2027 Bookings Now Open
Contact us

Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Scrambling/Canada/Alberta/Castle Provincial Park
Mount Haig Lake Trail, Castle, Alberta, Canada

Mount Haig Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
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.
1,205 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
11.6 km
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.
6-9h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
9.9 (7 reviews)
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Physical DIFF
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

Table of contents

Mount Haig is the highest peak in Castle Provincial Park, and you can’t go wrong scrambling to the top of the highest peak in any park let alone Castle Provincial Park! Add on a scenic and swimmable lake at its base, abundant huckleberries and salmonberries along the approach, and you’ve got an excellent outing on Mount Haig.

Route Description for Mount Haig

The scramble to Mount Haig is glorious, though don’t be surprised if you have the entire mountain to yourself, as the crowds don’t realize how great the Castle area is.

This is a challenging route, with some exposed scrambling and route finding. This is not a beginner route.

From the trailhead the initial ascent is quite steep, but after a few hundred meters turns to a gentle but steady climb towards Haig Lake. As you near Haig Lake, turn off the trail and angle towards the Haig-Gravenstafel col. This is quite steep terrain so be prepared for side-hilling

Near the col, above a set of crumbling cliff bands, there is a faint and intermittent trail that will take you to the col, although in many places some side-hilling is still required.

The cliff-bands will require careful (mostly simple) route-finding, and with the assistance of a few bits of trail, they are a scramble at the upper end of easy or lower end of moderate. The terrain is steep enough in spots that it feels quite exposed, which can be mentally daunting if you are not comfortable scrambling.

At the top of the cliff bands is a wonderful grassy plateau that gradually transitions to rock and scree as it steepens en-route to the summit of Mount Haig. The scree here can be quite loose, but there is a faint sheep trail to the summit that can be helpful.

The view from the summit is wonderful, although on windy days you won’t want to linger too long. Pick your way back down the col to the trail.

Insider Hints for Mount Haig

  • A dip in the lake is a great way to end a hot day!
  • The scramble to Mount Haig is a challenging scramble and not suitable for those who don’t like exposure.
  • The Castle area is notoriously windy, so be prepared for increased winds once you’re in the alpine.
  • If you need a snack, the only nearby options are the T-Bar Pub at Castle Mountain Resort (open Friday to Sunday in summer) and the Beaver Mines General Store in Beaver Mines before heading home for the day.

Getting to the Mount Haig Trailhead

From Calgary head to Castle Mountain Resort and head towards the southwest corner. You will find the trailhead sign for the north route to Haig Lake at the base of the ski slope.

Route Information for Mount Haig

  • When to do:

    June - September

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    None

  • Toilets:

    Trailhead

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Scarmbling Rating:

    Grade 2

  • Exposure:

    Mild

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    None

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Mount Haig Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Mount Haig

9.9
7 reviews
Write a review
×

Add a review

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Rocco EllysiaJuly 2020

Exceptional trail. It was abundant with huckleberries and salmonberries. The wildlife was fantastic too. Bring binoculars for better viewing.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Joshua ZagrebJuly 2020

It was crazy beautiful. The trail was excellent and more gentle compared to others. I highly recommend this!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Haffy K.July 2020

You can’t go wrong hiking to the top of the highest peak in any park. This hike takes a lot out of you but rewards you with beautiful views when you reach the summit. There's also a magnificent and swimmable lake at its base.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Perry K.July 2020

There's quite steep terrain so be prepared for side-hilling. It features a wonderful grassy plateau that gradually transitions to rock and scree as it steepens en-route to the summit of Mount Haig. Swimming in the lake is a great way to relax.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
kathkirz2July 2019

We left the kids at home for this one, and we're glad we did. The scramble is just a touch too much for them I think. So worth it for us, though! Had the place to ourselves and we even took a dip in the lake after.

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Fredie L.June 2019

This hike is too much for a beginner. After climbing, we went to the T-Bar Pub at Castle Mountain Resort to have some snacks. Totally worth the climb.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Michael M.June 2019

This hike features a grassy plateau, beautiful lakes, and crumbling cliff bands. It's not suitable for newbies though.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Last Updated: August 10, 2026

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter