Hikes in Alberta

Foran Grade and Windy Point Ridge are two smallish peaks in the front ranges providing great views of the surrounding ranges to the west and the prairie to the east. The views are gorgeous, especially considering the limited elevation you gain at just over 305 m.

This mid-length moderate hike has us summit Mt. Ware. As our final elevation takes us above all the surrounding foothills we are afforded great views of the surrounding area, including the impressive Bluerock Mountain to the west.

While this is not the most scenic of hikes until you reach the summit, it can be done year-round (no avalanche risk) and is one heck of a workout.

This hike is more about the destination than the journey. The first 6.0 km is more of a walk along a forestry road before things get good, with a steep 1.0 km hike before we reach the cave.

The hike to Rummel Lake is a Kananaskis classic, with people returning year after year. The colours in autumn are spectacular, and if you have the energy push the trip a bit farther up to Rummel Pass for very special views.

Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls offers fantastic payoff for relatively little effort, passing eight different waterfalls during one short hike. It’s a less-busy, underrated trail sure to be loved but beware that there are no railings on this trip, and little ones should be holding adults hands at all times.

Cavell Lake is a quick hike that allows you to enjoy the pretty views of Cavell Lake, below Mount Edith Cavell. This is a good hike for families to stretch their legs.

This hike combines a relaxed trail around Maligne Lake with a hike up to Moose Lake. It’s incredibly scenic and family-friendly, providing both a look at a quintessential Jasper site as well as a lesser-explored extension away from the crowds.

The Old Fort Point Trail is a beautiful hike leading to a fantastic viewpoint over the Jasper Valley. Cozying up at the red chairs along the trail is a highlight of this scenic, family-friendly trail.

Pyramid Island is a stunning, serene trip across a bridge to a scenic, tree-clad island in Pyramid Lake. It’s a short, accessible trail that the whole family can easily enjoy. The view looking down the bridge at the island is a favourite shot in the Jasper area.

Sunwapta Falls is an easy, enjoyable hike to two sets of scenic waterfalls. The trail passes through a peaceful forest, and the falls are framed by pine trees and mountain peaks. The trail is family-friendly and great for all skill levels.

The Blackshale Suspension Bridge Route is an easy, family-friendly trail with fantastic wildflowers, mountain views, and an impressive suspension bridge to cross. Some people make a longer trip of this by accessing it from Black Prince Trail, but this short loop is for those who just want to enjoy the bridge.

Little Elbow Trail connects with Big Elbow Trail to form a loop that connects three backcountry campgrounds. It’s a beautiful hike with views of Mount Romulus, Mount Glasgow, and more. You can go as far as you like on this trail, and it’s largely family-friendly.

This route leaves from the heritage Cave and Basin National Historic Site and is the ideal add-on for those seeking a hike with some cultural flair. Explore surrounding boardwalks and take in what the historic site has to offer before embarking on the calm, paved path through the valley leading to Sundance Canyon. Climb through the canyon for rushing water and smooth rock textures before returning the way you came.

C-Level Cirque is in the Lake Minnewanka area just outside the Banff townsite. It is a unique hike that travels past some historic mine sites from the town of Bankhead. Hikers have the opportunity to explore some old buildings. This trail is graded as steep for a moderate hike and doesn’t offer many views until the final third. Leaving the forest, the views open up to a large basin on the side of Cascade Mountain. Watch for Pikas and Marmots as they are often hiding in the boulders. Hikers may choose to scramble up to the top for exquisite views of Minnewanka and surrounding peaks.

The Fullerton Loop offers superb views of Moose Mountain and the foothills surrounding the area. This trail has a long season and is a great choice for early and late season hiking. There are many connecting trails nearby if you are looking for something a bit longer.

The Little Lawson Peak route (also known as South Lawson) is a straightforward trail that takes users to an incredible viewpoint. The trail travels straight up the ridge from the highway, making it very easy to follow. It is a great option in the early and late season as it isn’t dangerous and it rarely has snow along the ridge during hiking season.

Walk the beautiful Scenic Loop in Dinosaur Provincial Park. Along the way, hit three of the best trails: Cottonwood Flats Trail, Trail of the Fossil Hunters, and Badlands Trail.

The Cottonwood Flats Trail is a unique trail in Dinosaur Provincial Park, with greenery, abundant bird life, and stunning river views.

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!