Hikes in Alberta
Where to Hike in Alberta
Activities in Alberta
Top Hikes in Alberta
- Ha Ling Peak hike; a classic Canmore summit with huge Bow Valley views, about 20 minutes from town
- Tent Ridge Horseshoe hike; the photogenic Kananaskis ridge walk above the Spray Lakes, with a short scramble
- Burstall Pass hike; an iconic larch-season pass, with an optional scramble up Snow Peak
- Pocaterra Ridge hike; one of Alberta’s best autumn larch hikes, spectacular ridge views
- Crypt Lake hike; a Waterton Triple Crown hike with a boat ride, ladder, tunnel and cliff traverse
Top Hiking Regions in Alberta
Alberta’s hiking spreads across very different landscapes. The Rockies hold the headline trails, from hiking in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park hikes in the north to the quieter alpine of Kananaskis Country hiking trails and the peaks above hiking trails in Canmore. In the south, Waterton Lakes hiking packs dramatic scenery into a compact park. Closer to the cities, hikes in Calgary follow the rivers and prairie, while the Dinosaur Provincial Park trails lead through badlands unlike anywhere else in the province.
Best Time to Hike in Alberta in 2026
Alberta’s alpine hiking season peaks from late June to mid-September, once the high passes clear of snow. Lower trails around Calgary, Edmonton and the badlands open much earlier and stay good well into fall. Late September brings the famous golden larches to Kananaskis and Banff, a short and very popular window. Snow can linger on high routes into July and return by October, so check current conditions before heading into the alpine.
Planning Your 2026 Alberta Hiking Trip
Most of Alberta’s marquee hikes sit inside national or provincial parks, so check entry requirements before you go: Banff, Jasper and Waterton need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis Country requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for vehicles. Popular trailheads fill early on summer weekends in 2026, so start your day early. For more options, explore hiking trails across Canada, or take on Alberta’s bigger objectives with backpacking in Alberta and scrambling routes in Alberta. Prefer a guided trip? Browse guided hiking tours in the Canadian Rockies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Alberta
When is larch season in Alberta?
Larch season usually runs for about two weeks from mid to late September, when the alpine larches turn gold. Kananaskis trails such as Pocaterra Ridge and the larch areas around Banff are the classic spots, and they get very busy on those weekends, so go early or midweek.
Do you need a pass to hike in Alberta?
In the national parks, yes: Banff, Jasper and Waterton require a Parks Canada pass, available daily or annually. Kananaskis Country is not a national park but requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for vehicles. City and badlands trails are generally free.
What are good beginner hikes in Alberta?
For an easy introduction, the Grassi Lakes hike near Canmore, the Lake Louise Lakeshore and Lake Minnewanka Lakeside near Banff are short, scenic and family-friendly, with gentle terrain and big mountain views.
Do you need bear spray hiking in Alberta?
Yes. Most of Alberta’s mountain trails are in grizzly and black bear country, so carry bear spray, keep it accessible, make noise on the trail and never leave food unattended.
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Route guides for Hiking in Alberta
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Black Rock Mountain Route Guide
While Black Rock Mountain offers gratifying views, reaching the summit comes with its fair share of challenges, such as finding the trailhead and rockfall in some sections as you ascend. But, after your heart rate settles at the top, peaks stretching into the horizon and cradling the valley emulating a quintessential image of the wild below will force you to forget about any of the challenges along this route. The abandoned fire hall at the top adds a cool look to the already-epic scenery!
Tent Ridge Horseshoe Route Guide
The Tent Ridge hike is spectacular. Tent Ridge is the location for many of the incredible photos you regularly see on social media, showing stunning peaks over the Spray Lakes. Tent Ridge is a wonderful hike, though there is a bit of a scramble on the way up Tent Ridge that some hikers don’t like, which is why we rate this as a 4/5 instead of a 3/5.
Weaselhead Flats Route Guide
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!
Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Route Guide
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.
Carthew – Alderson Route Guide
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 Hike Route Guide
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!
Astotin Lake Lakeshore Trail Route Guide
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.
Horseshoe Canyon Loop Trail Route Guide
Hiking the 2.4mi 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.
Cameron Heights Loop Route Guide
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.
Heart Mountain Horseshoe Route Guide
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!
Lillian and Galatea Lakes Route Guide
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.
Lineham Ridge Route Guide
The epic Lineham Ridge hike is one of our favorites. You’ll travel from a creek-side, to the forest, and through meadows. Then, you’ll curve along the sweeping expanse of the towering headwall with superb views. Finally, top out on Lineham Ridge with incredible panoramic views of Rowe Valley, Rowe Lakes, and Lineham Lakes.
Wilcox Pass Route Guide
The Wilcox Pass hike offers hikers easy access to alpine meadows as well as incredible views of the peaks and glaciers on the eastern edge of the Columbia Icefield. This hike is a must-do when you’re on the Icefields Parkway, and a great trail to enjoy the Athabasca Glacier for free.
Beaver Pond Trail Route Guide
If you are staying at the Astotin Lake Campground or have already visited the lake, head to the Beaver Pond Trail for an easy 1-2 hour lollipop trail. This trail is a good option for all abilities and excellent for families. The circuit passes by the pond and makes a loop before returning on the lollipop end of the route.
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Route Guide
The Dry Island Buffalo Jump trail is a stunning circuit that travels through the provincial park. This route features a landmark that was once a place where indigenous people drove buffalo over the cliffs in numbers to provide food for their community. There is a famous archaeological site here that is known for the discovery of Albertosaurus bones.
Rundle Park Trail Route Guide
Hiking Rundle Park is just one of the many things you can do here. We suggest planning a half to full day here with your family to take advantage of what the park has to offer. You can get on the water, play mini golf or horseshoes, plan a picnic, and even play field sports. The hike itself circumnavigates the park from the north, creating a counterclockwise loop.
Coliseum Mountain Hike Route Guide
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.
Wind Ridge Route Guide
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.
Crypt Lake Hike Route Guide
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.
Sarrail Ridge Hike via Rawson Lake Route Guide
The hike to Sarrail Ridge offers some of the most stunning views in the Canadian Rockies, it is truly spectacular. The final push up Sarrail Ridge is also perhaps the steepest hike we share in the Canadian Rockies. The informal route is degraded and challenging, and not one we’d do when icy or wet.
Edith and Cory Pass Circuit Route Guide
This incredible hike through Edith and Cory Passes is the most varied hike close to Banff. This circuit takes in a number of different micro ecosystems – from a steep and dry ridge, to an arid pass, back through a lush forest. Be aware of some modest scrambling sections (both up and down) on the approach to Cory Pass.
Islet Lake and Lost Lake Trail Route Guide
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.
Horsethief Canyon Trail Route Guide
The short and easy Horsethief Canyon is just outside of Drumheller and is only 2625ft 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.
Chickakoo Lake Outer Loop Route Guide
The Chickakoo Lake Trail is located outside of Edmonton at the namesake recreation area. The 4.2mi 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.
Bow River Pathway North Route Guide
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.
Sunset Viewpoint and Pass Route Guide
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.
Pocaterra Ridge Hike Route Guide
This wonderful hike along Pocaterra Ridge is a stunner! A challenging hike, but with spectacular views, we love hiking Pocaterra Ridge in autumn with the beautiful fall colours. Pocaterra Ridge is known as one of the best places to hike among the autumn larch trees in Alberta.
Grassi Lakes Hike Route Guide
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.
Pyramid Lake Route Guide
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.
Bertha Lake and Bertha Falls Hike Route Guide
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.
Whitemud Park Trail Route Guide
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.
Fish Creek and Parkland Ridge Route Guide
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.
Lineham Falls Route Guide
The Lineham Falls hike is an awesome Waterton activity. The trail passes along a bubbling creak and offers sweeping mountain views. This hike courses through an avalanche path and culminates in a beautiful waterfall view. The best part of the hike is the real possibility that you may have the trail to yourself.
Burstall Pass Route Guide
The hike to Burstall Pass is an iconic Canmore route for good reason – it's stunning! Although a great trail for intermediates, those with energy can scramble up Snow Peak for one of the best views in the Rockies. And in autumn, the sights of the larches are incredible!
Athabasca Falls Route Guide
A walk along Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park is a great family-friendly hike. See one of the most powerful and spectacular waterfalls in Jasper as well as get great views along the Athabasca River.
Ha Ling Peak Hike Route Guide
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.
Johnston Canyon Hike Route Guide
Johnston Canyon Hike is a great, albeit busy, family hike near Banff. The trail winds through the canyon to the Upper Falls. It can also be extended to the Ink Pots, which boast pretty mountain views. In peak season start before 9am to avoid crowds on the trail.
Vision Quest Ridge Trail Route Guide
The Vision Quest Ridge hike near David Thompson Hwy is a short challenging hike. The trail up is quite steep, but the views once you go above the treeline are breathtaking! This trail also leads to the site that is believed to have held a spiritual meaning to former inhabitants of the surrounding areas.
Wood Bison Trail Route Guide
The Wood Bison Trail is true to its name and offers the only chance to spot wood bison in the national park. It is a 9.9mi circuit that is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The trail circles around the plains reaching Flyingshot Lake which offers memorable views of the surrounding area. This hike is a must-do for wildlife viewing.
William Hawrelak Park Riverside trail Route Guide
Spending a few hours exploring Edmonton’s south central green space on the William Hawrelak Park Riverside Trail is a great way to take in some nature in the city. The trail travels alongside the North Saskatchewan River and through the park that is popular for picnicking, golf, events, and other recreational activities. The park is open year-round and the trail is easy to complete even in the brisk winter months.
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