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Home , Abbot Pass, Bow Glacier, Castle Junction, Cirque Peak (Alberta), Cirrus Mountain, Crowfoot Glacier

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CASTLE JUNCTION AREA

1 Castle Lookout 4 Arnica Lake 3.7 km one way; 520 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hour round trip DAY HIKING 5.1 km one way; 120 m elevation loss; 580 m elevation gain; 5 hour Trailhead: 5 km west of on the Parkway round trip (Hwy 1A). Trailhead: Vista Lake Viewpoint on Hwy 93 South, 8 km south of 6 In the mid-20th Century, Banff erected numerous fire Castle Castle Junction. 6.3 TRANS- towers where spotters could detect flames from afar. The Mountain , Lose elevation before you gain it en route to Arnica Lake; 3.7 1 Castle Lookout tower has long since been removed, but the 2766 m the views and variety make this destination worth the ups 2.1 CASTLE JUNCTION AND expansive views of the middle Bow Valley remain. and downs. ICEFIELDS PARKWAY AREAS 2 Boom Lake BOW VALLEY PARKWAY 5 Twin Lakes 5.1 km one way; 175 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hour round trip Via Arnica / Vista Lake trailhead: 8.0 km one way; 120 m elevation Trailhead: 7 km south of Castle Junction on Highway 93 South. loss; 715 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip To Lake Louise Travel on a heavily forested trail featuring some of the Mount HIGHWAY Trailhead: Vista Lake Viewpoint on Hwy 93 South, 8 km south of 1A largest subalpine trees in Banff National Park. Your ultimate Bell Castle Junction. CASTLE destination is a pristine lake backed by an impressive 2910 m 1 mountain rampart. Hike under a canopy of larch trees while the continental divide guides you to Arnica and Twin Lakes. JUNCTION 3 Stanley Glacier 6 Taylor Lake To 1A 4.2 km one way; 395 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip AREA 93 Banff Trailhead: In , 13 km south of Castle Junction 6.3 km; 585 m elevation gain; 4 to 5 hour round trip  on Highway 93 South. Trailhead: Taylor Creek Day-use area 8 km west of Castle Junction CASTLE 2 5.1 The hike to Stanley Glacier features fire and ice in equal on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway. CASTLE JUNCTIONJUNCTIO N measures. The lower trail, which burned in 1968 and 2003, Thick forest gives way to subalpine meadows as you climb HIGHWAY AREA TRAILS is regrowing with lodgepole pine, willow and colourful steadily to this classic glacial lake. This trail holds its snow Boom 1 through the early part of the hiking season, so it’s best from wildflowers. Along the upper trail, you’ll get clear views of Mountain July on. Side trip to O’Brien Lake: 2.1 km one way, 55 m Stanley Glacier and its numerous meltwater falls. 2760 m Legend elevation gain from Taylor Lake. Extend your Taylor Lake hike by visiting this charming tarn. 5.1 Hiking Trail Cover photo: Mosquito Creek area Cover photo:

BANFF-WINDEMERE Highway Road Easy Moderate Difficult 4 Park Boundary Wild Rose 2.2 Backcountry Campground Plan Ahead and Prepare ICEFIELDS PARKWAY AREA 5 s

0 1 2 3 0 93 1. Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. 7 Bow Summit Lookout Nigel Storm Kilometres 2.9 km one way; 245 m elevation gain; 2.5 hour round trip CENTRE Pass • Get advice from a Parks Canada Information Centre. 14 4.2 Mountain Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 40 km north of the Lake Louise junction, 4.0 NigelCk 3095 m • Study trail descriptions and maps before starting. at the parking lot. To Jasper To Radium Hot Spring • Check the weather forecast and current trail conditions. From the highest point on the Icefields Parkway (2070 m), 7.2 15 3 • Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member hike beyond the Peyto Lake viewpoint on the upper self- ATHABASCA Along the spine of the North American continent, in your group. guided nature trail, then follow an old fire road to the lookout. GLACIER 2.7 Watch for pikas, marmots and ptarmigan. the poke high into the clouds and • Pack adequate food, water, clothing, maps and gear. Mount 8 Athabasca blue glaciers cling to their slopes. Green forested • Carry a first aid kit and bear spray. 3493 m 8 2.7 km one way; 250 m elevation gain; 2.5 hour round trip 3267 m valleys below provide a vital food source for grizzly • Tell somebody where you’re going, when you’ll be back Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 41 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing 93 and who to call if you don’t return. GLACIER bears and other species. This is the Lake Louise and or 9 km south of the Icefield Centre. AN Icefields area of Banff National Park, a landscape of • Travel with a friend or group. After a series of switchbacks you’ll be rewarded with TCHEW Sunset Pinto wonder which has been dubbed the “hiking capital of • Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather. dramatic views of the – headwaters SASKA Mount Pass Lake of the Saskatchewan River. Help maintain this fragile alpine Coleman 21 ICEFIELDS Canada”. Use the trail descriptions to choose a hike 3135 m Stay on Maintained Trails 5.3 ecosystem by staying on the trail. Mount suitable for everyone in your party. To prevent trail damage stay on the trail and avoid Saskatchewan PARKWAY 9 Falls 13 1. Ck shortcuts. 3342 m 6 4.6 km one way; 155 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip AREA Leave What You Find, and Take What You Bring 2.9 Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 36 km north of the Lake Louise junction, Norman • Pack out all garbage, including diapers and food waste. 400m down the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge access road. Ck River AREA • Dispose of human waste at least 100m from any water At the base of Bow Glacier Falls, amid the spray and roar, North WILSON ICEFIELD Mount source. Bury solid human waste in a hole 15 cm deep. you can witness the birth of a river. The , part of Rampart OVERVIEW Amery western Canada’s largest watershed, begins as meltwater To Rocky Pack out your toilet paper. Alexandra 3329 m ICEFIELDS tumbling down from the . Mountain House • Natural and cultural resources such as rocks, fossils, 14 Wilcox Pass PARKWAY AREA artifacts, horns, antlers, wildflowers and nests are 10 Helen Lake 4 km one way; 335 m elevation gain; 3 to 3.5 hour round trip protected by law and must be left undisturbed for others 6.0 km one way; 455 m elevation gain; 4 to 5 hour round trip Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 47 km north of Saskatchewan River Saskatchewan3260 m to discover and enjoy. Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 33 km north of the Lake Louise junction Crossing, or 3 km south of the Icefield Centre at the entrance to the SASKATCHEWAN across from the Viewpoint. Wilcox Creek campground in . CROSSING Backcountry 11 River LAKE LOUISE, Tucked well into the Main Ranges of the is Rise quickly above treeline to the expansive meadows of this PARADISE A backcountry camping permit is required for any overnight a breathtaking lake in a valley abounding with alpine wildlife glacier-carved landscape. Bighorn sheep are sometimes seen VALLEY AND trip. Reservations can be made up to three months in and grand vistas. in this area. Please help keep them wild and safe – do not 8.9 MORAINE advance by calling 403-522-1264. LAKE AREA approach or feed them. 20 11 Cirque Lake Random Camping 15 Nigel Pass 4.2 km one way; 150 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip 2 5. Non-designated or random camping may be permitted. Ask Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 57.5 km north of the Lake Louise 7.2 km one way; 365 m elevation gain; 4.5 to 5.5 hour round trip CASTLE Parks Canada Information Centre staff for details. Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 37 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing or 19 Mount JUNCTION junction in the Waterfowl Lakes Campground. Glacier Murchison AREA 13 km south of the Icefield Centre. Howse Cycling This path is thickly forested, but offers mountain and glacier Lake Mistay 3333 m views at the shore of the lake. Note that the trail is often muddy. A consistent and gentle grade ensures that it doesn’t take long Mount Mountain biking is only allowed on trails designated Sarbach to reach treeline as you head towards the wide-open scenery of a for cycling. Pick up a cycling guide at a Parks Canada 12 3155 m Chephren Lake the Banff / Jasper boundary. River Epaulette Information Centre. 3.5 km one way; 80 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip River 16 Molar Pass Mt. Waterfowl Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 57.5 km north of the Lake Louise Fishing 9.8 km one way; 530 m elevation gain; 7 to 8 hour round trip junction in the Waterfowl Lakes Campground. Mount A National Park fishing licence is required. 12 Lakes Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 24 km north of the Lake Louise. Chephren 3 Chephren Lake lies underneath the brooding walls of Howse 2. 1. 3266 m 2 Peak and Mount Chephren. This trail is often very muddy. Travel into Banff National Park’s wilderness as you rise well Chephren 9 above treeline to an expansive alpine meadow. Lake 2. 13 Sunset Lookout Howse 17 North Molar Pass Peak · 4.5 km one way; 390 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hour round trip Cirque 11 11.5 km one way; 760 m elevation gain; 8 to 9 hour round trip 3290 m Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 16.5 km north of the Saskatchewan Lake River Crossing. Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 24 km north of the Lake Louise. Mistaya Lake Mount There is no question that old fire tower locations offer up At the Molar Pass trail junction you have the option of travelling Weed great views. A 1.6 km branch off the Sunset Pass trail allows to the alpine meadows of Molar Pass or heading left to this 0 2.5 5 you to enjoy an almost vertical view down to the confluence higher pass, a rugged and stark landscape of rocky meadows. 10 of the Alexandra and North Saskatchewan Rivers. 18 Dolomite Pass 20 Glacier Lake Mount Kilometres 9.0 km one way; 550 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip 8.9 km one way; 210 m elevation gain; elevation loss 220 m, Patterson 3197 m Observation Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 33 km north of the Lake Louise junction 6 to 7 hour round trip Peak across from the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint. Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 1 km north of the Saskatchewan Peyto 7 3174 m Lake Cirque After you’ve made it to Helen Lake, you can extend your hike River Crossing. .9 Watermelon Caldron 2 Peak Peak and get a geology lesson at the same time: at the pass you’ll Snow-free early in the season, this rolling wooded trail Peak 2993 m 18 have great views of both , a picture perfect takes you to a picturesque lake set below the peaks seen 3.0 CaldronMount Jimmy Dolomite layer-cake mountain, as well the wine-coloured folds below the by early European explorers. summit of . Lake North 21 Sunset Pass 2966 m Dolomite Molar .0 7.4 6 6 Peak Pass 4. Ck 5 19 Sarbach Lookout 8.2 km one way; 725 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip Bow 10 2782 m 4. Mount Lake 17 5.2 km one way; 590 m elevation gain; 4 to 5 hour round trip Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 16.5 km north of the Saskatchewan Bow Thompson 9 93 3. Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 71 km north of the Lake Louise Junction, or River Crossing. 1 3065 m Mosquito WAPT 6 km south of Saskatchewan Crossing, at the Mistaya Canyon parking lot. Climb steadily through a thick forest to reach an expansive River Crowfoot Molar A ICE 16 This trail is a good physical workout, but since the fire meadow atop Sunset Pass. Look west for a panorama of some Mt. Bow Pass FIEL Peak lookout closed in 1971, forest growth has increasingly blocked of the largest peaks in the park, or east into the remote White D 3050 m the views. Goat Wilderness Area. 2868 m To Lake Peyto Lake, from near Bow Summit Louise UPPER LAKE LOUISE AREA

Mount Richardson Trailhead: Upper Lake Louise parking area, 4 km from the village of 26 3086 m Deceptio Saddleback To Jasper Pass Lake Louise. 3.7 km to pass; 595 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hour round trip n Because of the number of options from this trailhead, you have the From the boathouse on the shore of Lake Louise, rise steadily LAKE LOUISE, opportunity to “mix and match” many of the trails in the Upper Lake up to Saddleback for tantalizing views of and Louise area to suit your abilities and interests. Paradise Valley. Here you’ll find good larch tree viewing in PARADISE VALLEY & 2.4 the fall. Hidden Boulder 22 Lake Louise Lakeshore AREA Lake Pass 2 km one way; no elevation gain; 1 hour round trip 27 Fairview Mountain ICEFIELDS 2332 m Ptarmigan Lake This accessible stroll allows visitors of all abilities to 5.1 km to summit; 1013 m elevation gain; 5 to 6 hour round trip 1.3 1.5 explore Lake Louise. At the end of the lake you’ll discover In a region that was explored by Swiss Mountain guides in the milky creek that gives the lake its magical colour. the early 20th century, it makes sense to challenge your inner mountaineer with a steep hike up a famous peak. And the Redoubt 23 Fairview Lookout Lake “fair” view at the top? It’s downright spectacular! 1 km one way; 100 m elevation gain; 45 minute round trip PARKWAY Whitehorn 2637 m Redoubt Leaving from the boathouse on Lake Louise, this short, 28 Sheol/Paradise Connector 93 Mt. steep hike offers you a unique look at both the lake and the 2902 m 4.1 km (connector only); 500 m elevation gain / loss (depending on Bath historic chateau. direction); 1 to 2 hours one way

24 Trailheads: Upper Lake Louise parking or follow the Moraine Lake Road TRANS-CANADA Pipestone for 2.5 km to the Paradise Valley parking lot on the right hand side. Herbert 3.4 km one way; 385 m elevation gain; 2.5 to 3 hour round trip To Field Lake Framed by a quaint European style tea house (seasonal), Connect the Saddleback and Paradise Valley trails by using the Lake Agnes hike is the most “civilized” way to see the the Sheol/Paradise connector. A car shuttle may be needed Cr eek LAKE LOUISE Rockies. To get there, hike up the well maintained trail and depending on your route choice. SIGHTSEEING GONDOLA 32 enjoy a beautiful tarn tucked underneath towering peaks. HIGHWA 1 River Side trip to Big Beehive: 1.6 km one way; 135 m Y 7.1 elevation gain from Lake Agnes. Beyond Lake Agnes, a Mud Fish Creek Lake Trailhead switchback trail climbs the Big Beehive for a stunning panorama of Lake Louise and the Chateau. BOW Slate Road Side trip to Little Beehive: 1 km one way; 105 m elevation Mount Lipalian 2728 m gain from Lake Agnes. The Little Beehive was once the site of a Road fire lookout, and offers commanding views of the Bow Valley. VILLAGE Whitehor OF LAKE 25 Plain of Six Glaciers n LOUISE eek

Mount 1.5 5.3 km one way; 365 m elevation gain; 4 hour round trip Little 1536 m Cr Legend St. Piran Beehive Mirror CHATEAU Beyond Lake Louise you’ll discover a high mountain treasure Mount LAKE 31 2649 m 0 Lake 30 1.8 1. LOUISE Hiking Trail chest; a collection of impressive peaks and glaciers. Here, you Niblock 0.8 1.0

2976 m 2.7 1A Corral can relax and enjoy the view or rest at a quaint Swiss-built tea 24 30 Highway house (seasonal). Connect the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Lake Agnes 0 2. 31 Road Glaciers trails, via the Highline trail, to form a 14.6 km, 5 hour 2.3 1.0 3. .9 0 round trip loop. 0 Kingfisher Big 22 23 Lake Park Boundary Mount Beehive Side trip to Viewpoint: 1.5 km one way; 50 Whyte 7 Lake1730 Louise m 3.5 3. 0. 5 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip. Look down into crevasses 2983 m Backcountry Campground 1. MORAINE 0 26 RIVER on the Lower Victoria Glacier, and look up to Abbot Hut, 1.3 1.3 29 Tea House Plain of Six Glaciers Fairview Mt. one of the highest buildings in Canada. 2744 m 25 8 Lake Louise Information Centre 0. 27 1.4 3.7 2 VILLAGE OF LAKE LOUISE & BOULDER PASS AREA 1. 1 1.5 Saddleback 0.2 TRANS-CANA Island Saddle Lake 1.1 4.1 Peak 29 31 Bow River Loop Tramline Plain of Six Glaciers 2436 m 2.9 Creek BOW

7.1 km round trip; no elevation gain; 2 hour round trip 4.5 km one way; 195 m elevation gain; 2.5 hour round trip D 28 A VALLE Trailhead: Parking lot opposite the Lake Louise train station Trailhead: Parking lot opposite the Lake Louise train station VICTORIA Mount LAKE HIGHWAY GLACIER Sheol (restaurant). (restaurant). Victoria Haddo Mt. Open mid-May to mid-October Y 3464 m Peak 2779 m Paradise Travel on a pleasant trail in the rich riparian zone of the PARKWAY Follow in the footsteps – or trolley wheels – of travellers Mount 3070 m

Bow River. These waters travel across the prairies to their who, a century ago, were dropped off at the railway station Aberdeen .5 3152 m 1 ultimate destination in Hudson Bay, over 2500 kilometres and then ferried, by tram, on this 3% railway grade to the ROAD downstream of Lake Louise. Chateau Lake Louise. LEFROY 39 30 Louise Creek 32 Boulder Pass GLACIER Lake 2.8 km one way; 195 m elevation gain; 1.5 hour round trip 8.6 km to the pass; 640 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip Annette Temple Trailhead: From the Samson Mall parking lot, walk along Lake Louise Trailhead: Fish Creek parking area, off Whitehorn Rd, 3 km north of Lake Mount y Drive to a bridge crossing the Bow River. Cross the bridge and then Lake Louise. Lefroy 1A 3423 Giant look for the trailhead on the downstream side of the bridge. m 40 After 4 km on a wide access road, you will reach a world Steps 2.7 0. Paradise Valle 8 To Banff Hike through a thick subalpine forest, following the entire dotted with lakes and inviting alpine meadows. From the 1.1 length of Louise Creek as it rushes from Lake Louise to the pass, you get a spectacular view into a remote corner of Banff k Horseshoe Cree Bow River. National Park. Meadow 1.3 0.4 Mount Temple Side trip to Baker Lake: 3.4 km; 130 m elevation loss oraine from Boulder Pass. Visit the stunning shores of Baker Lake 41 3543 m M 2. in the valley below Deception Pass. 3 Side trip to Deception Pass: 2.4 km; 145 m elevation gain from Boulder Pass. Hike over to this windswept pass if you 37 Sentinel HORSESHOE Pass have energy to spare. Pinnacle 2611 m GLACIER Mt. 1.5 3067 m Panorama Ridg Moraine Lake Minnestimma 3493 m La 1.9 kes Babel MORAINE LAKE AREA 2.9 Safety Eiffel 0 1 2 3 Larch Wenkchemna Peak 36 2.4 Trailhead: drive 14 km from Lake Louise along the Moraine Lake Road. Peak 3084 m Valley e Emergency 4.1 Tower of Kilometres Consolation Lake Trail: start at the bridge near the Rockpile Babel Cr 38 3.2 Consolat Call 911 or, if using a satellite phone, call the park dispatch Eiffel .5 eek All other trails: begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge 35 1 Moraine office 403-762-4506. Cell phone reception is unreliable. Lake Lake 33 1887 m 33 Moraine Lake Lakeshore i Bear Warnings, Closures and other hiker restrictions Keep Wildlife Wild, and Yourself Safer on Valley 1.5 km one way; no elevation gain; 45 minute round trip 34 commonly occur in the Consolation Lakes, Larch and • Travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprise encounters. Valley of Paradise Valleys. Obtain up-to-date information by contacting a This stroll allows visitors of all abilities to explore Moraine the Ten Peaks Consolation • Do not feed, touch, or approach wildlife. Stay at least 30 to Lake. Along the trail you will gain a magnificent view of Wenkchemna Lakes Parks Canada Visitor Reception Centre. Pass 50 metres away from most animals, and 100 metres away and the Fay Glacier. 2600 m Done with this Brochure? from bears. 34 Consolation Lakes WENKCHEMNA Mount Please return for re-use to a park facility or share it with others. • Carry bear spray and know how to use it. 2.9 km one way; elevation gain 65 m; 2 hour round trip Babel Hiking to Consolation Lakes requires much less effort than 3101 m • Pets must be on a leash at all times. GLACIER FAY How was your trip? most of the Moraine Lake trails, but rewards the hiker with GLACIER views of high alpine meadows, enormous talus slopes and the Please send us your comments at [email protected] and report trail Avalanches Quadra Glacier. problems to park staff. The right combination of snow cover and slope angle can 35 Eiffel Lake produce avalanches. Be careful when crossing snow slopes or 5.6 km one way; elevation gain 370 m; 4.5 hour round trip when exposed to avalanche paths. PARADISE VALLEY AREA The trail to Eiffel Lake splits off from the Larch Valley trail and takes you to a glorious alpine lake with a panoramic view 39 More Information of the . Lake Annette 41 Sentinel Pass Connector 5.7 km one way; elevation gain 245 m; 4 hour round trip 36 Larch Valley / Minnestimma Lakes 2.3 km one way (connector only); elevation gain / loss 505 m • Lake Louise Information Centre: 403-522-3833 4.3 km one way; 535 m elevation gain; 3.5 to 4 hour round trip Trailhead: Follow the Moraine Lake Road for 2.5 km to the Paradise (depending on direction); 1 to 2 hours one way Valley parking lot on the right hand side. • Website: www.pc.gc.ca/banff Hike into a unique larch forest high above Moraine Lake. Views Trailheads: Same as Paradise Valley Area Trails and Moraine Lake of the Ten Peaks are breathtaking. The steady hike through the subalpine forest is a perfect Area Trails. • Banff Trail Conditions Report: www.pc.gc.ca/banfftrails prelude for the wonderful sensory experience that will greet 37 Connect the Sentinel Pass and Paradise Valley trails by using • Weather: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca Sentinel Pass you at Lake Annette. 5.8 km one way; elevation gain 725 m; 4.5 to 5.5 hour round trip the Sentinel Pass Connector. A vehicle shuttle is required. • Avalanche Reports, Information and Training: Route finding may be required on the rocky slopes on the Steep switchbacks lead to a glorious viewpoint of two famous 40 Paradise Valley and Giant Steps www.avalanche.ca north side of Sentinel Pass. Check with the Lake Louise valleys: Larch Valley and Paradise Valley. 10.3 or 10.9 km one way; elevation gain 385 m; 7 to 8 hour round trip Information Centre for more details. • Maps and Guide Books: Friends of Banff National Park 38 Wenkchemna Pass Trailhead: Follow the Moraine Lake Road for 2.5 km to the Paradise at 403-762-1556 or www.friendsofbanff.com Valley parking lot on the right hand side. The Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway areas include important 9.7 km one way; elevation gain 720 m; 7.5 to 8 hour round trip Easy Moderate Difficult habitat for lynx. Studies of lynx in the park have investigated lynx Travel to Eiffel Lake and beyond, wandering steadily into a Here’s a chance to inhale great views of Mount Temple, survival, movements, habitat selection and food – including the high alpine environment to reach this spectacular pass on the identify midsummer wildflowers and witness dramatic © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Printed on recycled paper. Catalogue No: R64-382/2010E Également offert en français surroundings at the Giant Steps waterfall. relationship of lynx to its favourite prey species, the snowshoe hare. Printed in 2010. Continental Divide. ISBN: 978-1-100-15294-3