Hikes in Alberta
The Canadian Province of Alberta is an outdoor-lovers paradise. World famous destinations like Jasper, Lake Louise, Waterton and Banff draw the crowds, and for good reason – they’re beautiful. Big mountains, stunning emerald coloured lakes, abundant glaciers, forests, game and fresh air make Alberta one of the best places for your upcoming holiday.
With most of the accessible Rocky Mountains in Alberta protected by national and provincial parks, a holiday in Alberta is special. There are big mountains, stunning emerald coloured lakes, glaciers, forests and fresh air. Alberta has some of the best, untouched wilderness on earth, and the ideal way to explore this wonderful province is on foot, ski or bike.
In winter, there are downhill ski areas, most famous are the ski resorts Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Winter is not just about downhill skiing, there is also abundant xc-ski trails and exhilarating backcountry skiing options. Winter is also low season, and a trip to Alberta in winter means great hotel rates.
Summer sees Alberta’s national parks fill up with eager outdoor explorers. Luckily there is just so much nature that you only notice the crowds in a few places, the rest of the Canadian Rockies stay peaceful and tranquil. While hiking is the most popular summer activity, you can also climb, bike, canoe and kayak.
After a hard day outdoors, one of the best parts of Alberta are the great mountain towns. Full of everything from campsites to 5-star hotels, these towns allow you to enjoy some civilization, which means great coffee, good food and fun bars!
Hiking regions in Alberta
Best Hikes in Alberta
Coliseum Mountain Hike
The trail to the top of Coliseum Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the surrounding area. Not only does it have beautiful views of the surrounding Canadian Rocky Mountains, but of the Nordegg hamlet as well. Although we recommend hiking during the warm months of the year, this scramble is available all year round and is quite popular among snowshoers.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Chester Lake Hike
The Chester Lake hike is a great family route in Canmore, complete with a stunning alpine meadow and glistening lake nestled among towering peaks. The walk is perfect for multiple seasons, whether you come to snowshoe or take a ski tour in winter, or to see the larches change color in autumn. The trail is closed from May to late-June each year to prevent trail damage.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Sunset Viewpoint and Pass
The hike to Sunset Pass & Sunset Lookout follows a strenuous trail that hikes along a backcountry artery and through a meadow with views to the remote White Goat Wilderness Area. The steep initial ascent means crowds are low, but rewards are high. If you want a shorter day you don’t need to do both hikes.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Crypt Lake Hike
Waterton’s Crypt Lake hike is a spectacular trail that has it all. It begins with a boat ride to the trailhead, passing four waterfalls en route. There is a ladder, a tunnel, and a chain you cling to as you traverse a cliff, you may want to hold off on the chains if you aren’t comfortable with heights though. For experienced hikers, this is a must-do adventure route and one of the Triple Crown hikes in Waterton.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Grassi Lakes Hike
The Grassi Lakes hike is an ideal route in Canmore for beginners, families unaccustomed to hiking in the mountains, or visitors with smaller children. It includes a pair of picturesque, crystal-clear lakes surrounded by impressive rock faces.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Plain of Six Glaciers Hike
Plain of Six Glaciers is a classic hike in Banff National Park, which guides you alongside Lake Louise, ascends past a lovely Tea House, and finishes with stunning glacier views. We also share a very special alternative route back, which goes along The Highline trail, up to Big Beehive and down to Lake Agnes.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Cox Hill Hike
Hiking Cox Hill Ridge is a great way to spend a half-day in the summer. Save this one for wildflower season, and you won’t be disappointed. The multi-use trail can get busy with bikers, hikers, and runners, so be prepared to run into some speedy trail users.
User Ratings
Islet Lake and Lost Lake Trail
The Islet Lake and Lost Lake route follows a figure eight shape starting at Islet Lake. Many visitors stop at Islet Lake and take in the scenery without continuing on. The trail is largely forested between the lakes and features some lookout shelters, signage, and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
User Ratings
Horsethief Canyon Trail
The short and easy Horsethief Canyon is just outside of Drumheller and is only 800 m long. It is the perfect fresh air stop for all abilities. The canyon itself is a stunning landmark that can’t be missed when passing through.
User Ratings
Chickakoo Lake Outer Loop
The Chickakoo Lake Trail is located outside of Edmonton at the namesake recreation area. The 6.8 km trail loops around the lake, passing by other water features and marshlands. There are many small intersecting trails here as well as plenty of picnic areas. The outer loop trail is the longest in the area, making it the best way to explore the area.
User Ratings
Helen Lake and Cirque Peak
Hiking to Helen Lake and Cirque Peak is a local favourite. From Helen Lake up to Cirque Peak the hike provides incredible views. Be warned that this is a challenging day with steady uphill climbs, particularly the final push to the top of Cirque Peak, which also involves some scrambling.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Bow River Pathway North
Embark on a stunning urban hike in the city of Calgary from Dale Hodges Park, following the popular Bow River Trail. This trail is a local favourite, known for its sweeping views over the city, paths that follow the babbling Bow River and a picturesque pond with a small dock for picnic stops.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
West Wind Pass
West Wind Pass is a great hike! It’s not too busy and is a perfect hike for people who want to get stunning views without a ton of elevation gain. We love the vista back to the Spray Lakes Reservoir as well as at the views from West Wind Pass itself.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Pyramid Lake
The hike to Pyramid Lake and the Pyramid Overlook is a wonderful after dinner walk close to the town of Jasper. The trail is family-friendly, perfect for people of all ages and hiking levels with beautiful nature views of the stunning lake and an impressive overlook.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Ha Ling Peak Hike
The amazing Ha Ling Peak hike rewards you with some stunning views over the Canmore area. This particular Ha Ling Peak trail takes you past Miners Peak and the Three Humps, offering better views and extending the hike. This popular hike near Canmore is a great way to feel like a mountaineer only 20 minutes from the town.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Bertha Lake and Bertha Falls Hike
This Waterton classic hike boasts waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and an alpine lake, making the trail to Bertha Lake and Bertha Falls a stunning hike. The benches and minimal elevation gain to Lower Bertha Falls make the first half of the hike an excellent family option. However, the second half is where the elevation kicks in.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Big Beehive Hike
The Big Beehive not only boasts a stunning viewpoint soaring high above Lake Louise, but it offers steady highlights along the way. Starting at Lake Louise itself is satisfying enough for some, and it only gets better as you continue. Many lakes and options to extend the trail into a loop, or add on viewpoints, make the Big Beehive an excellent hike for those visiting the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park.
User Ratings
North Cooking Lake Trail
The out-and-back trip on the North Cooking Lake features a quaint lake that is located just outside of Elk Island National Park. If you are passing through the area, this is a great option to stop for some fresh air. The trail is easy to follow and manageable for all abilities.
User Ratings
Whitemud Park Trail
The Whitemud Park Trail is a great route in the middle of a diverse recreation area. The park itself occupies a space between a popular campground and the North Saskatchewan River making for an excellent hiking option within city limits. The trail starts just off Fox Drive and follows a lollipop route down to the Rainbow Valley Campground and back.
User Ratings
Fish Creek and Parkland Ridge
The Fish Creek and Parkland Ridge Hike starts in Canada’s largest urban park, spanning over much of the south side of Calgary. Exploring Fish Creek Park is ideal for a day trip, with gentle trails leading towards Fish Creek. Bring binoculars for spotting wildlife, including beavers, deer, and endemic bird species.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty