Hikes in Alberta

Escape to nature without leaving the city! Weaselhead Flats offers 237 hectares of pleasant pathways tailor-made for chilled-out hikes and gusts of fresh air. This area is more of a network of routes than just one individual walk, so you can go on an aimless wander or find a path you like. And we have the directions for our favourite loop below!

Hiking the Heart Mountain Horseshoe is a wonderful hike near Canmore. Hiking the full Horseshoe gets you away from the highway and into incredible, big-mountain views. Who knew hiking around Heart Mountain would be this great? We love this hike!

A walk around Lake Minnewanka is a special treat for those in Banff. This trail winds along a beautiful mountain-fringed lake and can be as short or as long as you want. It’s especially wonderful in spring and autumn when most other hikes are snowbound.

The hike to Galatea Lakes is spectacular. The first bit to Lillian Lake is through forest, the route above Lillian Lake is outstanding, especially the circuit around Lower Galatea Lake. This hike takes in Lillian Lake, Lower Galatea Lake and Upper Galatea Lake.

The Carthew-Alderson hike is a beautiful one-way hike providing epic and vastly varied views. You’ll see mountain peaks, rocky red slopes, and alpine lakes. Carthew-Alderson is one of Waterton’s Triple Crown hikes. You’ll need a shuttle to the trail-head for this hike.

Tuff Puff Ridge is a beautiful trail near David Thompson Highway that attracts a lot of hikers, not only because of its ear-catching name, but also because of the blooming wildflowers surrounding it. The trail is of great quality and the summit has beautiful views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies. You will be able to observe Whirlpool Ridge, Two O-Clock Ridge and North Saskatchewan River from the best angles!

The Astotin Lake Lakeshore Trail is an out-and-back route that leaves directly from the Astotin Lake Campground in the heart of Elk Island Park. It is great for all abilities, and groups can choose to turn back at any time to shorten the overall distance. You will get great views of the lake and its many islands, including the notable Long Island.

Hiking the 3.9 km loop that makes up the Horseshoe Canyon Trail is the best way to see Horseshoe Canyon Provincial Park. This trail is the highlight of the area, and even though it is highly popular, it is worth a visit. You’ll feel like you have been whisked away to another planet when you catch a glimpse of the incredible canyon.

Hiking the Cameron Heights Loop trail is a great way to spend a few hours in the city. The park is full of forested areas and clearings with great views. There are multiple starting areas and intersecting trails, which makes this a great trail to make your own. Choose your own adventure on this family-friendly trail.

The hike up Wind Ridge, near Canmore, takes you away from the Bow Valley into the stunning West Wind Valley. Sometimes confused with West Wind Pass (which is accessed from the Smith-Dorrien Hwy), Wind Ridge is a great hike.