Easy Trails Moderate Trails Difficult Trails Bears And People Be A Mountain Park Steward
The Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks are an 1 Johnson Lake 12 C-Level Cirque important part of the remaining grizzly and black bear Safety 3 km loop; no elevation gain; 1 hour round trip 4.2 km one way; 455 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip habitat in North America. Even in protected areas, bears Trailhead: Johnson Lake day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road Trailhead: Upper Bankhead day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road are challenged to avoid people. Think of what it would Safety is your responsibility. There are always hazards Walking in a counter-clockwise direction, the trail winds Hike past concrete foundations and vents from the abandoned be like to be a bear travelling through the mountain involved with outdoor recreational activities. Be prepared. Day Hikes in the through a lush montane forest before emerging at the far end of Bankhead mining operation to a massive glacially-carved cirque in national parks in midsummer – trying to bypass towns, Even short trips from the Town of Banff can have serious Johnson Lake. From this point, views extend across the water the cool northern face of Cascade Mountain. campgrounds, highways, railways, and busy trails – and consequences. Minimize your risk by planning ahead. to the distinctive profile of Cascade Mountain. To complete the Banff Area circuit around the lake, the trail crosses open slopes, passes 13 Tunnel Mountain Summit still find enough food to survive. • For advice regarding current trail conditions, weather, some of Alberta’s oldest Douglas fir trees, and detours around a 2.4 km one way; 260 m elevation gain; 2 hour round trip To successfully raise cubs and sustain a healthy and trail classifications, visit a Parks Canada shallow bay where waterfowl are often sighted. Trailhead: St. Julien Road (take Wolf Street east from Banff Avenue) population, bears need access to as much quality Visitor Centre. Accessible from downtown Banff, the switchbacking trail to this 13 Tunnel Mountain Summit P. Zizka P. habitat as possible over a short period of time, with few • Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather. 2 low summit provides sweeping views across the town and Bow Fenland Trail Mountain weather changes quickly and it can snow Valley, with Mount Rundle rising dramatically to the south. The 22 Cory Pass Loop human surprises. 2.1 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip any month of the year. Trailhead: Fenland Trail parking area, off Mount Norquay Road trail can be icy October through April (cleats recommended). 13 km loop; 915 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip Before you hit the trail, think about the time of year, what This short self-guided interpretive trail under a canopy of Trailhead: Fireside day-use area, off the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) the bears are doing, and give them the space they need • Select a trail which best suits your group’s abilities. 14 Surprise Corner to Hoodoos The strenuous uphill trek to Cory Pass from the Bow Valley old-growth spruce is a pleasant escape from the bustle of to survive. • Bring extra food, water and clothing. Surface water town. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the local 4.8 km one way; 90 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip Parkway takes around two hours. It is worthwhile for the ecosystem—and maybe view wildlife such as elk which call the Trailhead: Surprise Corner, east end of Buffalo Street unobstructed view of Mount Louis, an imposing limestone may be contaminated and unsafe for drinking. area home. You can drive to the hoodoos, but don’t. Instead, take this pleasant monolith that rises from the forested valley floor far below. Rather • Tell somebody where you are going, when you will be than returning to the trailhead from the pass, energetic hikers have trail that passes below the steep cliffs of Tunnel Mountain and back, and who to call if you do not return. 3 Boom Lake meanders along the Bow River. As the final section of trail ascends, the option of descending into the Gargoyle Valley before returning 10 km round trip; 175 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hours round trip views open up across the Bow Valley to Mount Rundle. In summer, to their vehicles via Edith Pass. Route finding can be challenging • Carry a first aid kit and bear spray. the Roam bus provides an easy option for returning to town. beyond Cory Pass. Trailhead: Boom Lake picnic area and parking lot located 7.5 km west of • Ticks carrying Lyme disease may be present in the park. Castle Junction on Hwy 93S 23 Aylmer Lookout/Aylmer Pass Volkers D. If you are looking for a rewarding trail—Boom Lake is it. This 15 Stoney Squaw It is important to check yourself and your pet following 11.8 km one way; 560 m elevation gain; 7 to 8 hour round trip Tips: any hikes. gradual elevation trail leads hikers through a picturesque forest 2.1 km one way; 190 m elevation gain; 1.5 hour round trip Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road. to a large alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Trailhead: Mount Norquay ski area parking From the day-use area, follow the Lake Minnewanka shoreline Do not forget to pack a shore lunch. • Carry bear spray with you at all times, ensure it is at The best-known view of Cascade Mountain is from Banff Avenue, to the Stewart Canyon trail. At the canyon, the trail to Aylmer but for a close-up experience, plan on hiking to the summit of Lookout follows the western shoreline before beginning a steady hand, and know how to use it. Trail Etiquette 4 Spray River West and East Stoney Squaw, across the valley from the town. Along the way, the • Make noise. Being quiet puts you at risk for sudden
P. Zizka P. 3.8 km climb to the site of a decommissioned fire lookout. From
5.6 km one way from Spray River East trailhead (Golf Course Road) to trail passes through a forest of trees covered in wispy lichen. the end of the trail, the panorama extends in all directions, with bear encounters. Be alert through shrubby areas Show courtesy to fellow outdoor enthusiasts! Spray River Bridge the lake itself, over 500 metres below, an intense blue colour. and when approaching blind corners. Travel in groups 5.7 km one way from Spray River Bridge to Spray River West trailhead 16 Cascade Amphitheatre An optional hike is to backtrack 1.7 km from the lookout and the and always look ahead. • Leave what you find. Natural and cultural resources 65 m elevation gain, 3 - 4 hour round trip 6.6 km one way; 640 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip Aylmer Pass trail that spurs upwards for 3.4 km to open meadows • Report bear sightings and encounters to Parks Canada such as rocks, fossils, artifacts, horns, antlers, Popular with hikers, cyclists and horseback riders, these two Trailhead: Mount. Norquay ski area parking of wildflowers and views to the slate-grey Palliser Range. staff at 403-762-1470, when it is safe to do so. wildflowers and nests are protected by law and must Welcome to Banff National Park! lengthy but relatively easy trails traverse rolling terrain along One of the longer hikes close to town, allow a full day to reach be left undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy. either side of the Spray River and are generally hiked together. this hanging valley that is carpeted with wildflowers in July Bear warnings, restrictions and closures are common throughout summer along the Aylmer Lookout/ parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-bears • Take out what you bring in. Pack out all garbage, A short walk around The Fairmont Banff Springs will link the and August. Pick up the Scrambler’s Guide to Cascade Mountain
Rushing rivers, snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows, Volkers D. east and west trailheads. Aylmer Pass Trail. Obtain up-to-date trail information including food waste. and glacially-carved cirques make the wilderness for information on the route to the summit. by visiting parkscanada.gc.ca/banfftrails • Dispose of human waste at least 100 m from any surrounding the Town of Banff a popular destination 5 Sundance Trail/Sundance Canyon with hikers. Hiking trails lace the Banff area, ranging 17 Ink Pots water source. Bury solid human waste in a hole 15 cm 3.9 km to end of easy paved path, plus a moderate 1.6 km loop deep. Pack out your toilet paper. from low-elevation strolls along boardwalks to more through canyon; 145 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip 5.4 km one way (from parking area); 330 m elevation gain; 4 hour round trip strenuous full-day outings that lead seasoned hikers Trailhead: Cave and Basin NHS, south end of Cave Avenue Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Town of Banff • To prevent damage to vegetation stay on the trail and to alpine passes framed by mountains permanently Follow the paved trail beyond the Cave and Basin National Beyond Johnston Canyon, a lightly travelled trail continues up and avoid shortcuts. mantled in snow. One element all the trails have Historic Site and within a few minutes of easy walking, views over a forested ridge to emerge in an open meadow where warm • These trails are used by a variety of outdoor in common is that they provide an opportunity for open up to a mountain panorama across the Bow River. After a water bubbles up from deep below the Earth’s surface into shallow pools. enthusiasts. Be sure to yield to others. everyone to enjoy the natural wonders of Banff National steady climb away from the river, the paved section ends and a moderately difficult trail loops through a water-filled canyon. Park—with the prospect of observing wildlife such as 18 Healy Pass elk, bears, and deer as an added bonus. 6 Silverton Falls 9.0 km one way; 655 m elevation gain, 6 to 7 hour round trip Wildlife 1 km one way; 60 m elevation gain; 40 minute round trip Trailhead: Sunshine Village parking lot behind the main gondola station Trailhead: Rockbound Lake trail, Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), This trail follows sparkling Healy Creek to its source amid open • Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife. Stay at meadows above the treeline. Wildflowers bloom profusely from least 30 to 50 metres away from most animals, and 0.2 km east of Castle Junction While nearby Johnston Canyon gets most of the attention, this mid-July to late August, and in late September scattered alpine 100 metres away from bears. larch turn a magnificent golden yellow. short trail ends at the base of a waterfall that cascades over a • Travel in groups of 4 or more and make noise to series of narrow ledges surrounded by forest. 19 Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass prevent surprise encounters with wildlife. 7a Johnston Canyon Lower Falls 7.2 km one way; 725 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip • If you are planning to take your dog out on a trail, 1.2 km one way; 30 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip Trailhead: Trans-Canada Highway, 13 km west of Town of Banff please respect the following: dogs can stress wildlife A steady climb through lush forest and across rushing mountain Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Town of Banff as they can remind them of predators such as wolves streams leads to Bourgeau Lake, the closest subalpine lake to the Johnston Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural features and coyotes. Keep your dog under control and on a in Banff National Park. Rather than running along the rim, a town of Banff. A glacially-carved amphitheatre provides a dramatic leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted on trails catwalk leads through the depths of the canyon and through a backdrop to the lake, with large boulders providing the perfect low tunnel to emerge at the impressive Lower Falls, where the perch for a picnic lunch. Although most hikers make Bourgeau with seasonal restrictions. cool mist of Johnston Creek lingers in the air. Lake their final destination, a 2.2 km slightly more difficult trail continues upwards to Harvey Pass, from where exceptional views Avalanche Risk 7b extend to snowcapped peaks along the Continental Divide. Johnston Canyon Upper Falls 2.4 km one way (from parking area); 120 m elevation gain; During any month of the year, hikers should expect that 1.5 hour round trip 20 Rockbound Lake steep slopes covered in snow can avalanche, with serious Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Town of Banff 8.4 km one way; 760 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip consequences. For more information on the avalanche Beyond the Lower Falls, this trail switchbacks up to a string of Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 0.2 km east of Castle Junction hazard, visit parksmountainsafety.ca or a Parks Canada waterfalls along Johnston Creek, including the 30 metre-high A long, steady climb through a mixed forest leads behind the 22 Cory Pass Loop #ShareTheChair parkscanada.gc.ca/redbanff Zizka P. Visitor Centre.
P. Zizka P. Upper Falls. For a unique perspective, continue to the viewpoint distinctive cliffs of Castle Mountain to open meadows and at the top of the falls. flower-fringed Tower Lake, 7.7 km from the trailhead. The trail
then climbs a low cliff band and emerges in a glacial cirque filled Featured Hike 8 Stewart Canyon by Rockbound Lake. Common Critters, Birds And Wildflowers More Information 1.5 km one way; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road 11 Sunshine Meadows/Rock Isle Lake From the day-use area, follow the Lake Minnewanka shoreline Parks Canada Visitor Centres in the Banff Area 1.8 km to Rock Isle Lake; 105 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip to the Stewart Canyon trailhead kiosk. This low-elevation trail Trailhead: Sunshine Village, accessed by a 6.5 km trail or a fee-based leads to a bridge spanning the smooth walls of Stewart Canyon, Banff Visitor Centre: 224 Banff Avenue shuttle service through which the Cascade River flows into Lake Minnewanka. While exploring the park on Banff Visitor Information Kiosk: 327 Railway Avenue Reward to effort ratio doesn’t get much better than this trail But there’s no rush to reach the canyon—along the way are foot, take a moment to smell, pebbly beaches strewn with driftwood and a number of enticing which crests the Continental Divide and then descends to a hear and look around you to 403-762-1550 picnic spots. Prairie crocus Columbian ground squirrel Common raven viewpoint above Rock Isle Lake, one of the most photographed discover nature at its best! parkscanada.gc.ca/banff backcountry scenes in the Canadian Rockies. From the viewpoint, the 4.9 km slightly more challenging Grizzly- 9 Marsh Loop Wonder what the difference 2.8 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip is between a chipmunk and a Larix Lakes Loop (allow two hours) is a natural extension for Trail Conditions Report: exploring the Sunshine Meadows region. The circuit follows Trailhead: Cave and Basin NHS, south end of Cave Avenue ground squirrel? Wondering the shoreline of two lakes, crosses an open forest of alpine Marsh Loop is an enjoyable trail that encircles a wetland filled by why the raven stays here parkscanada.gc.ca/banfftrails larch, and passes a viewpoint where the panorama extends water from hotsprings flowing out of the lower slopes of Sulphur year-round? What is that Mountain. The unique environment is best observed below the across the mountainous wilderness of Kootenay National Park. pretty red flower, and why is Environment Canada Weather Forecast: Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where exotic plant species it called Indian Paintbrush? such as orchids thrive. An additional 1.1 km stroll on the Marsh Heart-leaved arnica Red squirrel Black-billed magpie 403-762-2088 Challenge yourself to answer Boardwalk will take you over pristine marshland and bubbling weather.gc.ca thermal waters. your curiosities by learning 18 Healy Pass more about the living things – Gignac S. big and small – that call Banff Guidebooks and topographic maps are available 10 Tunnel Campground Loop National Park home. There are at Parks Canada Visitor Centres and 6.5 km one way, 60 m elevation gain, 1.5 hour round trip 21 Sulphur Mountain a variety of sources to help retail outlets in the Town of Banff. Trailhead: corner Tunnel Mountain Road and Tunnel Mountain Drive 5.5 km to top of gondola, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak; 655 m elevation gain; you learn from, such as local The perfect place for an evening stroll, this lightly forested trail 4 hour round trip experts, books, interpretive Indian paintbrush Least chipmunk Grey jay remains in sight of the campground at all times. Although the Trailhead: Upper Hot Springs, Mountain Avenue programs, and the Internet. trailhead kiosk is along Tunnel Mountain Road, the trail can be The switchbacks on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain provide In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or satellite phone: joined at any number of points from within the campground. a steady grade for the hike to a summit renowned for its 403-762-4506. breathtaking mountain views. Take a 0.5 km side trip on the Cell phones are not always reliable. boardwalk trail that departs from the top of the gondola along a ridge ending at Sanson Peak and you will find more great views, remnants of the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site, and the 1903 weather observatory.
11 Sunshine Meadows/Rock Isle Lake Gignac S. Photos: Parks Canada Fireweed Golden-mantled ground squirrel Clark’s nutcracker © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Catalogue No: R64-422/2016E ISBN: 978-0-660-05237-3 Également offert en français Ratings Lake
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2 777 m .2 km C r 9111’ Minnewanka e Moderate e m
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m k 6 k m m To 7a k Lm8 5 o 1A . Castle B w Johnson Lake Trail Restriction Lake Vall rk 1 1 0 ey Pa way . Junction 1 Louise 3 km loop; no elevation gain; 1 hour round trip July 10 to Sept 15 Fireside Hikers must travel in tight Bow River Mount Girouard Johnston 2 Fenland Trail groups of 4+ and carry bear 2 995 m 1A Muleshoe Canyon 2.1 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip spray on the Minnewanka 9827’ 17 km
and Aylmer trails. During the Mount Inglismaldie restriction, dogs and bikes 2 964 m 3 Boom Lake 9725’
m are not permitted on the trails k 10 km round trip; 175 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hours round trip k e e and the Lm8 backcountry 5 r . C 6 93S Bow Valley h campground is closed. t r 4 Spray River West and East a Pilot Mountain Copper Mountain e d 11.3 km round trip; 65 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hour round trip 2 795 m e 2 935 m Parkway 9170’ R 9630’ m 5 Sundance Trail/Sundance Canyon 23 k
2 3.9 km to end of easy paved path, plus a moderate 1.6 km loop . 3 7 through canyon; Area 19 145 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip m k .2 8 N Boom 8 d 6 1 a Silverton Falls .5 Lake To Radium o Mount Bourgeau R k 1 km one way; 60 m elevation gain; 40 minute round trip m 2 930 m e B in 9613’ h 0 1 2 s m n k Johnston Canyon Lower Falls u 7a 2 Bourgeau S .
Kilometres 2 1.2 km one way; 30 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip Lake Two Jack 7b Johnston Canyon Upper Falls Lake 2.4 km one way (from parking area); 120 m elevation gain; 4. To Canmore Ca 1.5 hour round trip 2 k Two Jack Lakeside L To Calgary scad m a e R 18 k iv er Campground e 12 M m k
Upper Two Jack Main in Stewart Canyon 0 8 n in Road 6.6 . Bankhead Campground 3.0 km e C unta km 9 1.5 km one way; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip w Mo 1 a el Lower n nn Sunshine ad ka Tu o R 10 Village Bankhead Johnson Lake o R a 9 Marsh Loop d Ski Area a 1 k To Lake 3 2.8 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip Lak n k 1. e a m 8 Minnewanka M w k i nne 11 m Tunnel Mountain i 10 Tunnel Campground Loop cade R ver Campground C as E 6.5 km loop; elevation gain 60 m; 1.5 hour round trip Cascade Mountain To Town C 2 998 m B of Banff an Fairmont 9836’ ff N 3 Banff Springs 10 km 11 Sunshine Meadows/Rock Isle Lake Golf Course ta 1.8 km to Rock Isle Lake; 105 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip Alber 0 1 2 m olumbia k C sh 5 i . rit 12 C-Level Cirque 6 B Kilometres
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Cascade Amphitheatre e 1A Bow Valley Parkway 16 2 6.6 km one way; 640 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip . 7 13 km Road 0 Ink Pots .4 17 k m 5.4 km one way (from parking area); 330 m elevation gain; 15 lf The oad o Park Boundary R km W Banff 4 hour round trip ay 16 6.6 km rqu 6.1 Centre t No 4 Goa M Buff 1.4 km t alo Street Cre Backcountry campground (wilderness permit required) Healy Pass 4.3 km ek 18 Fenland 9 km one way; 655 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip F 0 .8 km A 4 Parks Canada Visitor Centre Mt Norquay km 4. Bow Av .7 9 k 19 Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass Ski Area enue 0 m Share the trail 2 7.2 km one way; 725 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip m Fairmont Campground k .1 e Banff Springs 2 u n e v Rockbound Lake A Day-use area 20 8.4 km one way; 760 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip e Banff First m Cav 4 k Gondola Vermilion nue G Hospital Ave Partageons le sentier Lake ain 21 Sulphur Mountain D unt Mo 5.5 km to top of gondola, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak; 9 Parking 655 m elevation gain; 4 hour round trip 5. I 5 Second m km k .5 DONE WITH THIS BROCHURE? Please Vermilion 1 Police return to a park facility or share it with others. Lake m k
3 21 22 Cory Pass Loop Mount Norquay . 1 Viewpoint 13 km loop; 915 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip 2 522 m HOW WAS YOUR TRIP? Please send your 8275’
m m comments to [email protected] k k 0.6
3 Washrooms Aylmer Lookout/Aylmer Pass . 23 4
e Sanson Peak 11.8 km one way; 560 m elevation gain; 7 to 8 hour round trip v ri 2 256 m Sulphur Mountain D 7402’ 2 451 m Dog Park s e k 8042’ a L n o r A li e Banff Park Museum National Historic Site i v m i r R e
V w o B B Lake Minnewanka To Bow Valley Parkway To Lake Louise C Third Cascade Ponds Mount Edith 2 554 m Vermilion 5 8381’ Lake Sundance D Vermilion Lakes Canyon 1.6 2.6 km km 4.7 km N E Hoodoos Viewpoint
m k F Bow Falls 22 1 .
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Fireside Kilometres I Cave and Basin National Historic Site 14 Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Banff Lake Louise Tourism/P. Zizka Photography Tourism/P. Banff Lake Louise