Lace up your boots, change your telephone to ‘don’t disturb,’ and prepare for a mountain climbing journey within the wealthy wilderness of the Canadian Rockies.
It’s no secret that the Canadian Rockies are drowning in pure magnificence however merely visiting its nationwide parks shouldn’t be sufficient. Seeing the views is one factor, however placing your self proper in the midst of them is the way in which to do it. These parks supply the most effective mountain climbing trails within the nation and an opportunity to see the turquoise alpine lakes and mountain views you’ve dreamt of.
Certain, you may Google your manner by way of planning a visit, or you may let Intrepid deal with the logistics with the paths, suggestions and native professional leaders, so all you really want to do is lace up your boots.
So that you could spend extra time wandering the wilderness and fewer time trawling the web, we’ve put collectively a listing of the greatest hikes within the Canadian Rockies for you. From Banff to Jasper and in every single place between, these hikes are handpicked to provide the better of the Rockies – minus the stress of planning.
1. The Plain of the Six Glaciers, Banff Nationwide Park
The Plain of the Six Glaciers mountain climbing path in Banff Nationwide Park has a little bit of every thing from a chicken’s eye view of Lake Louise to a teahouse the place you’ll be able to cease and luxuriate in a light-weight refreshment earlier than persevering with in your journey.
Whereas it might be an 8.5 mile (13.5km) hike, this path is nicely definitely worth the effort and exertion because it delivers you straight right into a pure amphitheatre, providing magnificent views of huge glaciers resting on snow-covered slopes.
There’s even an opportunity you may spot mountain goats alongside the way in which and if that doesn’t get you excited, we truthfully don’t know what’s going to.
Journey Particulars
- Problem: Average
- Distance: 8.5 miles
- Period: 4-5 hours
- Elevation: 1,500 toes
- Hike sort: Out and again
- Spotlight: Views of Lake Louise
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2. Maligne Canyon Loop, Jasper Nationwide Park
Thought of by some as probably the most attention-grabbing canyon within the Rockies, the Maligne Canyon Loop is a brief path that’s not brief on views. This path has every thing—a dashing river, hidden springs with water flowing beneath you underneath limestone boulders, dramatic waterfalls, cavernous channels, a collection of scenic bridges and dramatic views that solely get higher because the canyon narrows. Whew—that was rather a lot.
It might be a busy space, however mountain climbing together with your native Intrepid chief will lead you to the most effective hidden views, like taking a 2-minute detour to see certainly one of Jasper’s greatest scenes off the path. Plus, if you happen to journey within the winter, you’ll get to see the ethereal fantastic thing about the frozen waterfalls and be safely escorted by way of the maze of pure ice sculptures with tread-enhancing cleats supplied.
Journey Particulars
- Problem: Simple/Average
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Period: 1-2 hours
- Elevation: 400 toes
- Hike sort: Loop
- Spotlight: Dramatic waterfalls
Select your Rockies route
3. Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, Yoho Nationwide Park
Deal with your eyes to a sight so magical you’ll hardly consider it as you hike the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. You may suppose that if you happen to’ve seen one majestic mountain peak vary and fantastically colored alpine lake then you definitely’ve seen ‘em all however Lake O’Hara in Yoho Nationwide Park is simply as beautiful as these present in Banff or Jasper Nationwide Parks (if no more).
With glowing water you may simply get misplaced in and forested environment that’ll immediately convey you peace and tranquillity, the Lake O’Hara Circuit shouldn’t be solely extraordinarily extraordinary but in addition unique. With the street to Lake O’Hara closed to all site visitors (entry to the hike is by reserved shuttle bus solely, however your chief will deal with that half), it’s straightforward to really feel as if you might have this mountain climbing path all to your self.
Journey Particulars
- Problem: Onerous
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Period: 5 hours
- Elevation: 2,800 toes
- Hike sort: Loop
- Spotlight: Presents a few of the greatest views in the whole park
WALK THIS HIKE ON OUR CANADIAN ROCKIES TOUR
4. Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff Nationwide Park
Sounding extra like a mystical panorama straight out of the Lord of the Rings trilogy than a mountain climbing path within the Canadian Rockies, this sweeping stretch of wilderness gained’t hesitate to take your breath away. End up being lured in by the aromatic sappy Douglas Fir bushes as they stand guard alongside the rocky path and hearken to the sounds of birds flitting from department to department as you place one foot in entrance of the opposite.
However the quiet peacefulness that can undoubtedly accompany you isn’t the most effective a part of this hike. When you make it by way of the forested woodland and out into the open, you’ll discover the commanding and spectacular stature of the ten peaks – a group of snow-covered mountain tops that appear to vanish into the clouds in winter and stand out in opposition to the sensible blue sky in summer time.
Performing as a witness to your 5 mile (8km) journey, these peaks make for probably the most epic of photograph backgrounds and can fully steal your nature-loving coronary heart.
Journey Particulars
- Problem: Average
- Distance: 5 miles
- Period: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: 1,700 toes
- Hike sort: Out and Again
- Spotlight: Spectacular mountain views
HIKE THIS WAY ON OUR HIKING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES TOUR
5. Bow Glacier Falls, Banff Nationwide Park
It’s not a correct journey to Banff if you happen to don’t take a pit cease to the Icefields Parkway. This hike provides you with the rundown on the realm with a easy path that has an impossibly blue glacier-fed lake, intense mountain views and various terrain that can preserve you in your toes.
A wood staircase will lead you into the forest and in a while you’ll be met with a boulder subject created by glaciers with an iconic view of a glacial fall that plummets 505 toes (154m) down. Each the surroundings and path change up all through, making you are feeling such as you’re on a very totally different journey as you absorb every thing this various hike has to supply.
Journey Particulars
- Problem: Average
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Period: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: 780 toes
- Hike sort: Out and Again
- Spotlight: Various terrain and views retains issues attention-grabbing
6. The Iceline Path, Yoho Nationwide Park
Yoho Nationwide Park will get its title from the Cree phrase for ‘awe’ and ‘marvel’ which makes excellent sense when you embark on the Iceline Path within the nationwide park’s north. That includes a spectacular sight of a number of glaciers, in addition to certainly one of Canada’s highest waterfalls, Takakkaw, this mountain climbing path guarantees a front-row seat to a few of Mom Nature’s most excellent work.
Residing as much as the park’s title, the Iceline Path options varied landscapes akin to lush forests and shimmering emerald lakes that’ll have you ever completely and totally transfixed all the way in which alongside the 11 mile (18km) stretch.
Whether or not you’re after a leisurely stroll within the wilderness or desire to deal with one thing a little bit more difficult, the Canadian Rockies has a hike for each health stage. Now it’s as much as you to get on the market and discover it.
Journey Particulars
- Problem: Onerous
- Distance: 11 miles
- Period: 7+ hours
- Elevation: 3,100 toes
- Hike sort: Loop
- Spotlight: Waterfalls, glaciers and alpine lakes
7. Emerald Lake Loop, Yoho Nationwide Park
On the lookout for a hike that’s as scenic as it’s chill? Possibly you might have a while to spare earlier than you meet again up together with your Intrepid group, however you continue to wish to squeeze in a single final hike within the Rockies. The Emerald Lake Loop is a flat path that hugs the shore of a turquoise mirror-like lake surrounded by views of mountains, glaciers and varied forest sorts.
You’ll cross wood bridges over streams and watch the views shift from towering mountains to glittering glaciers, with a peaceable part by way of the woods to combine it up. You’ll move an avalanche path that could be daunting in the course of the winter, however your native chief gained’t lead you into any hazard.
Journey Particulars
- Problem: Simple
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Period: 1.5 hours
- Elevation: 400 toes
- Hike sort: Loop
- Spotlight: Up shut and private to the turquoise, clear lake
8. Takakkaw Falls Path, Yoho Nationwide Park
This Yoho Nationwide Park icon is extra of a leisurely stroll than a hike, however that doesn’t imply it skimps out on the wow issue. This straightforward, wheelchair-accessible path leads you straight to the bottom of Canada’s second-tallest waterfall – over 1,200 toes (365m) of pure glacier-fed magic. “Takakkaw” means “fantastic” or “magnificent” within the native Cree language and also you’ll perceive why when you get misted on the base of this beast.
Takakkaw Falls is the place to begin for a lot of different unbelievable hikes within the space, so you’ll be able to take it straightforward and simply go see the waterfall or use it as a launchpad to your subsequent journey for the day.
Journey Particulars
- Problem: Simple
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Period: 35 minutes
- Elevation: 300 toes
- Hike sort: Out and again
- Spotlight: Second tallest waterfall in Canada
Your subsequent journey awaits
Roaming the Rockies with Intrepid
Exploring the Canadian Rockies with Intrepid isn’t nearly checking off iconic trails – it’s about making a optimistic impression whereas doing it. With native leaders who know the parks in and out, you’ll get professional steering on must-see spots, hidden gems and all the most effective methods to discover these parks safely.
Whether or not it’s a guided hike by way of ice fields and frozen waterfalls with gear supplied for you, canine sledding with the canines or a free afternoon to observe your personal path, you might have the house and freedom to make the Rockies your Rockies.
Plus, you’ll be supporting native communities alongside the way in which with a visit that leaves a long-lasting, optimistic mark. By travelling on these journeys, you’ll be taught in regards to the Intrepid Basis companion, Water First and Intrepid’s dedication to giving again to the lands they journey on.
It’s the right mixture of guided journey, impression and freedom, simply the way in which exploring needs to be.
