY ON OUR HIKING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES TOUR
5. Bow Glacier Falls, Banff National Park
It’s not a proper trip to Banff if you don’t take a pit stop to the Icefields Parkway. This hike will give you the rundown on the area with a simple path that has an impossibly blue glacier-fed lake, intense mountain views and varied terrain that will keep you on your toes.
A wooden staircase will lead you into the forest and later on you’ll be met with a boulder field created by glaciers with an iconic view of a glacial fall that plummets 505 feet (154m) down. Both the scenery and trail switch up throughout, making you feel like you’re on a completely different journey as you take in everything this diverse hike has to offer.
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: 780 feet
- Hike type: Out and Back
- Highlight: Varied terrain and views keeps things interesting
6. The Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park gets its name from the Cree word for ‘awe’ and ‘wonder’ which makes perfect sense once you embark on the Iceline Trail in the national park’s north. Featuring a spectacular sight of several glaciers, as well as one of Canada’s highest waterfalls, Takakkaw, this hiking trail promises a front-row seat to some of Mother Nature’s most outstanding work.
Living up to the park’s name, the Iceline Trail features various landscapes such as lush forests and shimmering emerald lakes that’ll have you totally and thoroughly transfixed all the way along the 11 mile (18km) stretch.
Whether you’re after a leisurely walk in the wilderness or prefer to tackle something a little more challenging, the Canadian Rockies has a hike for every fitness level. Now it’s up to you to get out there and explore it.
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 11 miles
- Duration: 7+ hours
- Elevation: 3,100 feet
- Hike type: Loop
- Highlight: Waterfalls, glaciers and alpine lakes
7. Emerald Lake Loop, Yoho National Park
Looking for a hike that’s as scenic as it is chill? Maybe you have some time to spare before you meet back up with your Intrepid group, but you still want to squeeze in one last hike in the Rockies. The Emerald Lake Loop is a flat trail that hugs the shore of a turquoise mirror-like lake surrounded by views of mountains, glaciers and various forest types.
You’ll cross wooden bridges over streams and watch the views shift from towering mountains to glittering glaciers, with a peaceful section through the woods to mix it up. You will pass an avalanche path that may be daunting during the winter, but your local leader won’t lead you into any danger.
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Elevation: 400 feet
- Hike type: Loop
- Highlight: Up close and personal to the turquoise, clear lake
8. Takakkaw Falls Trail, Yoho National Park
This Yoho National Park icon is more of a leisurely stroll than a hike, but that doesn’t mean it skimps out on the wow factor. This easy, wheelchair-accessible path leads you straight to the base of Canada’s second-tallest waterfall – over 1,200 feet (365m) of pure glacier-fed magic. “Takakkaw” means “wonderful” or “magnificent” in the local Cree language and you’ll understand why once you get misted at the base of this beast.
Takakkaw Falls is the starting point for many other incredible hikes in the area, so you can take it easy and just go see the waterfall or use it as a launchpad for your next adventure for the day.
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Duration: 35 minutes
- Elevation: 300 feet
- Hike type: Out and back
- Highlight: Second tallest waterfall in Canada
Your next adventure awaits
Roaming the Rockies with Intrepid
Exploring the Canadian Rockies with Intrepid isn’t just about checking off iconic trails – it’s about making a positive impact while doing it. With local leaders who know the parks inside and out, you’ll get expert guidance on must-see spots, hidden gems and all the best ways to explore these parks safely.
Whether it’s a guided hike through ice fields and frozen waterfalls with gear provided for you, dog sledding with the canines or a free afternoon to follow your own path, you have the space and freedom to make the Rockies your Rockies.
Plus, you’ll be supporting local communities along the way with a trip that leaves a lasting, positive mark. By travelling on these trips, you’ll learn about the Intrepid Foundation partner, Water First and Intrepid’s commitment to giving back to the lands they travel on.
It’s the perfect mix of guided adventure, impact and freedom, just the way exploring should be.
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