Cascade Amphitheatre

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4-6h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
12.9 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
675 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.8
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Panorama from the Cascade Amphitheatre hike in Banff, Alberta

The hike to the Cascade Amphitheatre is a popular hike near Banff. While the views once you get to Cascade Amphitheatre are great, the journey through the forest to get there can feel a bit long.

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Route Description for Cascade Amphitheatre

This is a popular hike, and for good reason, the views from the Cascade Amphitheatre are wonderful. There is also a lot of time in the trees, so it’s best to do this with some friends, where conversation means the time goes quickly.

From the Mount Norquay Ski Hill parking lot, follow the trail out past the main lodge and along a service road that goes by the base of the Cascade, Spirit and Mystic Express chairlifts.

The start of the trail is behind the Mystic Chairlift, and the first 2.0 km are gently downhill towards Forty Mile Creek. Unfortunately, this means that you will be hiking uphill on the way back!

Continue along the trail following signs for Cascade Amphitheatre. At the creek turn right and follow this trail for 2.4 km, until it branches. Take the path to the right, signposted to Cascade Amphitheatre and you will soon begin the switch-backed ascent to Cascade Amphitheater.

When you arrive at the Cascade Amphitheatre meadows, you’re greeted with an incredible view. From the meadows you can see the route to the summit of Cascade Mountain, a challenging scramble. The route generally follows the skyline of the cliffs forming the right-hand wall of the Amphitheatre.

After enjoying some time at the meadows, return the way you came.

Insider Hints for Cascade Amphitheatre

  • This trail can be busy in summer, so it’s best to start early.
  • Do not attempt to follow scramblers up Cascade Mountain. It is a challenging scramble.

Getting to the Cascade Amphitheatre Trailhead

From Banff, head across Highway 1 to the Mount Norquay Ski Area and park in the parking lot. The trail begins behind Mystic Chairlift.

Route Information

  • When to do

    June through early October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    None

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Cascade Amphitheatre Elevation Graph

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Cascade Amphitheatre Reviews

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