Cascade Amphitheatre hike
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Cascade Amphitheatre hike
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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.
Getting there
From Banff, head across Highway 1 to the Mount Norquay Ski Area and park in the parking lot. The trail begins behind Mystic Chairlift.
About
| 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
Weather
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 1.2mi 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 1.5mi, 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
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.
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Lambert Y. 2 years ago
Great place for picnics and family activities.
Mike Kowalcyzk 2 years ago
The bit through the forest is alright, worth it once you get there. Easy and enjoyable.
JMC 2 years ago
Great trail and well worth the effort, amazing views at the end.
Grant Ko. 2 years ago
Cascade Amphitheatre is nevertheless easily doable in a day. And it’s worth the effort, as you will get to see some of the natural beauty and geologic features of the Canadadian Rockies. Appreciate the genuine beauty of this trail.
Agfa P. 3 years ago
Takes some patience to complete this hike. There are incredible views at the end.
Mildred G. 3 years ago
The journey through the forest was exhausting. Especially during summer.
Calel P. 3 years ago
The scenery of the Amphitheater was remarkable. Glad I never stop in the middle.
Alexander Ivanov 3 years ago
This hike is best when done with friends. The trail was somehow boring, and it would be nice if you can share the experience with somebody else. Because sharing is caring, right?
Rico Mambo 3 years ago
Cascade mountain looks amazing in real life than in photos.
Wicked T 3 years ago
Cascade amphitheater is a good moderate hike. Not too bad for beginners either. A bit to easy for my liking maybe.