Canada is a place that’s extremely rich in natural beauty. The Canadian Rockies take this beauty to the next level. The mountain range spans both British Columbia and Alberta. The mountains themselves are jagged, with pointed peaks that are permanently covered in snow and ice. The alpine lakes are spectacular too, with many rivers and waterfalls feeding into and out of them.
The Canadian Rockies, as you can well imagine, are a great place for hiking. The trails are often quite tough, with plenty of elevation gain and loss, but the views are well worth the effort. Here are our top 6 hikes that you have to try in the region:
1. The Plain of the Six Glaciers
We’re starting the list off with a moderately easy hike in Banff National Park. The trail is around 8.5 miles long and, to begin with; it takes you along the shoreline of Lake Louise. You then start to climb up above the lake. At the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the peaks that surround Lake Louise and the enormous glaciers that sit on those peaks.
Another treat on this hiking trail is the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. Nestled in amongst the peaks. Glaciers and the woods is this delightful tea house where you can rest up and enjoy a nice hot cup of tea.
Pro tip: Just be sure to check that it’s open as the weather can impact opening hours.
2. Floe Lake
Onto a hike that’s a bit harder at 12 miles and an elevation gain of 3000 feet. The trail around Floe Lake in Kootenay National Park is rated as difficult and you need to have a moderate level of fitness, but the views are so worth it. The alpine lakes boast turquoise waters and the wildlife in the area is spectacular.
3. Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit
This one is for those who love the solitude of the mountains and the tranquility of the forest. Located in Yoho National Park, the Lake O-Hara Alpine Circuit is only accessible by a shuttle that you have to book in advance. The roads are closed to the public. This means that there are only a handful of people on the trail at any given time.
The trail is 6.5 miles long but it will likely take you a good 5 hours to complete as it’s fairly steep in places. It’s rated as a medium-hard trail, meaning you need to be moderately fit. However, the views are worth every ounce of sweat as you hike around the magnificent Lake O’Hara.
4. Valley of the Ten Peaks
Heading back into Banff National Park, you find this easier hike that stretches across 5 miles. It’ll take you through a valley full of Douglas Fir trees and give you a spectacular view of the ten peaks above that create the valley. The setting is like something out of a fantasy film.
The path is fairly rocky, but there isn’t much in the way of elevation gain. Instead, you’re treated to plenty of wildlife and birds singing. The alpine lakes and the impressive ten peaks also make a great backdrop for photographs.
5. Johnston Canyon
Situated along the Icefields Parkway within Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon offers three variations of a hike that are all pretty incredible. The first level, which is easy enough for children or parents carrying kids, is less than a mile long and takes you to the Lower Falls. The trails are even and there are even several man-made walkways along the river.
If you’re up for a bit more of an adventure, you can head up to the Upper Falls. There are stairs leading up from the Lower Falls, so you have to be a bit fitter in order to climb the distance. This trail is about another 0.8 miles on top of the 0.7 miles of the Lower Falls route.
Then you get the Ink Pots Trail. This adds another 1.9 miles to the hike and is a bit more challenging than the first two options. In reward for your effort and the extra time spent in the area, you get to view a series of pools that have been colored by mineral springs that bubble up into the meadow.
6. Rockwall Trail
The final trail on our list is for those who really want a great outdoor adventure. The Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park is a multi-day hike where you must carry everything. You’ll need to hike with your food, water, clothes and camping gear in tow. The trail runs between the Floe Lake Trailhead and the Point Pots Trailhead and you can hike it in either direction.
In total, you’ll hike 36 miles and experience an elevation gain of 9000 feet. Due to the massive elevation gain and loss, those 36 miles can take you quite a bit of time to cover. Most people do this trail over four days and three nights.
You cover three different passes in this hike, all under the watchful eye of the limestone cliff known as the Rockwall. The scenery is made even more spectacular thanks to the incredible waterfalls that cascade off the cliff into crystal-clear alpine lakes.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors of Canada
Hiking in Canada is for everyone. As you can see, the Canadian Rockies offer plenty of options for all fitness levels. The scenery is incredible wherever you go within the National Parks, with alpine lakes, glaciers and forests, creating some truly magical vistas.
When planning your hikes, it’s incredibly important to ensure you’re covered for the weather. The cold winters in Canada mean you need proper hiking gear to ensure that you’re safe. If you know that you have any medical conditions or are allergic to anything, you need to ensure you have the right medication with you, too.
You also need to track weather patterns to ensure that you don’t head off into the mountains when a storm is coming. This is especially important if you’re planning to camp in the National Parks while hiking.
Being prepared is key, and when you have everything you need, you can make the most of Canada, every step of the way!
