Hikes in Alberta

Quite simply, this is a top hike. On the Paradise Valley Circuit trail, experience spectacular clear lakes and waterfalls, beautiful views, a challenging scree ascent and a breathtaking descent. Once at Sentinel Pass get the stunning views of the Valley of the 10 Peaks and Moraine Lake.

The Warden Lake trail is an easy, family-friendly hike through an area that was recently affected by wildfire. With open views of the North Saskatchewan River and the surrounding peaks, this trail is a fun hike for the whole family.

Hiking up Parker Ridge unlocks some amazing views of the Saskatchewan Glacier, the largest of the Columbia Icefield’s six valley outlet glaciers. This hike is a great stop when driving the Icefield Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper. 

The hiking trail to North Molar Pass takes you to one of the most amazing, vast alpine meadows in Banff National Park. This long day hike has ample rewards for strong hikers. Add the North Molar Pass hike to your bucket-list!

Hidden Lake is a very pretty lake in the Skoki Region. There is also a backcountry campground here that you can use to better explore the Skoki region. In autumn the views are very pretty with the golden larches on this hike.

The Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass trail includes a stunning climb up from Moraine Lake with views of the incredible Valley of the 10 Peaks. From the pass enjoy a view into another solitary valley. The wonderful Eiffel Lake is midway through the hike – a destination itself.

The hike to Redoubt Lake is an underappreciated hike in the Skoki region near Lake Louise. Hiking to Redoubt Lake allows you to take in Boulder Pass and Ptarmigan Lake before along the way. Not only is this a wonderful hike, but it also showcases some of the best larches in the Canadian Rockies.

Hiking around Cirque & Chephren Lakes is an easy hike that goes to two classic, and seldom visited, Canadian Rockies Lakes on the Icefields Parkway. These lakes are situated at the base of the rugged mountains making up the continental divide.

Skoki Lakes is an epic hike in the Skoki region near Lake Louise. This route takes in Boulder Pass, Ptarmigan Lake, Packers Pass, the Skoki Lakes (Zigadenus and Myosotis Lakes) and then Deception Pass before coming back. This is a long day, though it is especially pretty in Autumn.

The Consolation Lake trail is a favorite family hike near Lake Louise, and can be paired with the Moraine Lake Rockpile and Lakeshore hike. Hike along Babel Creek to Consolation Lakes, which are fringed with stunning glacier clad mountains.

Although the least frequented valley in the Lake Louise area, the Lake Annette trail is a spectacular hike. With beautiful lake and mountain views and the potential to continue on to the Giant Steps Waterfall, you definitely want to check this one out.

Get the complete Lake Louise experience from the summit of Mount Fairview. This trail is packed with incredible views of the lake, stunning scenery and nearby glaciers. Although the hike is short, it rises quickly on a challenging incline – so be ready!

Hiking to Bow Hut is a wonderful way to hike the day away if you're going to be on the Icefields Parkway. Bow Hut is an Alpine Club of Canada Hut, and the route to get there is challenging but also spectacular! Book a night at Bow Hut for a true Canadian hiking experience.

If you have kids, taking the gondola up the Lake Louise Ski Hill is a great trip for the whole family. Not only do you get great views across the valley, but you can add on the Trail of the Great Bear guided hike and the whole family can learn about Grizzly Bears in Banff National Park.

Taking the Tramline trail to the central Lake Louise area is an amazing way to explore the trail system without taking on anything too strenuous. This multi-use trail is a beautiful forested route that avoids any driving or parking at all. See the lake and all its glory without the headache of trying to find a spot in the hectic parking lot.

Prairie View is a must-do in the Barrier Lake and Highway 40 area. It is a moderate trail that is easy to follow and offers incredible views. The prairie view is like no other and is the perfect place to get your photos taken. The trail is made up of easy switchbacks that lead to an incredibly rewarding summit. There are options to continue on with a scramble to the summit of Yates Mountain.

The trail to Tryst Lake is used year-round by many different types of adventurers. The summer trail is easy to follow and very straightforward. The elevation comes gradually and the lake is a great objective for beginner-intermediate hikers.

The Herbert Lake hike is a short loop around a beautiful roadside lake. Often bypassed by those driving the Icefields Parkway, the Herbert Lake trail is a wonderful way to stretch your legs, walk the dog, and hop in for a swim!

Porcupine Ridge is a challenging hike up a stunning ridge in the centre of Kananaskis. The views are astounding, and if you spend enough time in the area, you will be able to recognize many of the surrounding peaks and their trails. The day use area at the trailhead is a great spot to wind down after a long trek up Porcupine Ridge.

Hidden Valley is a hike that will take you on a journey through rocky cliffs and over ladders with chain traverses. This easy scramble is an exciting way to spend a half-day and is a lesser-known hike in the Jasper area. Hidden Valley is considered a climber’s paradise but sees very few hikers, so enjoy the solitude on this exciting route.