Buller Pass Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Buller Pass
From the parking lot, head back across the Smith-Dorrien Trail. The hike starts out in a thick forest, gently climbing upwards towards the meadow, gradually increasing in grade as you approach. The climb feels surprisingly long, but the shade of the trees keeps the temperature milder. Additionally, along the way you’ll pass a waterfall, another great way to cool off during a hot summer hike.
Right before the pass, you’ll encounter a flat, two-kilometer meadow. As you approach the pass, there are a number of switchbacks leading up to it and the pass itself is quite steep as well, with a scree slope near the top. Pace yourself. When you reach the top, take a lunch as a reward for all your hard work.
As you hike, you’ll also notice that the forest morphs from thick and lush to burnt out, with numerous wildflowers. The terrain then turns to an alpine meadow, and finally to the scree scramble above the treeline. Additionally, the overall difficulty of the hike gets progressively greater as you approach the pass. However, the trail is excellently marked.
Those with energy can continue on to Ribbon Lake, Guinn’s Pass or to North Buller Pass.
Descend on the same route you took up.
Check out other amazing hikes in Kananaskis – Smith Dorrien:
Insider Hints for Buller Pass
- Try to spot the marmots and chipmunks in the meadow – they are too cute!
- If you are feeling adventurous, continue another 4 km down the other side of the pass to Ribbon Lake. Just keep in mind that you will have to do the pass another time.
Getting to the Buller Pass Trailhead
From the Canmore Nordic Centre, take the Smith-Dorrien Trail (Highway 742) 32 km all the way to the Buller Mountain Day Use Area. The parking lot is on the west side of the road.Route Information for Buller Pass
When to do:
June through October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Trailhead
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Buller Pass Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Buller Pass
Buller Pass has quite steep ascends and descends, but it comes with excellent adventure and views along the way!
- Trip Length
- 06:15
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was extremely windy when i went here but I enjoyed it a lot.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
There's a waterfall where you can cool off during a hot summer hike. Some parts of the trail were steep. You can have lunch at the top.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Pretty strenuous and it keeps getting harder as you ascend. Definitely try and go while the wildflowers are out, it's so beautiful. We wanted to go further after the peak but it was already a longer day. Next time!
Had a lot of fun with this trail. Was challenging but well planned out. Steep climbs then slow inclines to allow you to catch your breath. Great views.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Most of the spots are open and exposed. Not many trees and greeneries to see, but quite enjoyable.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It's quite amazing, but it would be better if there are more trees along the way.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Buller Pass is for the adventurous soul. I really enjoyed the hike. It's challenging but rewarding.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Hope it recovers soon! So much potential in it.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
most of the trail was exposed to elements so make sure to use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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