Scrambles in Canada

When choosing to scramble up the Devil’s Thumb, you’ll pass by famous landmarks on your way. When you reach the Big Beehive junction, you’ll leave the crowds behind, taking the less travelled route to new heights. Enjoy solitude and views of both Lake Louise and Lake Agnes from high above. The Devil’s Thumb is known to cast a thumb-like shadow below, so aim for perfect conditions to catch this phenomenon.

Scrambling up Mount Sparrowhawk is the perfect scramble for those new to scrambling or families with older children. It is not too technical, but provides an unbeatable view of the vast Spray Lakes reservoir.

Completing the Mount Niblock and Mount Whyte circuit in Lake Louise requires a lot of effort and concern for safety, but it is an exciting adventure that takes scramblers beyond the usual Lake Louise experience. This trail will surely require a reward when accomplished!

Mount Lougheed, a peak so huge and prominent that it even has its own sign and small viewing area on the trans-Canada highway., offers one of the most scenic approaches and best summit panoramas in Kananaskis! The face visible from the highway, however, is not a scramble, so don’t be put off - an easy scramble route does exist on the other side.

This challenging scramble begins at the famous Moraine Lake and ascends one of the tallest peaks in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll need to be prepared and know the route well before attempting Mount Temple, as you’ll find yourself slogging up scree, scrambling rock bands, and possibly coming in close range of cornices. It sounds intimidating, but the effort is rewarded! The trail gains elevation from Moraine Lake through Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass—two remarkable hikes—before becoming more technical towards the summit. You’ll surmount a great deal of elevation gain, leaving you feeling like you’re on top of the world. Glaciers, lakes, and surrounding peaks come into view, leaving those who take on this challenge feeling extremely rewarded.

The Fortress is aptly named for its ominous appearance from Highway 40, however a scramble to the summit can be fairly easily achieved via two ascent routes. The scramble to the top of the Fortress is not only fun, but also provides a stunning view!

The Tower of Babel Scramble is a technical route that requires hands-on movements, helmets, and a good sense of where you are going. It is an incredibly rewarding scramble and a great way to take things to the next level. The top is a large plateau and the perfect place to take in views of Moraine Lake away from the crowds.

Scrambling Snow Peak brings you rising over scenic Burstall Pass. Snow Peak can be an easy or difficult scramble depending on the time of year, but since it straddles the continental divide there are spectacular views of massive peaks in BC.

Scrambling Smutwood Peak offers spectacular views of the two jagged mountains from which it derives its name: Mount Smuts and Birdwood. A lively mountain creek, waterfalls, and deep blue alpine lakes guarantee a wonderful scramble.

Scrambling up Grotto Mountain offers a commanding aerial view of Canmore and the Bow Valley. Often thought of as a quick scramble, the route is a bit more technical than meets the eye, making a scramble up Grotto Mountain really fun!

Scrambling to the summit of Mount Cory is reserved for experienced hikers and scramblers. This steep trail is a grind from the start, taking hikers from the valley floor to the peak of Mount Cory. This scramble is exhilarating and provides incredible high alpine views without a long approach. If you are ready to use all fours, this scramble is for you.

Mount Bell is one of Banff National Park’s big scrambles, and it can be approached from two sides. Tackling this scramble from Boom Lake Trail is a great way to get to the peak! Boom Lake Trail is an easy way to get you to the base of impressive Mount Bell, which makes the exit a lot more enjoyable.

The views from the summit of Mount Howard are as spectacular as any, but it is the long and wonderfully scenic ridge walk to get there that sets it apart from others in the area.

The scramble to the summit of Mount Redoubt takes hikers through the incredible Skoki area, which is popular for backpackers and horseback riders. You will begin on the less busy side of the Bow Valley at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and follow flowing creeks up Boulder Pass before reaching views of Ptarmigan Lake and Redoubt Lake from Mount Redoubt.

A scramble up Mount James Walker is an engaging adventure! Amazing summit views combine with a beautiful approach beside a lively creek, past multiple tarns, and up an isolated valley to make a Mount James Walker Scramble worthy of any bucket list!

Scrambling the East End of Rundle or EEOR is a popular scramble close to Canmore. It is often under-estimated, and there are tricky sections on this for new scramblers. This scenic scramble has stunning views of the surrounding peaks from the summit.

Caldron Peak is a scramble that requires a lot of effort. There are creek crossings, glaciers, multiple alpine lakes, and scree slopes that feel like you are walking backwards. Expect continually changing views and incredible landmarks to reward you the entire way! Glacial lakes cascade into each other between waterfalls and icefields along this beautiful trail.

The scramble up the South Peak of Mount Indefatigable is a great scramble and the views of Upper Kananaskis Lake from the summit are unparalleled!

Locals stare at Mount Rundle day in and day out, enough to acquire a personal relationship with the impressive feature. Its stark angle, and swirling weather are enough to push hikers to the top. It is one of those peaks that calls hikers to its summit. It begins with switchbacks through the forest and becomes more technical as it rises with dangerous slab and frustrating scree all the way to the top. The summit rises high above the town of Banff, giving expansive views of the ranges surrounding it.

Mount Edith scramble begins with the unsuspecting Cory Pass hike before branching off to the right to begin gaining Mount Edith. There is a north and south route that each have their own great features. Mount Edith is a gripping adventure for those who are ready to take on something more technical.