Glacier Hikes in Banff and Lake Louise
We are fortunate enough to have spectacular scenery right in our backyard. Alberta's diverse landscape encompasses the flattest of the prairies to the most rugged mountain peaks and everything in between. This makes hiking a a must for your list of things to do in Banff this summer.
Among this diversity, nothing inspires awe in locals and tourists alike as Alberta's glaciers. Glaciers around the world are receding at an alarming rate, making the ones we still have even more precious. With the beautiful weather upon us and wildflowers in full bloom - there is no better time to get out and see these rivers of ice in (slow paced!) action. Below are a few of our favourites.
Stanley Glacier “Fire and Ice”
Kootenay National Park (30 minutes from Banff)
8.4 km, 365 metres, 3-4 hours
Set in an area of regrowth stimulated but the 1968 Vermillion Pass forest fire, this switchback trail climbs between mountain peaks over a babbling stream to the foot of Stanley Glacier.
Plain of Six Glaciers
Lake Louise
17 km, 365 metres elevation gain, 5-7 hour
This trail takes you to fantastic vistas of 6 glaciers surrounded by the peaks that made Lake Louise famous. It begins by following the shoreline of the famous lake and then ascending towards Mt Victoria and the head of the valley. As you make your way upwards, your views of the Victoria Glacier and the other surrounding glaciers gets better and better! If you stop once in a while to watch and listen it's often possible to hear and see chunks of the glacier breaking off. Have your lunch break next to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse built by the Swiss guides almost a hundred years ago before turning around and returning via the Highline Trail. If time permits a short ascent to Lake Agnes and the Lake Agnes Teahouse will be possible.
Iceline Trail
Yoho National Park (30 minutes from Lake Louise)
14 km, 690 metres elevation gain, 7 hours
One of the most notable hikes in the Rockies know for incredible views, there are two versions of this hike – the short in-and-out, and the longer loop. Views of the Daly glacier as well as many more and Takakkaw Falls (one of the highest waterfalls in Canada) make this a must-do hike for the experienced hiker that wants a rewarding challenge.
Burstall Pass
Kananaskis Country, (50 minutes from Canmore)
15 km, 470 metres elevation gain, 5-7 hours
Starting on an old road, the trail winds through a forest and across shallow streams as you make you way into the alpine. Reaching the headwall, the views are magnificent.
Helen Lake
Icefields Parkway, (30 minutes from Lake Louise)
6 km, 420 metres elevation gain, 4 hours
This rolling trail features long switchbacks with beautiful views of Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake, taking you to alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. You’ll head into the backcountry with a beautiful view of mountain peaks (Listen for Marmots!) and come across a bubbling stream of water leading you to Helen Lake.
