Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
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.
5-8h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
15.8 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.
755 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Panoramic views from Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National Park

A snowshoe trip to Taylor Lake, which sits at the base of Mount Bell, is a beautiful sight. Be sure not to miss the open meadows below Panorama Ridge, just a short distance from Taylor Lake; they are what make this a spectacular trip.

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Route Description for Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows

Anyone on a snowshoe trip should have Avalanche training, we recommend AST 2 for all backcountry travellers, and AST 1 is the minimum. It is important to note that when travelling through avalanche terrain it is extremely valuable to always have a companion.

Taylor Lake is a popular destination in both larch season and snowshoeing in the winter. The trail to Taylor Lake is wide and well graded. Although you gain approximately 600 m to Taylor Lake over 6.5 km, it never feels particularly steep. This is a multi-use trail in winter so be ready to encounter other snowshoers, and skiers too.

The trail is usually packed down, and the route up is as simple as following the well-used trail. The highlight of this trail are Panorama Meadows, and it’s a shame many people simply go to Taylor Lake.

The winter trail often leads directly to Panorama Meadows above Taylor Lake. If that’s the case on your snowshoe, follow this route over a small creek into Panorama Meadows to explore the area and catch some panoramic views. Make your own trail, roughly following the summer trail, down to Taylor Lake on your return. It’s only 400 m and downhill, so it’s quite easy going.

If the trail is packed along the summer route, directly to Taylor Lake and enjoy the views there. To get to Panorama Meadows ascend the hill north of the small clearing at Taylor Lake. You’ll pass an outhouse and bear pole before travelling a few hundred metres to the edge of the meadows. .

On the way back down, keep your ears open for skiers, they can approach quickly.

Insider Hints for Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows

  • Keep your ears open on the trail, as skiers can come flying down the narrow trail you are sharing with them.
  • If you don’t want to go through Banff, stop at Castle Mountain Chalets service station for a coffee and treat on your way home.
  • Snowshoeing in the Banff takes you into remote terrain. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with warm clothes, extra food, matches and ideally a satellite transceiver, like a Garmin InReach. Cell phones do not work until you get to Canmore.
  • Always check the avalanche forecast for Banff before heading out.

Getting to the Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows Trailhead

The trailhead is located between Castle Junction and Lake Louise on the west side of Highway 1. It is 8.0 km north of Castle Junction, or 18.0 km South of Lake Louise. The turn-off is well signed.

Route Information

  • When to do

    December - April

  • Mountain Huts

    No

  • Toilets

    Trailhead

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Avalanche Risk

    Simple

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows Elevation Graph

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Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows Reviews

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