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 11 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 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 Day Hikes in the 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 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, prepared. Even short trips from the Town of Banff can Johnson Lake. From this point, views extend across the water the cool northern face of Cascade Mountain. have serious consequences. Minimize your risk by campgrounds, highways, railways, and busy trails – and Banff Area to the distinctive profile of Cascade Mountain. To complete the planning ahead. circuit around the lake, the trail crosses open slopes, passes 12 Summit still find enough food to survive. some of ’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 • At the Banff Visitor Centre ask staff for advice shallow bay where waterfowl are often sighted. Trailhead: St. Julien Road (take Wolf Street east from Banff Avenue) regarding current trail conditions, weather, and 12 Tunnel Mountain Summit population, bears need access to as much quality Accessible from downtown Banff, the switchbacking trail to this Zizka P. habitat as possible over a short period of time, with few trail classifications. low summit provides sweeping views across the town and Bow 2 Fenland Trail human surprises. • Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather. Valley, with rising dramatically to the south. The 22 Cory Pass Loop 2.1 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced 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 member in your group. This short self-guided interpretive trail under a canopy of Trailhead: Fireside day-use area, off the Parkway (Hwy 1A) the bears are doing, and give them the space they need old-growth spruce is a pleasant escape from the bustle of 13 Boom Lake The strenuous uphill trek to Cory Pass from the Bow Valley to survive. • Bring extra food, water and clothing. Surface water town. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the local 10 km round trip; 175 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hours round trip Parkway takes around two hours. It is worthwhile for the may be contaminated and unsafe for drinking. unobstructed view of , an imposing limestone ecosystem—and maybe view wildlife such as elk which call the Trailhead: Boom Lake picnic area and parking lot located 7.5 km west of Mountain weather changes quickly and it can snow area home. Castle Junction on Hwy 93S monolith that rises from the forested valley floor far below. Rather If you are looking for a rewarding trail-Boom Lake is it. This than returning to the trailhead from the pass, energetic hikers have any month of the year. 3 Surprise Corner to Hoodoos gradual elevation trail leads hikers through a picturesque forest to the option of descending into the Gargoyle Valley before returning • Tell somebody where you are going, when you will be 4.8 km one way; 90 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip a large alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Do not to their vehicles via Edith Pass. Route finding can be challenging back, and who to call if you do not return. Trailhead: Surprise Corner, east end of Buffalo Street forget to pack a shore lunch. beyond Cory Pass. • Carry a first aid kit and bear spray.

You can drive to the hoodoos, but don’t. Instead, take this Volkers D. 23 Aylmer Lookout/ Aylmer Pass pleasant trail that passes below the steep cliffs of Tunnel 14 Stoney Squaw 11.8 km one way; 560 m elevation gain; 7 to 8 hour round trip Mountain and meanders along the . As the final section 2.1 km one way; 190 m elevation gain; 1.5 hour round trip Tips: Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road. of trail ascends, views open up across the Bow Valley to Mount Trailhead: Mount Norquay ski area parking Trail Etiquette Rundle. In summer, the bus provides an easy option for The best-known view of Cascade Mountain is from Banff Avenue, The trail to Aylmer Lookout follows the western shoreline of Lake • Carry bear spray with you at all times, ensure it is at Show courtesy to fellow outdoor enthusiasts! returning to town. but for a close-up experience, plan on hiking to the summit of Minnewanka for 8 km before beginning a steady 3.8 km climb to the site of a decommissioned fire lookout. From the end of the hand, and know how to use it. 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. trail, the panorama extends in all directions, with the lake itself, • Leave what you find. Natural and cultural resources 4 Spray River West and East trail passes through a forest of trees covered in wispy lichen. bear encounters. Be alert through shrubby areas over 500 metres below, an intense blue colour. An optional hike is such as rocks, fossils, artifacts, horns, antlers, 5.6 km one way from Spray River East trailhead (Golf Course Road) to and when approaching blind corners. Travel in groups 15 Cascade Amphitheatre to backtrack 1.7 km from the lookout and the Aylmer Pass trail that wildflowers and nests are protected by law and must Spray River Bridge spurs upwards for 3.4 km to open meadows of wildflowers and always look ahead. 5.7 km one way from Spray River Bridge to Spray River West trailhead 6.6 km one way; 640 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip be left undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy. and views to the slate-grey Palliser Range. 65 m elevation gain, 3 - 4 hour round trip Trailhead: Mount. Norquay ski area parking • Report bear sightings and encounters to Parks • Take out what you bring in. Pack out all garbage, Popular with hikers, cyclists and horseback riders, these two One of the longer hikes close to town, allow a full day to reach Bear warnings, restrictions and closures are common staff at 403-762-1470, when it is safe to do so. Welcome to ! including food waste. lengthy but relatively easy trails traverse rolling terrain along this hanging valley that is carpeted with wildflowers in July throughout summer along the Aylmer Lookout/ Aylmer Pass Trail. Obtain up-to-date trail information either side of the Spray River and are generally hiked together. and August. Pick up the Scrambler’s Guide to Cascade Mountain pc.gc.ca/banff-bears • Dispose of human waste at least 100 m from any for information on route to the summit. by contacting the Banff Visitor Centre.

Rushing rivers, snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows, Volkers D. A short walk around The Fairmont Banff Springs will link the water source. Bury solid human waste in a hole 15 cm and glacially-carved cirques make the wilderness east and west trailheads. 16 Ink Pots deep. Pack out your toilet paper. surrounding the Town of Banff a popular destination 5.4 km one way (from parking area); 330 m elevation gain; 4 hour round trip with hikers. Hiking trails lace the Banff area, ranging 5 Sundance Canyon Trailhead: 22 km west of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) • To prevent damage to vegetation stay on the trail and from low-elevation strolls along boardwalks to more 3.9 km to end of pavement, plus 1.6 km loop through canyon; Beyond Johnston Canyon, a lightly travelled trail continues up and avoid shortcuts. 145 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip strenuous full-day outings that lead seasoned hikers over a forested ridge to emerge in an open meadow where warm • These trails are used by a variety of outdoor Trailhead: Cave and Basin NHS, south end of Cave Avenue to alpine passes framed by mountains permanently water bubbles up from deep below the Earth’s surface into enthusiasts. Be sure to yield to others. mantled in snow. One element all the trails have Follow the paved trail beyond the Cave and Basin National shallow pools. in common is that they provide an opportunity for Historic Site and within a few minutes of easy walking, views open up to a mountain panorama across the Bow River. After a 17 Healy Pass everyone to enjoy the natural wonders of Banff National steady climb away from the river, the paved section ends and a Wildlife Park—with the prospect of observing wildlife such as 9.0 km one way; 655 m elevation gain, 6 to 7 hour round trip narrow trail loops through a water-filled canyon. Trailhead: Sunshine Village parking lot behind the main gondola station elk, bears, and deer an added bonus. • Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife. Stay at least This trail follows sparkling Healy Creek to its source amid open 6 Silverton Falls 30 to 50 metres away from most animals, and 100 meadows above the treeline. Wildflowers bloom profusely from metres away from bears. 1 km one way; 60 m elevation gain; 40 minute round trip mid-July to late August, and in late September scattered alpine Trailhead: Rockbound Lake trail, Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), larch turn a magnificent golden yellow. • Travel in groups of 4 or more and make noise to 0.2 km east of Castle Junction prevent surprise encounters with wildlife. While nearby Johnston Canyon gets most of the attention, this 18 Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass short trail ends at the base of a waterfall that cascades over a 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, series of narrow ledges surrounded by forest. Trailhead: Trans-Canada Highway, 13 km west of Banff please respect the following. Dogs can stress wildlife A steady climb through lush forest and across rushing mountain as they can remind them of predators such as wolves 7a Johnston Canyon Lower Falls streams leads to Bourgeau Lake, the closest subalpine lake to the and coyotes. Keep your dog under control and on a 1.2 km one way; 30 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip town of Banff. A glacially-carved amphitheatre provides a dramatic leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted on trails Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Banff backdrop to the lake, with large boulders providing the perfect with seasonal restrictions. Johnston Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural features perch for a picnic lunch. Although most hikers make Bourgeau in Banff National Park. Rather than running along the rim, a their final destination, a 2.2 km difficult trail continues upwards to catwalk leads through the depths of the canyon and through a Harvey Pass, from where exceptional views extend to snowcapped low tunnel to emerge at the impressive Lower Falls, where the peaks along the Continental Divide. Avalanches cool mist of Johnston Creek lingers in the air. 19 Rockbound Lake The right combination of snow cover and slope angle 7b Johnston Canyon Upper Falls 8.4 km one way; 760 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip can produce avalanches. Be careful when crossing 2.4 km one way (from parking area); 120 m elevation gain; Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 0.2 km east of Castle Junction snow slopes or when exposed to avalanche paths. 1.5 hour round trip A long, steady climb through a mixed forest leads behind the Check the avalanche bulletin before heading out Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Banff distinctive cliffs of to open meadows and www.avalanche.ca. Beyond the Lower Falls, this trail switchbacks up to a string of flower-fringed Tower Lake, 7.7 km from the trailhead. The trail

2 Fenland waterfalls along Johnston Creek, including the 30 metre-high then climbs a low cliff band and emerges in a glacial cirque filled 8 Stewart Canyon Gignac S. P. Zizka P. Upper Falls. For a unique perspective, continue to the viewpoint by Rockbound Lake. at the top of the falls. Featured Hike Common Critters, Birds And Wildflowers More Information 8 Stewart Canyon 1.5 km one way; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road 20 Sunshine Meadows/Rock Isle Lake This low-elevation trail leads to a bridge spanning the smooth Banff Visitor Centre: 1.8 km to Rock Isle Lake; 105 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip walls of Stewart Canyon, through which the Cascade River flows 403-762-1550 Trailhead: Sunshine Village, accessed by a 6.5 km trail or a fee-based into Lake Minnewanka. But there’s no rush to reach the 224 Banff Avenue shuttle service canyon—along the way are pebbly beaches strewn with driftwood While exploring the park on Reward to effort ratio doesn’t get much better than this trail foot, take a moment to smell, and a number of enticing picnic spots. which crests the Continental Divide and then descends to a hear and look around you to Banff National Park Website: Prairie crocus Columbian ground squirrel Common raven viewpoint above Rock Isle Lake, one of the most photographed 9 Marsh Loop discover nature at its best! pc.gc.ca/banff backcountry scenes in the . From the 2.8 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip Wonder what the difference viewpoint, the 4.9 km Grizzly-Larix Lakes Loop (allow two Trailhead: Cave and Basin NHS, south end of Cave Avenue is between a chipmunk and a hours) is a natural extension for exploring the Sunshine Trail Conditions Report: Marsh Loop is an enjoyable trail that encircles a wetland filled by ground squirrel? Wondering Meadows region. The circuit follows the shoreline of two lakes, water from hotsprings flowing out of the lower slopes of Sulphur why the raven stays here pc.gc.ca/banfftrails crosses an open forest of alpine larch, and passes a viewpoint Mountain. The unique environment is best observed below the where the panorama extends across the mountainous year-round? What is that Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where exotic plant species wilderness of . such as orchids thrive. An additional 1.1 km stroll on the Marsh pretty red flower, and why is Weather: Boardwalk will take you over pristine marshland and bubbling it called Indian Paintbrush? Heart-leaved arnica Red squirrel Black-billed magpie weatheroffice.gc.ca thermal waters. Challenge yourself to answer your curiosities by learning 17 Healy Pass more about the living things – S. Gignac S. 10 Tunnel Campground Loop big and small – that call Banff For Banff area maps and guidebooks, visit a 6.5 km one way, 60 m elevation gain, 1.5 hour round trip National Park home. There are retail outlet in the Town of Banff. Trailhead: corner Tunnel Mountain Road and Tunnel Mountain Drive 21 a variety of sources to help The perfect place for an evening stroll, this lightly forested trail Sulphur Mountain remains in sight of the campground at all times. Although the 5.5 km to top of gondola, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak; 655 m elevation gain; you learn from, such as local trailhead kiosk is along Tunnel Mountain Road, the trail can be 4 hour round trip experts, books, interpretive Indian paintbrush Least chipmunk Grey jay Trailhead: Upper Hot Springs, Mountain Avenue programs, and the internet. joined at any number of points from within the campground. The switchbacks on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain provide In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or, if using a a steady grade for the hike to a summit renowned for its satellite phone, call the park dispatch office breathtaking mountain views. Take a 0.5 km side trip on the 403-762-4506. Cell phone reception is limited boardwalk trail that departs from the top of the gondola along a within Banff National Park. ridge ending at Sanson Peak and you will find more great views, remnants of the Cosmic Ray Station, and the 1903 weather observatory.

20 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: R64-422/2014E ISBN: 978-1-100-23256-0 Également offert en français )" 1.7 )" km

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n Trans-Canada Highway 1.7 km 2.1 km D (! r 12 16 Ink Pots ive 2. Bow Valley Parkway 5.4 km one way (from parking area); 330 m elevation gain; 7km 1A 4 hour round trip 0.4km 14 (! lf Road Rd km o Healy Pass 6 uay 11 W 17 15 .6km orq 6. 9 km one way; 655 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip t N Bu 4 M ffalo Stre 1.4 k G et m 4.3 km oa Park Boundary Fenland t C m re F 0.8 k ek a 18 Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass Share the trails Backcountry campground (wilderness permit required) A 4. 7.2 km one way; 725 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip 4 9 k Bow A km m venue 0.7 2 km Fairmont Banff Banff Visitor Centre 19 Rockbound2859m Lake .1 2 e Springs Hotel 8.4 km one9 3way;80' 760 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip u n e v Campground A e km Partageons les sentiers First v e 4 Banff 20 Sunshine Meadows/Rock Isle Lake a enu C Av Gondola 1.8 km to Rock Isle Lake; 105 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip Vermilion ain Day-use area unt G Lake Mo D Hospital 21 Sulphur Mountain DONE WITH THIS BROCHURE? Please 9 5 5.5 km to top of gondola, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak; .5 return to a park facility or share it with others. m I k k m 655 m elevation gain; 4 hour round trip 5 Parking Second . 1 Vermilion HOW WAS YOUR TRIP? Please send your m Lake k 3 Police comments to [email protected] . 1 21 Mount Norquay 22 Cory Pass Loop 2522m 8275'

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