I spent four days hiking the Skoki Loop in Banff National Park near Lake Louise, and I was blown away – I didn’t expect to like the area this much! I went in August, so the wildflowers were in bloom, but I think I’d also like to go in the fall to see all the larches turn gold.

I’m a hiking guidebook author and have backpacked all over BC and the Canadian Rockies, so I’ve put together a detailed Skoki Loop hiking and backpacking guide for you. It includes:

• Quick facts about the Skoki Loop, including distance, how long it takes, best time to go, and more
• Map and elevation profile, plus a downloadable GPX file
• Detailed trail description, broken down into sections with distances and elevation gain
• Side trips and alternative routes so you can see the best scenery
• Skoki Loop itinerary options, from 2 to 4 days
• Camping and where to stay – details on every campground plus the Skoki Lodge
• Reservations and fees – key dates plus booking tips
• How to get to the Skoki Loop – including parking and bus info
• Skoki Loop hiking tips – advice for bears, food storage, weather, and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Skoki Loop Quick Facts

Route Overview: The Skoki Loop is a long day hike or multi-day backpacking route that makes a lollipop-shaped loop through the backcountry near Lake Louise. It goes over three passes and visits gorgeous alpine lakes.

Distance: 33.5 km

Elevation Gain: 1,295 m

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 3 days

Best Time to Go: Mid-July to mid-September when the trail is snow-free. Early to mid-August is wildflower season, and September is larch season.

Reservations and Fees: You must make reservations to camp. You must also pay National Park entry fees, backcountry camping fees, and a reservation fee. More details below.

Indigenous Context: The Skoki area is in the traditional territory of the Tsuut’ina, Blackfoot/Niitsítapi, Stoney Nakoda, Ktunaxa, and Métis. The government forced Indigenous people to leave when Banff National Park was created in 1885. Today, the park works with several Indigenous groups to facilitate access for traditional, ceremonial, and cultural activities, including harvesting.

Skoki Loop Trail Maps and Elevation Profile

For the most part, the main trails on the Skoki Loop are well-marked and easy to follow. There are signs at most junctions. However, there are a few unofficial trails and easy scrambling routes that aren’t marked with signs and aren’t on the Lake Louise and Yoho Map from Gem Trek. (Otherwise, it’s a great map!)

I used the Gaia GPS app on my hike. It was helpful to know where I was on the trail to figure out how much higher I had to climb and where the next campsite or landmark was. All Trails+ is also great.

I also made you a trail map using Gaia GPS. Click through to zoom in and explore. You can also save it to your routes in Gaia GPS or export the GPX file.

PS: Want to save 10% on a premium subscription to Gaia GPS (the app I use for all my hikes)? Use my link – the discount appears in cart.

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Skoki Loop Trail Description

If you look online, you’ll find several different versions of the Skoki Loop. I’ve chosen to describe the most popular and most scenic version here. It goes from the trailhead to Baker Lake, then around Fossil Mountain to the Skoki Lodge. To complete the loop, you’ll hike from Skoki Lodge over Packer’s Pass, then rejoin the main path to the trailhead.

You might find other Skoki Loop descriptions that include Deception Pass or go around Skoki Mountain via Red Deer Lakes. I don’t recommend those routes since they aren’t as beautiful. But I do have details on them in the alternative routes section below.

Read on for my detailed description of the Skoki Loop hike.

Key Locations

Trailhead to Halfway Hut/Hidden Lake Camp

Distance: 7 km

Elevation Gain: 540 m

Elevation Loss: 30 m

From the parking area, walk past the info signs and gate onto the wide gravel road. This road is part of the Lake Louise Ski Area and is closed to public vehicles and bikes. However, you will see vehicles from the ski area, Skoki Lodge, and guided tour companies. Unfortunately, none of them will give you a ride!

Continue up the road, which is steep in places. Ignore a left fork at 1.2 km. Cross a bridge at 2.4 km. At 3.6 km, reach a parking area and info kiosk just after passing under a ski lift. This is as far as the Skoki Lodge and guided tour companies can go.

Stay on the road for a few more minutes as you cross a ski run and the road curves uphill to the right. The road turns into a trail 3.9 km from the trailhead as it heads steeply uphill.

Follow the trail across another ski run and back into the trees. The trail stays in the forest for the next few kilometres while continuing to climb gradually. Cross creeks on small bridges at 4.3 km, 5.7 km, and 6.5 km.

Cross a creek at 7 km. On the other side, a side trail straight up the hill goes to Halfway Hut. The main trail to Hidden Lake Camp goes left.

Halfway Hut is a historic log cabin, originally constructed as a stopping point along the winter ski route between Lake Louise and Skoki Lodge. Today, it’s a good place to stop for lunch, especially if it’s raining. There is an outhouse here, too.

The junction with the trail to Hidden Lake and Hidden Lake Campground is 100 metres away along the main trail. Hidden Lake Campground is another 100 meters along the side trail.

Halfway Hut/Hidden Lake Camp to Baker Lake Camp

Distance: 5.8 km

Elevation Gain: 235 m

Elevation Loss: 195 m

Past the Hidden Lake junction, the forest starts to thin out, and you’ll start to get glimpses of alpine meadows. The vegetation also starts to change, and alpine larch trees become more numerous.

The trail skirts a huge rock slide below Redoubt Mountain with lots of enormous boulders. Reach the crest of Boulder Pass at 8.5 km. The huge expanse of Ptarmigan Lake stretches out in front of you. This is a great place for a break to enjoy the incredible views.

Keep following the trail as it skirts around the northwest edge of Ptarmigan Lake. At 9.3 km, you may be able to spot the unmarked junction with the Packer’s Pass Trail. This is your return route. For now, continue along the main trail as it stays in the grassy meadows above Ptarmigan Lake.

At 10.3 km, reach the marked junction with the Deception Pass Trail. This is an alternative (and more direct) route to Skoki Lodge. However, my recommended route continues east, since it is more scenic.

Follow the trail through grassy meadows, speckled with wildflowers. Descend to the north shore of Baker Lake, then follow the trail through low bushes along its length. Arrive at the turn-off to Baker Lake Campground at 12.8 km.

Baker Lake Camp to Skoki Lodge

Distance: 6.5 km

Elevation Gain: 145 m

Elevation Loss: 285 m

From Baker Lake Camp, follow the trail east to a junction, then turn left to go north on the Cotton Grass Pass Trail. The first few minutes are in the trees, but the trail quickly emerges into a wide, grassy valley. There are great views of Oyster Peak to the east. The wavy ridge of the mountain did kind of look like an oyster shell!

Reach a junction at 15.7 km. The trail continues straight up the valley to Red Deer Lakes 2.9 km away. However, my recommended route goes left between Fossil and Skoki Mountains. The narrow trail climbs gradually through tight forest before crossing a creek in a wet meadow at 18.2 km. This is Jones Pass.

From here, follow the path slightly downhill through the forest. When the trees start to thin out, reach a junction with the trail from Deception Pass at 18.8 km. Turn right and walk a few more minutes through the open forest and meadow to Skoki Lodge at 19.3 km.

The benches and chairs outside the historic lodge are the perfect place to take a break. The lodge is a Canadian historic site, dating back to 1933, and is the first backcountry ski lodge in North America. If you aren’t staying in one of their rustic log cabins, you can buy snacks and drinks (including alcohol) from them between 2 and 4 pm. They accept cash and cards.

If you are staying at Merlin Meadows Campground, it’s 1 km away on the trail to the north.

Skoki Lodge to Zigadenus Lake

Distance: 3.1 km

Elevation Gain: 135 m

Elevation Loss: 30 m

To continue your hike around the Skoki Loop, follow the signs in front of the lodge to cross the bridge over the creek. At 19.5 km, reach a literal fork in the trail – there is a huge wooden fork propped against a tree! The route to Merlin Lake heads right, but your route goes left towards Packer’s Pass.

The Packer’s Pass Trail is not an official Parks Canada trail and does not appear on most maps. However, it is easy to follow.

The trail goes through forest and patches of meadow. After the trail leaves the forest and contours below a rock slide on the Wall of Jericho, rock hop across a wide creek at 21.3 km. Follow the trail through another patch of meadow.

Cairns take you up through a talus field beside a waterfall. It looks like the trail disappears, but it actually tucks in behind a rock fin. You’ll clamber up between the narrow rock walls of a chimney, passing under a chock stone. There is one tricky move with a big step. Some hikers may wish to take their packs off and pass them up through here. And some hikers may need a boost up the step. But in general, it is very easy scrambling.

At the top of the chimney, follow cairns southwest towards Myosotis Lake at 21.7 km. Several side trails lead you down to the lake shore. Myosotis is the Latin name for forget-me-nots – you might spot these blue flowers in alpine meadows.

The trail continues along the east side of the lake, popping in and out of the forest. On the south side of the lake, follow cairns across a talus field, then head south up a short, steep hill.

Reach the shores of Zigadenus Lake at 22.4 km. The huge tilted rock slab holds back the lake’s western edge. It reminded me a bit of the sloped concrete edge of a half-empty swimming pool! The lake gets its name from mountain deathcamas, a whitish green flower that used to be classified in the Zigadenus genus. Together, Myosotis and Zigadenus Lakes are referred to as the Skoki Lakes.

Zigadenus Lake to Packer’s Pass

Distance: 1.1 km

Elevation Gain: 195 m

Elevation Loss: 0 m

Past Zigadenus Lake, the trail climbs steadily uphill through open meadow and patches of larch trees. As you approach the pass, the vegetation ends, and you walk over bare gravel.

Reach Packer’s Pass at 23.5 km. This is the high point of the Skoki Loop. The pass takes its name from hired workers who packed supplies into Skoki Lodge on foot. While horses had to take the more gentle (and slightly longer) trip through Deception Pass, the packers could take the quicker Packers Pass since they could navigate the chimney at Myosotis Pass on foot.

Packer’s Pass has the best views on the entire Skoki Loop. Look back the way you came to the Skoki Lakes with the Wall of Jericho rising behind them. In front of you, look down at Ptarmigan Lake and Redoubt Lake with Redoubt Mountain towering overhead. For even better views, scramble up the trail-less Packer’s Pass Peak. (More details on that in the side trips section below.)

Packer’s Pass to Trailhead

Distance: 10 km

Elevation Gain: 40 m

Elevation Loss: 825 m

From the pass, follow the path downhill through the gravel, then meadows, to rejoin the main trail at 24.2 km. Retrace your steps along Ptarmigan Lake to reach Boulder Pass at 25 km.

Head downhill and back into the forest, passing Halfway Hut and Hidden Lake Camp junction at 26.5 km. Keep hiking downhill to re-enter the Lake Louise ski area and start the road walk at 29.6 km. Finish your hike on the Skoki Loop back at the parking lot at 33.5 km.

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Side Trips and Alternative Routes on the Skoki Loop

Instead of rushing through your trip, I recommend building time into your itinerary to tackle some of the side trips or alternative routes. Details on those are below.

Merlin Lake Loop Side Trip

Distance: 6.7 km loop

Elevation Gain: 330 m

The Merlin Lake Loop is the most popular day hike in the Skoki area. The trail starts at Skoki Lodge. Go right at the famous “fork” in the trail, and ascend through the forest. From here, the trail cuts across steep gravel slopes on the north side of the Wall of Jericho. Lawrence Grassi, the architect of the renowned Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, built this trail in the 1940s.

Follow the narrow trail along the steep mountainside to a spot where it heads directly uphill into a chimney. Scramble up the chimney, following stacked rocks to stay on track. At the top, head across rock slabs to the shores of the gorgeous lake at 2.6 km. The glaciers of Mount Richardson tumble down the cliffs on the far side.

You can retrace your steps from here, or take the trail at the lake’s northeast corner to make a loop. I recommend the loop since it avoids having to down climb the chimney. Plus, it’s more interesting to make a loop.

For the loop, follow the trail from the lakeshore as it descends steeply through the forest before reaching the marshy valley bottom. Continue along the trail beside the stream, then cross a narrow log bridge. Turn right and take the trail through Merlin Meadows Camp, then back to the lodge to finish the loop.

Skoki Mountain Side Trip

Distance: 3.9 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 505 m

The informal trail to Skoki Mountain starts behind the outhouses at Skoki Lodge. Since the higher sections traverse scree without a real trail, it’s a scramble, but you never need to use your hands. The first part of the trail climbs steeply through the forest, where you will clamber over several fallen trees. As you get higher, the vegetation turns to open meadows, and then to scree.

Cairns mark your route as you climb higher on the mountain’s slope. In places, it is very steep and loose, so watch your footing carefully. The summit has great views of Merlin Lake to the west, the Skoki Lakes to the southwest, and Red Deer Lakes to the northeast. Watch for fossils in the rocks.

Packer’s Pass Peak Side Trip

Distance: 1.1 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 95 m

Packer’s Pass Peak is a quick side trip from Packer’s Pass. There is no trail, but you will find a vague footbed in a few places. Just follow the path of least resistance up the grassy slopes from the pass.

The southwest side of the peak from the pass is gentle, making for a straightforward ascent. But the north side drops off precipitously, so take care on the summit. Reaching the peak will give you great views of Baker Lake, Brachiopod Mountain and Heather Ridge to the southeast, as well as Fossil Mountain to the east. This was my favourite viewpoint on the Skoki Loop.

Red Deer Lakes Loop Alternative Route

Distance: 8.9 km one way

Elevation Gain: 145 m

If you want to make the Skoki Loop a little longer, you can continue north on the Cotton Grass Pass Trail to Red Deer Lakes. From there, you’ll go northwest around Skoki Mountain, then south through Merlin Meadows to Skoki Lodge. This route is 8.9 km from the Cotton Grass/Red Deer Lakes junction to Skoki Lodge instead of the 3.6 km direct route through Jones Pass.

I haven’t taken this route, but I’ve heard that it is beautiful along the Cotton Grass Pass Trail. However, once it gets to Red Deer Lakes, I hear that it is marshy and a bit overgrown. As well, I’ve heard that the section from Red Deer Lakes to Merlin Meadows is in the trees and isn’t anything special.

On my trip, we opted for the direct route through Jones Pass so we could spend the rest of the day doing a day hike to Merlin Lake instead of doing the longer route through Red Deer Lakes.

Deception Pass Alternative Route

Distance: 3.5 km

Elevation Gain: 80 m

The route from the Baker Lake Trail via Deception Pass is the traditional and most direct route to the Skoki Lodge. This is the route to take if you don’t have time for the loop around Fossil Mountain via Baker Lake, Cotton Grass Pass, and Jones Pass, or you don’t want to climb the chimney on the Packer’s Pass Route. Horses also use the Deception Pass Route.

I didn’t take the Deception Pass route since I heard that the Cotton Grass/Jones Pass and Packer’s Pass routes were much more scenic. If you take Deception Pass, you’ll miss the incredible Skoki Lakes!

The route climbs up to the pass through open meadows, then descends gently through more meadows with views of Fossil Mountain.

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Skoki Loop Itineraries

While strong hikers with an early start can do the Skoki Loop as a day hike, I recommend spending a few days in the area to do some of the side trips. Here are some sample itineraries.

Recommended 3-Day Skoki Loop Itinerary

This is the itinerary I used and the one I recommend. It includes the Skoki Loop and has time for a side trip.

Day 1: Trailhead to Baker Lake Camp – Distance: 12.8 km, Elevation Gain: 775 m, Elevation Loss: 225 m, Time: 4 to 6 hours.

Day 2A: Baker Lake Camp to Merlin Meadows Camp via Jones Pass – Distance: 7.5 km, Elevation Gain: 145 m, Elevation Loss: 285 m, Time: 2 to 3 hours.

Day 2B: Merlin Lake Loop day hike – Distance: 6.7 km, Elevation Gain: 330 m, Elevation Loss: 330 m, Time: 2 to 3.5 hours.

Day 3: Merlin Meadows Camp to Trailhead via Packer’s Pass – Distance: 15.4 km, Elevation Gain: 440 m, Elevation Loss: 850 m, Time: 4.5 to 7 hours. Optional: Add Packer’s Pass Peak for and extra 1.1 km with 95 m of elevation gain and loss.

3-Day Base Camp Skoki Loop Itineraries

If you’d rather hike the bulk of the Skoki Loop with a day pack (or you can’t get a booking at Merlin Meadows), you can use Baker Lake or Hidden Lake campgrounds as a base camp to do the Skoki Loop.

Baker Lake Base Camp:

Day 1: Trailhead to Baker Lake Camp – Distance: 12.8 km, Elevation Gain: 775 m, Elevation Loss: 225 m, Time: 4 to 6 hours.

Day 2: Day hike Baker Lake Camp to Baker Lake Camp via Jones Pass and Packer Pass – Distance: 14.9 km; Elevation Gain: 520 m, Elevation Loss: 520 m, Time: 5 to 6 hours. Optional: Add Packer’s Pass Peak for and extra 1.1 km with 95 m of elevation gain and loss.

Day 3: Baker Lake Camp to Trailhead – Distance: 12.8 km, Elevation Gain: 225 m, Elevation Loss: 775 m, Time: 3.5 to 5 hours.

Hidden Lake Base Camp:

Day 1A: Trailhead to Hidden Lake Camp – Distance: 7 km, Elevation Gain: 540 m, Elevation Loss: 30 m, Time: 2 to 3 hours.

Day 1B: Day hike to Hidden Lake from Hidden Lake Camp – Distance: 2.6 km, Elevation Gain: 120 m, Elevation Loss: 120 m, Time: 1 to 2.5 hours

Day 2: Hidden Lake Camp to Hidden Lake Camp via Baker Lake, Jones Pass, and Packer’s Pass – Distance: 19.6 km, Elevation Gain: 725 m, Elevation Loss: 725 m, Time: 6 to 8 hours.Optional: Add Packer’s Pass Peak for and extra 1.1 km with 95 m of elevation gain and loss.

Day 3: Hidden Lake Camp to Trailhead: Distance: 7 km, Elevation Gain: 30 m, Elevation Loss: 540 m, Time: 2 hours.

2 or 3 Day Skoki Direct Itinerary

This route isn’t really the Skoki Loop since it doesn’t go around Skoki Mountain… but it is still a little bit of a loop since it uses both Deception and Packer’s Passes. You can do it as a 2-day route, or add on an optional third day for day hikes.

Day 1: Trailhead to Merlin Meadows Camp via Deception Pass – Distance: 15.3 km, Elevation Gain: 825 m, Elevation Loss: 415 m, Time: 5 to 7 hours

Optional Day 2: Merlin Lake Loop day hike – Distance: 6.7 km, Elevation Gain: 330 m, Elevation Loss: 330 m, Time: 2 to 3.5 hours AND/OR Skoki Mountain day hike – Distance: 6 km, Elevation Gain: 570 m, Elevation Loss: 570 m, Time: 2.5 to 4 hours

Day 2 or 3: Merlin Meadows Camp to Trailhead via Packer’s Pass – Distance: 15.4 km, Elevation Gain: 440 m, Elevation Loss: 850 m, Time: 4.5 to 7 hours. Optional: Add Packer’s Pass Peak for and extra 1.1 km with 95 m of elevation gain and loss.

Camping and Where to Stay on the Skoki Loop

There are several campgrounds along the Skoki Loop as well as the Skoki Lodge. Here are details on each one:

Hidden Lake Campground

Located 7 km from the trailhead, you can use this campground as a base camp to hike into the core Skoki area, but it’s a bit far. If you’re with a slower group, you could also use this campground as a way to break up the journey into a longer trip. It’s also a great base for day hikes to Hidden Lake.

The campground has clumps of trees and patches of meadow. There is a stream on the west side of the campground for water. It has 10 tent sites on wood-framed dirt platforms, a cooking area, an outhouse, and food storage lockers.

Baker Lake Campground

Baker Lake Campground is 12.8 km from the trailhead on a bluff at the east end of Baker Lake. It’s a good first night’s stop on the Skoki Loop. You can also use it as a base camp if you want to do the Skoki Loop without packs.

The campground is set in a clump of trees on a bluff with 10 wood-framed dirt tent pads, an outhouse, and a cooking area with tables, benches, and food storage cables. But it’s a 2-minute walk down the hill to the lakeshore, which has incredible views of the surrounding mountains. You can collect water from the lake.

Merlin Meadows Campground

This is the best campground for day hikes in the Skoki area. I spent two nights here so we could do day hikes to Merlin Lake and Skoki Mountain. The campground itself is kinda meh – both the tent area and the cooking area are in the trees. However, you can walk out in the meadows by the creek for good views.

There are no tent pads here – instead, you just choose a clearing in the trees. There are two outhouses near the tenting area.

The cooking area has four tables with benches and one food storage pole with cables. The main trail runs right through the cooking area. There are more food storage cables near the tenting area. There are several informal paths down to a creek to collect water north of the campground.

Red Deer Lakes Campground

Choose Red Deer Lakes if you can’t get a booking at Merlin Meadows or if you want a bit of solitude. It’s further from the Skoki core area, so it doesn’t make a great base camp. Despite the name, the campground is not on the lakeshore.

This campground does not have designated campsites – camp in the clearings along Red Deer River, which is the water source. It has an outhouse and food hanging cables.

Skoki Lodge

This historic Skoki Lodge dates back to the 1930s and is one of the oldest backcountry lodges in Canada. You can stay in the main lodge or one of the log cabins. They have room for up to 22 guests at once. Your stay includes all meals. Prices start at about $300/person/night. The lodge is in high demand, so you need to book about one year in advance.

Skoki Loop Reservations and Fees

Since the Skoki area has some of the most popular backcountry campgrounds in Banff National Park, advance reservations are required.

Reservations for the entire summer season open in January or February each year. In 2026, reservations open on January 26, 2026, at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. You must book on the Parks Canada Reservations website.

See my tips for booking backcountry camping for pointers on how to navigate the site. Be ready to book as soon as reservations open because popular dates will sell out in minutes.

Your booking can include up to 10 people and up to 3 tent pads on the same reservation. Keep in mind that you are only allowed to have one tent per tent pad and four people per tent.

Step-By-Step Reservation Instructions

To make a reservation, select:

• “Backcountry” at the top (with the hiker icon), the
• “Backcountry Zone” button
• “Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho” from the Park drop-down.
• Access point “Fish Creek Trailhead” from the Access Point drop-down.

Have the following info ready to go when you make your reservation:

• preferred itinerary with campgrounds and dates, plus backups
• number of tent pads and people you are booking for
• credit card

If You Didn’t Get a Reservation

If you didn’t get a reservation at your chosen Skoki area campgrounds, keep checking back as people cancel and spots open up. On my trip, there were empty tent pads in the campgrounds two out of the three nights, so it seems that cancellations do happen.

A more efficient way is to sign up for a camping cancellation notification app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

Fees

You must pay a few different fees to hike the Skoki Loop. The cost breakdown is as follows:

• Backcountry camping reservation fee: $11.50 per booking (for up to 10 people and up to 3 tent pads)
• Backcountry camping fee: $13.50/person/night
• Yoho/Banff/Kootenay National Parks entry fee: $11/person/day (or $22 per car/day with up to 7 people)

Most people spend three days/two nights in the Skoki area. In that case, a solo hiker would pay $71.50. Per-person costs decrease if you hike in a group since you can share the expense of reservations and national park entry fees.

How to Get to the Skoki Loop

The Skoki Loop is located in Banff National Park near Lake Louise. The trailhead is near the Lake Louise Ski Area on the east side of Highway 1.

The trailhead is a 5-minute drive from the Lake Louise Visitor Centre. To get there, take the Lake Louise exit from Highway 1, then go east towards Lake Louise ski hill. Just before you get to the ski hill, take a gravel road to the right, marked with a sign for Skoki Lodge. Follow it for 1 km to a parking area.

You can park in the lot on the right or along the road. There are port-a-potties in the parking lot. You must have a valid national park pass on your dashboard to park here.

If you don’t have a car, you can take a shuttle bus to Banff, then take Roam bus route 8X from Banff to Lake Louise village. From there, it’s a 3.2 km walk to the trailhead with 120 m of elevation gain.

If you’re looking for a place to stay before your trip, I recommend booking a hotel in Golden. It’s only one-hour away and it is sooo much cheaper than Lake Louise or Banff. Basecamp Lodge Golden is a good mid-range pick. If you’re on a budget, stay at the basic Rondo Motel.

Tips for Hiking the Skoki Loop

Cooking Areas: Each campground has a communal cooking area with a few tables. It was nice to have a place to sit down each evening! But don’t hog the tables – they are for everyone to share. The cooking areas are separate from the tenting areas for bear safety. Please don’t eat or cook near your tent.

Food Storage: Most campgrounds have a pole with pulleys for food storage. Bring a waterproof bag to store your food in case it rains overnight. I always keep my food in a lightweight dry bag. The pulleys have clips, but some are broken – carry a carabiner as a backup.

Mosquitos: Bugs can be bad on the trail in July and mid-August. Bring bug spray and a head net.

Bears: This is black and grizzly bear country. Bring bear spray, make noise while hiking, and store your food securely. See my bear safety tips for more info.

Porcupines: Some campsites (especially Baker Lake) are notorious for porcupines who will chew your gear. Hang packs, poles, and boots out of their reach at night or bring them into your tent.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Fires: Not allowed in the backcountry.

Check the weather before you go: The high mountains are notorious for fickle weather. Rainstorms can blow in at any time. Expect overnight lows near freezing on some days. City weather forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic spot forecast for Skoki Mountain like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.)

What to Bring: This is a remote hiking trip, so you will need to bring typical backpacking gear. Use my backpacking checklist to make sure you have everything you need. For Skoki, I recommend a warm sleeping bag, a lightweight tarp for eating under (I use the MEC Scout UL Silicone Tarp), and a head net for bugs.

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• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

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Final Thoughts

I’m often a one-and-done hiker – I finish a trail and don’t think about repeating it for years, or even decades. However, the Skoki Loop was so beautiful (and easy) that I’m already thinking about doing it again. I even want to splurge and stay in the Skoki Lodge so I can hike in and out with a smaller backpack!

While the Skoki area is popular, it does seem easier to book than some other Rockies backpacking trips, and it never felt busy or crowded, even with Skoki Lodge guests out on the trails.

Do you have questions about backpacking the Skoki Loop? Ask in the comments and I’ll help you out.

READ NEXT:

• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• Egypt Lake in Banff Hiking and Backpacking Guide
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

The post Skoki Loop Hiking and Backpacking Trail Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

In the winter this area is known as the Sunshine Village Ski Resort, one of the three ski areas in Banff. But in the summer the wildflowers bloom and it turns into an epic hiking destination.

On my last trip to Banff, I spent a day hiking high in the mountains at Sunshine Meadows. I’m a hiking guidebook author, so I’m always thinking about the optimal way to do each hike. So I’ve put together a custom route for you plus lots of tips for enjoying your time in this special place.

This Sunshine Meadows hiking guide includes:

• Is hiking at Sunshine Meadows worth it? Spoiler: my answer is definitely yes.
• Tips for hiking at Sunshine Meadows: What to bring, how to prep, and how to protect this gorgeous but fragile ecosystem
• Sunshine Meadows hiking basics: How far, how much, how difficult, etc.
• Sunshine Meadows hiking map – I made a custom hiking map for you
• How to get there – driving, bus, and gondola info
• My recommended Sunshine Meadows hiking route – it hits all the highlights
• Other hikes at Sunshine Meadows in case you want to extend your hike
• How to hike at Sunshine Meadows for free (without taking the gondola)
• Other things to do at Sunshine Meadows – restaurants, the Interpretive Centre, and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Thanks to Sunshine Meadows for hosting me on my visit. All opinions in this post are my own and I would happily pay out of my own pocket to hike here again. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Is Hiking at Sunshine Meadows Worth It?

You might be wondering if it’s worth spending money to ride the gondola up to Sunshine Meadows to go hiking. The short answer: YES!

The gondola takes you high up into the mountains, above the treeline and in the alpine with gorgeous mountain lakes. That means there are views in every direction and wildflowers everywhere.

Sunshine Meadows is the only accessible place near Banff to go for an easy or moderate hike in the mountains. All of the other easy and moderate hikes are in the valley bottom.

The only other way to get to that kind of terrain is to hike steeply uphill for literally hours. Other hikes that take you to this type of terrain are rated difficult.

Sunshine Meadows vs. Banff Gondola and Lake Louise Gondola

With three summer sightseeing gondolas near Banff, you might wonder how Sunshine Meadows stacks up compared to the Banff Gondola and the Lake Louise Gondola.

The Banff Gondola is the closest to the town of Banff. It goes up Sulphur Mountain, which is tree-covered (unlike the alpine landscape at Sunshine). It has great views of Banff and the Bow Valley. There is a short boardwalk through the trees, but no hiking trails or wildflower meadows. It’s a bit more expensive than Sunshine.

The Lake Louise Gondola takes you up through the Lake Louise ski resort so you get views of ski runs, although sometimes people do spot bears from the gondola. There is a small viewing platform at the top where you can look across the valley to Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains. There are no hiking trails. Tickets are slightly cheaper than Sunshine Meadows.

Tips for Hiking at Sunshine Meadows

Tips for Planning Your Trip

• The best time to go to Sunshine Meadows is between mid-July and early September when the trails are snow-free. For peak wildflowers, go in late July or early August. Plan to go on a clear day so you can enjoy the views. (I visited in late August and most of the flowers were done but it was still pretty.)
• Check the weather before you go. City weather forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic spot forecast for Sunshine like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.) It’s also worth checking current conditions at Sunshine and the Rock Isle webcam.
• Check gondola hours and trail status. Make sure the trails are open and the gondola and chairlifts are running by the Sunshine trail report.
• Arrive in the morning: That gives you lots of time to hike and explore. As well, it’s more likely to be cloudy in the afternoon. Don’t go any later than 2 or 3 pm because you won’t have enough time before they close.

What to Pack

• Bring a rain jacket and warm clothing just in case. It can be much colder and rainier in the mountains than in the valley.
• Wear sunscreen. The sun is bright up here and there isn’t much shade.
• Bring water and snacks. You can fill up your water bottles at the Centennial Lodge at the top of the gondola and grab snacks at the cafe.
• Bring the 10 Essentials. These are key safety items you should have on every hike.
• Bring a camera – it’s gorgeous and you will want tons of pics! But leave the drone at home. Drones aren’t allowed at Sunshine or in Banff National Park without a commercial filming permit.
• Bring bear spray. Black bears and grizzly bears live here and are sometimes sighted on the trails. The staff are great about closing trails and warning hikers if there is a bear around. Bring bear spray just in case because bears go where they want, when they want.

How to Respect This Fragile Ecosystem

• Pack out all your garbage. There are garbage cans at Centennial Lodge – please pack out your trash.
• Use the toilets. There are toilets at the Centennial Lodge and outhouses near Rock Isle junction and Grizzly/Laryx junction, but there are no other toilets on the trails.
• Don’t pick the wildflowers. It can take years for each plant to produce a single flower. Leave the flowers for everyone to enjoy. Take photos instead. Visit the Interpretive Centre near the gondola for help identifying all the wildflower species you spot.
• Stay out of the lakes. While you might be tempted to take a dip on a sunny day, swimming isn’t allowed. The lakes are very shallow and sensitive ecosystems.
• Dogs aren’t allowed on the gondola or chairlift. You can hike up the access road with your dog on leash, but it’s 5.5 km each way with 510 m of elevation gain. Dogs are allowed on the Sunshine trails on leash.
• Respect Indigenous traditional territory. The Sunshine Meadows area is in the traditional territory of the Tsuut’ina, Michif Piyii (Mestis), Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney) and Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis. The government forced Indigenous people to leave soon after Banff National Park was created in 1885 and prohibited them from accessing their traditional territory to hunt, fish, gather, and conduct cultural practices.

Sunshine Meadows Hiking Basics

Sunshine Meadows has 6 hiking trails that you can combine to make various loops. The must-do is the Standish Viewing Deck Loop. But I’ve got a recommended route at the bottom of this post that hits all the highlights.

Here are some stats for the hikes at Sunshine Meadows:

Duration: 30 minutes to four hours

Distance: 0.8 km to 9.8 km

Difficulty: Very easy to moderate

Elevation Change: Up 300 m

Cost: As of 2025, it’s $68/person for adults (kids and seniors are cheaper). This includes rides on both the gondola and chairlift.

Sunshine Meadows Hiking Trails Map

The Sunshine Meadows trails are easy to follow with lots of signs and maps at every junction. When you buy your gondola tickets, they will give you a paper map.

The map is pretty, but it doesn’t show a lot of the small ups and downs the way a topographic map does. I made you a custom trail map using Gaia GPS, my favourite mapping app. It shows all the locations I mention in this post. Click through to zoom in and explore (and to download the GPX file).

PS: Want to save 10% on a premium subscription to Gaia GPS (the app I use for all my hikes)? Use my link – the discount appears in cart.

How to Get to Sunshine Meadows

Sunshine Meadows is located at the Sunshine Village ski area 15 minutes west of Banff. It’s easy to drive yourself and there is lots of free parking. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

If you don’t have a car, Sunshine also runs a free shuttle bus several times a day.

Once you arrive at the parking lot and gondola base, head inside and buy your gondola tickets. From there board the high-speed eight-passenger gondola and enjoy mountain scenery on the 25-minute ride up into the mountains. The gondola tops out at 2,159 meters.

When you get off the gondola staff will greet you to give you a brief overview of the area and explain how to respect this beautiful place by staying on trail, not picking flowers etc. They will also give you some bear safety tips.

I recommend going inside the Centennial Lodge to use the bathroom before you hit the trails. It’s also worth visiting the Interpretive Centre inside the lodge to check out the wildflower displays. That way you can try to recognize some of the flowers you will be seeing on your hike.

Sunshine Meadows Hiking Directions (My Recommended Route)

There are six trails at Sunshine Meadows, but if you just want the highlights, follow my recommended route (below). It has step-by-step directions to ensure you see the highlights.

Here are the stats for this route:

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Distance: 6.9 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Change: 312 m

Below are step-by-step directions for each part of the hike.

Standish Express Chairlift and Standish Viewing Deck

To start the hike, walk from the gondola over to the Standish Express Chairlift. This is an open chairlift where your feet dangle, so some people may find it unnerving to ride compared to the gondola. However, it’s not that steep and it doesn’t take long so I think you’ll be fine. You’ll also have beautiful scenery to distract you.

The chairlift will bring you to the top of Mount Standish, also called Standish Hump. This is the highest point of your hike so enjoy the 360-degree views.

When you are ready to start hiking, you can take either the left or right path – they meet up in a few minutes at the Standish Viewing Deck 300 m from the chairlift.

The Standish Viewing Deck has the best views at Sunshine Meadows. In my opinion, this is one of the best viewpoints anywhere in the Banff area. Don’t miss it!

From the two-level deck, you can look south to Rock Isle, Grizzly, and Laryx Lakes. On a clear day, you can also see the pointy top of Mount Assiniboine, nicknamed Canada’s Matterhorn. To the east you can spot the ski runs on Brewster Rock and Mount Howard Douglas. And to the west, you can see the rocky peaks of Two Cairns.

Standish Viewing Deck to Rock Isle Viewpoint

From the viewing deck, follow the trail down the stairs and then down the hill through a few clumps of trees. Arrive at Two Cairns junction about 400 m from the viewing deck.

Turn left and follow the trail towards Rock Isle Junction. The trail continues downhill, although not as steeply as before. About 300 m from Two Cairns Junction, arrive at Rock Isle Junction. There are views of Rock Isle Lake here, but continue straight for even better views.

Pass a spur trail on your left leading to an outhouse, and arrive at Rock Isle Viewpoint about 400 m from Rock Isle Junction. The benches here have an incredible view of Rock Isle Lake so it’s a great spot for a snack break. It should be pretty obvious to you how the lake got its name – the island in the lake is a big rock!

Rock Isle Viewpoint to Grizzly/Laryx Junction

When you are finished at the viewpoint, retrace your steps back to Rock Isle Junction and turn left. Follow the trail along a ridge beside Rock Isle Lake. There are more photo opportunities here too including a short spur trail to the right that takes you to a bluff top viewpoint.

At the end of the lake, the trail drops downhill on a staircase and winds through patches of trees and meadow. Arrive at Grizzly/Laryx Junction about 900 m from Rock Isle Junction.

Grizzly/Laryx Loop

At Grizzly/Laryx junction turn right to start the loop. There is an outhouse just past the junction in the trees. (FYI Laryx is the Latin name for the larch tree – there are lots of them in this area.)

Continue along the trail as it heads gently downhill through a meadow to Grizzly Lake, about 500 m from the junction. The trail follows the east shore of the lake, then heads through an open meadow which is a great place to see wildflowers.

After a few minutes in the forest, watch for the Simpson Viewpoint on your left, about 500 m after leaving Grizzly Lake. The viewpoint sits on the edge of a deep canyon. You can see the Simpson River basin, which burned in forest fires in 2017.

From the viewpoint, continue along the trail to Laryx Lake, 100 m away. The trail loops around the south and east sides of the lake. A bench on the peninsula partway along makes a good break spot.

Past the end of the lake, the trail heads through another wildflower meadow and then an open forest to arrive back at the Grizzly/Laryx junction.

Grizzly/Laryx Junction Back to Standish Chairlift

From the Grizzly/Laryx Junction, you’ll be retracing your steps back to the Standish Chairlift. Unfortunately, this section is all uphill. You’ll hike another 1.9 km and gain 180 meters. Thankfully the views are great – just remember to turn around to look at them!

Starting from Grizzly/Laryx Junction, hike back uphill through the forest and up the stairs to the shores of Rock Isle Lake. From there, turn left at Rock Isle Junction. Head uphill to Two Cairns junction, then turn right and go uphill again to the Standish Viewing Deck and the Standish Chairlift just past that. Ride the chairlift back down to Sunshine Village.

Other Hikes at Sunshine Meadows (Extending Your Trip)

The route above hits all the highlights and has the best views. However, if you want to try some of the other trails or extend your trip, here are some options I recommend:

Twin Cairns Trail and Monarch Viewpoint

This option adds 4.2 km to your hike and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Follow the instructions in the recommended route above, but when you reach Twin Cairns junction the second time, don’t go up the hill to Standish Viewing Deck.

Instead, go left down the hill on the Twin Cairns Trail. This route works its way through a rocky valley between Twin Cairns Peak and Mount Standish. About 2 km from the start, arrive at a junction.

Go left for a few minutes to the Monarch Viewpoint. From the viewpoint, look west down the Healy Creek Valley to Healy Pass and the Monarch Ramparts. Picturesque Egypt Lake lies behind them along with pointy Pharaoh Peak.

Retrace your steps back to the junction and go left, following the Meadow Park Trail down the hill into the forest. Continue along the trail as it winds downhill and finishes at the gondola.

Rock Isle Road

If you don’t feel like climbing back up to Mount Standish to ride the gondola down, you can walk down via the Rock Isle Road. The road is 1.75 km long and loses 60 m of elevation.

The Rock Isle Road starts near Rock Isle Viewpoint and makes its way through the ski resort to the bottom of Standish Chairlift. It’s wide and dusty and not very scenic, so I don’t recommend it unless you don’t want to climb the hill back to Standish Chairlift.

Citadel Pass and Mount Assiniboine

If you want to venture further into the backcountry, follow the Citadel Pass Trail southeast from near Rock Isle Junction. It leads all the way to Mount Assiniboine, one of the most popular (and gorgeous) backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. It’s also one of my favourite trips.

It’s 27.5 km one way to the campgrounds at Mount Assiniboine, but you don’t have to hike the entire way to get good scenery. Citadel Pass, 7.8 km from Sunshine Meadows makes an excellent day trip destination.

The route goes into Banff National Park and has great views as you go up and over Quartz Ridge. Stop at Howard Douglas Lake just off the trail for a break, then continue on the pass for beautiful views of Mount Assiniboine.

READ NEXT: Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide

Healy Pass and Egypt Lake

Another long day hike or backpacking trip option is the trip over Simpson Pass to Healy Pass and then Egypt Lake.

This hike starts from the Monarch Viewpoint. From there, it’s 10.4 km to Healy Pass. The route goes over Simpson Pass and then skirts below the Monarch Ramparts. Healy Pass has incredible views of Pharaoh Peak and beautiful golden larch trees in the fall.

If you want to camp overnight, Egypt Lake is a further 3 km downhill from Healy Pass. I loved the Egypt Lake area – there are so many beautiful little lakes nearby you can hike to from the campground.

READ NEXT: Egypt Lake in Banff Hiking and Backpacking Guide

How to Hike at Sunshine Meadows For Free (Without Taking the Gondola)

I get it – the Sunshine Meadows gondola is expensive. It’s possible to here without taking the gondola, but it’s a very steep and boring hike so I don’t recommend it.

But if you really want to hike at Sunshine Meadows without taking the gondola, I’ll help you do it. You can hike via the gravel access road from the parking area to the top of the gondola. This is also the only way to hike at Sunshine Meadows with a dog.

Here are the key stats:

• Duration: 2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down
• Distance: 5.6 km each way
• Difficulty: Very Challenging
• Elevation Gain: 511 m

The gravel access road starts behind the gondola buildings in the parking lot. It is free to hike but biking is not allowed. It is not open to the public, but you may encounter resort vehicles on the road, so be prepared to step to the side and let them pass.

The road climbs steadily and steeply in between the gondola and Sunshine Creek. The first 4 km are at a steady grade, but the last part isn’t as steep. The road is wide and dusty. As you get higher you’ll pass several ski runs and ski resort buildings.

Other Things to Do at Sunshine Meadows

I think the number one thing you should do at Sunshine Meadows is follow my recommended hiking route, above. And if you don’t do that, you should at least visit the Standish Viewing Deck via the Standish Chairlift to enjoy the views.

But if you’re looking to maximize your time at Sunshine Meadows, here are a few other activities I think are worthwhile.

Guided Hikes

If you want to learn more about the local flowers and mountain scenery, book a Hosted Trail Walk. There are one- and two-hour options. These are fairly short hikes so they are great for beginners or those with less stamina. These hikes are also a great way to work on your wildflower ID skills.

Both walks take in the scenery between the Standish Chairlift and the Standish Viewing Platform. The two-hour version also passes by Rock Isle Lake Viewpoint. Neither hike goes to Grizzly and Laryx Lakes.

Interpretive Centre

If you have time, I recommend visiting the Interpretive Centre both before and after your hike. It has displays about the local wildflowers, animals, and other parts of the ecosystem.

If you visit before your hike you can get an idea of which flowers are in bloom and tips for identifying them. And if you visit after, you can check to see if you identified the flowers correctly.

Restaurants and Cafes

You can bring your own food and drinks to Sunshine Meadows, but they also have several restaurants and cafes. On my visit, it was lovely to grab a coffee from the Java Lift cafe inside Sunshine Mountain Lodge and then enjoy it in the sunshine after our hike.

We ate lunch out on the trails, but I was a bit envious of people sitting on the patio outside the log-cabin-style Old Sunshine Lodge at Mad Trappers Grill. The menu includes pub staples like burgers, wings, and poutine.

There’s also a sit-down restaurant called The Chimney Corner in the Sunshine Mountain Lodge that mostly caters to overnight guests, as well as a coffee shop at the base station at the bottom of the gondola.

Stay Overnight

Did you know you can stay overnight at Sunshine Meadows? The Sunshine Mountain Lodge is right next to the gondola, so you can hike right from your hotel room. (Guests at the lodge get there via the gondola.)

Prices for winter ski season are insane (rightly so!) but summer rates are pretty reasonable considering you are staying at the only mountain-top hotel in Banff! All of the rooms have mountain views.

Final Thoughts

Most visitors to Banff stay down in the valley, looking up at the mountains. I think they are really missing out – you need to get up close to the alpine scenery to really appreciate it. If it’s in your budget, I really recommend hiking at Sunshine Meadows.

I’ve done all kinds of tough backcountry hikes around Banff, and the scenery at Sunshine is just as spectacular, except that I didn’t have to spend hours (or even days) hiking uphill through the forest to get there!

If you’ve got questions about planning a trip to Sunshine, hit me up in the comments. I’m happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• Egypt Lake in Banff Hiking and Backpacking Guide
• Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide
• Things to Do in Yoho National Park
• Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Guide

The post Hiking at Sunshine Meadows in Banff – Is it Worth It? appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Thankfully, Western Canada has some great hot springs. In fact, all of the hot springs in Canada are in British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon Territory. Sorry Eastern Canada – we win this one 🙂

In this guide, I’ve got info and directions for the best hot springs in Canada. These hot springs are all easy to access by car, although some require a short hike or an easy to arrange boat tour.

Note: There are dozens of other hot springs in Canada, but they require hours of bushwhacking or they are really more warm springs, than hot, so I left them off this list.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Hot Springs Etiquette

Hot springs exist in unique and fragile ecosystems. If you visit an undeveloped hot spring, tread lightly to minimize your impact. Some hot springs in British Columbia have gotten overrun with trash or closed due to human-bear conflicts. Learn about Leave No Trace to protect our hot springs.

Here are some basic tips for hot springs etiquette:

• Pack out all trash with you. Avoid bringing glass bottles to hot springs.
• Use washrooms or outhouses. Every hot spring on this list has a toilet nearby. Please use them to prevent the spread of disease, which can get into the hot springs.
• Do not use soap or shampoo in the hot springs. It pollutes the pools, kills plants and fish, and creates gross algae blooms.
• Keep your dog out of the water. Dogs carry diseases like leptospirosis that thrive in warm water.
• Be considerate of other users. Many people come to hot springs to relax, not to party.
• Bring a water bottle and drink lots of water. Otherwise, you can get dehydrated or overheated easily.
• Bring some flipflops or sandals to wear around the pools. Undeveloped springs often have sharp or uneven rocks. At commercial springs, sandals are nice to have for sanitary reasons.
• At natural springs, be prepared to see some nudity. It’s often not officially permitted, but it’s still very common, especially at night. But please keep things PG if you visit the hot springs with a partner!
• If you plan to travel on backroads or hike to hot springs, leave a trip plan with a friend and carry the 10 Essentials.

Hot Springs Resources

By far the best book about Canada’s hot springs is Hot Springs of Western Canada. I used an earlier edition of this book for years and recently picked up the 4th edition. It has tons of info on every hot spring, including tons of really obscure ones that are hard to reach.

If you plan to visit any of the undeveloped hot springs in Canada, you’ll have to drive on some remote logging roads. These roads have lots of confusing junctions, which makes navigation difficult. And there’s usually no cell service out there. I always bring a copy of the Backroad map book to prevent getting lost.

I’ve also made a custom hot springs Google map for you. It includes the location of every single Canadian hot spring I mention in this post. Click the map to navigate around. As you can see, most of the hot springs on the map are in British Columbia, or very close to it.

Hot Springs in the Vancouver Area

There are several hot springs near Vancouver and in the Sea to Sky corridor near Whistler.

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs is a small resort community in the Fraser Valley just east of Vancouver. The springs bubble up along the lakeshore, then are piped into a series of pools at the Harrison Hotsprings Resort as well to a public community pool.

The Harrison Hot Springs Resort is a hotel with a spa. They have two indoor pools and three outdoor pools of varying temperatures. The whole thing has a resort/spa atmosphere with rock features and deck chairs. It’s a family-friendly place, but there is an adults-only pool if you don’t want to share space with splashing kids.

You must book a room at the hotel to access the pools. Unfortunately, there are is no day-use access. I’ve never soaked here, but my husband did a charity bike ride that included access to the hot springs. He said it was amazing after riding over 100km!

You can soak in the exact same water in a less luxurious setting at the Harrison Hot Springs Public Pool. It’s basically an indoor community centre-style pool that happens to be naturally hot.

How to get to Harrison Hot Springs: From Vancouver take Highway 1 east. Then take Highway 9 to Harrison Hot Springs. Once you are in town it’s easy to find both the resort and the public hot springs pool. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Public Pool Cost: Prices are not posted online anywhere, but the last info I have says it is $15 for adults.

Resort Cost: Rooms start at $179/night and include access to the hot springs.

Where to Stay: Harrison Hot Springs Resort

Keyhole Hot Springs (Lilwatatkwa7)

Note: Keyhole Hot Springs has been closed since November 2023 due to slope destabilization from a a wildfire and have no re-opening date. The springs are usually closed between April 1st and November 15th each year due to bears.

The picturesque Keyhole Hot Springs were seldom visited until a few years ago when they got REALLY popular thanks to social media. Part of their popularity is that these hot springs are not too far from Vancouver and Whistler. They are located west of Pemberton on gravel logging roads.

A 2-kilometre long trail leads down from the road to the banks of Pebble Creek. (The hot springs are also sometimes called Pebble Creek Hot Springs.) There are a few small pools wedged against the steep bank. Each holds one or two people. The lower pools can sometimes be flooded by the river.

There is an outhouse at the parking lot and a campground on the trail to the pools. Unfortunately with increased use and some very careless campers, the area started to attract black bears and grizzly bears. After a few scary incidents, the entire area is now closed from April 1st to November 15th each year.

Getting to Keyhole Hot Springs:  Since the hot springs are located on a remote backroad that isn’t plowed, you need a 4wd and winter driving experience or a snowmobile to get to the hot springs during the months they are open.

From Pemberton, drive Pemberton Meadows Road for 23.5km, and then turn right on Lillooet Forest Service Road. Stay on this road for 20km then watch for the sign for the hot springs on the right-hand side.

Cost: Free

Where to Stay: You can walk into the unofficial campsites near the springs, but be prepared for winter camping conditions. Alternatively, book a hotel in Pemberton.

Tsek Hot Springs

Note: As of December 2024, Tsek Hot Springs remains closed. The St’át’imc First Nation have chosen not to reopen the springs following the pandemic.

The Tsek Hot Springs are located on a remote (but accessible) forest service road east of Pemberton, BC. They are also known as Skookumchuck Hot Spring or St. Agnes Well. In the last decade, these hot springs have reverted to their traditional name, Tsek, pronounced “chick”. It means water droplet or dripping water.  

Tsek Hot Springs have been run by the St’át’imc First Nation for the last decade or so. The waters of the springs are important to their culture and spirituality, so you need to be respectful if you visit. I haven’t visited these springs, but I hear they have a rustic feel.

Water from the hot spring is piped into 11 tubs. Four of them are hot water and the rest are hot water with a cold water tap so you can adjust the temperature. There’s also a cold water tub with water from a nearby creek. There is a change house and outhouses.

How to get to Tsek Hot Springs: From Pemberton, go north on Highway 99 through Pemberton and Mount Currie. Shortly after the Lillooet Lake Bridge, go right onto In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road. This is a gravel road, but it is in good shape and is fine for all vehicles. Follow this road for 47km along the shores of Lillooet Lake and the Lillooet River. The drive will take about 1.75 hours. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $7.50; Seniors and Youth: $5; Children 15 and under: free

Where to Stay: Camp at the springs or stay in nearby Pemberton.

Sloquet Hot Springs

Sloquet Hot Springs are just down the road from Tsek. It can be a bit of a party spot with drunken campers and loud music. (I had a pretty sleepless night there about 15 years ago.)

However, for the last decade, the local Xa’xtsa First Nation has managed the site on behalf of Sites and Trails BC. I’ve heard it has calmed down a bit now that there is an on-site caretaker. It’s still really busy on long weekends though.

To reach the springs, you’ll have to take a short but steep trail down to the banks of the Sloquet River. The hot springs bubble down over a hot waterfall into a small, shallow pool that is too hot for most people. From there, the water trickles into a series of natural rock pools towards the river, getting cooler as it goes downhill. It’s a pretty gorgeous setting.

There’s no change house here, so get your suit on in your car. Outhouses are located up the hill in the campground.

How to get to Sloquet Hot Springs: From Pemberton, go north on Highway 99 through Pemberton and Mount Currie. Shortly after the Lillooet Lake Bridge, go right onto In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road. This is a gravel road, but it is in good shape and is fine for all vehicles.

Follow this road for 76km to a bridge over the Lillooet River, passing Tsek Hot Springs. Turn left onto Lillooet West Forest Service Road and drive for 4km. Next, turn right onto Sloquet Forest Service Road. Follow this road for about 8.5km to the hot springs. Note: In winter the Sloquet Road is not plowed and will be impassable.

Cost: $10

Where to Stay: Camp at the springs or stay in nearby Pemberton.

READ NEXT: 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler

Hot Springs on Vancouver Island

There is only one hot spring on Vancouver Island: Hot Springs Cove near Tofino.

Hot Springs Cove

Hot Springs Cove is a unique hot spring is located in Maquinna Provincial Park in Clayoquot Sound on the west side of Vancouver Island. The nearest town is Tofino.

Hot water bubbles up through the bedrock into a large fissure in the rocks, before flowing into the ocean. There are a series of natural rock pools that descend all the way to the sea. At high tide, only a few of the pools are exposed. This hot spring has been on my bucket list for a LONG time, so I can’t wait to visit it.

The hot spring is at the end of a 1.5km long boardwalk trail. There is an outhouse and a change room near the springs. Apparently, the rocks can be slippery and you may need to do some clambering around to get into the pools. Bring water shoes or sandals to make it easier.

How to get to Hot Springs Cove: The only way to get to Hot Springs Cove is by boat or plane from Tofino. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to arrange with several tour operators offering trips. The boat ride takes about 1.5 hours and the plane ride is about 20 minutes. Many of the boat rides can also be combined with whale watching tours.

Cost: There is a day-use fee of $3 to access the provincial park. Boat tours cost about $240/person for adults. Floatplanes start at about $375/person.

Where to Stay: Tofino has lots of hotels and rental condos.

Hot Springs in the Kootenays

There are tons of hot springs in the Kootenays, many of them in adorable small towns.

Canyon Hot Springs

Canyon Hot Springs are located right along Highway 1 so they make a good road trip pit stop. Unfortunately, I’ve never had time.

The hot springs bubble out of the mountain at a temperture of about 25C. They are piped to the nearby resort where they are heated slightly for better soaking. There are two pools. The family pool is 32C, while the soaking pool is 40C. The resort was built in the 1970s and looks to be showing its age a bit. The pools are only open between May and September.

How to get to Canyon Hot Springs: Canyon Hot Springs is located on Highway 1 in between Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park. It’s 33km east of Revelstoke and 116km west of Golden. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $16.50, Kids and Seniors: $14.25, Kids 4 and under: free

Where to Stay: Canyon Hot Springs Resort has cabins and camping on site. But you’ll find nicer accommodations in Revelstoke.

Halcyon Hot Springs

Halcyon Hot Springs is on Highway 23 in the West Kootenays. It sits just above the shore of Upper Arrow Lake. The pools at Halcyon Hot Springs are some of the nicest resort-style pools I’ve been to. (Although I have to admit I only stopped in for a look during a trip to Revelstoke and didn’t have time to actually soak.) Built in the early 2000s, the curved pools have an amazing view of the lake and the Monashee Mountains.

On the upper deck, there is a 42C hot pool, a 37C warm pool, and a cold plunge pool. There’s also a lower deck with a 30C warm pool and a children’s spray park. They also have a spa and a restaurant.

How to Get to Halcyon Hot Springs: The springs are located on highway 23 in between Revelstoke and Nakusp. From Revelstoke take Highway 23 south for 70km. The journey includes the free Arrow Lakes ferry, which runs every hour. From Nakusp, take Highway 23 north for 35km. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $15/person

Where to Stay: Halcyon Hot Springs Resort has cabins and camping on site. You can also stay in Revelstoke, which is about an hour away.

Halfway River Hot Springs

The hot springs at Halfway River are one of my favourite natural hot springs in Canada and one of the reasons I love going to Revelstoke. The springs are near Arrow Lake and Halcyon Hot Springs south of town.

There are several pools lined with river rocks near the rushing Halfway River. There are also a few pools on the edge of the river itself. Some of the pools are really hot, but most are about 42C. If you get too warm, go for a plunge in the river.

The 10-minute walk to the springs from the parking lot is one of my favourite hikes in Revelstoke. You head steeply downhill on switchbacks and stairs. There is an outhouse near the bottom of the stairs and a changing hut right next to the main pools. 

How to Get to Halfway River Hot Springs: These hot springs are located on a gravel road off Highway 23 in between Revelstoke and Nakusp. From the turnoff on Highway 23, it’s 11km of gravel road driving to the parking lot. The road is fine for 2wd vehicles as long as you go slow and avoid the potholes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Free

Where to Stay: You can camp on-site either in a car-accessible campground or in walk-in sites that are just steps from the pools. If you prefer something less rustic, the cabins at Halcyon Hot Springs are the closest, or you can book a hotel in Nakusp or Revelstoke.

Nakusp Hot Springs

The Nakusp Hot Springs near the village of Nakusp have the distinction of being the only community-owned hot springs in BC. Unlike other commercially developed springs, these hot springs are the property of the village of Nakusp. There are two outdoor pools: a hot pool at 38-41C and a warm pool at 36-38C.  I’ve never visited this hot spring, but I hear it’s one of the least crowded developed hot springs in BC since it’s not near a major centre. 

How to Get to Nakusp Hot Springs: Nakusp is located on the eastern shore of Arrow Lake along Highway 23. From Nakusp, take Highway 23 north, then turn right onto Hot Springs Road. The springs are 12km up this road. The drive from town takes about 15 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $14; Seniors, Students, and Kids: $13, Kids 5 and under: free

Where to Stay: You can camp right at the springs, or stay in one of their rustic chalets. There are also hotels and motels in the town of Nakusp.

Ainsworth Hot Springs

If you’re visiting Nelson, you HAVE to visit nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs. I went for a soak in the springs right after a 3-day backpacking trip in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. So relaxing!

It is one of the most unique hot springs I’ve been to. It’s a commercial hot springs with an outdoor pool for soaking, but the interesting part is the caves!

Okay, so they aren’t true caves, but they are really cool. Early settlers dug tunnels into the rock to try to improve the flow of the springs. The tunnels form an “H” shape with two entrances. Inside the water is hotter than anywhere else at the springs and its REALLY steamy. In a few places, hot water cascades down the walls in mini-waterfalls. There are a couple of carved niches where you can sit and enjoy the sauna-like atmosphere. However, it’s way too hot for me to stay long.

The outdoor pool is 36-38C and the waters in the cave are 40-43C. There is also a cold water plunge pool if you need to cool off. They have a spa as well as a restaurant that serves food sourced from local ingredients and indigenous inspired dishes.

The springs are run by the local Ktunaxa First Nation. They have used the springs for cultural and spiritual purposes since time immemorial. The Ktunaxa name for the hot springs is Nupika wu’u which means “Spirit Waters”.

How to Get to Ainsworth Hot Springs: Ainsworth Hot Springs is located on Highway 31 along the shores of Kootenay Lake. From Nelson, take Highway 3A east, then Highway 31 north. The drive takes about 45 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $18, Seniors: $17, Teens: $15, Kids: $12, Babies 2 and under: Free. Note: You must make advance reservations to use the pools.

Where to Stay: You can book rooms on-site at the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. Otherwise, there are lots of hotels in Nelson.

Lussier Hot Springs

Lussier Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park near Canal Flats in BC’s East Kootenays. It has beautiful rock-lined pools right next to Lussier Creek. I visited as part of a road trip through the Kootenays and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

The upper pool is the hottest at about 43C. There are also a couple of lower pools that are a bit cooler. When there is less flow in the creek, there are pools right next to the creek too.

To reach the pools you need to walk down a short, but steep trail from the parking lot. There are outhouses at the parking lot but no facilities down at the pools. There is no change house so change in the outhouse or get ready in your car.

How to Get to Lussier Hot Springs: The hot springs are on a gravel road accessed from Highway 93. From Canal Flats, head south on Highway 93 for 5km to the Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road. It’s a gravel road but unless it is icy or snowy, it should be fine for all vehicles. Follow this road for 17.5km to the hot springs just inside the entrance to Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. The drive from the highway takes about 20 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Free

Where to Stay: There are several campgrounds in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. There aren’t a lot of hotels in nearby Canal Flats, but there are some cute Airbnbs in the area.

Fairmont Hot Springs

Fairmont Hot Springs is a resort-style hot springs on Highway 93 in the East Kootenays. I haven’t visited these hot springs yet, but I’m sure I’ll visit on my next trip through the area. 

The resort has a hot pool for soaking (39C), a family-friendly swimming pool (32C) and a dive pool (30C) with two diving boards. There’s a spa and several restaurants. If you want to get fancy, you can also book a Miami-style poolside cabana for the day.

If you want to skip the commercialized springs and dip into history, you can take a short hike to the Indian Baths. This 100-year-old stone structure houses small bathtubs fed by the hot springs. It’s also totally free. Find the trailhead in the parking lot.

How to Get to Fairmont Hot Springs: The hot springs are in the village of Fairmont Hot Springs on Highway 93 in the East Kootenays. It’s 23km south of Invermere and 25km north of Canal Flats. From the highway, head east on Fairmont Resort Road for 1.5km to reach the parking lot. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $17 for adults, $15 for kids and seniors. Kids 5 and under are free.

Where to Stay: Stay on-site at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. They have an RV park and campground too.

Radium Hot Springs

Radium Hot Springs is located in a tight canyon next to Highway 93 at the southern end of Kootenay National Park. There has been a hot spring resort here for over 100 years. The current stone buildings date to the 1950s but underwent a huge renovation in 2023 and 2024.

There are two pools. The hot pool is about 39C. There is a unique island in the middle where the hot water bubbles out. The swimming pool is 27-29C and includes a diving board and slide. The water is the most radioactive in Canada since it contains radium. But the radioactivity is still very, very weak so it won’t harm people. (Don’t worry!)

Getting to Radium Hot Springs: The springs are on Highway 93 just 3 kilometres east of the junction with Highway 95. The village of Radium Hot Springs is right at the junction, but the springs themselves are not. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $17.50, Seniors and kids: $15.25, Babies under 3: free

Where to Stay: There are lots of hotels in the nearby village of Radium Hot Springs. Kootenay National Park’s Red Streak Campground is also nearby.

Hot Springs in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canada’s Rocky Mountain National Parks like Banff and Jasper are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. They also have hot springs.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

There Upper Hot Springs in Banff are the most famous hot springs in Alberta.

I first visited these hot springs during a September road trip over ten years. It started to snow so instead of hanging around the chilly campground, we went for an evening soak in the hot springs instead. Magical! Since then I’ve visited a few more times including a visit in November when it snowed again!

It’s a commercialized pool, but the stone buildings are quite beautiful since they were built in the 1930s. If you want to really get into the vintage vibe, you can rent a heritage swimsuit. The 39C outdoor pool has great views of the surrounding mountains. I loved it in the snow! There’s a cafe too.

How to get to Banff Upper Hot Springs: From downtown Banff take Banff Avenue over the Bow River Bridge. Turn left on Spray Avenue, then take the next right onto Mountain Avenue. Stay on Mountain Avenue until it ends at the Upper Hot Springs. You can also take the Roam bus route 1 since parking is limited. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $17.50, Seniors and kids: $15.25, Babies under 3: free

Where to Stay: There are lots of hotels in Banff. The nearest hotel is the Rimrock Resort Hotel which is a 2-minute walk away. My sister used to work there and it’s gorgeous. There are also several national park campgrounds nearby. To save money, consider staying in Canmore, which is a short drive away.

READ NEXT: 9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall and Best Things to Do in Banff in the Spring

Miette Hot Springs

Miette Hot Springs is off Highway 16 east of the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park. Besides Banff, it’s one of the only Alberta hot springs. I visited these springs on a chilly fall trip to Jasper. It was a great way to warm up on a cold day.

The spring is one of the hottest springs in the Rockies. It’s 54C at the source, but they cool it down to between 37C and 40C in the pools. There are two warm pools, plus two cold pools. 

The pools and buildings were built in the 1980s and aren’t as picturesque as the other national park hot springs. But the mountain scenery makes up for it. There’s also a cafe if you get hungry.

How to get to Miette Hot Springs: From the town of Jasper, head east on Highway 16 for 43km. Turn right onto Miette Road and drive 16.5km to its end at the hot springs. The drive takes about an hour. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: Adults: $17.50, Seniors and kids: $15.25, Babies under 3: free

Where to Stay: There are lots of hotels in Jasper as well as National Park campgrounds. The closest accommodation to the hot springs are the Pocahontas Cabins and the National Park’s Pocahontas Campground is the closest to the hot springs.

Hot Springs in Northern BC

Northern BC sees a fraction of the tourist traffic that the rest of the province. Which means that you can visit some spectacular hot springs without worrying about crowds.

G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hot Spring Island)

G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hot Spring Island) is a small island in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve in BC’s Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands). The Haida name for the springs is Gandll K’in Gwaay,yaay, which means “hot water island”.

Historically, there were numerous springs on the southwestern end of the island. But after an earthquake in 2012, the hot springs stopped flowing. Scientists still aren’t sure why. But slowly, the hot water has been returning to the area. In 2017 three new pools were built. There are changerooms and outhouses too.

I visited these springs as part of a four-day tour around Gwaii Hanaas National Park. The water in some of the pools is really hot! But the views are incredible.

How to Get to Hot Spring Island: The only way to get there is by boat, but there are lots of tour operators who will take you. You can also rent kayaks and go on your own if you get a permit from Parks Canada. Most boat trips leave from Moresby Camp on nearby Moresby Island.

Cost: Free, but you do need to pay National Park admission fees

Where to Stay: The closest hotels are in the village of Daajing Giis (Queen Charlotte). You can also camp at Moresby Camp.

Higu Isgwit (Nass Valley) Hot Springs

These hot springs are located in Nisga’a First Nation territory near Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. Since they are located in the Nass River Valley, they are also known as Nass Valley Hot Springs. In the Nisga’a language, they are called Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs. This is a culturally and spiritually important site for the Nisga’a so be respectful if you visit. 

It’s a short 5-minute hike on a boardwalk across a marshy area to reach the springs. There’s a large pool with wooden decking and recently the area has been improved by adding a couple of wooden sided tubs. The springs are about 55C, which is too hot for most. Thankfully, there are pipes with cold water you can add to adjust the temperature. There’s an outhouse in the parking lot and a small change house next to the springs.

Visiting these Nisga’s Nation-run springs was one of the highlights of my two-day visit to the Nass Valley. We also hiked to a volcano, walked through lava, visited a great Indigenous museum, and lots more.

How to Get to Higu Isgwit Hot Springs: From Terrace, BC, drive north on the Nisga’a Highway for 96km. Turn left on Nass Road and follow it for 19km. Look for the signed parking area. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for children. You need to reserve a one-hour spot in advance by calling 250-633-3000.

Where to Stay: The closest major centre is the town of Terrace, which has lots of hotels. You can also camp in the provincial park or stay at a bed and breakfast in the nearby village of New Aiyansh or in Nisga’a-run B&Bs in the Nass Valley.

Liard River Hot Springs

Without a doubt, Liard River Hot Springs is the best hot springs I’ve ever visited. That includes visits to hot springs in Canada as well as ones in Iceland and Nepal. This beautiful hot spring is on the Alaska Highway in Northern BC. It’s actually closer to the Yukon border than to any town in British Columbia.

The hot springs are in a natural setting, but the provincial park has improved the pools to add a gravel bottom and some wooden decking. A small waterfall separates the upper pool from the lower pool, which is much more rustic and still has natural earthen sides. The upper pool is hotter, about 52C at the source, and the lower pool is cooler at about 42C. There is a change house next to the pools and composting toilets nearby.

To reach the pools you’ll walk for about 600m on boardwalk across a marsh. Keep an eye out for moose along the way. We spotted one every time we walked to the pools. The park is also an important habitat for bison and you may see them on the highway nearby or even in the campground.

How to Get to Liard River Hot Springs: From Fort Nelson, BC drive 305km north on Highway 97 (the Alaska Highway). The drive takes about 4 hours. From Watson Lake, Yukon Territory, drive 208km south on Highway 97. It’s a 3-hour drive. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children

Where to Stay: Stay at the provincial park campground since it’s closest to the pools. Plus access to the hot springs is included in your camping fees. If you prefer a hotel, there’s a lodge on the other side of the highway.

Hot Springs in the Yukon

There is only one hot spring in the Yukon: Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs

This hot spring used to be called Takini Hot Springs, which I visited on a trip to the Yukon back in 2015. The pool and facilities have been completely rebuilt and in 2022 they reopened as Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.

The new facility is an upgrade over the old concrete pool. I haven’t visited yet but looks really beautiful. There are three pools with a Japanese design that integrates rocks into the pool for lounging and reclining. The largest pool even has a waterfall. The water temperature ranges from 42 to 36C. 

There are also indoor relaxation rooms with heated tile loungers, cold plunges, showers, saunas, and steam rooms.

How to get to Eclipse Hot Springs: From Whitehorse, drive Highway 1 west to the junction with Highway 2. Follow Highway 2 north for 6km. Turn left onto Takhini Hot Springs road and follow it for 9km to the springs. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Cost: $60

Where to Stay: There’s a large campground and a hotel on-site, which is really convenient. Or you can book a hotel in Whitehorse.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 19 of the best hot springs in Canada. So far, I’ve visited ten of them.

My favourite commercial hot spring is Ainsworth Hot Springs. Liard River Hot Springs is my favourite natural hot springs. When it comes to free hot springs, for me, it’s a bit of a tie between Lussier and Halfway River Hot Springs. And G̱andll K’in Gwaay.yaay (Hot Spring Island) in Haida Gwaii is special since its so remote.

What’s your favourite? Tell me in the comments.

More Adventures in Canada:

• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• 37 Things to do in Whistler in Winter
• The Ultimate Guide to the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island
• Chasing Waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park
• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• The Best Canadian Adventure Books
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

The post How to Visit the Best Hot Springs in Canada appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

It’s a moderate hike to the Egypt Lake campground, which makes a great base camp for exploring. It’s a tough backcountry camp to reserve, so some people do it as an overnighter. But if you can book for more than one night, do it! You’ll get to do some great day hikes.

After having this hike on my list for the last few years, I finally made it happen. On my late-August trip, we spent three nights at the campground and visited all of the nearby lakes. We had some soggy and cloudy weather, but some patches of sun too.

In this post, I’ve got everything you need to plan a trip to this beautiful area. My guide to backpacking to Egypt Lake includes:

• Quick facts about Egypt Lake including distance, how long it takes, best time to go, and more
• A map and elevation profile, plus a downloadable gpx file
• How to get to the trailhead including info about parking and shuttle buses
• Egypt Lake reservations: key dates plus booking tips
• How much does it cost to go backpacking at Egypt Lake A detailed budget breakdown
• Detailed trail description, broken down into sections with distances, times, and camping info
• Alternative routes to get to Egypt Lake including trails from Sunshine Meadows and Highway 93
• Day hikes from Egypt Lake campground including Mummy Lake, Pharaoh Peak, and more
• Egypt Lake hiking tips: advice for bears, food storage, weather, and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Egypt Lake Quick Facts

Trail Overview: This area is one of the most popular spots in the backcountry of Banff National Park. It is a collection of small lakes set below dramatic peaks. The Egypt Lake campground makes a good base camp for exploring.

What’s With That Name? When A.O. Wheeler, the founder of the Alpine Club of Canada, hiked through here in 1913, the Pharaoh Peaks had already been named for their pyramid shape. Wheeler kept with the theme and gave other features in the area Egyptian names.

Route Options: The most direct route to Egypt Lake is via the Healy Creek Trail, described in this trail guide. But there are also other options, described in the alternative routes section.

Distance: 24.6 km round-trip (plus side trips)

Elevation Gain: 1,135 m round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

How Long to Spend: You can do it as an overnight trip, but I recommend 3 or 4 days so you have time for day hikes from your base camp at Egypt Lake.

Best Time to Go: Mid-July to mid-September when the trail is snow-free. For wildflowers aim for early August. For golden larches, go in mid- to late-September.

Reservations and Costs: You must make reservations and pay National Park entry fees, backcountry camping fees, and a reservation fee. More details are in the reservations and costs sections below.

What to Bring: This is a remote hiking trip with no services. Use my backpacking checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Wildlife: The trail is in black and grizzly bear country. Carry bear spray, hike in a group, and make noise. Use campground cooking areas and store all your food and toiletries in the food lockers. Read my bear safety tips for backpackers for more info.

Dogs: Banff National Park discourages bringing dogs into the backcountry because they can trigger aggressive behaviour from wildlife. But dogs are allowed on leash.

Fires: Not allowed in the backcountry.

Indigenous Context: The Egypt Lake area is in the traditional territory of the Tsuut’ina, Blackfoot/Niitsítapi, Stoney Nakoda, Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, and Métis. Before Europeans arrived, the nearby Bow Valley was an important travel and trading corridor. The government forced Indigenous people to leave when Banff National Park was created in 1885 and prohibited them from accessing their traditional territory. Today, the park works with several Indigenous groups to facilitate park access for traditional, ceremonial, and cultural activities including harvesting.

Egypt Lake Trail Map and Elevation Profile

The trails in the Egypt Lake area are well-marked and easy to navigate with signs at all junctions. If you want a paper map, the Banff and Mount Assiniboine Map from Gem Trek is the best one.

I used the Gaia GPS app on my hike. It was helpful to know where I was on the trail to figure out how much higher I had to climb and where the next campsite or landmark was. All Trails+ is also great.

I also made you a bunch of trail maps using Gaia GPS. Click through to zoom in and explore. You can also save it to your routes in Gaia GPS or export the gpx file. There are more maps in the route options section.

How to Get to the Healy Pass Trailhead

Egypt Lake is located in Banff National Park on the west side of Highway 1 between Banff and Lake Louise. Most people start the hike at the Healy Pass Trailhead at the Sunshine Village ski area parking lot. (I’ve got info on other trailheads in the alternative routes section below.)

The trailhead is a 20-minute drive from the town of Banff. To get there, go west on Highway 1 and then take the Sunshine Road exit. Follow that road until its end at the Sunshine Village base. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

You can park anywhere in the large parking lot, but you need to display a valid National Parks pass on your windshield.

If you don’t have a car, Sunshine Village offers a free shuttle from downtown Banff several times a day.

The Healy Pass trailhead is located on the west side of the main Sunshine Village gondola building. Walk around the back past the hotel guest check-in doors. There is a large info sign with a map and trail info. The trail starts by crossing the wide wooden bridge.

Reservations

Since Egypt Lake is one of the most popular backcountry campgrounds in Banff National Park, advance reservations are required.

Reservations for the entire summer season open in January or February each year. In 2026, reservations open on January 26, 2026, at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. You must book on the Parks Canada Reservations website.

See my tips for booking backcountry camping for pointers on how to navigate the site. Be ready to book as soon as reservations open as popular dates will sell out in minutes.

Your booking can include up to 10 people and up to 3 tent pads on the same reservation. Keep in mind that you are only allowed to have one tent per tent pad and four people per tent.

Step-By-Step Reservation Instructions

To make a reservation, select:

• “Backcountry” at the top (with the hiker icon), the
• “Backcountry Zone” button
• “Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho” from the Park drop-down.
• Access point “Sunshine Village” from the Access Point drop-down.

Have the following info ready to go when you make your reservation:

• preferred itinerary with campgrounds and dates as well as backups
• number of tent pads and people you are booking for
• credit card

If You Didn’t Get a Reservation

If you didn’t get a reservation at Egypt Lake Campground, keep checking back as people cancel and spots open up. A more efficient way is to sign up for a camping cancellation notification app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

You can also camp at Healy Creek Campground 7.1 km from Egypt Lake Campground, or Pharaoh Creek Campground (4.8 km away). From those camps, you can day hike into the Egypt Lake area.

Fees

You must pay a few different fees to hike to Egypt Lake. The cost breakdown is as follows:

• Backcountry camping reservation fee: $11.50 per booking (for up to 10 people and up to 3 tent pads)
• Backcountry camping fee: $13.50/person/night
• Yoho/Banff/Kootenay National Parks entry fee: $11/person/day (or $22 per car/day with up to 7 people)

Most people spend three days/two nights at Egypt Lake. In that case, a solo hiker would pay $71.50. Per-person costs decrease if you hike in a group since you can share the expense of reservation and national park entry fees.

Egypt Lake via Healy Pass Trail Description

The most direct way to backpack to Egypt Lake is to to an out-and-back trip via the Healy Pass Trail. That’s what I did and what is described below. For other options, see the alternative routes section below. Below is a section-by-section breakdown of the Healy Pass Trail.

Healy Pass Trailhead to Healy Creek Camp

Distance: 5.3 km

Time: 1.25 to 2 hours

Elevation Gain: 335 m

Elevation Loss: 30 m

The first section of the trail from the parking area to Healy Creek Camp climbs gradually in the valley. The ascent is steady, but in most places barely perceptible.

From the trailhead, cross the bridge over the creek and follow the wide road-like trail. The Sunshine Village access road is up the steep bank to your left and you might occasionally see ski hill maintenance vehicles on the road.

About 0.9 km from the start the trail dips down into a ravine and crosses Sunshine Creek on a long, narrow bridge.

On the other side, the path begins to look less like a road and more like a wide trail.A brief climb at the 1.5 km mark kicks the grade up for a few minutes, but the trail ascends more gently through the forest.

Reach the bridge over Healy Creek at the 3 km mark. There is a good spot for a break if you need one.

From the bridge, the trail meanders through the flattish valley bottom. The trail is mostly in the forest, but you pass through several avalanche paths. Healy Creek is off to your left. You can sometimes hear but it remains out of sight in the bushes.

Healy Creek Camp

Reach Healy Creek Camp at 5.3 km. It is set in the valley bottom near the junction of Healy Creek and an unnamed creek. The campsite is in a somewhat open forest. It’s a good spot to camp if you need to split up the trek over two days or if you can’t get a reservation for Egypt Lake Camp. Otherwise, it’s pretty meh.

The campground has five dirt tent platforms and a newish outhouse. There is a cooking area on a spur trail to the east. It has one big picnic table and food lockers. Get water from Healy Creek via one of the brushy side trails from the cooking area or camping area.

Healy Creek Camp to Healy Pass

Distance: 3.8 km

Time: 1.25 to 2 hours

Elevation Gain: 380 m

Elevation Loss: 3 m

From Healy Creek Camp to the pass the trail begins to climb more than the route to camp. However, the ascent is never very steep – it’s a steady plod uphill.

Follow the main trail out of the campground. Reach a junction with the trail to Simpson Pass 5.7 km from the trailhead. Go straight to stay on the main Healy Pass Trail.

From here the climbing starts. Ascend steadily through the forest. As you begin to break out of the trees, reach another junction about 7.5 km from the start. Go right to stay on the Healy Pass Trail – the trail to the left is another route to Simpson Pass, Sunshine Village, and Eohippus Lake.

Past the junction, the scenery really improves. Make your way uphill through patches of meadow and clumps of larch trees. They hadn’t started to turn on my late August trip, but by early October they are spectacularly golden.

The wildflowers had finished by the time I got here in late August, but I’ve seen photos from other years, and it looks like you can get a great display through here from late July through mid-August.

There are several unnamed tarns nestled in the meadows to your left (southwest) in front of the impressive peaks of the Monarch Ramparts with The Monarch behind them. If there aren’t too many clouds, you can also see the Matterhorn-like peak of Mount Assiniboine to the south.

Reach the 2360 m high pass about 9 km from the start. It is marked by a sign. Looking west you can spot Egypt Lake and Scarab Lake below the imposing Pharaoh Peaks.

Healy Pass to Egypt Lake Camp

Distance: 3.3 km

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 15 m

Elevation Loss: 370 m

Your route to Egypt Lake Campground is all downhill. From the pass take the trail heading northwest – ignore the trail to the south that goes towards the Monarch Ramparts.

The first kilometre of the descent is in a sub-alpine meadow with clumps of larch trees. The descent gets a little steadier once you transition into the forest. It’s pretty much a straight shot downhill to the northwest. I don’t have any photos of this part because it was raining in this section on my hike in AND my hike out!

About 11.7 km from the trailhead the path starts to flatten out a bit as you get into the Pharaoh Creek valley. Pass a ranger hut at the 12 km mark, then cross the bridge over Pharaoh Creek at 12.1 km.

There are two trails from the bridge heading up the small rise. The first trail (northwest) goes to the Egypt Lake campground cooking area. The second trail (southwest) goes to the tenting area. Arrive at the campground 12.3 km from the trailhead.

Egypt Lake Camp

Egypt Lake Camp is set in a patch of meadow above Pharaoh Creek. It’s important to note that it is NOT at Egypt Lake – the lake is about 0.75 km away.

It’s a good base camp for day hikes to the nearby lakes, passes, and peaks. (More on that in the day hikes section below.)

There are 15 dirt tent pads spread out along the main trail to Egypt Lake. Some of the tent pads have good views of Healy Pass. There are two elevated outhouses in the centre of the campground between clusters of tent pads.

Until 2023, the Egypt Lake Shelter used to be next to the outhouses. It was aging so they tore it down. Parks Canada has indicated that they intend to replace the shelter at some point, but I can’t find any info with a timeline. For now, there is a rectangular patch of grass where the shelter used to be.

The cooking area is located along the Pharaoh Creek trail about 150 m north of the tent area. It has three large picnic tables and two clusters of food lockers. The picnic tables and food lockers are spread out along a maze of rooty trails. Head down to the bridge over Pharaoh Creek to collect water.

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Alternative Routes to Egypt Lake

There are a few other routes to Egypt Lake that are popular enough to mention. I haven’t done these routes myself, but I did a lot of research leading up to my trip to figure out which way we wanted to hike in.

Here is a quick overview of the routes to Egypt Lake (one-way)

Sunshine Village/Simpson Pass Route

Distance: 12.6 km or 13.6 km

Time: 3.5 to 5.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 510 m or 370 m

Elevation Loss: 675 m or 740 m

This route starts from the top of the Sunshine Village Gondola (which I have ridden – it’s gorgeous up there! Read my Sunshine Meadows hiking guide.) Since it starts high, there is a bit less elevation overall, but it’s a rolling route. This route is also more expensive since you have to pay for the gondola. There are no backcountry campgrounds along this route.

From the top of the gondola, you can take the Meadow Park Trail up to Monarch Viewpoint (2,350 m). From there, you descend to Simpson Pass, then climb up to Healy Pass where you follow the Healy Pass Trail directions above.

You can also add an extra kilometre and lots more scenery to this route by taking the Standish Chair from the top of the gondola up to the viewing deck. After enjoying the incredible views of Rock Isle Lake, take the Twin Cairns Trail to Monarch Viewpoint, where you meet up with the main Sunshine Village/Simpson Pass route.

Gibbon and Whistling Passes Route

Distance: 26.4 km

Time: 2 days

Elevation Gain: 1,585 m

Elevation Loss: 1,270 m

This route starts at the Arnica Lake Trailhead on Highway 93. It passes Arnica Lake, Twin Lakes, Gibbon Pass, Shadow Lake, and Whistling Passes before arriving at Egypt Lake. Most hikers using this route do it as a traverse, starting at Arnica Lake Trailhead and finishing at Healy Pass trailhead (or the reverse).

There are backcountry campgrounds at Twin Lakes, Shadow Lake, and Ball Pass Junction to split up the journey.

From everything I’ve read about this route, it is spectacular, with incredible scenery, especially at the passes.

This option requires arranging a car shuttle or an expensive taxi from Banff or Lake Louise. I thought about doing this route (and it does look incredible) but the logistics of trying to line up campsites and the car shuttle as part of an already-packed three-week roadtrip to the Rockies scared me off. Next time though!

Redearth and Pharaoh Creeks Route

Distance: 19.4 km

Time: 6 to 8 hours

Elevation Gain: 855 m

Elevation Loss: 265 m

See the map in the Gibbon and Whistling Pass section above to visualize this route or view it in Gaia GPS.

This route follows the Redearth Creek and Pharaoh Creek trails to Egypt Lake. It’s entirely in valley bottoms so it isn’t as scenic or popular. However, it is usually snow-free earlier in the year.

Along the way, you will pass by Lost Horse Creek and Pharaoh Creek Campgrounds. You can also make a detour off of this route to stay at Shadow Lake Camp.

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Day Hikes from Egypt Lake Camp

Egypt Lake Campground has a great base camp for day hiking. There are lots of options in the area. I’ve got lots of options below. All stats assume you start at Egypt Lake campground.

Egypt Lake

Distance: 1.4 km round-trip

Time: 20 minutes

Elevation Gain: 20 m

Egypt Lake is a quick hike from the campground. It’s short enough that you can do it the same day you arrive. From the middle of the campground near the outhouse, follow the trail southwest through the tenting area.

In a clearing, turn left onto the marked Egypt Lake trail. It’s another few minutes winding through the forest and past some seasonal ponds to the lakeshore. The lake is gorgeous and has a great waterfall coming in from Scarab Lake.

Scarab and Mummy Lakes

Distance: 7.1 km round-trip

Time: 3 to 4 hours

Elevation Gain: 500 m

See the map in the Egypt Lake section above to visualize this trail or view it in Gaia GPS.

Follow the trail from the campground to the Egypt Lake junction, but continue straight.

The trail climbs steeply on switchbacks beside scree slopes and through the forest. (Watch for adorable pikas in the rocks.) About 1.4 km from camp there is a good viewpoint on an open rock bluff.

Reach a junction 1.8 km from camp and go left, descending through patches of meadow to the shore of Scarab Lake. (The scarab beetle was an important symbol in ancient Egypt.) The lake has great views of Scarab Peak.

Follow the trail uphill through larch forest, then beside a scree slope. Descend into a pocket of meadow.

From there, follow cairns southwest uphill through rocks and rubble to the shore of Mummy Lake. You may have to do a bit of route-finding here to stay on track. Arrive at the lakeshore and enjoy the incredible turquoise lake and isolated moonscape setting.

Pharaoh Peaks Scramble

Distance: 7.7 km round-trip

Time: 4 to 6 hours

Elevation Gain: 795 m

See the map in the Egypt Lake section above to visualize this trail or view it in Gaia GPS.

If you’ve seen incredible photos of the Egypt Lake area, they were likely taken from the Pharaoh Peak scramble. I was recovering from an ankle sprain on my trip, so I didn’t do the scramble, but two of my friends did. If you’re up for this scramble, I highly recommend it. It has by far the best views in the whole area.

To do this scramble, follow the trail from the campground to the Scarab Lake junction. Continue along the trail for another kilometre as it side hills through forest and patches of meadow. Just before Whistling Pass, turn right and leave the trail.

From here you will be on an unmarked and unmaintained route. It is steep, but there is no exposure. Follow an obvious gully up to a saddle. It is loose, but not technical. At the top of the gully, reach a saddle. Turn right and make your way through talus and boulders to the summit. The view is insane!

Pharaoh and Black Rock Lakes

Distance: 5 km round-trip

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Elevation Gain: 245 m

The trail to these two lakes seemed to be less trodden than the other lakes in the area. We had the whole area to ourselves!

To get there, head north from the campground cooking area on the Pharaoh Creek Trail. A few minutes after leaving the cooking area, turn left onto the Pharaoh Lake Trail. Follow it steeply uphill through the forest and then alongside a scree slope.

Arrive at the shore of Pharaoh Lake about 1.4 km from camp. The sheer face of Pharaoh Peak drops dramatically into the lake.

Continue north along the lakeshore and back into the forest to the northwest to get to Black Rock Lake. The last few minutes of the trail follow a pretty little stream with lots of wildflowers. The black rock face of the northern Pharaoh Peak gives the lake its name.

Egypt Lake Hiking Tips

Cooking Areas: The campground has a communal cooking area with three big picnic tables. It was nice to have a place to sit down each evening! But don’t hog the tables – they are for everyone to share. The cooking areas are separate from the tenting areas for bear safety. Please don’t eat or cook near your tent.

Food Storage: The campgrounds have metal food lockers for food storage. Each locker has a number which corresponds to the number posted at your tent pad. Use your numbered locker – it gets chaotic and confusing otherwise.

Mosquitos: Bugs can be bad in July and early August. Bring bug spray and a head net.

Bears: This is black and grizzly bear country. Bring bear spray, make noise while hiking, and store your food securely. See my bear safety tips for more info.

Check the weather before you go: The campground is at 2000 m and you have to crest a 2,260 m pass to get there. The entire area has fickle mountain weather. In July and August, the average high temperature is 21°C and the average low is 4°C. Sudden rain storms are common. Use an algorithmic spot forecast like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.)

Check trail conditions on the Banff National Park website. This is especially important in early summer or fall when the trail can be icy or snowy.

Check Sunshine Village opening hours if you plan to use the Sunshine gondola to get to the Simpson Pass route to Egypt Lake.

Off-trail travel is not allowed between Sunshine Meadows and Healy Pass on both the Simpson Pass and Healy Pass Trails. This rule is in place to protect grizzly bear habitat.

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Final Thoughts

Egypt Lake has been on my list for a few years and I’m glad we finally made it. The lakes were all so gorgeous and despite this being one of Banff’s bigger backcountry campgrounds, the trail and camp never felt crowded.

While my visit was great, it wasn’t enough. I’d love to go back and do the full traverse from Highway 93, finishing at Egypt Lake. I’d also like to come back in the fall for larch season – from the photos I’ve seen, Healy Pass is incredible once the larches turn golden in the fall.

Is there anything else you need to know about backpacking at Egypt Lake? If I missed something, ask in the comments. I’d love to help.

READ NEXT:

• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• Hiking at Sunshine Meadows in Banff – Is it Worth It?
• Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide
• Skoki Loop Hiking and Backpacking Trail Guide
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

The post Egypt Lake in Banff Hiking and Backpacking Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

In this post, you’ll find personal recommendations for 10 Indigenous tourism activities from tours to museums to historical sites and more. Each one is Indigenous-run and will deepen your understanding of Indigenous culture.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Quick Facts About Indigenous People in Canada

Here’s a quick run-down of the Indigenous context in Canada and North America. This is a HUGE topic that could fill many books, so it’s hard to distill it down to a few bullet points… but I tried. Like many settler Canadians, I’m working on learning more about Indigenous people to contribute to reconciliation, but I still have a long way to go.

• Indigenous people have lived in what is now Canada for 10,000 to 20,000 years. But in Indigenous oral history, that amount of time is basically forever, so it is common to say that Indigenous people have been here since time immemorial. As well, the creation stories of many Indigenous Nations place their origins in what is now Canada, so to suggest otherwise may be viewed as impolite.
• There are about 1.8 million Indigenous people in Canada. They make up about 5% of the total population. After European contact, the Indigenous population declined sharply due to disease, war, and genocidal government policies like residential schools. But today, Indigenous people are the fastest-growing population in Canada.
• “Indigenous” is a word that encompasses three main groups: First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. Previously, the word “aboriginal” was used instead of Indigenous, “Eskimo” was used instead of Inuit, and “Indian” or “Native” was used instead of First Nations. Today, all of these words are no longer commonly used and some Indigenous people may find some or all of them offensive. However, some Indigenous people may still embrace and identify with some of these words.
• There are over 600 Indigenous groups across Canada, called Nations and they speak over 50 Indigenous languages. You can find the Nation and language of a place you are visiting using the interactive Native Land Digital Map. Due to historical (and contemporary) government policies, Indigenous people may live on Reserves or outside of reserves and they may be deeply connected to their culture or disconnected from their culture. There is no single way to be Indigenous in Canada. It varies from Nation to Nation and from person to person.

Indigenous Tourism Tips

It is important to be respectful when you visit Indigenous land, especially in light of the terrible way that settlers have treated Indigenous people since our arrival. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Listen carefully and listen more than you talk. It is a privilege to hear Indigenous people’s stories and they choose which parts of their culture and history to share with you.
• Stay on paths and in designated areas. Some areas are private and not open to visitors. Or they may be sacred for cultural practices. When in doubt, ask first.
• Do not take photos without permission. In some places, photos are encouraged and many Indigenous people are happy to have their photo taken. But that isn’t always the case – cultural practices differ from Nation to Nation and even from person to person. Ask first.
• Spend your money at Indigenous businesses. Stay at Indigenous-run hotels, eat at Indigenous-run restaurants, buy souvenirs from Indigenous gift shops, and book Indigenous tours.
• Do your research and avoid tourism businesses that profit off Indigenous culture or art without giving back to Indigenous people. Unfortunately, Canada has lots of museums full of stolen Indigenous cultural artifacts and lots of gift shops full of knock-off Indigenous art made overseas.
• If you can, learn a few words in the Indigenous language of the people you are visiting. If you were in France, you would say “merci” so you can learn to say “kleco kleco” in Nuu-chah-nulth territory on Vancouver Island or “hawa” in Haida Gwaii.

Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Known as the only federally recognized unceded territory in what is now Canada, Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island is the perfect spot to learn about the true history of these lands. While they offer several experiences, I recommend beginning with the Unceded Journey guided tour. 

Local guides from Wikwemikong will take you to important destinations on the territory. As you learn about Odawa Mnis (the original name for Manitoulin Island), it will quickly become clear its importance to those of the Three Fires Confederacy (Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi). Visit locations such as the Two O’Clock Lookout and the Holy Cross Church as your guide shares key historical events and impactful treaties that have shaped Wikwemikong and the surrounding area.

I had the pleasure of being guided by Jack who was a fountain of information and constantly willing to answer any questions my group had. He shared about his personal experiences with the Residential School System and its aftermath. This tour is incredibly impactful and I couldn’t believe how much I learned!

Wikwemikong offers a variety of tours including guided hikes, paddles and culinary experiences. Learn more about these tours in my guide to Wikwemikong. If you’re planning to stay for a few days on Manitoulin Island, I highly recommend booking a room at the Indigenous-owned and operated Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre in Little Current.

Recommended by Lindz of I’ve Been Bit! Travel Blog

Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Currently on its way to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is one of the coolest indigenous sites I’ve ever experienced. Located on the outskirts of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park provides an incredible museum and cultural centre and acts as Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig site. The site dates back more than 6,000 years and is constantly churning up more and more artifacts.

During our visit, we watched some traditional hoop dancing, learned how to build a teepee and what each pole represents, learned all about the culture of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples, and got to take a peek at their bison herd, which was introduced back to the site in 2019.

Whether you want to stop by to visit the museum, take a walk on one of their trails, enjoy a meal at their on-site restaurant, or enjoy one of their teepee sleepovers, this is easily one of the top things to do in Saskatoon.

Recommended by Matthew Bailey from Must Do Canada

Sundre Medicine Walk, Sundre, Alberta

Mahikan Trails Indigenous Experiences offers a medicine walk through the woods of Sundre. Sundre is a small town in the Canadian Rockies‘ foothills along the Cowboy Trail (or AB-22). It’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary. This easy 1.5 km walk departs from the Sundre Visitor Information Centre.

I participated in this guided medicine walk in the fall; it was a fun experience and I learned a lot. Jordan was our guide for this Sundre medicine walk. He shared all of his family’s knowledge of medicinal plants. During this 1.5- to 2-hour walking tour, he showed us plants and trees that have medicinal properties.

With his Cree heritage, he has much to share about the different plants and trees and how they can be used for medicinal purposes. Halfway through the walk, we enjoyed mint tea and heard wonderful Cree stories.

The walk is suitable for all ages. We did it with our 3.5 and 5.5-year-old boys, and they were able to follow along. Mahikan Trails Indigenous Experiences also offers medicine walks in Banff at Cascade Pounds and canyon walks in Canmore. While in Sundre, you can also experience a unique glamping stay at Painted Warriors.

Recommended by Emilie from Love Life Abroad

Gwaii Haanas National Park, Haida Gwaii, BC

Located in the southern half of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, Gwaii Haanas National Park is jointly managed by the Haida Nation and Parks Canada. In fact, Indigenous people were instrumental in the creation of the park through a decades-long protest movement to take control of their traditional territory and halt unsustainable logging in the area.

While the huge park protects lots of forests, beaches, and underwater habitats, the most popular sites are the five Haida Watchmen sites. These are important cultural sites staffed by two watchmen (who can be of any gender) from the Haida Nation.

Each of the Haida Watchmen sites is different, but they are all important cultural sites. The highlight is SGang Gwaay, a former village site on Anthony Island in the southern part of the park. It is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site of Canada.

When disease decimated the Haida population, they abandoned many of their traditional village sites. Later, settlers came and removed their carvings and other cultural items to display them in museums without Haida consent. Today, SGang Gwaay is the only village that still has most of its carved poles and house ruins.

When you arrive, a Haida Watchman will guide you around the island, explaining the carvings on the poles and the layout of the former village. I found it very moving to learn about a culture that was nearly wiped out and the Haida people who are now working to ensure it continues. Of all the places I’ve experienced Indigenous tourism in Canada, this is my favourite.

Like the rest of Gwaii Hanaas National Park, SGang Gwaay is only accessible by boat or kayak. You can travel independently, but since the area is remote and the weather is unpredictable, it’s best to take a tour from the town of Sandspit.

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

Nass Valley (Nisga’a Territory), BC

The Nass Valley in Northern BC is unique because in 2000 the Nisga’a Nation signed the first modern treaty in Canada. Under the terms of the agreement, the Nisga’a govern their own territory. But while the political history is fascinating, most people visit the Nass Valley for its gorgeous volcanic scenery.

Located north of Terrace, the valley includes four villages and Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanakwhl Nisga’a (Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park). This huge area is the site of one of Canada’s most recent and deadliest volcanic eruptions, dating back to the late 1600s or early 1700s.

Today you can take a hike to Tseax Cone Volcano to see the source of all the lava with Steve Johnson, a local Nisga’a guide. His tour includes lots of info about geology and plants as well as Nisga’a oral history. I really enjoyed listening to Steve tell us the Nisga’a legend that explains the eruption.

All the geothermal in the area created the Higu Isgwit Hot Springs, which are great for a soak and are one of the best hot springs in Canada. The Nisga’a believe they are the dwelling place of a spirit, so you must book ahead and be respectful when you visit.

To really understand Nisga’a culture, you must visit the Nisga’a Museum in Laxgatls’ap. It has a huge collection of carvings, canoes, and regalia. Be sure to take the free guided tour. Two young Nisga’a women gave us a tour and explained the significance of everything we were seeing. Since my visit, Scotland’s National Museum returned a pole they stole nearly 100 years ago. When I visited, our guides explained that the museum was built with an empty space to accommodate the pole, so it was very exciting that it was finally returning home.

The Nass Valley is a one-hour drive from Terrace so you can visit it as a day trip. But I recommend spending at least one night in the valley, either at the Vetter Creek campground or at one of the Nisga’a-owned lodges and B&Bs.

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

Kitselas Canyon, Terrace, BC

Kitselas Canyon, a National Historic Site of Canada managed by the Gitselasu People, was a pleasant, spontaneous stop during my BC road trip. Tucked away along the Skeena River near the community of Gitaus, the canyon was once home to six ancestral villages and a fortified site. Today, it’s the perfect blend of history, culture, and nature.

Drive to the visitor center, just 15 minutes from Terrace. Since I visited during the shoulder season, I did a self-guided tour. The guided tours depart at 10 am and 1 pm, May-August. The admission fee of $10 helps support the maintenance and economic development of the community.

I first stopped at the four interpretive buildings representing the wolf, eagle, raven, and orca clans. Each longhouse hosts a unique collection of artifacts, historical information, and ecological displays. A highlight was a replica of the cave petroglyphs found in the region, likely created by shamans.

After a stroll through the forested trail, I came across an ancient dugout canoe, four stunning clan poles, and a trail fork. The right led me on a more strenuous adventure to the banks of the Skeena River; the left took me to an easy-to-access viewing platform. The information was limited for the self-guided experience. However, the highlight for me was the beautiful natural landscape and the feeling of connectedness to a place inhabited for over 6,000 years.

Recommended by Susanna Kelly-Shankar from Curiosity Saves Travel

U’mista Cultural Centre, Alert Bay, BC

Alert Bay, BC is a small community on an island just off the coast of northern Vancouver Island. You can get there on a short ferry ride from the town of Port McNeill. About half of the island is a ‘Namgis First Nation reserve (the ‘Namgis are part of the larger Kwakwaka’wakw Nation).

Alert Bay is a great place to learn about Potlatch culture, a practice that is common to Indigenous people up and down the Pacific Northwest Coast. A Potlatches is a huge gift-giving feast where the hosts share food and gifts with attendees, who may travel great distances to be there.

Potlatches were illegal in Canada between 1884 and 1951. The Canadian government stole ceremonial masks and dance regalia used in potlatches and gave them to museums around the world. Since then, the Kwakwaka’wakw have worked hard to bring these ceremonial items home. Today some of them are on display at the U’mista Cultural Centre.

This excellent museum has great displays that explain potlatching as well as Kwakwaka’wakw history and culture. But the real highlight is the temperature-controlled cedar room with the dance masks and regalia on display.

After visiting the museum, you should also take a walk around the town to see the totem poles – there are dozens. Alert Bay is also the home of the world’s largest totem pole. It is 173 ft (53 m) tall. If you are hungry, be sure to stop at Duchess’ Bannock for some delicious bannock (fry bread) with berries and whipped cream.

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

Wild Side Trail, Tofino, BC

If you want to combine backcountry hiking and Indigenous culture, visit the Wild Side Trail. The hike is in Ahousaht territory on Flores Island, which is a short water taxi ride from Tofino.

The trail starts in the village of Maaqtusiis and heads along the coast for 11 km before finishing at Cow Bay. From there you can hike back to the start or arrange to have a water taxi pick you up. You can hike the trail in one day, or split up your journey with a stay at one of three backcountry campgrounds along the way.

While the rainforest and coast scenery are reason enough to go, the hike is also an important historical route for the Ahousaht Nation. The trail passes many important locations in the Ahousaht-Otosaht war in the early 19th century. You can find more info on the significance of each place on beautifully painted interpretive signs.

You can also find culturally modified trees along the route. The best example is a huge old-growth cedar near the Kutcous River. It has a large square box cut out of it part way up. This was a way to test the inner wood of the tree to see if would make a good canoe. Further down the tree, the Ahousaht removed two long planks from the tree. This was done in such a way that the tree remains alive and healthy today.

You must obtain a permit from the Ahousaht Nation to hike the trail. You can do this on their website or at the Ahous Fuel Stop which is at the dock where the water taxi drops you off in Maaqtusiis. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Tofino, the Indigenous-owned Himwitsa Lodge is near the water taxi dock.

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler, BC

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is one of my top picks for the best things to do in Whistler. Each year millions of people visit Whistler to ski and hike without learning anything about the traditional Indigenous land they are visiting. The SLCC is an Indigenous-run museum. It explains the history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, the two Indigenous groups that have called the Whistler area home since time immemorial.

The museum has lots of excellent exhibits of Indigenous carving, clothing, and art, which are interesting on their own. But for me, the best part of the SLCC is the free guided tour. It begins with a welcome song and drumming. Then, a local guide from the Squamish or Lil’wat Nations walks you through the museum.

Your guide will explain the exhibits and also tell their own stories about their personal connections to the art and artifacts on display. On my most recent visit, our young Lil’wat guide showed us a cedar box used as a baby cradle and backpack. He explained that he had a similar box passed down from his grandparents and planned to use it for his baby. He also helped us understand the way the geography and drier climate north of Whistler influenced Lil’wat culture in ways that are different than Squamish culture to the south.

Don’t miss a visit to the gift shop. They have lots of great art, jewelry, clothing, and books. You can also try Indigenous-inspired food like Bannock tacos at the Thunderbird Cafe on the lower level. This gorgeous museum is located in the heart of Whistler in the Upper Village area.

Recommended by Taryn Eyton of Dawn Outdoors

Talaysay Tours, Vancouver, BC

Stanley Park is often described as Vancouver’s “Crown jewel,” but even that metaphor hints at its colonization. Taking a walking tour through the 1000-acre park with Talaysay Tours, an Indigenous-owned company, is one powerful way to take steps towards reconciliation.

I loved their Talking Trees tour, during which my Coast Salish guide told me about how the forest’s diverse trees and plants have been used by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. He spoke about which trees are used to build longhouses (cedars) and which are good for fire-starting (Douglas firs). He described the processes of creating a dug-out canoe, carefully stripping cedar bark, and building temporary shelters.

My favourite parts were his personal stories, especially the one about his grandmother’s healing experience at a winter longhouse ceremony.

Stanley Park is located in downtown Vancouver, on a peninsula between Burrard Inlet and the harbour. The Talking Trees tour meets at the park’s bus loop (accessible by bus 19) and continues on local trails near Stanley Park Pavilion. We walked to landmark trees, like a tall Douglas fir, and stopped at Beaver Lake.

Talaysay offers different tours. Talking Totems, for example, focuses on the Stanley Park totem poles and explains the values of this Indigenous art form. Their Forest Bathing tour is a meditative outing during which the guide shares cultural teachings about the forest. If you want to stay nearby, try the Skwachays Lodge in downtown Vancouver. It is an Indigenous-owned boutique hotel with an art gallery and artist-in-residence program.

Recommended by Melanie Ferguson from Postcards & Places

I hope you take the time to experience Indigenous tourism in Canada. The experiences in this post are just a starting point: there are lots of other great Indigenous tours, hotels, and experiences across our nation. Do you have another Indigenous tourism experience to recommend? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• Things to Do in Haida Gwaii
• The Ultimate Guide to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
• Things to do in the Nass Valley (Nisga’a Territory) in Northern BC

The post Where to Experience Indigenous Tourism in Canada appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Banff in the spring may not be the most typical time to visit. The weather is unpredictable, and visitors may get some snow or rain, and definitely some cold temperatures. But if you visit in April, May, or early June, you’ll be rewarded with low prices and fewer crowds!

Dawn Outdoors Contributor Natasha lives in nearby Canmore and says that even after a few years of living here, she has only just begun to scratch the surface of things to do in Banff.

This guide to Banff in the spring includes:

• A custom Banff in the spring travel map that highlights all the recommended spots in this post.
• 25 beautiful things to do in Banff in the spring including hikes, viewpoints, lakes, outdoor activities, and more
• Travel tips for Banff in the spring including info on weather and park passes
• Where to stay in Banff from budget to luxury hotels plus camping

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Banff in the Spring Travel Map

Are you curious about where to find all the places recommended in this post? We made a custom Banff in the spring Google Map for you. Click here to zoom in and explore.

Best Things to Do in Banff in the Spring

Ride Up the Banff Gondola

You can hike up Sulphur Mountain, or you can ride the famous Banff Gondola to the top and enjoy epic views over the Canadian Rockies. From the top, there is a viewing platform, coffee shop, gift shop, and even a restaurant.

It’s the only mountain you’ll get to the top of in the Canadian Rockies with all these services. The Banff Gondola is open every month of the year, and we love visiting in spring when the weather is warmer, and the surrounding peaks are still blanketing in snow. Riding the Banff Gondola is also a great way for people with mobility issues to experience being on top of a mountain.

Pro tip: Since the top of the Banff Gondola is at 2,281 m (7,486 feet) it can be a lot colder up there than in the town of Banff. Don’t forget a warm jacket!

Take a Stroll Down Banff Avenue

You can’t visit Banff and not take a leisurely walk down Banff Ave at least once. It’s one of the most scenic streets in all of Canada, and quite possibly the world. The view of Cascade Mountain towering above all the shops and restaurants is something mountain town dreams are made of.

If it’s a sunny spring day and you’re staying at a hotel in Banff, the first thing you’ll want to do in the morning is take a walk down Banff Avenue. Have a coffee at Whitebark Cafe, stroll into the art galleries on Bear Street, and grab lunch at one of the restaurants (our favorite is Ramen Arashi) before walking to Bow Falls a few minutes away.

Bike to Moraine Lake

Getting to Moraine Lake in the summer is a bit of a pain since you have to book a shuttle bus. But if you are willing to put in the work, one of the best ways to access Moraine Lake is via bike.

It’s a 14 km paved road uphill to get to Moraine Lake, but once you are there you’ll forget all about the work it took and be taken aback by the beauty of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Then you get to coast down the 14km ride, which is always really fun.

The best time to bike Moraine Lake Rd is after Parks Canada plows it (typically in mid to late May), but before the shuttles and tour buses start running to it. You’ll have the road to yourself, and probably Moraine Lake as well!

Hike Up Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is an easy hike in Banff that allows you to summit a mountain and get stellar views of Mount Rundle nearby. It’s one of the best things to do in Banff for all ages as it’s a nice easy hike that’s under an hour up. Expect to climb 266 meters (872 feet), but once at the summit, you’ll have fantastic views of Mount Rundle, the Bow, and Spray Valley.

Pro tip: Since Tunnel Mountain isn’t that tall, it’s one of the best winter hikes in Banff. But in some years it will still be snowy in April and May. Come prepared with microspikes and hiking poles to add grip on slippery sections.

READ NEXT: Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: What’s the Difference?

Have a Drink on the Docks at Vermilion Lakes

The sunsets during the spring months are some of my favorites. Every so often we get one to remember, where the sky turns hues of pink and orange. If it’s looking like this may happen, one of my favorite Banff sunset spots is at the docks at Vermilion Lakes.

Vermilion Lakes is super close to the town of Banff and has the best view of Mount Rundle and it’s an iconic spot in the park. One of my favorite things to do is bring some wine, or even hot chocolate, and enjoy the ducks swimming by on the thawing lakes as the sun sets.

Bike the Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway, or 1A, is a road that every visitor to Banff National Park should experience once. It’s a great alternative to the Trans-Canada when connecting Banff to Lake Louise, as it runs parallel to the highway. It’s paved and a great road to bike once all the snow starts to melt.

From May 1 to June 25 (2024 dates tbd) Parks Canada has approved a three-year pilot that restricts vehicles every day along the eastern 17-kilometer section of the parkway. This allows for vehicle-free cycling – it’s my favorite time to bike in Banff!

Visit Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is a beautiful lake that is just a ten-minute drive away from the town of Banff. The lake is 21 km long and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power, making it one of the largest in the Canadian Rockies.

In the spring one of the best things to do in Banff is head here for a hike, picnic, or get out on the water in a canoe once the lake thaws.

Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

If the weather is chilly on your trip to Banff in the spring, warm up with a visit to the Upper Hot Springs. These hot springs are the whole reason the town exists. The first pools were built here in the 1930s. The outdoor pool is naturally heated to 39°C (102°F). It also has a great view of the surrounding mountains.

Psst! I’ve got a whole guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada

Hike Johnston Canyon

Visiting Johnston Canyon is one of the best things to do in Banff in the spring. It’s an easy hike that is well-maintained for all visitors and is great to hike year-round. The hike winds 5km through the canyon gaining minimal elevation throughout the way. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with epic waterfalls.

Pro tip: Pack microspikes for this hike if visiting in April or early May, this trail is one of the iciest in Banff!

Ride the Legacy Trail from Banff to Canmore (or Vice Versa)

One of the best things to do in Banff come May is ride the Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore. The Legacy Trail connects the two towns along a fantastic paved trail for 26 km. One of my favorite things to do on a sunny spring day is a ride to Banff for a drink on the Banff Ave Brewing patio and then head back home! You can rent bikes from Rebound Cycle in Canmore or Banff Cycle & Sport in Banff.

Drive the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is a 232 km stretch of double-lane highway taking you along the Continental Divide. It runs from Lake Louise to Jasper, which are both fantastic places in themselves. The Icefields Parkway has been deemed one of the most beautiful road trips in the entire world, and for good reason.

Not only are you in the Canadian Rockies, but each and every turn on this road is met with mountains, icefields, waterfalls, and tons of glorious stop-offs like Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Waterfowl Lakes that will have any visitor beaming with delight. No trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without at least driving a portion of the Icefields Parkway.

If you don’t want to drive the Icefields Parkway on your own, you can take an Icefields Parkway tour that includes a stop at Lake Louise.

Take the Views of Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is a turquoise-blue glacier-fed lake 40 km north of Lake Louise and a popular stop on the famous Icefields Parkway. Right after Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, it’s likely the most popular lake in Banff. The best part is you can get a great lake view with a short hike to the viewing platform.

Hike Up Parker Ridge

Parker Ridge is one of the most memorable 2-3 hour hikes near Banff. Located along the Icefields Parkway, Parker Ridge is a hike gaining 269 meters that ends with magnificent views over the Saskatchewan Glacier. It’s located just before the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center before entering Jasper. Keep your eye out for the trailhead as it’s easy to miss!

Be safe out there. This trail is usually snowy in the spring. But you can still hike it if you’re prepared with microspikes, hiking poles, and winter clothing. It can be tough to spot the trail in the snow, so make sure to use a GPS app like AllTrails to stay on track.

Check Out Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon is another popular stop on the Icefields Parkway. To reach the canyon you’ll have to hike down the easy 0.5 km trail to a well-maintained fenced bridge. It’s here you can see the roaring canyon around you. Watch intensely as the powerful water churns through the rock beneath your feet.

While it will be snow-free in June, if you go in April or May, you may encounter ice and snow. Microspikes are a good idea to keep you from slipping.

Catch the Train at Morant’s Curve

Morant’s Curve is one of the best photography spots in Banff. It’s a scenic overlook along the Bow Valley Parkway. The train tracks run right beneath it and if you are patient and are there at the right time you may even catch the train for the perfect photograph.

Watch the Northern Lights

If you’re lucky, and I mean really lucky, you may catch the Aurora while visiting Banff. It’s rare, and I wouldn’t plan on seeing the northern lights while visiting. But if the sky is clear and the aurora forecast looks promising it’s best to make plans to not sleep.

The northern lights are visible all year round in Banff, but the best time to see them is between October and May when the sky is the darkest. Last year we had the best show of our life in April. The lights danced the entire night through the sky!

Have a BBQ at Cascade Ponds

Cascade Ponds is an awesome spot near the town of Banff and is where you’ll find visitors and locals alike chilling by the water with a drink in hand. There are picnic tables around the pond and plenty of BBQ pits. Head here with grill food and get ready for a delicious meal. Please remember to throw everything away in the bear-proof garbage cans around the ponds, and always Leave No Trace in the park.

SUP on the Canmore Reservoir

This is a Canmore local’s favorite thing to do as it’s so close to town. While it’s not the warmest in the springtime, it’s still possible to get out on the water. Taking a stand-up paddleboard out on the calm Canmore Reservoir while the sun sets is one of the things I love to do in the Canadian Rockies the most.

Pro tip: You need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park at the reservoir.

Mountain Bike at the Canmore Nordic Centre

One of the best places to go mountain biking in Canmore is at the Canmore Nordic Center, just outside of town. The trails may still be a bit snowy and muddy in April – May and June are much better months for mountain biking.

There are plenty of trails ranging in difficulty. They are all well-maintained and enjoyable. My favorite trail is the Odyssey Trail and Soft Yogurt, they are both manageable blue runs that any intermediate biker can get down!

Pro tip: You need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park at Canmore Nordic Centre.

Enjoy the Shops of Main Street in Canmore

Main Street, or 8th Street, is well…the main street of Canmore. It’s where you’ll find many of the boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants that make up the town. I love walking up and down the main street as the warm weather rolls around in April and May. It’s much quieter than nearby Banff, and in my opinion has better shops. Make sure to step into Stonewaters as they have some very unique finds.

Climb Ha Ling Peak

If you want a little activity, it’s best to start hiking in the mountains rather than looking up at them. Hiking up Ha Ling Peak is one of the best things to do in Canmore and a favorite hike in the area. It’s an accessible hike but still gains serious elevation.

Once at the top, you’ll have fantastic views over Canmore and back at the East End of Mount Rundle. Though it’s accessible, don’t underestimate this one though. Hikers still gain 745 meters in under 4km! Snow lingers near the summit in spring, so bring microspikes and hiking poles for traction.

Pro tip: You need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for this hike.

Walk Through Grotto Canyon

One of the best easy hikes in Canmore is Grotto Canyon. It’s popular for families seeking to enjoy the narrow slot canyon and climbers looking to scale its walls in the spring. At only 4km in length, you can check this one off the list in an hour or two.

Pro tip: You need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for this hike.

Hike to Grassi Lakes

Grassi Lakes is another well-known hike in Canmore that is easy and great for all. If you’re new to hiking in the Rockies, we recommend starting with Grassi Lakes. There are two trails: an easy trail and a hard trail. But honestly, both are very simple.

You’ll only gain moderate elevation and at the end, your reward will be stunning views over Canmore and even better bright blue lake views that will just make you want to take a dip immediately (although that would be quite cold and it’s not allowed here!)

Pro tip: You need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for this hike.

Walk Along Policemen’s Boardwalk

If you want a nice, easy walk in Canmore, a great one is the Policemen’s Boardwalk. It’s a lovely boardwalk that is four-kilometres-long, well-marked, easy to follow, and will take you past The Malcolm Hotel where you can stop in at The Pulse for a coffee.

Catch the Sunrise Over Barrier Lake

Visitors can choose to either enjoy the lakeshore of Barrier Lake, or go for a moderate hike to the Prairie View lookout point, head up Jewell Pass via the Prairie View trail, or continue up to Yates Mountain and check out the Barrier Lake Fire Lookout. There are a lot of options here depending on how long you’d like to hike!

Pro tip: You need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for this hike.

Travel Tips for Banff in the Spring

Since temperatures vary in the spring, you’ll need to pack layers. Expect temps of -3 to 9°C (27-49°F) in April. May is a bit warmer with temperatures of 1-14°C (34-58°F). June gets a bit warmer at 5-19°C (41-65°F).

To visit Banff, you’ll need a National Park Pass or Discovery Pass, which you can purchase online. You can buy one for daily or yearly visits. If you plan to spend seven days in a national park, the annual pass saves money and covers up to seven people in one vehicle. Plus, the Discovery Pass covers multiple parks across Canada.

If you plan to visit any of the hikes and nature spots near Canmore, you will also need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. It costs $15 per vehicle per day. You can also buy a yearly pass for $90 that lets you register up to 2 vehicles. You can buy one online.

Cell phone coverage is non-existent once you leave Banff or Canmore. However, if you plan to explore the Icefields Parkway, there is only one road, so you won’t get lost.

Lastly, remember you’re in bear country, and that bears are very active in the spring as they wake up from hibernation and raise their cubs. Make noise, carry bear spray, and hike in groups to avoid an encounter.

PSST! Read these Bear Safety Tips before you go to Banff

Where to Stay in Banff

Banff offers a variety of accommodations, from camping to hotels. However, nothing is really budget-friendly unless you’re camping.

Camping in the spring is best if you have a hard-side camper with heating due to chilly temperatures at night.

Some campgrounds don’t open until late May or even mid-June. Located close to downtown, Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground remains open year-round. Tunnel Mountain Village I Campground, Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court, and Two Jack Lake Campground are the first campgrounds to open in early May each year.

Psst! Going camping in the spring? Read these tips for staying warm in a tent!

If you’re seeking a luxury hotel stay, you can’t beat the service and rooms at the Fairmont Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise. Owned by the Fairmont brand, they offer opulent accommodations, many with splendid views.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Ptarmigan Inn offers free parking and an excellent complimentary buffet breakfast that’s hard to beat. Located within walking distance of downtown, you won’t have to walk far to reach top Banff restaurants for dinner.

Another great choice is the Moose Hotel and Suites. It features a lovely rooftop pool and hot tub with mountain views. Its suites can sleep up to four, ideal for groups or families. With a living area and cozy fireplace, it’s a great place to wind down on a cold evening.

If you find Banff prices too high, you can try staying in nearby Canmore instead. It’s an easy 20-minute drive from Banff. Many of the accommodation options are suites with kitchens, which can help you save more money since you won’t be eating out as much. The Solara Resort has gorgeous (and huge!) suites. MTN House by Basecamp has reasonably priced rooms with modern mountain decor.

Thanks to Natasha for sharing this gorgeous guide to the best things to do in Banff in the spring. You can read more about Natasha’s Canadian Rockies adventures on her website, The Banff Blog.

READ NEXT:

• 9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall
• 15 Best Things to Do in Canmore in Winter
• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada

The post Best Things to Do in Banff in the Spring appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular backpacking trips in Jasper National Park. And it’s easy to see why – it’s 44 km of spectacular mountain scenery including 25 km above the treeline. I hiked the trail over 3 days in late August and was amazed by its beauty.

I’m a hiking guidebook author and have backpacked all over BC and the Canadian Rockies. So far the Skyline Trail is tied with the Rockwall Trail as one the most spectacular multi-day mountain backpacking trip I’ve done.

My guide to the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park includes:

• Quick facts about the Skyline Trail including distance, location, how long it takes, and more
• Skyline Trail map and elevation profile with all the key locations marked
• How to get to the Skyline Trail including info about parking and shuttles
• Skyline Trail reservations: key dates plus booking tips
• How much does it cost to hike the Skyline Trail? My detailed budget breakdown
• Detailed trail description, broken down into sections including details for each campground
• Skyline Trail itinerary options from 2-4 days
• Skyline Trail hiking tips: advice for bears, toilets, weather, and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Skyline Trail Quick Facts

Description: The Skyline Trail is a spectacular hike through the mountains in Jasper National Park. Most of the hike is above the treeline and you cross three mountain passes. There are six backcountry campgrounds and one backcountry lodge along the route.

Location: The Skyline Trail is located in the Rocky Mountains in Canada’s Jasper National Park. The trail runs thought the mountains from Maligne Lake to Signal Mountain Trailhead on Maligne Lake Road near Maligne Canyon.

Distance: 44 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 800-1330m depending on which direction you hike

Difficulty: Moderate. There is one steep and challenging section but the rest of the trail is quite mellow.

How long does it take to hike the Skyline Trail? 2-4 days. Most people will take 3 days. See the itinerary section for more info.

Best time to hike the Skyline Trail: Mid-July to mid-September. The trail is too snowy the rest of the time.

Skyline Trail Weather: The Skyline Trail is the highest trail in Jasper National Park. Most of the trail is above 2000m. In July and August, the average high temperature is 22°C and the average low is 7°C. Thunderstorms in the afternoon are common. Use my picks for the Best Weather Apps for Hiking to see the forecast for your trip.

Skyline Trail Reservations and Costs: You must make reservations to hike the Skyline. It costs about $110.50 per person to hike the trail (including National Park entry fees, backcountry camping fees, a reservation fee, and a shuttle fee). But you can save money by going in a group, hiking faster, or driving yourself. More details are in the reservations and costs sections below.

What to Bring on the Skyline Trail: This is a remote hiking trip, so you will need to bring typical backpacking gear. Use my backpacking checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Wildlife on the Skyline Trail: The trail is in bear country (both black bears and grizzly bears). Carry bear spray, hike in a group, and make noise, especially in brushy areas. Use campground cooking areas and store all your food in toiletries in bear lockers. Read my bear safety tips for backpackers for more info.

Skyline Trail Rules: Dogs, fires, drones and hammocks are not allowed.

Indigenous Context: The Skyline Trail is in the traditional territory of the Anishinabe, Aseniwuche Winewak, Dene-zaa, Nêhiyawak, Secwépemc, Stoney Nakoda, Mountain Métis and Métis. The government forced Indigenous people to leave when Jasper National Park was created in 1907 and prohibited from accessing their traditional territory to hunt, fish, gather, and conduct cultural practices.

Skyline Trail Map and Elevation Profile

The Skyline Trail is well-marked and easy to navigate with signs at all junctions. If you want a paper map, the Jasper and Maligne Lake Map from Gem Trek is the best one.

I used the Gaia GPS app on my hike. It was helpful to know where I was on the trail to figure out how much higher I had to climb and where the next campsite or landmark was. All Trails+ is also great.

I also made you a trail map using Gaia GPS. Click through to zoom in and explore. You can also save it to your routes in Gaia GPS or export the gpx file.

How to Get to the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park

The Skyline Trail is located in Jasper National Park near Maligne Lake and the town of Jasper. You can drive yourself to the trailheads or take a shuttle bus. Since it is a one-way hike, you will need to have two cars or arrange to take the shuttle between trailheads. There are two trailheads, both on Maligne Lake Road east of the town of Jasper.

Skyline Trail Driving Directions

Signal Mountain Trailhead (North Trailhead): From Jasper, take Highway 16 east for a few minutes, then turn right onto Maligne Lake Road. About 5.5 km later, turn right into the Signal Mountain Trailhead parking lot. It is marked with a small brown and yellow sign with an icon of a hiker. The drive from Jasper takes about 15 minutes. Click here for Google Maps driving directions to the Signal Mountain Trailhead.

The parking lot is small – it has room for about 20 cars. If it is full, you can try finding parking on the shoulder, but be careful to get well off the road. Otherwise, there is more parking 500 m down the road at Maligne Lookout (marked with a viewpoint sign).

Maligne Lake Trailhead (South Trailhead): To get to the Maligne Lake Trailhead, continue on Maligne Lake Road for another 38 km past the Signal Mountain Trailhead. Continue to the end of the road and turn left into the last parking lot. It is big but does fill up by midday. The trailhead is near the end of the road on the uphill side. The drive from Jasper takes about an hour. Click here for Google Maps driving directions to the Maligne Lake Trailhead.

Skyline Trail Shuttle Bus

Maligne Adventures, a local tour company, offers a hiker shuttle service for the Skyline Trail. They stop at trailheads along the Maligne Lake road, including the Signal Mountain and Maligne Lake Trailheads. You can leave your car in Jasper and take the shuttle. Or you can drive to one trailhead and catch the shuttle to the other trailhead, which takes about 45 minutes.

You must make reservations for the shuttle. It runs every morning between late June and late September. As of 2024, Fares are $42/person for adults and $25 for kids 5-15. Children 4 and under are free.

Hitchhiking

Although I haven’t tried it, I have heard that some people hitchhike between the two trailheads or to/from Jasper. It’s about 45 minutes between trailheads so you may want to offer your driver some gas money.

Where to Stay Near the Skyline Trail

It is easiest to stay overnight in Jasper the night before hiking the Skyline Trail so that you can get an early start. This is especially important if you want to catch the shuttle.

There are lots of drive-in campgrounds in Jasper National Park. Whistlers Campground is the largest and the closest to both the town of Jasper and the Skyline trailheads. Parks Canada renovated it recently and it has beautiful new wash buildings with hot showers. I camped at Whistlers before my hike.

Hotels in Jasper are expensive and get booked up fast. If you’re on a budget, the Marmot Lodge at the edge of town isn’t too pricey. Or if you really want to save, the HI Maligne Canyon Hostel is just one kilometre from the Signal Mountain Trailhead. It’s a wilderness-style hostel with dorm beds and no flush toilets.

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Skyline Trail Reservations

The Skyline Trail is popular so advance reservations are required.

Reservations for the entire summer season open in January or February each year. In 2026, reservations open on January 28, 2026, at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. You must book on the Parks Canada Reservations website.

See my tips for booking backcountry camping for pointers on how to navigate the site. Be ready to book as soon as reservations open as popular dates will sell out in minutes.

You need to book each campsite when you make your reservation. Prepare a couple different itinerary options and dates. (Use my suggested itineraries.)

Your booking can include up to 10 people and up to 3 tent pads on the same reservation. Keep in mind that you are only allowed to have one tent per tent pad.

Have the following info ready to go when you make your Skyline Trail reservation:

• preferred itinerary with campgrounds and dates as well as backups
• number of tent pads and people you are booking for
• credit card

If you didn’t get a reservation, keep checking back as people cancel and spots open up. A more efficient way is to sign up for a camping cancellation notification app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

Skyline Trail Fees and Costs

You must pay a few different fees to hike the Skyline Trail. The cost breakdown for the Skyline Trail is as follows:

• Reservation fee: $11.50 per booking (for up to 10 people and up to 3 tent pads)
• Backcountry camping fee: $12.75/person/night
• Jasper National Park entry fee: $10.50/person/day (or $21 per car with up to 7 people)
• Maligne Lake Road Shuttle: $42/person.

Most people hike the Skyline Trail in three days/2 nights and use the shuttle. In that case, a solo hiker would pay $110.50. Per-person costs decrease if you hike in a group since you can share the expense of reservation and national park entry fees. If you have two cars and don’t take the shuttle, you can lower your costs even more.

Skyline Trail Description

The most common way to hike the Skyline Trail is from south to north since it involves less overall elevation gain, especially on the first day. So my Trail Description below is laid out from south (Maligne Lake Trailhead) to north (Signal Mountain Trailhead). More info about which direction to hike the Skyline Trail is in the itinerary section below.

Key Distances on the Skyline Trail

Maligne Lake Trailhead to Evelyn Creek Camp

Distance: 4.8 km

Time: 1.25-1.75 hours

Elevation Gain: 130 m

Elevation Loss: 0 m

The Skyline Trail starts at a trailhead near the end of Maligne Lake Road. It is uphill from the parking lot and marked with a large info sign and map. The trail climbs very gradually through the forest and crosses a stream about 1.5 km from the start.

At the 2.1 km mark, a short side trail leads left to Lorraine Lake. The trail is 150 m long and passes a small pond. The shallow lake has a marshy shoreline.

Back on the trail, another side trail branches right at the 2.4 km mark to Mona Lake. This trail is 170 m long and descends slightly to the lakeshore. Mona Lake is bigger and deeper. Since the valley opens up here, it also has a bit of a view to the north down the Maligne Valley.

Past the Mona Lake turn-off, the trail is nearly flat for over 2 km as it winds through the forest. Pass a trail branching right to connect with the Bald Hills Trail and reach the bridge over Evelyn Creek almost immediately. The Evelyn Creek campground is located on the other side of the bridge.

Evelyn Creek Camp

Number of Sites: 4 dirt tent pads on the left side of the trail at the top of a small hill.

Toilet: Green plastic throne at the back of the tenting area.

Food storage: Food lockers near the picnic table at the entrance to the campground

Water: Collect from Evelyn Creek near the bridge

This small campground is located on the west side of Evelyn Creek. All of the sites are in tight forest. Since it is a little over an hour from the trailhead, staying here doesn’t make sense on most itineraries.

Evelyn Creek Camp to Little Shovel Camp

Distance: 3.5 km

Time: 1-1.75 hours

Elevation Gain: 250 m

Elevation Loss: 0 m

The next section of the Skyline is a switchbacking climb that stays in the trees. Towards the top, there are some peekaboo views to the south of the Evelyn Creek valley, the Bald Hills, and the surrounding peaks.

Although you might be sweating under a heavy pack, it’s a fairly easy ascent to Little Shovel Camp since the climb is steady but never steep.

Little Shovel Camp

Number of Sites: 8 dirt tent pads on a branching spur trail uphill from the cooking area.

Toilet: Three-seater barrel-style toilet on a marked spur trail downhill from camp.

Food storage: Food lockers next to the picnic tables at the entrance to the campground.

Water: Collect from a spring near the main trail and the cooking area.

This campground is set into the forest on the side of a hill. Staying at Little Shovel is a good option if you want a shorter first day, you can’t get a site at Snowbowl, or you are on a four-day itinerary.

Little Shovel Camp to Snowbowl Camp

Distance: 3.9 km

Time: 1.25-1.75 hours

Elevation Gain: 165 m

Elevation Loss: 146 m

Leaving Little Shovel Camp, the trail feels nearly flat, but you are actually gaining elevation gradually. The trail is cut into the side of a hill. Initially, it is in the forest, but as you hike, the trees start to thin out and you emerge above the treeline.

You will spend the next 25 km (all the way to Signal Camp) mostly above treeline! As you leave the forest behind, you will see the Little Shovel Pass ahead of you between Sunset Peak and Trowel Peak. It’s a short climb up to the pass, first across a meadow and then over gravel and dirt.

If you look behind you to the east you can see Leah Peak and the mountains on the far side of Maligne Lake. And ahead of you, you can Mount Aberhart.

Follow the trail downhill from the pass through more meadows. The trail curls around to the north and the trees become more numerous as you descend. Drop steeply into a canyon and follow it for a few minutes, then cross a few branches of the same creek.

After the final crossing, the path heads back into the meadows with a few smaller creek crossings. Watch to see if any of these streams are running as you may need to hike back here from camp to get water. As the trees get thicker, arrive at Snowbowl Camp on the right side of the trail.

Snowbowl Camp

Number of Sites: 8 sites. Most are wooden platforms but the two sites at the northeast end of the campground are dirt pads.

Toilet: Three-seated barrel-style toilet on a spur trail at the north end of the campground.

Food storage: In food lockers uphill from the cooking area on the other side of the main trail.

Water: Collect from one of the streams south of the campground (up to 500 m away). However, there may be a trickle of a stream on the trail to the northern campsites and the outhouse. I hiked the trail in late August a few days after a big rainstorm and the campground creek was running.

Snowbowl is set down the hill in the forest, but it does have a slightly obscured view of Sunset Peak (which is gorgeous as the sun goes down). The trails through the campground are badly eroded and muddy after rains. This is the best campsite to book if you are on a three-day hike of the Skyline Trail.

Snowbowl Camp to Curator Junction

Distance: 8.1 km

Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 216 m

Elevation Loss: 240 m

Leaving Snowbowl Camp, the trail meanders through the meadows for about 2 km before starting to climb towards Big Shovel Pass. The climb is never steep, but it is long. And since there are no trees, you can see the pass and the trail leading to the pass for a long time as you hike uphill!

The scenery through here is spectacular with views of Antler Mountain and Curator Mountain to the west. Don’t forget to look back the way you came as the views are great that way too. There are three stream crossings between Snowbowl Camp and Big Shovel Pass if you need water.

Reach the top of Big Shovel Pass 5.3 km from Snowbowl Camp. While the trail behind you was green with wildflower meadows, the terrain ahead of you is alpine barrens. The rock and sand have little patches of grass clinging on. Watch for marmots in this section chomping on whatever vegetation they can find.

You can see Curator Lake in front of you and The Notch Beyond that. You can also see the Wabasso Valley dropping down to the left. Curator Camp and Shovel Pass Lodge are at the head of the valley just below the trail. After the pass, the Skyline Trail curls around to the right. At first, it drops elevation very gradually.

About 700 m after Big Shovel Pass, the Watchtower Trail zigzags up the hill to the right over a pass. If you want a quick view, drop your pack at the junction and hike up to the col.

From the col, this trail leads to Maligne Lake Road 13 km away. However, there is no bridge over the Maligne River just before the trailhead and the river is impassable at high water and the trail is seldom maintained. That makes the Watchtower Trail unpopular. However, Watchtower Camp, 3.4 km along the trail, is a good alternative camp for parties on the Skyline Trail. (More in the Watchtower Camp section below.)

From the Watchtower Junction, the Skyline trail starts to descend gently. The last few minutes before Curator Junction are a bit steeper.

From Curator Junction, the Skyline Trail continues north past Curator Lake to The Notch. But you can also turn left and descend to Curator Camp (1 km away) and Shovel Pass Lodge (1.1 km away). Details on both are below.

Watchtower Camp

Number of Sites: 4 dirt tent pads

Toilet: Barrel-style toilet

Food storage: Hanging cable.

Water: Collect from the creek next to camp

Watchtower Camp is located 3.4 km from the Skyline Trail. To get there, you will need to ascend 50 m to Watchtower Pass, then lose 350 m on the descent to the campground. This is not a popular campground so it is much easier to book.

I didn’t hike to Watchtower Camp on my trip, but I’ve heard that the trail can be a bit hard to follow since it isn’t maintained. As well, the route can be muddy and involves some creek crossings.

Curator Camp

Note: As of December, 2024 this campground is still closed due to the 2024 Jasper fires. It is unclear if it will re-open in time for the 2025 summer season.

Number of Sites: 8 dirt tent pads.

Toilet: Barrel-style toilet

Food storage: Food lockers near the cooking area.

Water: Collect from the creek near camp

Curator Camp is located off the Skyline Trail on the Curator Trail. The Curator Trail leads to Wabasso Lake on the Icefields Parkway 15 km away (and 1100 m lower), but to reach Curator Camp, you only have to hike 1 km and descend 135 m.

This is the most popular place to stay on a 2-day Skyline Trail itinerary. I didn’t hike to Curator Camp on my trip, but I’ve heard that despite being in a clump of trees, it does have some mountain views. You can also pay to get dinner or breakfast at Shovel Pass Lodge if you reserve in advance.

Shovel Pass Lodge

Shovel Pass Lodge is located just past Curator Camp. If you want to go light on the Skyline Trail, you can tackle the trail in two days with an overnight at the lodge. That way you can skip bringing a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and stove!

The lodge has seven cabins that each sleep two or three people. Dinner and breakfast are included. They will also pack you a bagged lunch. As of 2024, a stay at the lodge costs $349/person/night.

Curator Junction to Tekarra Camp

Distance: 10.1 km

Time: 3.5-4.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 305 m

Elevation Loss: 448 m

Leaving Curator Junction the trail makes a short but stiff climb up to Curator Lake. The trail doesn’t actually reach the lake, but several informal trails lead down the shoreline. It’s a good spot to grab water or take a break. The lake is an incredible blue colour and is set in a deep rocky bowl beneath Notch Peak.

After Curator Lake the toughest climb of the whole Skyline Trail begins. The trail zigzags upward through rocks and gravel. At times the slope drops steeply away from you. This area holds snow late in the season – often until mid-July. When this section is snow-covered, a slip could be fatal, so it is best to leave this trail for later in the summer.

When there is still snow on the trail, you may be able to follow a boot-beaten path across the slope. Be sure to use trekking poles for balance and kick-steps into the snow. When in doubt, stay right for the safest route. If you get to this area and it looks unsafe, you may have to backtrack to Maligne Lake or take the Curator Trail past Curator Camp to Wabasso Lake on the Icefields Parkway.

Once you reach the top of the climb you will be at The Notch. A sign at the top announces that it is the highest point on the Skyline Trail. For the most part, it’s all downhill from here to the trailhead!

After The Notch, the trail follows the ridgeline and for the first time, you will get views to the west. You can see the Athabasca River Valley (with the Icefields Parkway running through it) and the mountains on the other side including Mount Edith Cavell. Unfortunately, there was a bit of wildfire smoke on my trip, so we couldn’t see too much in that direction.

The trail contours just below the ridgecrest for 2.5 km with incredible views the whole time. Sometimes you can also look east to the headwaters of Excelsior Creek and The Watchtower.

The trail passes almost right over the peak of Amber Mountain (which is pretty much the same height as The Notch) before starting to lose elevation. The remainder of your route for the day stretches out in front of you. You can trace your route along the ridge, then down past the lakes in the valley below.

Follow the trail down the ridge to a saddle. From here the path starts to switchback downhill through gravel and rocks and then through meadows.

The path makes an annoyingly long dogleg of almost a kilometre to the north before swinging back south again. Unfortunately, the circuitous route is necessary to avoid a scree slope.

In the lower stretches of descent, there are lots of busy marmots to watch as they scamper through the meadows.

The steep slope levels out at a stream crossing with several branches. This is the first place to fill up with water since Curator Lake. It’s still another 3 km to Tekarra Camp, so you may want to fill up here.

The remaining distance to camp is nearly flat as you amble along the valley bottom. We were lucky enough to spot a group of big horn sheep in this section. From up on the ridge you could see three small lakes but the trail never gets very close to any of them.

As you work your way down the valley it’s mostly easy hiking. However, there are a few rocky sections that will slow you down as well as a few stream crossings and wet areas.

You will know you are getting close to Tekarra Camp when the patches of forest get thicker and closer together. The trail runs through the campsite to Tekarra Creek.

Tekarra Camp

Number of Sites: 8 sites on a short loop trail – half are wooden platforms and half are dirt tent pads

Toilet: Three-seater barrel-style toilet uphill from the back of the tenting area

Food storage: Food lockers at the cooking area near the creek

Water: Collect from the Tekarra Creek on the main trail

Tekarra Camp was my favourite campsite. The cooking area has a great view of the imposing east side of Mount Tekarra. The nearby creek made it easy to collect water and soak tired feet. This camp is the best option for people on a three-day/two-night Skyline Trail itinerary.

Tekarra Camp to Signal Camp

Distance: 5.3 km

Time: 1.25-2 hours

Elevation Gain: 110 m

Elevation Loss: 150 m

Leaving Tekarra Camp you will need to ford Tekarra Creek. Later in the year and at times of low water this is easy as you can rock hop across. But at other times you may need to take your boots off and wade. The creek is wide so it is never too deep.

On the other side, the trail climbs gradually through meadows and pockets of forest as it curls around the northeast side of Mount Tekarra. The terrain gets a bit more open as you progress and you can look across the Maligne Valley to the peaks on the other side including Grisette Mountain and Mount Dromore. I had a lot of wildfire smoke on my trip so we couldn’t see much.

After reaching a barely perceptible highpoint, the trail continues rambling through the meadows as it heads northeast and starts to descend.

Before long, you will pop out onto an old gravel road. The route to the Signal Mountain Lookout heads uphill to your left. Your route down to the mountain is straight ahead. There is a bike rack here since bikes are allowed up to this point.

Continue down the road for another minute. The 200-metre-long side trail to Signal Camp is on your left.

Signal Camp

Number of Sites: 8 dirt tent pads

Toilet: Barrel-style outhouse on a spur trail near the entrance to camp

Food storage: Food lockers near the picnic tables at the entrance to camp

Water: Collect from a stream behind the camp.

This campground is set in thick forest. It’s a good first or last night’s camp if you are on a longer hike (3 or 4 days). It would also be a good place to base yourself if you want to visit Signal Mountain Lookout or explore off-trail towards the peak of Signal Mountain.

Signal Camp to Signal Mountain Trailhead

Distance: 8.4 km

Time: 1.75-2.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 0 m

Elevation Loss: 849 m

The entire route down to Signal Mountain trailhead is on an old fire road. The road is open to bikes, and I spent the entire time wishing someone had left a bike at the top for me so I could just coast down!

This part of the trail was burned in the 2024 Jasper wildfires. I haven’t hiked this section since the fires. However, Parks Canada officially re-opened this part of the trail on December 19, 2024 and it is safe to hike.

The road is steep in a few places, but most of the time, it is fairly gradual. It also has a few switchbacks to make the grade easier. The entire trail is in the forest, so there is not much to see and there are no good break spots – we just plunked down on the side of the road.

Gaia GPS, AllTrails and other gps maps show a trail paralleling the road in the upper section, but from what I could tell, it doesn’t really exist. About halfway down a trail called Loni’s or Trail 7 leaves from the left side of the road. This is a black diamond mountain bike trail that isn’t ridden very often. It leads down to Trail 7 and the Maligne Lake Road. But it is steeper than the fire road and provides a less direct route to the trailhead, so it’s not worth taking.

The last section of the fire road is not quite as steep as you finally make your way to the Signal Mountain Trailhead and your waiting car or shuttle bus.

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Skyline Trail Itineraries

Which direction to hike the Skyline Trail in Jasper?

The majority of hikers tackle the Skyline Trail from south to north (Maligne Lake to Signal Mountain).

Staring in the south gives you a much shorter and easier climb up above the treeline. If you start from the north you have an extra 530 m of elevation overall. And you start with an 850 m climb up a depressing fire road. As well, it is much easier to hike up The Notch than to hike down it.

The shuttle schedule is a bit better for south to north hikers. And if you finish at Signal Mountain you are just a few minutes from the town of Jasper so you can hurry to get a burger or a shower. (I was in desperate need of both on my trip!)

We met only a few groups going north to south – almost all hikers seemed to be going south to north.

Fast 2-Day Skyline Trail Itinerary

If you are fit and don’t have a lot of time, this quick 2-day Skyline Trail itinerary will work for you. It does involve some long days on the trail though. You can make it easier by staying at Shovel Pass Lodge so you can have a light pack. This itinerary also lets you tackle the tough climb up to The Notch first thing in the morning when you aren’t as tired.

Note: This itinerary is 2 km and 30 minutes longer than the standard length since it includes the out-and-back hike to Curator Camp/Shovel Pass Lodge.

Day 1 – Maligne Lake Trailhead to Curator Camp/Shovel Pass Lodge – Distance: 21.3 km, Elevation Gain: 761 m, Elevation Loss: 521 m, Time: 5-9 hours

Day 2 – Curator Camp/Shovel Pass Lodge to Signal Mountain Trailhead – Distance: 24.8 km, Elevation Gain: 550 m, Elevation Loss: 1447 m, Time: 6.5-9 hours

Standard 3-Day Skyline Trail Itinerary

This is the standard Skyline Trail itinerary and the plan I recommend for most hikers. The middle day is definitely the most challenging (and it includes The Notch), but it is doable.

Day 1 – Maligne Lake Trailhead to Snowbowl Camp – Distance: 12.2 km, Elevation Gain: 545 m, Elevation Loss: 146 m, Time: 3.5-5.25 hours

Day 2 – Snowbowl Camp to Tekarra Camp – Distance: 18.2 km, Elevation Gain: 521 m, Elevation Loss: 688m, Time: 6-8 hours

Day 3 – Tekarra Camp to Signal Mountain Trailhead – Distance: 13.7 km, Elevation Gain: 110 m, Elevation Loss: 999 m, Time: 3.25-4.5 hours

Relaxed 4-Day Skyline Trail Itinerary

This 4-day Skyline Trail itinerary is great for those who want to take their time, groups with kids, or people who want to explore off-trail and maybe summit some peaks. This itinerary also gives you two full days above the treeline.

Note: This itinerary is 2 km and 30 minutes longer than the standard length since it includes the out-and-back hike to Curator Camp/Shovel Pass Lodge.

Day 1 – Maligne Lake Trailhead to Little Shovel Camp – Distance: 8.3 km, Elevation Gain: 380 m, Elevation Loss: 0 m, Time: 2.25-3.5 hours

Day 2: Little Shovel Camp to Curator Camp/Shovel Pass Lodge – Distance: 13 km, Elevation Gain: 521 m, Elevation Loss: 386 m, Time: 4-5.5 hours

Day 3: Curator Camp/Shovel Pass Lodge to Tekarra Camp – Distance: 11.1 km, Elevation Gain: 440 m, Elevation Loss: 305 m, Time: 3.5-4.5 hours

Day 4: Tekarra Camp to Signal Mountain Trailhead – Distance: 13.7 km, Elevation Gain: 110 m, Elevation Loss: 999 m, Time: 3.25-4.5 hours

Alternative Skyline Trail Itineraries

If you can’t get the campsites you want, consider the following options:

• Try booking your itinerary from north to south instead
• Book Watchtower Camp instead of Curator Camp
• Book Signal Camp instead of Tekarra Camp
• Book Little Shovel Camp instead of Snowbowl Camp
• Consider doing just part of the Skyline Trail and hiking or or out via the Curator Trail to Wabasso Lake.
• Keep checking back for cancellations or use a cancellation app like like Campnab or Schnerp to notify you when something becomes available to book. Lots of people change their plans and getting a cancellation is definitely possible. My review of Campnab vs Schnerp has more details.

Skyline Trail Hiking Tips

Toilets: Most of the toilets along the Skyline Trail are three-seater barrel-style, which can be intimidating at first. But don’t worry – only one person uses them at once! There three seats because there are three waste barrels to fill. It is common practice to leave a trekking pole or branch or other obvious item across the trail to show others that the toilet is occupied so you don’t surprise each other.

Cooking Areas: Each campground has a communal cooking area with a few picnic tables. It was nice to have a place to sit down each evening! But don’t hog the tables – they are for everyone to share.

Mosquitos: Bugs can be bad on the trail in July and early August. Bring bug spray and a head net.

Bears: This is black and grizzly bear country. Encounters are more likely below treeline and in the meadows (although I did see an old bear scat high on Amber Mountain!). Bring bear spray and store your food securely. See my bear safety tips for more info.

Changeable weather: The high mountains are notorious for fickle weather. Rainstorms can blow in at any time. Thunderstorms can be dangerous – you do not want to be in the high alpine when they hit. Be especially cautious between The Notch and Amber Mountain.

Mud and Snow: Since it is the highest trail in Jasper National Park, it holds snow late into the year. It can also be muddy in sections due to the melting snow and frequent rainstorms. Waterproof boots are essential, especially while the snow is still melting.

Escape routes: If the weather is terrible or the terrain is unsafe, you can leave the Skyline Trail via the Curator Trail to Wabasso Lake on the Icefields Parkway. There is cell service at the parkway so you can call a taxi to take you to Jasper or to your car. You can also escape via the Watchtower Trail to Maligne Lake Road but it is less maintained and involves a river crossing.

Peak bagging: Fit hikers who have more time and are skilled in off-trail navigation may be interested in summitting some of the peaks along the trail. Non-technical peaks along the Skyline Trail include Sunset Peak, Mount Aberhart, Trowel Peak, Curator Mountain, Amber Mountain, and Signal Mountain.

That’s everything you need to know to hike the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park. If you have questions about the hike, ask them in the comments – I’m always happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 31 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers

The post Hike the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The destinations in this post are all world-class. If you had to pick just one Canadian Rockies backpacking trip, you would love any of the trips on this list.

I’ve chosen trips in Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks as well as ones in Mount Robson and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Parks. The trips range from two to seven days long. Most trips are rated moderate, but a few are challenging.

A quick note: All of the trips on this list are popular destinations in fragile ecosystems. To protect these special places from overcrowding, you must make advance reservations. Info on how to reserve each trip is below.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Curious about where all of these trips are located? I made a handy Google Map for you that shows where you can find each of my picks for the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. Click on the map to zoom in.

Berg Lake Trail, Mount Robson Provincial Park

Heads up: The Berg Lake Trail was partially closed since it suffered extensive damage due to flooding in 2021. However it fully reopened in 2025.

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 42 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 800 m

Best Months: July to early September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via BC Parks.

The Trail: The beautiful Berg Lake Trail follows the Robson River uphill past turquoise Kinney Lake and lots of waterfalls. Your destination is Berg Lake where glaciers from Mount Robson calve icebergs into the lake. I was happy we planned a couple extra days at the lake to day hike to Snowbird Pass, Hargreaves Lake, and Toboggan Falls.

READ NEXT: My Berg Lake Trail guide

Did you know you can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Tonquin Valley, Jasper National Park

Duration: 2 to 5 days

Distance: 43 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 900 m

Best Months: mid-July to mid-September.

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This is one of the most popular backpacking trips in Jasper National Park thanks to the incredible views of the Ramparts mountain range. The horseshoe-shaped trail lets you do it as a point-to-point hike so you can enjoy new scenery each day. I haven’t done this one yet, but it’s at the top of my to-do list.

More Info: See Jasper National Park for trail info and reservations.

Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 44 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1330 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: I loved the Skyline Trail since it spends almost its entire length above the treeline. You get to wander across ridgelines and through high meadows. The trail crosses three passes, and each one has incredible views. I was also lucky enough to spot tons of marmots and some big horn sheep.

READ NEXT: My Skyline Trail guide

Heads up! Thanks to a hiker shuttle, you can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Brazeau Loop, Jasper National Park

Duration: 5 to 7 days

Distance: 81 km loop

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 1880 m

Best Months: mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This lollipop-shaped loop is one of the more challenging backpacking trips in Jasper National Park. The route crosses three wildflower-filled mountain passes and includes several river fords. It is also a great place to spot wildlife including endangered caribou.

More Info: See Jasper National Park for trail info and reservations.

Yoho Valley Loop/Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 28 km loop

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 1700 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This beautiful hike in the Yoho Valley incorporates the Iceland and Whaleback Trails to make a loop. Along the way, you will pass by several waterfalls and get great views of glaciers. There are several backcountry campgrounds and huts to stay at.

READ NEXT: My Yoho Valley Loop trail guide

Lake O’Hara, Yoho National Park

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 0-22 km round trip

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Elevation Gain: 0-400 m

Best Months: July to September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada. Or book online via the Alpine Club of Canada for the Elizabeth Parker Hut.

The Trail: Lake O’Hara isn’t really a backpacking trip, but it is backcountry camping in a pretty stunning location, so I thought it was worth including on this list. If you reserve a campsite at Lake O’Hara or a bunk in the nearby Elizabeth Parker Hut, your booking includes a guaranteed spot on the hard-to-book bus to the lake. From there, you can do the most spectacular hike in the Canadian Rockies: the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. If you visit outside of the summer season, you can walk the road (11 km each way) and stay in the hut. This is by far my favourite place in the Canadian Rockies and should be on everyone’s must-do list.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Lake O’Hara guide. For reservation info, see Yoho National Park. For the Elizabeth Parker Hut, see the Alpine Club of Canada. And join the Lake O’Hara Facebook group for trail conditions and updates.

READ NEXT: My Lake O’Hara guide

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Skoki Loop, Banff National Park

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Distance: 33.5 km loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1,295 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This lollipop loop trip starts near the Lake Louise ski area, and then heads up into the mountains. Your route makes a loop past several picturesque lakes and Skoki Lodge, a National Historic Site. There are lots of options to extend your trip with scrambles up peaks or hikes to nearby lakes.

More Info: See my Skoki Loop trail guide.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Sawback Trail, Banff National Park

Duration: 4 to 7 days

Distance: 74 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 730 m

Best Months: Late July to September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This is one of the longer backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. It leads through the mountains between Banff and Lake Louise in a region that sees a bit less traffic than other parts of the park. The route crosses three mountain passes and spends of time in gorgeous alpine meadows.

More Info: See Banff National Park for trail info and reservations.

Egypt Lake (Gibbon, Whistling, and Healy Passes), Banff National Park

Duration: 2-4 days

Distance: 24.6 km round trip to Egypt Lake only or 38.7 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 510 to 1270 m

Best Months: Mid-July to September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This trip takes you up the popular Healy Pass Trail to beautiful Egypt Lake. You can make a base camp there and day hike to nearby lakes and peaks. Another option is to keep hiking on a point-to-point traverse that takes you over Whistling and Gibbon passes to end on Highway 93 at Arnica Lake

READ NEXT: My Egypt Lake Trail guide

Did you know that you can get to this hike without a car?! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Rockwall Trail, Kootenay National Park

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 55 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 2260 m

Best Months: Late July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: So far, the Rockwall is my favourite backpacking trip in the Canadian Rockies. It traverses the mountains of Kootenay National Park beside the imposing cliffs of the Rockwall. Almost the entire hike has amazing views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildflowers.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Rockwall Trail guide. For reservation info, see Kootenay National Park. And join the Rockwall Trail Facebook group for trail conditions and updates.

READ NEXT: My Rockwall Trail guide

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Mount Assiniboine, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

Duration: 4 to 6 days

Distance: 52 to 55 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 430-480 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. For sites at Magog and Og Lakes (the main destination) book online via BC Parks. For sites in Banff National Park on the way to Assiniboine, book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: The hikes around Magog Lake in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park are incredible. But it’s a long hike to get there – most groups hike in from either the Sunshine or Mount Shark trailheads over two days. Thankfully both options have incredible scenery along the way.

More Info: More Info: Get details in my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide. See Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park for reservations. See Banff National Park for info on access trails and reservations for camping on those trails. Join the Mount Assiniboine Facebook group for the latest updates and trail conditions.

READ NEXT: My Assiniboine hiking guide

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
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• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

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How many of these backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies have you done? And what other trips should be on this list? Leave them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• Berg Lake Trail: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
• Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide (Yoho National Park)
• Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• Hike the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park
• Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide
• Egypt Lake, Banff Backpacking Guide
• 31 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a painter’s palette of reds, yellows, and oranges. Wildlife like elk and sheep are more active due to rutting season, creating prime viewing opportunities. 

Hiking trails offer quiet solitude, contrasting with the busy summer months. However, be prepared for muddy conditions once the rain arrives.

Dawn Outdoors Contributor Karen first visited Banff over 40 years ago. Since then, she’s made lots of other trips to the Canadian Rockies, so she really knows Banff in the fall.

This guide to Banff in the fall includes:

• A custom Banff in the fall travel map that highlights all the recommended spots in this post
• Travel tips for Banff in the fall including info on weather and park passes
• Where to stay in Banff from budget to luxury
• 9 beautiful reasons to visit Banff in the fall from hikes, to viewpoints, to wildlife and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Banff in the Fall Travel Map

Are you curious about where to find all the places recommended in this post? We made a custom Banff in the fall Google Map for you. Click here to zoom in and explore.

Travel Tips for Banff in the Fall

Since temperatures vary in the fall, you’ll need to pack layers. Expect highs of 15C or 59F in September, which drop to 10C (50F) by October. Nights can get cold, with September averages above freezing, but October sees snow and lows of -2C (28F).

To visit Banff, you’ll need a Park Pass or Discovery Pass, which you can purchase online. You can buy one for daily or yearly visits. If you plan to spend seven days in a national park, the annual pass saves money and covers up to seven people in one vehicle. Plus, the Discovery Pass covers multiple parks across Canada.

Cell phone coverage is non-existent once you leave Banff. However, if you plan to explore the Icefields Parkway, there is only one road, so you won’t get lost.

As the days are getting shorter, be aware of sunset when hiking. Plan to set out early and return before it gets dark.

Lastly, remember you’re in bear country, and that bears are very active in the fall. Make noise, carry bear spray, and hike in groups to avoid an encounter.

PSST! Read these Bear Safety Tips before you go to Banff

Where To Stay In Banff

Banff offers a variety of accommodations, from camping to hotels. However, nothing is really budget-friendly unless you’re camping.

Camping in the fall is best if you have a hard-side camper with heating due to chilly temperatures at night.

While many campgrounds close on September 2, others remain open until early October. Located close to downtown, Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground remains open year-round. 

Psst! Going camping in the fall? Read my tips for staying warm in a tent!

If you’re seeking a luxury hotel stay, you can’t beat the service and rooms at the Fairmont Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise. Owned by the Fairmont brand, they offer opulent accommodations, many with splendid views.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Ptarmigan Inn offers free parking and an excellent complimentary buffet breakfast that’s hard to beat. Located within walking distance of downtown, you won’t have to walk far to reach top Banff restaurants for dinner.

Another great choice is the Moose Hotel and Suites. It features a lovely rooftop pool and hot tub with mountain views. Its suites can sleep up to four, ideal for groups or families. With a living area and cozy fireplace, it’s a great place to wind down on a cold evening.

If you find Banff prices too high, you can try staying in nearby Canmore instead. It’s an easy 20 minute drive from Banff. Many of the accommodation options are suites with kitchens, which can help you save more money since you won’t be eating out as much. The Solara Resort has gorgeous (and huge!) suites. MTN House by Basecamp has reasonably priced rooms with modern mountain decor.

9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall

If you’re willing to gamble on an off-season visit, you might be pleasantly surprised by your trip to Banff. Here are some great reasons to forego summer travel and visit in the autumn instead.

1. The Weather Is Cooler

If you’re not fond of the heat, you’ll enjoy fall. The weather remains pleasant, but it’s important to pack layers. Temperature can vary dramatically from morning to afternoon. Higher elevations could get chilly, especially in the early hours or after dusk.

If you plan to take one of the gondolas around Banff or Lake Louise or hike up into the mountains, be aware that the temperatures can differ significantly on a mountain peak. Weather forecasts for the town of Banff can be useless further into the park. Use these weather apps for hikers for a much more accurate forecast.

If you plan to enjoy hiking in Banff, the cooler temperatures are much more idyllic. In the fall, expect daytime highs of 14C to 15C (57F to 59F), although the nights can get quite cold.

Since rain may be more prevalent, jackets and footwear should be waterproof. Expect muddy spots on hiking trails if the area has received significant rainfall.

Some hotels in Banff don’t have air conditioning, so a fall stay may be much more comfortable. 

2. Enjoy Fall Foliage

Fall foliage in Banff is stunning, with colors peaking from mid-September to early October. The landscape comes alive with hues of yellow, orange, and red. 

Larch trees are the main attraction, their needles turning a vibrant gold. Aspen and poplar trees add splashes of yellow and orange to the scenery.

For the best views, head to Larch Valley. Accessible from Moraine Lake, it’s a prime spot to see golden larches. Healy Pass and Sentinel Pass also offer golden tones, but these trails are reserved for the fittest hikers.

Another great location is the Icefields Parkway, offering panoramic views of the changing colors. If you don’t want to drive the whole parkway, just go as far as Bow Lake, about an hour north of Banff.

The Bow Valley Parkway is another great spot to enjoy fall hues. However, it is usually closed during September to allow wildlife to move unimpeded as they get ready for winter.

Whether hiking or driving, Banff in the fall offers multiple spots to witness the seasonal transformation. Each location provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the colors in full display.

While fall brings more rain, you’ll enjoy waterfalls with heavy flow. Must-visits include Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, Bow Falls, and the Upper Falls in Johnston Canyon. While Takakkaw Falls is in another national park, you can reach it with a one-hour drive from Banff.

3. Fewer Crowds

One of the best reasons to visit Banff in the fall is for fewer people. Banff is one of the best outdoor adventure towns in Canada and it has exploded in popularity. Summer brings high-priced hotel rooms, crowded trails, and the inability to park in high-traffic areas.

After Labor Day, visitors dissipate, causing hotels to drop their prices. Banff Avenue in downtown reopens to traffic, and parking becomes less problematic in the off-season. 

With the bulk of the tourists gone, you won’t have to wait long to eat at one of the top restaurants downtown.

Popular trails such as Johnston Canyon and Beehive Trail at Lake Louise feel less like commuting in rush hour. The later weeks in September see much fewer crowds, although you can’t enjoy a cup of tea at the mountainous teahouse since it’s closed for the season.

Gridlock areas such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake benefit from fewer tourists in the fall. Since Moraine Lake is only accessible by shuttle now, you’ll find it easier to get a time slot. However, due to snow, the area closes from October 9th until the following June.

4. Rutting Season

Fall welcomes the start of rutting reason, a ritual that is wonderful to witness. Rutting season is the mating period for certain animals, notably elk, deer, and moose in the Banff area. 

It occurs in the fall, usually from mid-September to early November. During this time, male animals engage in behaviors to attract females and establish dominance. They often bugle, a unique vocalization that’s quite haunting to hear.

Males or bulls exercise dominance by fighting with younger males who challenge them. Elk are the most prominent species in Banff and the wildlife you’ll most likely encounter.

Watching them gather harems of females and defend them against rival bulls is fascinating. They often lose weight during this time, as they don’t eat during this rivalry period.

These confrontations can be intense, involving charging and clashing antlers. Deer and moose also participate but are less commonly seen.

For visitors, the rutting season offers an unparalleled wildlife-watching opportunity. However, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance, as animals are more aggressive and unpredictable during this period. The safest place to watch is from inside a vehicle. With caution, witnessing the rut can be a memorable part of your Banff visit.

5. Budget-Friendly

If Banff is your bucket list destination, but you find it very expensive, a fall visit provides a bit of relief. Hotel rooms drop in price and continue to fall until the new year. 

However, the change of the season and snow bring skiers and snowboarders who take advantage of the powdery slopes. 

If you’ve dreamed of staying in a luxury hotel like the Fairmont Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise, it may be slightly more affordable. While summer commands a top price of CAD 1200+ a night, you could get a deal of 25 to 50% off.

Tour prices are cheaper too, as operators struggle to entice visitors to book excursions. Gondola rides, often sold out in summer, offer lower prices but cooler temperatures at the peak.

The end of the season also brings sales, as shops discount their merchandise before closing for the winter. It’s a great time to pick up gifts and souvenirs.

6. Later Sunrise

Is capturing the sunrise in Banff on your bucket list? There are many places to savor the early morning event. But the top marks go to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which gather the crowds in the wee hours.

Around the summer solstice, sunrise happens at 5:27 a.m. To see it, you’ll need to rise exceptionally early. With a 40-minute drive from Banff to Lake Louise and a much longer travel time to Moraine Lake, you could be getting up at 3:30 a.m.

In September, you’ll benefit from a later sunrise, allowing you to get an extra two hours of sleep. 

If you want to see the sunrise at Lake Louise, staying there rather than Banff for one night cuts out your travel time. Arriving at the lakeside early is advisable to get a premium viewing location.

If you prefer a location closer to Banff, you have options. Lake Minnewanka and Vermillion Lakes provide mountainous backdrops to the anticipated event.

Mount Norquay and the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain offer a different perspective from the top of a mountain. Wherever you choose to watch, remember your camera and tripod.

7. Quieter Hiking Trails

With fewer visitors in Banff hitting the trails, you’ll enjoy some solitude in the mountains. Hiking around Lake Louise is often congested during peak times. 

As summer winds down, you can hike to Lake Agnes, the Plain of the Six Glaciers, and the Beehives without encountering too many hikers along the way. Be aware that the weather can change, so pack a windproof and waterproof jacket.

Depending on the time of your visit, some areas may be closed for the season. So, check on park closures when planning your Banff itinerary.

Hiking Johnston Canyon in the off-season offers fewer crowds and more accessible parking. You’ll have narrow walkways almost to yourself. Enjoy the sound of silence and better photo opportunities. 

Off-season visits also offer unique beauty and the chance to linger at waterfall sightings without blocking the trail.

READ NEXT: 16 Things to do Before a Hike

8. More Animal Sightings

As the colder temperatures arrive, the higher elevations receive snow. It forces the animals to lower ground for their food source. An autumn visit is an ideal time to see wildlife, even in Banff.

Elk and deer are commonly spotted around Banff as the sign of winter approaches. The Vermillion Lakes and Banff Springs Golf Course are prime wildlife spotting areas. Early morning and just before dusk are the best time for viewing, as the animals are more active.

Bears are foraging at this time too. They need to gain weight for their winter hibernation. 

The hiking trails around Moraine Lake, mainly Consolation Lakes, provide a great area to see grizzly bears. However, the route may have hiking limitations. During active sightings, you may only hike with a minimum number of people, usually four or more. Read these bear safety tips before you go!

The Lake Louise gondola is another option to view wildlife. Visitors often spot bears, elk, goats, sheep, and deer during the gondola ride. Occasionally, a sighting can include a cougar, wolf, or lynx. Their website’s calendar shows what’s spotted each day.

9. Easier Car Rental

With a pent-up demand to travel after the pandemic, visitors to Banff need to book a rental car at least six months in advance. Most fly into Calgary International Airport, where rental vehicles have been hard to come by.

With fewer visitors in the fall, you’ll benefit from available car rentals and lower rental rates. If you plan to visit both Banff and Jasper, renting in Calgary and dropping off in Edmonton makes sense. 

If there’s snow in the forecast, rent an SUV instead of a car. While Alberta law doesn’t require snow tires, paying a little extra for them gives peace of mind, especially if driving at higher elevations.

I like to use Discover Cars to book rental cars because they let you compare prices across lots of rental companies.

Thanks to Karen for sharing this gorgeous guide to the best reasons to visit Banff in the fall. You can read more about Karen’s adventures on her website, Forever Karen.

READ NEXT:

• Best Things to Do in Banff in the Spring
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• Things to Do in Yoho National Park
• 20 Fabulous Canadian National Park Gift Ideas
• 15 Best Things to Do in Canmore in Winter
• 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer
• Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada
• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures

The post 9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

In this post, you’ll find personal recommendations for 22 small towns across Canada along with outdoor adventures that will inspire you to pack your hiking boots and go.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Curious about where all these Canadian adventure towns are located? I made this handy google map that shows you where to find them.

Best Small Towns in the Atlantic Provinces for Outdoor Adventures

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Cavendish is a small town in Prince Edward Island. Public transport is limited, so the only way to get to Cavendish is to self-drive. From PEI’s capital city of Charlottetown, it’s a 35-minute drive via Highway 224 and Highway 13. There is typically a shuttle from Charlottetown to Cavendish if self-driving is not an option – check in advance if this is operating.

There are lots of great things to do in the town of Cavendish – it is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure in PEI. One of the most popular things to do is go to Cavendish Beach, which is a white sand beach in Prince Edward Island National Park. Spend some time swimming in the ocean or kiteboarding! 

At Cavendish Beach, you can also go hiking trail on the Dunelands Trail. It is a short, 2.3 km out and back trail that is relatively flat and leads to Cavendish Beach East. The Dunelands trail itself takes about 35 minutes round trip to complete, but Cavendish Beach East is a unique, red sand beach and a beautiful place to explore.

Recommended by Kat from endlesswonder.ca

Wolfville, Nova Scotia

If you’re looking for a small town with big outdoor adventures, look no further than Wolfville, Nova Scotia. This beautiful town is located on the Bay of Fundy and is home to stunning hiking trails, kayaking spots, and more.

Wolfville is easily reached from Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia, making it the perfect weekend getaway spot. In just 1 hour by car, you can be enjoying all that this charming town has to offer. With an airport located in Halifax, you’ll be able to get to Wolfville and be strapping on your hiking shoes within 2 hours of touching down!

One of the best things to do in Wolfville is to hike up to Blomidon Provincial Park. This park offers incredible views of the Bay of Fundy and is a great place to see some of Nova Scotia’s wildlife. Several easy hiking trails wind through the park, making it the perfect place to explore on a sunny day.

Don’t forget to visit in the fall for apple picking and leaf spotting on hiking trails in nearby Annapolis Valley. In the spring, you can also check out local wineries after a morning of kayaking on the Minas Basin.

Recommended by Nina from Nina Out and About

READ NEXT: 16 Things to do Before a Hike

St. Andrews, New Brunswick

St. Andrews by-the-Sea is one of the most popular places in New Brunswick. Nestled beside the Bay of Fundy, the town of St. Andrews is about one hour west of Saint John on Route 1. Whether you’re planning a quick trip or a longer vacation, this historic location is the perfect destination.

One of the best hikes nearby is Sam Orr Pond in the Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve. This 3.5-km loop takes about an hour and is perfect for families or solo adventurers. If you’d prefer a longer hike, continue to Berry Point for views of the Passamaquoddy Bay. You can visit this nature preserve in winter, too.

In addition, St. Andrews is only 40 minutes from New River Beach Provincial Park and just over two hours to Fundy National Park—lots of options for hiking and camping.

There’s nothing like spending time on the Bay of Fundy. And whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in St. Andrews. However, if you want an eco-adventure, take the ferry to Deer Island to go kayaking. You can spend a couple of hours or head out for a whole day of guided paddling. 

Finally, don’t leave St. Andrews without strolling through the quaint downtown. You’ll find plenty of artisan shops and restaurants to try. Once you’re finished shopping, comb the beach at low tide or drive across the ocean floor to Minister’s Island. Or visit the Pendlebury Lighthouse just outside of town. And if you’re wondering where to stay, The Algonquin Resort is an iconic and charming hotel. 

Recommend by Thomas Coldwell from outandacross.com

Best Small Towns in Quebec for Outdoor Adventures

Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec

Baie Saint-Paul is a beautiful small town in Charlevoix, Quebec. It takes just above one hour to get to Baie-Saint-Paul from Quebec City, depending on the season. 

Baie-Saint-Paul is a year-round destination. In the winter, you can go skiing at one of the nicest ski resorts on the east coast. Le Massif de la Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is only 30 minutes away from Baie-Saint-Paul. It offers lots of snow and ski trails. Plus, the view is simply breathtaking. On some slope, you’ll feel like you’re skiing down into the Saint Lawrence River.

In the summer, don’t miss Le Festif festival which features live music and lots of outdoor activities.

But autumn is by far the most beautiful season to visit Baie-Saint-Paul where you’ll experience the foliage season. From green to yellow to bright red, the changing colors in the trees is in itself a reason to visit the region. But be sure to do some hiking.

Try Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Trail in Grands-Jardins National Park. It’s a 9.2 km out-and-back trail with 439 m elevation gain. If you have more time, the Acropole des Draveurs in the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park (which is an hour away from Baie-Saint-Paul) is worth the trip. It’s a 10.6 km out-and-back trail with 885 m elevation gain.  Both hikes offer beautiful summit views.

Other than hiking and skiing, the town of Baie-Saint-Paul is really charming. It has many little local stores and art galleries. Le Germain Hotel & Spa is a great option for accommodation. They also have a public spa to relax after a long day outside.

Recommended by Emilie from Love Life Abroad

Val-David, Quebec

Val-David is a small town about 1.5 hours north of Montreal that is big on adventure. Located in the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, Val-David is an all-season destination for people who love the outdoors.

In the summer, Val-David has world-class rock climbing and bouldering. It is said that Val-David’s granite cliffs were the birthplace of climbing in Quebec. All levels of rock climbers will find routes suitable for their experience. Additionally, the woods around Val-David are strewn with sizeable glacial erratic boulders. There are endless boulder problems to attempt on these massive stones.

You can kayak or canoe on the Rivière du Nord that flows right through the village. Or if cycling is more your thing, bike on the P’tit Train du Nord, a 235 km rail trail that travels from Mont Tremblant to the outskirts of Montreal. There are also 60 km of hiking trails surrounding Val-David.

Equipment rental for many outdoor sports is available in town.

Val-David is also known as a winter mecca. The P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park near Val-David is transformed into a groomed cross-country ski trail. There’s nothing like skiing through a charming village with the snow lightly falling. Also don’t miss snowshoeing on the regional trails, especially up to Mont Condor to see the ice caves. 

Other nearby winter sports include downhill skiing at the local hill, Valle Bleu. There are many other ski hills in the Laurentians to visit, including Mont-Tremblant for big mountain skiing and snowboarding. There is also a lighted skating rink in the center of town.

Recommended by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

READ NEXT: How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide

Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

When it comes to outdoor adventure in Quebec, the town of Mont-Tremblant is THE place to be. This famous Québecois haven is a short 1.5-hour drive from the big city of Montréal via Highway 15.

The outdoor activities are endless in Mont-Tremblant; skiing, biking, dog sledding, tubing, and riding panoramic gondolas, sleigh rides, zip lining and whitewater rafting just to name a few! In the summertime, it’s easy to fall head over heels for this photogenic Laurentian town with breath-taking views of the Mont-Tremblant mountains and an enchanting European-inspired pedestrian village.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Mont-Tremblant. A great trail for the more advanced hikers is the Vertigo, which goes from the base of the Mont-Tremblant to its summit at 3.3km away and takes 1.5 hours to complete.

Another thrilling activity to add to your bucket list is a downhill ride on the Skyline Luge. Start your journey in the pedestrian village, then ride the chairlift up through the Laurentian. At the top, get on board the luge cart to experience an adrenaline-pumping ride down the 1.4km track!

And if you’re stopping by the good ole city of Montreal on your way back, be sure to pay a visit to one of the city’s finest Mediterranean restaurants for some true local gastronomy!

Recommended by Palo of Moons and Roses

Best Small Towns in Ontario for Outdoor Adventures

Gananoque, Ontario

Considered the “Canadian Gateway to the Thousand Islands,” Gananoque, Ontario has a ton of hiking trails and waterways waiting to be explored.

The closest airport is in Ottawa, and from there it’s an hour and a half drive to Gananoque. If coming from Toronto (3 hours away) or anywhere in Southern Ontario, hop onto Highway 401 E and head straight into the area.

Gananoque has its own trail system that includes walking paths and waterfront trails located right in town. However, if you are looking for some awesome hikes with epic views, head over to Thousand Islands National Park located just 20 minutes outside of town.

Landon Bay in Thousand Islands National Park offers several trails that are easy to manage, yet reward you with spectacular views. The Donevan Trail circles around the park. At 4.3 km, this incredibly scenic route will take you about 1.5 hours to complete.

But the Lookout Trail which detours off the Donevan Trail has the best views. At only 500 m from the parking lot, the top of the Lookout Trail presents you with breathtaking views of Landon Bay and the Canadian Thousand Islands.

The Jones Creek Trails at the Thousand Islands National Park are another fabulous place for some incredible hiking. These flat but scenic trails are filled with old-growth forests, wetland habitats, and gorgeous views of the surrounding waters.

Recommended by Marianne from The Journeying Giordanos

Huntsville, Ontario

Huntsville, Ontario is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures. And while there are plenty of things to do, hiking is one of the most popular.

One of the most famous hikes in Huntsville is the Lions Lookout Trail. It’s a short, but steep 1.3km trail, ending at a lookout that offers spectacular views of Fairy Lake.

Another popular trail is Hunter’s Bay Trail. This 4.6km trail is an easy hike but very scenic and takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete. Starting at the Center Street bridge, the trail follows the lake towards the highway and has sections of floating boardwalk.

Arrowhead Provincial Park is another great spot to hike in Huntsville. There are several trails from 1km to 7km in length but the most popular is the Stubb’s Falls trail. The circular trail is 2km long and takes about 45 minutes to hike, passing Stubb’s Falls before heading back through a forested path. It’s an easy hike, but a bit more technical than the ones mentioned above.

For those looking for longer hikes, Limberlost Forest is just a short drive from Huntsville and offers trails ranging from 4km to 13km, all with varying difficulty. This is a perfect way to get out and experience the beautiful scenery that Huntsville has to offer.

Recommended by Erin from Wanderlustwithkids.com

READ NEXT: The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

Sheguiandah, Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Sheguiandah is a small town on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world, so it’s easy to see how this is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures!

Located approximately six hours from Toronto, the most common method of transportation is driving. There are two main routes to the island – either by road around Georgian Bay or by ferry from the Bruce Peninsula. Both are very scenic.

Sheguiandah is known for being home to the Cup and Saucer hike, atop the Niagara escarpment with 70-meter cliffs that began to form 450 million years ago. It also attracts history and geology enthusiasts with its beautiful rock formations that tell stories of Indigenous history. Check out the optional Adventure Trail section which includes ladders and caves. 

Bridal Veil Falls is a fun place to cool down after a hot day of hiking – you can swim under the waterfall and walk behind it.

Bebamikawe Memorial Trail is another popular hiking trail that gives spectacular views and is slightly easier and more suitable for children.

Plus, the fish are plentiful especially in Lake Kagawong, Lake Manitou, and along the shores of the Georgian Bay. You can rent a motorboat or paddle a canoe.

Use this three-day Manitoulin Island itinerary to get the most out of your visit.

Recommended by Candace from ajourneyinspired.com

Best Small Towns in the Prairie Provinces for Outdoor Adventures

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Located in the middle of the prairies, Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan is a surprising destination for most. You’ll find Moosejaw located about 45-minutes west of the city of Regina. Although small in size, there are plenty of fun outdoorsy things to do in Moose Jaw – you just have to know where to look!

Surrounding the town is the Moose Jaw River – perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Jump in a canoe or kayak on the river, or take a guided paddling tour.

One of the best places to visit for hiking is Pound Provincial Park, a 20-minute drive away. Here, you can find over 30 kilometers of trails that are perfect for both hiking and biking. In the winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. The main attraction of the park is the opportunity to see bison that you can see here. You can also camp in the park.

For wildlife lovers, you simply must visit the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Center. Here you can see the cute, very small, burrowing owl that is famous in the prairies. While the center offers educational exhibits and captive owls, it’s also easy to spot the wild owls in the grasslands outside.

Another unique activity is the open-air trolley that will take you around town. This historic trolley is picture-perfect and a good way to get around while learning about the history of the area. Dress for the weather as this is an open-air experience. 

Recommended by Bailey from Destinationless Travel

READ NEXT: How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Prince Albert is one of the best places to visit in Saskatchewan. It is located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and is home to Prince Albert National Park. This small town is easily accessible from Saskatoon, which is a 1.5-hour drive way.

Prince Albert several of historic buildings, including the Prince Albert Historical Museum, and Diefenbaker House. But many flock to Prince Albert for its National Park. 

The park is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park is home to bears, wolves, elk, deer, moose, and many other animals. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. 

Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the area, you will particularly like the shores of Waskesiu Lake for a stroll or a summer picnic. 

Prince Albert National Park is also great for camping. Pick Beaver Glen Campground for an overnight stay.

This park is a great place in the summers, but it is open year-round. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking and fishing in the park’s many trails and waterways. In the winter, the park is a popular destination for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. 

Recommended by Mayuri from Canada Crossroads

Canmore, Alberta

The small town of Canmore, Alberta is located in the Canadian Rockies a 1.5-hour drive west of Calgary. You can drive yourself or take an airport shuttle. Canmore is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise and there are many types of activities for different tastes and skill levels.

Since Canmore was the host city for nordic events during the 1988 Calgary Olympics, the cross country skiing facilities are truly world-class. The Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park offers over 60 km of groomed trails, for both classic and skate skiing. Part of the trail system is illuminated so you can keep on skiing until 9 pm. Other amazing winter activities include backcountry skiing and sled dog rides.

In the warmer months, Canmore offers some of the most amazing hiking adventures for every skill and difficulty level. All the hikes in Canmore reward you with spectacular mountain views and clean forest air. The trails might take you through bridges, by a creek, or to the shores of the Bow River. But no matter what you must come to the shores of the little Quarry Lake for the most beautiful and peaceful scenery.

If you’re looking for a challenge, go on a guided hike to the summit of Ha Ling Peak.

Recommended by Bea from PackYourBags

READ NEXT: 15 Best Things to Do in Canmore in Winter

Banff, Alberta

Nestled amongst one of the most beautiful national parks in Canada is the small mountain town of Banff. About a 90-minute drive from Calgary it is easily accessible – rent a car or take one of the regular shuttle buses between Calgary and Banff.

Banff is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures. There is a lot to do just around the town. Or you can use it as a base to explore Banff National Park by car.

A short but rewarding hike within the town is the 4.3km Tunnel Mountain hike. A steep trail leads to some of the best views over the town. Guided hikes are also available. Or take a scenic bike ride through the town to Vermillion Lakes where a 4 km road gives wonderful vistas of Banff’s mountains as well as some potential wildlife spotting opportunities.

If you have more time in the area, and access to a car, Banff National Park is home to some of the most stunning lakes in Canada. Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka are both only a 15-minute drive from Banff; Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are about 45 minutes to an hour away. All are well worth the drive.

Recommended by Emma from Forever Lost In Travel

READ NEXT: 9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall and Best Things to Do in Banff in the Spring

Jasper, Alberta

The small town of Jasper is the gateway to the beautiful Jasper National Park. It offers charming boutiques, hip restaurants, and cozy hotels to enjoy between your outdoor adventures. The closest big city is Edmonton. But you can also get to Jasper from Calgary. Along the drive, you’ll pass right by Banff and Yoho National Parks on the Icefields Parkway, making this a popular Canadian Rockie road trip.

Many of Jaspers Jasper’s most incredible sites are along the Icefields Parkway. Plan a hike along the 1.4 km out-and-back Athabasca Glacier Trail, where you can walk right up to the glacier’s leading edge and marvel at the massiveness (up to 300 metres thick!) of part of North America’s largest icefield. You can walk ON the glacier as part of a guided tour.

For a more intense hike, consider the 8 km out-and-back Wilcox Pass trail, which provides breathtaking vistas of the glacier’s tongue- and an excellent spot for seeing bighorn sheep!

If you’d rather get your adrenaline pumping, you can book a white water rafting tour in the summertime, like the Class III+ rapids along the Sunwapta River (which literally translates to “turbulent waters”).

Visiting in the wintertime? Ski or snowboard on any of the 91 runs at the Marmot Basin ski resort, all with the dramatic Canadian Rockies as your backdrop. 

Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

Best Small Towns in British Columbia for Outdoor Adventures

Revelstoke, British Columbia

Revelstoke is my favourite Canadian mountain town. Located in eastern British Columbia, it’s a 6-hour drive from Vancouver or 4.5 hours from Calgary. The nearest airport is in Kelowna, 2.5 hours away.

In the winter, Revelstoke is most famous for snowmobiling and skiing – Revelstoke Mountain Resort has the highest vertical drop of any ski resort in North America!

But there are lots of things to do in Revelstoke in the summer. It’s a great destination for mountain bikers, with lift-accessed trails at the ski resort and lots of other trails around town. Extreme sports junkies can also go white water rafting or paragliding. Halcyon and Halfway River hot springs are also nearby.

Mount Revelstoke National Park is right on the edge of town. Be sure to drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway for amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. In mid-summer, the wildflower display is unreal.

Make time to go hiking in Revelstoke. If you’re looking for a short walk, check out the easy 0.5 km trail to Sutherland Falls in Blanket Creek Provincial Park. For something more challenging, head to Eva Lake in Mount Revelstoke National Park. It’s a 12 km round trip that takes about 6 hours.

Recommended by Taryn from Dawn Outdoors

READ NEXT: 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer

Squamish, British Columbia

My hometown of Squamish bills itself as the adventure capital of Canada. It’s located on the famous Sea to Sky Highway in between Vancouver and Whistler. The easiest way to get there is by car (1.5 hours from Vancouver), but you can also take a shuttle bus.

Squamish is world-famous for rock climbing, especially on the Stawamus Chief, a 700-meter-tall granite monolith. But you don’t need a rope and harness to climb to the top. A steep and challenging 11-kilometer-long trail for hikers scrambles up the backside to three different peaks where you can peer straight down the sheer face. It’s one of the best hikes in Squamish.

Garibaldi Provincial Park is just outside Squamish is one of BC’s best hiking destinations. Get details on the hike to picturesque Garibaldi Lake or the beautiful views of Elfin Lakes in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

You can also check out off-the-beaten-path local favourites like the hike to Mount Crumpit (named after the Grinch’s home) and Brohm Lake. Or walk the easy trails at the topic of the Sea to Sky Gondola. In the winter, Squamish has great snowshoeing trails.

Squamish also has hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike trails. Beginner-friendly trails crisscross the valley floor and expert routes descend rock slabs on nearby hills and mountains. Beginners can sign up for a guided mountain bike tour that includes instruction.

Recommended by Taryn of Dawn Outdoors

READ NEXT: Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

Gibsons, British Columbia

While it’s a bit under-the-radar, I think Gibsons on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures. It is is a short 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. I lived there for five months and enjoyed exploring all the things to do on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a cute waterfront town with lots of boutiques, restaurants, and craft beer.

The quaint harbour is a great place to launch kayaks and paddle to nearby Keats Island. The town is also home to several beaches. Bonniebrook Beach on the north end of town is the best since it’s over two kilometres long and has lots of sand. Mountain bikers will love the huge trail network on the forested slopes above the town.

Some of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast are in Gibsons. Don’t miss the trail to the top of Soames Hill for great views. It’s only 2 kilometres long, but it’s a steep climb with stairs. I also love the easy trails in nearby Cliff Gilker Park since they wind through the forest to several waterfalls.

Recommended by Taryn of Dawn Outdoors

READ NEXT: The Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast, BC

Tofino, British Columbia

Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a popular weekend getaway from Vancouver. It’s a three-hour drive from the ferry terminal in Nanaimo. You can also get there by floatplane.

The town is famous for its sandy beaches, lush rainforest, and quaint shops. It also has some of the best surfing in Canada. It’s beginner-friendly, with lots of shops offering surf lessons and rentals, which include warm wetsuits for the cold water.

Tofino is also one of the easiest places to access Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Beginners should try the easy Rainforest Loop trail. There are two loops, each one km long. The trail goes through incredible scenery with lots of moss, ferns, and towering trees.

There are also several beach hikes, including the 6.8 km long Nuu-chah-nulth Trail between the Kwisitis Visitor Centre and Florencia Bay. It features interpretive signs about the local Nuu-chah-nulth Indigenous people.

Catch a water taxi in Tofino to access even more adventures. Kayak in Clayoquot Sound. Go backpacking on Flores Island’s Wild Side Trail. Hike amongst giant trees on the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island. Or go for a soak in the remote springs at Hot Springs Cove.

Recommended by Taryn of Dawn Outdoors

READ NEXT: 22 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver

Best Small Towns in Northern Canada for Outdoor Adventures

Dawson City, Yukon Territory

Dawson City is a historic Gold Rush town in the Yukon. The town is best accessed by road on a Yukon road trip. You can get there by the Top of the World Highway (from Alaska) or via the Klondike Highway.

This outdoor destination is famous for being a popular site that contributed to the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s. It is also the second-largest town in the Yukon with a population of just under 1400 people. 

There are some fantastic hiking and biking opportunities here in the summer. Near the town is the beautiful 8.4 km trek that will take you from Dawson City to Midnight Dome.

Many of the most stunning hikes are in Tombstone Territorial Park. One of the most rewarding hikes is the Goldensides Mountain, which is just 3.4 km but provides excellent views. You should expect to complete this hike in under 1.5 hours.

If you decide to tackle the trails on a mountain bike, we suggest the Dome Climb which has some paved sections.

Recommended by Natasha from The World Pursuit

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Located on the north bank of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife is the capital city of Northwest Territories and has a population of less than 20,000. The best way to get there is to take a flight from major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary. 

Yellowknife is famous for its viewing of magnificent northern lights. It is one of the best places in the world to experience this amazing and magical natural phenomenon on earth. Many factors determine your chance to see the Northern Lights, but statistically, the area offers a 90 percent chance of sighings between mid-November and March. 

The long, cold winter and minimal light pollution in Yellowknife mean there is an extended period of darkness on winter nights. Don’t be surprised to see the Northern lights as early as 7 pm outside your hotel! For a complete viewing experience, stay in the city for three to four days, sign up for a guided tour, visit an aurora village, and then drive to an open area yourself once you have a better idea of where and how to see the lights. 

To explore nature during the daytime, head to the Ingraham Trail that extends to Tibbitt Lake and check out Cameron Falls. It is an easy hike that’s suitable for any type of traveler and the views of the lakes and forest are breathtaking. Guided hikes are also available.

Recommended by Kenny from Knycx journeying 

READ NEXT: The Best Canadian Adventure Books

Fort Smith, Northwest Territories

Fort Smith is located just north of the border between the Northwest Territories and Alberta. You can get there by plane, but many visit as part of an epic road trip thanks to Highway 5. It’s about a 9-hour drive from Yellowknife but it’s certainly worth the trek!

The town is the gateway to Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada’s largest national park and the world’s largest dark sky preserve. Camping at Pine Lake is a popular activity that allows you to see a large part of the park, though many head to the Switchback Trail where you’ll find the only salt plains in Canada.

As the area is a dark sky preserve, check out the Fort Smith Star Park and Observatory. Run by the Thebacha and Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society (TAWBAS), they will happily allow access to their telescopes so that you can catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. There is also a chance of catching the Northern Lights, though your best time to visit is between August and April!

If you’re an avid paddler, you’ll want to mark Fort Smith on your bucket list and see how you fare against the area’s white water rapids! Every year, Fort Smith hosts the Slave River Paddlefest where locals and visitors alike tackle the rapids and make memories you’ll never forget. If you’re unable to visit for the festival, the Fort Smith Paddling Club is always happy to show visitors the ropes since white water is not to be taken lightly!

Recommended by Lindsay from I’ve Been Bit

Iqaluit, Nunavut

To residents of Nunavut, Iqaluit is distinctly a city – it’s the epicentre of life at the top of the country. But by most Canadians’ standards, Iqaluit’s 8500 permanent residents put it firmly in the ‘town category’. Despite its size, you’ll be surprised how much activity can be found in the ‘New York of the North’.

Iqaluit lies on the southeast side of Baffin Island and is the capital of Nunavut. Any community north of 60 might seem inaccessible, but Iqaluit is actually only a 3-hour flight from Ottawa.

Once in Iqaluit, there are a ton of things to do depending on the season. In the spring, while the sea ice is still frozen, you can go snowmobiling over the arctic ocean, dog sledding on the tundra, try your hand at ice fishing, or chase the northern lights.

In the summer and fall, you can go hiking. The Apex Trail provides constant ocean views and is 5 km long. It ends at a tall hill which you can climb for even better views. Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park has another fantastic hike, offering views of the bright blue glacial river, which is roughly 6 km long. In addition to hiking, you can also explore the tundra by ATV or go kayaking on Frobisher Bay.

Due to the remoteness (and the occasional polar bear sighting), most activities require the support of a local guide or outfitter. Inukpack Outfitting and Arctic Kingdom are the two primary outfitters.

Recommended by Mikaela of Voyageur Tripper

How many of these Canadian towns have you visited? And which of these small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures are on your bucket list? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• The Best Canadian Adventure Books
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• Where to Experience Indigenous Tourism in Canada
• 22 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• 25 Cozy Cabins Near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

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