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Home , Castle Mountain, Mount Aberdeen (Alberta), Mount Niblock, Mount Thompson (Alberta), Mount Whyte

parkscanada.gc.ca Winter, the season to play in... Welcome to winter in , MAP C ’s first national park. Whether you’re Rockbound BANFF Lake AREA NATIONAL PARK here for a family adventure or a relaxing getaway, there’s no better way to experience Tower Lake WWINTERINTER TTRAILSRAILS the area’s pristine mountain landscape than on foot. Lace up your boots, Baker Creek Chalets wax up your skis, strap on a pair of snowshoes 2766 m GUIDE 9076’ and enjoy one of our many winter trails. 12

Lake Louise

1A Castle Mountain Lookout Castle 13 Junction

RIVER 1A BOW

19 Banff

Smith Lake LAKE LOUISE

93 AREA 0 5 Également offert en français Kilometres Miles Taylor 0 3 Lake Radium Hot Springs

Cross-Country Ski Trails Season Although snow can fall at any time of the year in Cross-country ski trails are groomed regularly, border at km 7. From here, you can continue into Trails on the Bow Valley Parkway Banff National Park, optimal skiing and snowshoeing especially after a fresh snowfall. Trails are classified another 3.5 km (grooming runs from mid-November to early April. Lower as novice, easy, more difficult or most difficult based irregular) to the Lake O'Hara parking lot. elevations in the park may be available for hiking 12 Baker Creek to Protection Mountain Campground 13 (map C above): on the nature of the terrain and width of the trail. year-round. Please look at the map legend for trail difficulty ratings 7 7 Peyto (map A): (map C above): 8.7 km of trails, 20 m elevation gain as some trails contain sections of varying levels of 2.2 km one way, 45 m elevation loss 3.5 km one way, no elevation gain Single trackset Trail Report Double trackset difficulty. Actual difficulty can vary day-to-day Single trackset You can park for these trails (labelled #1, #2 & #3 Get the latest information on trail conditions by This trail has a tricky starting point, off the small depending on snow conditions. This trail (labelled “#2" on-site) runs parallel to the on-site) either near the hostel, or at the Rockbound checking trail reports online access road to the Brewster Stables behind Deer parkway, and starts across the road from the Baker Lake or Castle Lookout trailheads. Detailed maps are (www.pc.gc.ca/banfftrails) and at park information Lodge, but it offers a more gentle downhill to the Trails in Lake Louise Creek Chalets. available at Castle Mountain Village or the hostel. centres. The report is updated as conditions change Great Divide and Lower Telemark trails than trail #5. and trails are rated for their overall condition; cross 1 1 Moraine Lake Road (map A ): 8 Lower Telemark (map A): Hiking & Snowshoeing Trails country ski trails include a grooming report. 15.6 km return, 250 m elevation gain 4.0 km one way, 110 m elevation loss Double trackset with skating lane Trail Etiquette Double trackset Most of the hiking and snowshoeing trails outlined Climbing steadily, this trail includes both gently rolling MODERATE TRAILS • Skiers going downhill have the right of way Park at Great Divide trailhead, ski 700 metres, and in this guide follow summer hiking trails. They are and hilly stretches. Tracksetting ends at a viewpoint of 17 "Highline" Trail to Paradise Creek (map A): turn right at the #8 trail sign. After 4.0 km of twists not groomed or maintained during the winter • Keep to the right when meeting oncoming skiers Consolation Valley and the Ten Peaks. Beyond the 9 km return, 60 m elevation gain and turns, exit back onto the Great Divide trail, and season and may be slippery. • When resting or visiting, move off the trail viewpoint, the road crosses large avalanche paths. turn left to return to your vehicle. An excellent snowshoeing option. The trailhead is • When passing say “Track Please” and pass on left Weather can change quickly and dramatically in the same as Fairview Lookout, but at the Lookout side 2 2 Fairview (map A): 9 9 Loop (map A ): Banff National Park. Be prepared to adjust your turnoff, continue for another 40 metres on the main • Do not walk or snowshoe on ski tracks, travel 4.6 km one way, 60 m elevation gain 6.6 km or shorter versions of loop, no elevation gain activity based on current conditions. As a general trail, then turn left when you see the horse trail sign. Single Trackset Single trackset rule, if there is fresh snow, conditions may be better Avalanche risk: rated as Simple Class 1 terrain – at beside them A beautiful trail, the Fairview runs through sections of Mostly flat, following the river. To start, park near suited for snowshoeing; if the snow is old and km 1 the trail crosses the runout zone of an avalanche • Please respect pet restrictions open clearings and snow-draped woods. It’s also the Station Restaurant or just past the campground well-travelled, it may be better for hiking. path which rarely runs. • Pack out all garbage possible to make a 7.5 km loop (160 m total elevation kiosk, or use the connecting trail from the Post Hotel If you’re looking for trails not in this guide, consult Mirror Lake via hiking trail Wildlife gain) using the Fairview trail, the Moraine Lake Road or the Samson Mall. with Parks Canada information centres for more trip 18 (map A): 5.4 km return, 295 m elevation gain and the Tramline trail: the recommended direction is planning assistance. Winter offers a unique glimpse at counter-clockwise. 10 Campground Loop (map A): From the , follow the main Lake wildlife as prints in the snow 2.2 km outer loop, 15 m elevation gain Agnes trail. reveal the story of their

3 Tramline (map A): Trails near Lake Louise Rob Moss Double trackset with skating lane Avalanche risk: Beyond Mirror Lake, the trail to movements. Learn how to 4.8 km one way, 195 m elevation gain This trail loops around and through the campground Lake Agnes is rated as Challenging Class 2 terrain for identify a few tracks and Double trackset Hiking Snowshoeing on gentle terrain. For access, park just past the avalanche exposure, and travel is not recommended. find out whose habitat This trail runs from valley bottom to Lake Louise at a campground kiosk. EASY TRAILS you’re sharing. It’s a steady 3% rise, following the old grade of the tramline DIFFICULT TRAILS 14 challenge for wildlife to that once connected the train station and the Chateau 11 Townsite (map A): Lake Louise Lakeshore (map A): 19 Taylor Lake (map C above): 0.7 km one way, no elevation gain 4 km return, no elevation gain survive through a Rocky Mountain winter, but you Lake Louise. 12.6 km return, 585 m elevation gain Double trackset Starting in front of the Chateau Lake Louise, this can help make it easier. Give wildlife lots of space and This challenging trail ends in a scenic hanging valley 4 4 4 Lake Louise Loop (map A): This short trail provides access to the northwest end trail features classic views and at lake’s end, a 100 m resist the urge to approach. Observe animals from a below Mount Bell. Start at the parking lot 18 km east 4.1 km loop, 15 m elevation gain of Village Road, near all the village hotels. tall frozen waterfall. distance with binoculars or a telephoto lens. of Lake Louise or 8 km west of Castle Junction on the Double trackset Dogs This loop features a wide open ski across frozen Lake 20 Pipestone Loop (map A): 15 Fairview Lookout (map A): Trans-Canada Highway. Louise, followed by a fun “up & down” trip back 13.3 km loop, 190 m elevation gain 2 km return, 100 m elevation gain Warning: Connecting trails to O'Brien Lake or Dogs on leash are permitted in the park – just not through the woods -- just 100 metres uphill from the Single trackset This steep trail ends at a viewpoint overlooking Panorama Ridge take you into avalanche terrain. everywhere. Dogs are not allowed on the following lakeshore walking path. Use the Fairview – Lake Louise Watch for the occasional tight corner and be cautious historic Chateau Lake Louise. Start by facing the groomed ski trails: (1) Moraine Lake Road, Connector trail to ski directly from the parking lot onto on the hills. The recommended direction for the outer Lake at the World Heritage Site rock. Look left and Trails in Bow Summit Area on Icefields (2) Fairview, (3) Tramline, (5) Upper Telemark, (6) the lake. Tracksetting ends at the back of the lake, as the loop is counterclockwise. follow the trail signs for Fairview Lookout. Parkway #93N Great Divide, (7) Peyto and (8) Lower Telemark. Warning: trail up the valley crosses large avalanche paths. return via the same path; the loop option Dogs can also add stress to wildlife; just the sight of 21 Hector (map A): is not safe in the winter due to avalanches. EASY TRAILS a dog can remind some animals of predators 5 5 5 Upper Telemark (map A): 3.0 km one way, 95 m elevation gain like wolves and coyotes. Keep your dog 1.4 km one way, 65 m elevation loss Single trackset 16 Louise Creek (map A): 24 Peyto Lake viewpoint (map B): on a leash at all times and restrain Double trackset This trail features good views at both a major fire 5.6 km return, 195 m elevation gain 1.5 km return, 25 m elevation gain it from chasing wildlife. This trail has several steep and technically demanding protection clearing and tranquil Pipestone Pond. This is the best pedestrian option from the village to From the parking lot there are two loops. Start by hills. If you find them too imposing, they can be the lake. From Samson Mall, walk along Lake following either the unplowed upper road or take the 22 (map A) avoided by taking the “Hillside” bypass. Start in front Drummond : Louise Drive to the Bow River bridge. Cross and official trail from the north end of the parking lot. of the Chateau Lake Louise as if going to Lake Agnes, 2.7 km one way, 24 m elevation loss look for the trailhead on the downstream (south) From the viewpoint, a second loop runs through then turn right onto trail #5. Once up and behind the Single trackset side of the bridge. gladed forest. If you need a breather, this is the only flat trail in the Chateau, ski steeply down to the Great Divide and 25 Meadows (map B): Lower Telemark trails. Pipestone trail system. CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAIL DIFFICULTY RATING 8 km return, 80 m elevation gain 6 6 Great Divide or “Old 1A” (map A): 23 Merlin (map A): Park near Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. From the lot, snowshoe 2.3 km one way, 55 m elevation gain past the lodge for about 150 metres and then turn 20 km return, 60 m elevation loss Novice Easy Double trackset with skating lane Single trackset north on the old horse trail into the meadows. This Watch for the old pioneer log cabins along this leg of trail is difficult to find once it's snow covered, so Mostly flat, but trending gently downhill, this trail More Difficult Most Difficult takes you to the “Great Divide” – the BC / the Pipestone. expect to find your own route and break trail. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Jasper Jasper 0 2 Kilometres CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS Miles 0 1 Planning Observation Peak Novice Ski Trails Bath 3174 m • Visit a Parks Canada information centre for trip 93 PEYTO LAKE 10414‘ planning help. MAP A Novice Track and Skating • Study trail descriptions and maps before starting. VILLAGE OF Easy Ski Trails • Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced Creek 0 4 member in your party. Kilometres LAKE LOUISE Miles Easy Track and Skating • Check the weather forecast and current trail ALBERTA 24 0 2 conditions. More Difficult Ski Trails • Travel with a friend or in a group. • Tell somebody where you’re going, when you’ll Most Difficult Ski Trails be back and who to call if you don’t return (see directory). MAP B Field 1 1 Moraine Lake Road • Be prepared for emergencies and changes in BOW LAKE 25 Fairview weather. 2 2 AREA Mount 93 • Park Trails are not patrolled. Use them at your Jimmy Simpson 3 Tramline own risk. 2966 m Lake Louise Loop 9730‘ 4 4 4 Lake O'Hara Upper Telemark Packing Parking Lot Herbert 5 5 5 20 • Trail guide and map Lake 6 6 Great Divide or “Old 1A” • Full water bottle or thermos 7 7 Peyto • High energy food E D I V I D T A E R G BOW LAKE 23 20 Lower Telemark • Sunscreen and sunglasses 93 8 • First aid kit 9 9 Bow River Loop 3084 m Pipestone 10119‘ • Repair kit Lake Louise Pond 10 Campground Loop • Lightweight emergency blanket, candle, and 6 11 Townsite lighter or waterproof matches 22 Pipestone Loop • Headlamp or flashlight 20 • Extra clothes: use the layering system! Peel off or 21 Hector add layers of synthetic material, silk or wool as 22 Drummond needed to stay dry and warm. Don’t forget extra 23 Merlin hat and gloves • Ski wax, cork and scraper 21 HIKING/SNOWSHOE TRAILS • Camera and binoculars 8 22 Park Information Centre 14 Lake Louise Lakeshore Avalanches Warden Office 93 15 Fairview Lookout If you are planning to travel in areas beyond the Viewpoint 20 6 16 Louise Creek trails described here, you may be in avalanche Downhill Ski Area terrain. In such cases, make sure you have the RV Campground 17 Highline Parking appropriate knowledge, skills and rescue 20 18 Mirror Lake equipment. For information about a trail you’re Washroom/Privy 8 BOW 24 Peyto Lake Viewpoint considering, contact a Parks Canada information No Dogs centre, consult the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale 25 Bow Lake Meadows (www.pc.gc.ca/avalanche) and read the Banff/Yoho/Kootenay daily avalanche bulletin Mud Lake (www.avalanche.ca). LAKE LOUISE 8 21 SKI AREA Mount St. Piran 2649 m 8691‘ 7 20 2976 m River Little Beehive RIVER 9764‘ 2225 m 7300‘

Pipestone 5 11 5 Lake Agnes 6 Mirror 5 9 Devil’s Thumb Lake Chateau 3 2983 m Lake Louise 7 2458 m 9787‘ 18 VILLAGE 8065‘ Big Beehive OF LAKE 2270 m C Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 4 LOUISE Catalogue No: R64-372/2010E 7448‘ 4 14 ISBN: 978-1-100-17472-3 16 Creek 1A LOUISE Louise 4 Directory LAKE 3 16 15 9 3 10 EMERGENCY 10 Dial 911 (cell phone) Cell phones are not always reliable Dial 403-762-4506 (Satellite Phone) 7 8

LAKE LOUISE INFORMATION CENTRE 7 Parks Canada: 403-522-3833 6 9 Located at: 201 Village Road, Samson Mall, Lake Louise Village 5 Fairview Mountain Or Banff/Lake Louise Tourism: 403-762-8421 2744 m 2 GENERAL 9003‘ 5 Banff Weather: 403-762-2088 1 Road Conditions: 403-762-1450 Saddle Mountain 7 17 9 2433 m Avalanche Bulletin: 1-800-667-1105 16 7983‘ Deer Parks Canada Website: CHATEAU Lodge 3 www.pc.gc.ca/banff AREA 5 Information on accommodations, dining, Visit the Lake Louise Information activities or attractions: Chateau Banff Lake Louise Tourism Website: Centre to get current information on Lake weather, trail, road reports and Louise www.banfflakelouise.com 14 2 avalanche conditions. 4 1A Banff Canadian Avalanche 1 LAKE 4 2 Association Website: 4 LOUISE www.avalanche.ca 15

Mount Aberdeen Creek 3152 m Save paper and share Haddo Peak 10342‘ Paradise 3070 m this guide with others. Sheol Mountain Banff 10073‘ 2776 m 9108‘