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The best mountain hiking routes in Canada
Mountain hikes in Canada: Majestic peaks to conquer
With its turquoise lakes, forests, magnificent mountains, glaciers and diverse wildlife, the Canadian Rockies offer breathtaking landscapes and unspoiled nature. Whether you are an expert or a beginner in hiking, hundreds of trails are accessible in the region for all levels and all desires. Mountain hiking in Canada indeed attracts many individuals.
Those looking for a change from traditional vacations (hotels, amusement parks, etc.) can go on an adventure through the lush and picturesque landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. This is a unique opportunity to discover the sublime views of the wild nature of Western Canada.
Choosing the best hike can be complicated given all the options available. Here is a selection of the best trails offering panoramic views of the entire Canadian Rockies.
Mountain hikes in Canada: Peyto Lake (Banff National Park)
In Banff National Park, hikers can hike the trail leading to Peyto Lake. This hike in the Canadian Rockies is rather short and easy.
Around Peyto Lake, you can see landscapes typical of Western Canada. Visitors will be able to truly enjoy the beauty of nature in this region. The Peyto Lake circuit being very accessible, many hikers, beginners and professionals, use it daily. The starting point is at Icefields Parkway.
Distance: 2.7 kilometers;
Duration: 2 hours;
Elevation difference: D+ 115 meters.
Mountain Hiking in Canada: Lake Marion (Glacier National Park)
The hike leading to Lake Marion corresponds to the first part of the Crête-Abbott trail. The ascent to the lake is quite steep. The trail is winding, and once arriving at the summit (at Lake Marion), hikers can sometimes see snow falling. It is therefore advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your ascent to Lake Marion. If snow is forecast, it is best to equip yourself properly, as the slope can become very dangerous.
Distance: 4.4 km;
Duration: 2.5 hours;
Elevation difference: D+ 425 meters.
Mountain hikes in Canada: Sulfur Mountain (Banff National Park)
The path of Mont-Sulphur is very busy during the summer months. The hike starts at the Banff Upper Hot Springs parking lot.
The route has a fairly steep slope with a switchback path that allows hikers to climb steadily to the top. Once at the top, they can make a stop at the cable car visitor center. Hikers will be able to find a catering service there, as well as a souvenir shop.
Hikers can also walk the boardwalk that runs along the ridge and takes you to Pic Sanson. This is where you can visit the Sulfur Mountain Cosmic Ray Study Station, a national historic site. You can also find the meteorological observatory there which was built in 1903. These two viewpoints offer a sublime panorama of the Bow, Sundance and Spray valleys.
Distance: 12km;
Duration: 4 hours;
Elevation difference: D+ 655 meters.
Mountain hikes in Canada: Sentinel Pass via the Larch Valley (Banff National Park)
Sentinel Pass is a fairly difficult hike, generally reserved for experienced hikers.
Departure is towards Moraine Lake Lodge, in a Pine forest. The first part of the hike is particularly steep. Hikers will have about 1 hour of climbing to do, but the arrival in the Larch Valley is well worth it. In autumn, the larch trees take on a sublime gold color, highlighting the beauty of the 10 snow-capped peaks.
You will then have to cross a larch forest to reach a magnificent cirque, bordered by two mountain lakes. The final switchback climb leads directly to the crest of Col Sentinel and the other side of the mountain.
Distance: 11.6 km;
Duration: 4.5 to 5.5 hours;
Elevation difference: D+ 725 meters.
Mountain hikes in Canada: Tent Ridge Horseshoe (Mont Saint-Bruno National Park)
The Tent Ridge Horseshoe hike is challenging, but culminates in a postcard-worthy panorama.
The trail starts in the forest for about 45 minutes. It's after that that the beauty begins. Indeed, hikers then arrive on a steep path which climbs scree. The following path, however, can give some people chills. In fact, the paths are narrower and are located on the edge of the cliff.
The last part of the route leads directly to the top of Tent Ridge. The route is steep and takes place mainly on ridges.
Distance: 10.9 km;
Duration: 4 to 6 hours;
Elevation difference: D+ 852 meters.
Mountain hikes in Canada: Plain of Six Glaciers (Banff National Park)
The Plain of Six Glaciers hike is located in Banff National Park. This hike offers a magnificent route to discover Lake Louise, as well as some of the most beautiful panoramas of the Canadian Rockies.
The first part of the trail is accessible to everyone, beginners and experts. It allows you to travel along Lake Louise. As for the second part, it is more technical and has a positive altitude difference of around 400 meters. It nevertheless allows you to have magnificent views of Mont Lefroy, Mount Aberdeen, Mount Victoria, as well as the Victoria Glacier.
This trail will allow hikers to see Lake Louise and the famous Fairmont Château Hotel from a sublime angle. The starting point for this hike is at the Lake Louise parking lot.
Distance: 13.8 kilometers;
Duration: 5 hours;
Elevation difference: D+ 588 meters.
Mountain hikes in Canada: Piper Pass (Alberta)
The Piper Pass Trail is one of the most popular trails among adventure enthusiasts. One of its biggest advantages is that hikers can choose to lengthen or shorten the route depending on their time and fitness level.
The first part of the trail corresponds to Elbow Lake, whose crystal clear waters offer a magnificent reflection of the surrounding mountain range. After Elbow Lake, hikers are greeted by the magnificent Edworthy Falls.
Continuing their ascent through lush green forests, hikers will reach a majestic alpine meadow. They can then choose whether they want to walk the last 250 meters which climbs at an elevation gain of 100 meters. Those who dare to take this last climb will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama.
Distance: 22.3 km;
Duration: 7 to 9 hours;
Elevation difference: D+ 978 meters.
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