5 DAY HIKES WITH A VIEW IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
By Brian Patton
We all know the catchphrase “No pain, no gain.” Trust this trail guide author when he says that while most of these hikes may be strenuous, spectacular views will be your reward. Enjoy this short excerpt from Vol. 2 of the Canadian Rockies Annual! Want the other 10 ideas for scenic hikes? Purchase a copy of the magazine from our shop.
View towards Nigel Peak at Wilcox pass. Photo: AdobeStock_395362097
1/ Wilcox Pass, Jasper National Park
4.0 km (one way)
Moderate
Elevation gain 335 m
Rolling alpine meadows with mountain sheep and a panoramic view of Mt. Athabasca and the Athabasca Glacier.
Dolomite Peak from the hiking trail to Helen Lake. Photo: AdobeStock_233694843
2/ Helen Lake, Banff National Park
6.0 km (one way)
Moderate
Elevation gain 455 m
The best alpine hike in Banff National Park, especially if you continue another 3 km over Cirque Ridge to Dolomite Pass.
Burstall Pass. Photo: AdobeStock_181873602
3/ Burstall Pass, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
7.5 km (one way)
Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation gain 475 m
Wildflowers galore and views stretching from Mt. Sir Douglas to Mt. Assiniboine and Banff’s Spray Valley.
Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka
4/ Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park
6.4 km (one way)
Strenuous
Elevation gain 690 m
Climb to the Emerald Glacier on the President Range for lofty views of Takakkaw Falls and the Yoho Valley.
5/ Kindersley-Sinclair Kootenay National Park
16.2 km (ROUND TRIP)
Strenuous
Elevation gain 1055 m
Fantastic views stretching from Yoho National Park’s Goodsirs to the Bugaboos (take three friends along to befuddle the resident grizzly).
Brian Patton is the co-author of Canadian Rockies Trail Guide (9th edition, Summerthought) and the primary contributor to “Hiker’s Blog” and “Trail Updates” on canadianrockiestrailguide.com.