Hiking
Hiking in Alberta is a natural: great terrain, skilled guides, abundant interpretive trails and loops that suit all skill levels. Throw in the added attraction of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world and you have an outdoor activity that anyone can enjoy. Our national and provincial parks and recreation areas take excellent care of their trail systems, many of which become cross country ski and snowshoe routes in the winter months.
Types of Trails
Half Day Hikes: Designated trails that are less than 10 km (6.2 mi) round trip. These trails are considered easy and are suitable for walkers and light hikers.
Full Day Hikes: Designated trails that are longer than 10 km round trip. These trails often take a day and are recommended for more experienced hikers. Food, water, proper hiking boots and extra clothing are strongly recommended.
Scrambles: Non-designated trails. Scrambling often involves walking on loose rock or scree. Experts will argue that scrambling is actually unprotected climbing, not hiking, as it involves the use of hands for balance. Scrambling is much more risky than hiking and it should not be attempted by the inexperienced. Hiking boots may not be necessary for "gentle" hiking but they are a must when attempting scrambles. Consult the National/ Provincial Park Information Centres before you begin and use your favourite search engine to learn more about scrambling.
Backcountry Trails: These trails involve camping at least one night in the backcountry. Proper equipment is essential. If camping in the national parks or Kananaskis Country, backcountry fees are in effect.
Hiking Tips and Trip Planning
Visit our provincial parks and Parks Canada for detailed information to help you plan a trip within our parks systems. Another excellent resource is Alberta TrailNet which provides comprehensive information on Alberta's hiking trails. You’ll find everything from routes to trail guides to wildlife tips.
Certified Guided Hiking
If you want to get the most out of hiking in our mountain national parks, consider hiring a professioanl guide. You can hire certified mountain guides directly through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and certified interpretive hiking guides though the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association (MPHIA). Keep in mind that only fully fledged mountain guides (the highest certification from the ACMG) are legally allowed to take you off trail in the national parks.
The beauty of hiring an accredited guide is they make ideal hosts for visitors keen on learning the natural history of the area, as they usually have a greater interest in nature than the average person. Private guides are also employed by those who are timid about venturing into grizzly bear country.
Certified guides are also in demand because they make trip planning easy. Guides bring the maps, book the campsites, buy the food and know the route. All you have to do is show up.
Canadian Rockies
When looking for a hiking experience, nature enthusiasts often choose from more than 4000 km (2485 mi) of trails in our mountain parks. Here are some of the more popular treks.
Banff & Area
- Half day hikes: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, Hoodoos, Johnston Canyon
- Full day hikes: Cascade Amphitheatre, Bourgeau Lake, Alymer Lookout
- Scrambles: Mount Bourgeau, Castle Mountain
- Backcountry trails: Mount Assiniboine, Egypt Lake
Lake Louise & Area
- Half day hikes: Lake Louise Shoreline, Plains of Six Glaciers, Lake Agnes, Lower Consolation Lake, Larch Valley, Parker Ridge (Icefields Parkway)
- Full day hikes: The Big Beehive, Saddleback Pass, Paradise Valley
- Scrambles: Mount St. Piran, Mount Fairview
- Backcountry trails: Skoki, Paradise Valley
Jasper National Park
- Half day hikes: Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake, Moose Lake, Valley of the Five Lakes, Lower Sunwapta Falls (Icefields Parkway), Athabasca Glacier (Icefields Parkway)
- Full day hikes: Opal Hills, Sulphur Skyline
- Scrambles: Pyramid Mountain, Cinquefoil Mountain
- Backcountry trails: Brazeau Loop, Skyline Trail
Kananaskis Valley
- Half day hikes: Barrier Lake Trail, Wedge Pond Loop, Eau Claire Interpretive Trail, Karst Springs
- Full day hikes: Chester Lake, Lillian Lake, Burstall Pass
- Scrambles: Tent Ridge, Mount Sparrowhawk, Windtower
- Backcountry trails: Guinns Pass, Ribbon Lake, Buller Pass
Bragg Creek & Elbow Valley
- Half day hikes: Fullerton Loop, Paddys Flats, McLean Pond
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
- Half day hikes: Boulton Creek, Canadian Mt. Everest Expedition Trail, Ptarmigan Cirque
- Full day hikes: Upper (Kananaskis) Lake Circuit, Mt. Indefatigable, Rawson Lake
- Backcountry trails: Three Isle Lake, Lawson Lake to Turbine Canyon
Waterton Lakes National Park
- Half day hikes: Bears Hump, Cameron Lake, Red Rock Canyon
- Full day hikes: Crypt Lake, Bertha Lake
- Scrambles: Mt. Lineham, Mt. Carthew
- Backcountry trails: Carthew-Alderson Trail, Tamarack Trail
Around Alberta
One of our best kept secrets is Willmore Wilderness Park. Just north of Jasper National Park, it is almost as large—4,600 sq km (1,175 sq mi)—with elevations to 1,500 m (4,921 ft). Yet this pristine wilderness is relatively unspoiled as it doesn’t see nearly as many visitors as our other mountain parks. Here you can explore sections of 750 km (466 mi) of backcountry trails established by the early fur traders. This is a day tripping site; no overnight mountain treks are allowed. Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the park.
Hiking elsewhere in the province is always an adventure—whether you crave tame or extreme. Come to the Canadian Badlands "lunar landscape," where the world's biggest tenants once walked the earth. Join an archaeological dig or a guided hike to explore the largest collection of dinosaur remains. Tours and digs can be booked at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller.
Wildlife fans put Elk Island National Park on their must-hike list. The park is crisscrossed with hiking and biking trails, and is home to 40 species of mammals—from bison and elk to coyotes and wolves. And it’s only a 45-minute drive from Edmonton.
- Half-day Hikes: Boulton Creek, Canadian Mt. Everest Expedition Trail, Ptarmigan Cirque
- Full-day Hikes: Upper (Kananaskis) Lake Circuit, Mt. Indefatigable, Rawson Lake
- Backcountry Trails: Three Isle Lake, Lawson Lake to Turbine Canyon
Heli-hiking
An innovative and exciting way to experience the beauty of our remote backcountry terrain, heli-hiking is rapidly growing in popularity. Experienced operators, guides and pilots put your safety first. And once you've had your first heli-hike experience, hiking will never be the same. Canadian Mountain Holidays offers a variety of packages including family friendly outings, lodge to lodge trips, themed and customized adventures for hikers of all interests and skill levels.Related Holiday Ideas
Additional Resources
