Hikes in Alberta
Where to Hike in Alberta
Banff National Park Hiking
Calgary Hiking
Canmore Hiking
Castle Provincial Park Hiking
David Thompson Country Hiking
Dinosaur Provincial Park Hiking
Drumheller Hiking
Edmonton Hiking
Elk Island National Park Hiking
Ghost River Hiking
Jasper National Park Hiking
Kananaskis Country Hiking
Waterton Lakes National Park Hiking
Activities 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!
Displaying 45 of 375 routes
Route guides for Hiking in Alberta
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Lake Louise Lakeshore Route Guide
If you are making a stop to see the world-famous Lake Louise, you should take a side trip along its lakeshore to see what the lake has to offer. You’ll walk along the shore where the turquoise waters become a milky texture from the glacial rock silt that is turned up from the bottom of the lake. Continue past rock climbers, mountaineers, paddlers, and horses until you reach the impressive alluvial flats where the moraine and glacial stream meets the lake.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Fairview Lookout Route Guide
Hiking to Fairview Lookout is a great way to see Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau hotel from a new perspective. This is a wonderful trail if you are looking to explore Lake Louise without committing to a full or half day hike. Enjoy an easy path with rewarding views.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Helen Lake and Cirque Peak Route Guide
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Plain of Six Glaciers Hike Route Guide
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chester Lake Hike Route Guide
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.
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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.
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Sunshine Meadows Hike Route Guide
The Sunshine Meadows hike is the easiest way to get into the alpine in the Canadian Rockies. The trail starts at the base of Sunshine Ski hill, where you can take the Gondola to the Sunshine Ski village and hike from there. Rock Isle Lake is truly stunning!
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Rawson Lake Route Guide
The hike to Rawson Lake is one of the most popular in the Kananaskis Lakes area. It’s a pleasant path through the forest up to Rawson Lake, but the hike around the side of the water’s edgeis what truly makes this a spectacular hike.
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Bow Glacier Falls Route Guide
The hike to Bow Glacier Falls is exquisite. We love the hike along Bow Lake, however hiking up to Bow Glacier Falls provides enormous and wonderful views.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Big Beehive Hike Route Guide
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.
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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.
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Peyto Lake Hike Route Guide
The hike to the stunning Peyto Lake should be on every Rocky Mountains itinerary. This Peyto Lake Viewpoint hike offers one of the finest views of Peyto Lake on an accessible, family-friendly hike. While the main viewpoint is crowded, make sure to visit the second one, which is often deserted.
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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.
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Quarry Lake Route Guide
A hike around Quarry Lake is one of Canmore’s hidden gems. Not only is Quarry Lake a great place to swim, but a family hike around Quarry Lake and the surrounding area delights with wonderful views. Quarry Lake is also a popular off-leash dog-park.
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