What are your favorite hikes in Banff?
Jun 28th, 2011, 09:51 AM
#1
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What are your favorite hikes in Banff?
We are leaving for Banff this weekend (staying in Canmore for the week). Looking for suggestions on day hikes in the Canmore/Banff area. What are your favorites? I have "Dont Waste Your Time in the Canadian Rockies", but it is a bit overwhelming. We unfortunately won't have time for Jasper on this trip. We are fit 30-somethings that love hiking so welcome recommendations for good scenery coupled with good exercise.
Some of the hikes already on my list for the week are:
Lake O’Hara to Lake McArthur - is it too late to get reservations on the shuttle bus?
Lake Eiffel
Emerald Lake
Plain of Six Glaciers - is this the same as the hike to Lake Agnes
Some of the hikes already on my list for the week are:
Lake O’Hara to Lake McArthur - is it too late to get reservations on the shuttle bus?
Lake Eiffel
Emerald Lake
Plain of Six Glaciers - is this the same as the hike to Lake Agnes
Jun 28th, 2011, 10:40 AM
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You can do standby for the bus to Lake O'Hara--you need to book the bus 3 months in advance. I would definitely hike here if you have a chance. I suppose you could contact them and see if there is any availablility. I don't have the contact info but I am sure it is online.
The Plain of Six Glaciers and the hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse both start at Lake Louise. They are 2 separate trails We have hiked to Lake Agnes, gone over the Beehives and then down to the teahouse on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail and then hiked back to the trailhead on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. It is a long hike. We now choose one or the other--they are both great hikes. I love the setting of the teahouse at Lake Agnes even though it was absolutely freezing and windy when we were there.
I have not done the Eiffel Lake hike but it has been recommended. We did enjoy the easy hike to Consolation Lakes that starts at Moraine Lake--and of course, be sure to go to the top of the rockpile at Lake Moraine. Larch Valley is often recommended too.
Walking around all the lakes is enjoyable and easy. We enjoy lunch at Emerald Lake--we stayed there once and I love that place-- and then a short walk around the lake, stopping at Takkakaw Falls when we drive back to Lake Louise.
If it's raining or really cloudy, you can do Johnston Canyon--it is mostly paved--this is not a must do for me--I do like Maligne Canyon but that is in Jasper.
We have not done as much hiking around Banff but the area is a hiker's paradise.
The Plain of Six Glaciers and the hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse both start at Lake Louise. They are 2 separate trails We have hiked to Lake Agnes, gone over the Beehives and then down to the teahouse on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail and then hiked back to the trailhead on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. It is a long hike. We now choose one or the other--they are both great hikes. I love the setting of the teahouse at Lake Agnes even though it was absolutely freezing and windy when we were there.
I have not done the Eiffel Lake hike but it has been recommended. We did enjoy the easy hike to Consolation Lakes that starts at Moraine Lake--and of course, be sure to go to the top of the rockpile at Lake Moraine. Larch Valley is often recommended too.
Walking around all the lakes is enjoyable and easy. We enjoy lunch at Emerald Lake--we stayed there once and I love that place-- and then a short walk around the lake, stopping at Takkakaw Falls when we drive back to Lake Louise.
If it's raining or really cloudy, you can do Johnston Canyon--it is mostly paved--this is not a must do for me--I do like Maligne Canyon but that is in Jasper.
We have not done as much hiking around Banff but the area is a hiker's paradise.
Jun 28th, 2011, 12:34 PM
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You have selected some great hikes. Don't overlook the Mt. Engadine area in Kannaskis which is closer to Canmore. We have stayed at the Mt. Engadine Lodge several times and there is excellent hiking there. Beautiful wildflower meadows this time of year.
I have had good luck with last minute cancellations of the Lake O'Hara bus leaving openings for two people. Give it a shot.
I want to recommend a terrific restaurant in Canmore, the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company, and a very good brew pub, the Grizzly. Great little town and lots of fun for a holiday.
Have a terrific trip and do a trip report, please!
I have had good luck with last minute cancellations of the Lake O'Hara bus leaving openings for two people. Give it a shot.
I want to recommend a terrific restaurant in Canmore, the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company, and a very good brew pub, the Grizzly. Great little town and lots of fun for a holiday.
Have a terrific trip and do a trip report, please!
Jun 28th, 2011, 06:36 PM
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Make sure you check out the trail conditions for your chosen hikes as there's still lots of snow on some of the trails. For example, according to today's trail report, Eiffel has snow in the upper sections and Lake MacArthur is snowbound with avalanche danger:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_E.asp?oPark=100092
http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100438
http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/trailreport.aspx
When you get to Canmore, go to the tourist office and they'll be able to best guide you as to what trails are open/in good condition both in the Parks and in Kananaskis Country.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_E.asp?oPark=100092
http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100438
http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/trailreport.aspx
When you get to Canmore, go to the tourist office and they'll be able to best guide you as to what trails are open/in good condition both in the Parks and in Kananaskis Country.
Jun 29th, 2011, 08:40 AM
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Thanks for the recommendations. This has helped me come up with a daily itinerary. Since we are staying in Canmore, we don't want to spend every day in the car driving to hikes so glad to know there are great hikes right in the Canmore area, too.
Linda - Thanks for the info on the teahouse trails. I think we might try to combine Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers if we are feeling up to it and, of course, if the weather is nice.
ShelliDawn - Thanks so much for the links to the trail conditions (I was also able to find some great maps at these sites as well). Seems the shuttle bus won't be an issue since the hike we wanted to do to Lake McArthur is snow covered anyway.
cmcfong - Rocky Mtn Flatbread and Grizzy Paw are both on my list!!
Linda - Thanks for the info on the teahouse trails. I think we might try to combine Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers if we are feeling up to it and, of course, if the weather is nice.
ShelliDawn - Thanks so much for the links to the trail conditions (I was also able to find some great maps at these sites as well). Seems the shuttle bus won't be an issue since the hike we wanted to do to Lake McArthur is snow covered anyway.
cmcfong - Rocky Mtn Flatbread and Grizzy Paw are both on my list!!
Jun 29th, 2011, 08:30 PM
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Guess I can still add to this? ... my most favourite hike is Plain of Six Glaciers from Lake Louise. The wildflowers you will see along the way this time of year will be lovely. It is a busy trail and I agree, it is certainly possible to combine the Bee Hives/Lake Agnes Tea House on the same trip, especially since you do like hiking. Take in the view from Little Beehive, just back from the Tea House, well worth the views. If you time it right, you can have dinner at the Moraine Lake Lodge en route back to Canmore, see http://www.morainelake.com/dining/ because you don't have to drive further west like you would for Emerald Lake and it's every bit as beautiful, imo.
For a second day into Banff National Park (and you will have a Park fee to pay every time you enter, so make it worth your while). It will be worth taking advantage of the free entry on July 1/Canada Day, otherwise it's about $20/day for a family/group.
I would certainly recommend Johnson's Canyon for another Banff National Park day. Access via the Banff Parkway, which is the old coach highway, but be prepared for a slower drive, with stronger possibilities to spot wildlife, especially at dusk which admittedly falls late in the evening this time of year. But I digress.. the Johnson's Canyon hike itself is interesting, can be very crowded because it has been made accessible to strollers etc with the paved path. But go beyond JC up to the Inkpots... spectacular beauty! I love that hike.
If you would enjoy a more challenging hike & something outside of the Park, consider Heart Mountain, which is east of Canmore along Hwy#1, not as long a drive as Kananaskis country. Heart Creek Trail is an easy hike, Heart Mountain is a lot of elevation gain, but the pay off is fantastic views. You should definitely check with Canmore's tourist info first, as snow is clearing late this year, we understand... after this weekend, we will be able to report on that better. =)
The weather report is about perfect, we wish you happy hiking!
For a second day into Banff National Park (and you will have a Park fee to pay every time you enter, so make it worth your while). It will be worth taking advantage of the free entry on July 1/Canada Day, otherwise it's about $20/day for a family/group.
I would certainly recommend Johnson's Canyon for another Banff National Park day. Access via the Banff Parkway, which is the old coach highway, but be prepared for a slower drive, with stronger possibilities to spot wildlife, especially at dusk which admittedly falls late in the evening this time of year. But I digress.. the Johnson's Canyon hike itself is interesting, can be very crowded because it has been made accessible to strollers etc with the paved path. But go beyond JC up to the Inkpots... spectacular beauty! I love that hike.
If you would enjoy a more challenging hike & something outside of the Park, consider Heart Mountain, which is east of Canmore along Hwy#1, not as long a drive as Kananaskis country. Heart Creek Trail is an easy hike, Heart Mountain is a lot of elevation gain, but the pay off is fantastic views. You should definitely check with Canmore's tourist info first, as snow is clearing late this year, we understand... after this weekend, we will be able to report on that better. =)
The weather report is about perfect, we wish you happy hiking!
Jun 30th, 2011, 05:25 AM
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out_and_about - Thanks so much for the input and the tip on dining at Moraine Lake Lodge on the way back to Canmore. I read about Heart Mountain but wasn't sure if we should do that versus Buller Pass or Prairie View. Have you done either of the latter mentioned?
Right now, the itinerary looks like this:
Day 1 - arrive
Day 2 - Sulphur Mountain in Banff and maybe Grassi Lakes Trail in Canmore later in the day
Day 3 - Plain of Six Glaciers & Lake Agnes
Day 4 - Johnston Canyon & Ink Pots
Day 5 - Moraine Lake - hopefully Lake Eiffel weather permitting otherwise we'll stick to Rock Pile and Consoltation lakes
Day 6 - one of the trails mentioned in Canmore (Heart Mountain, Buller Pass or Prairie View)
Day 7 - Yoho for Takkakaw Falls and Emerald Lake
Day 8 - depart
Obviously this is all subject to the weather, but they are forecasting sun all week - fingers crossed!
Is there anything we should skip or anything we have left out that would be a shame to miss (besides Lake O'Hara)?
Right now, the itinerary looks like this:
Day 1 - arrive
Day 2 - Sulphur Mountain in Banff and maybe Grassi Lakes Trail in Canmore later in the day
Day 3 - Plain of Six Glaciers & Lake Agnes
Day 4 - Johnston Canyon & Ink Pots
Day 5 - Moraine Lake - hopefully Lake Eiffel weather permitting otherwise we'll stick to Rock Pile and Consoltation lakes
Day 6 - one of the trails mentioned in Canmore (Heart Mountain, Buller Pass or Prairie View)
Day 7 - Yoho for Takkakaw Falls and Emerald Lake
Day 8 - depart
Obviously this is all subject to the weather, but they are forecasting sun all week - fingers crossed!
Is there anything we should skip or anything we have left out that would be a shame to miss (besides Lake O'Hara)?
Jun 30th, 2011, 06:24 AM
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I suggest you check in with the Parks Canada office in one of the towns and find out if there are any ranger programs being offered during your stay. I have attended many and they are uniformly well presented.
Have a great trip, it is a beautiful place.
Have a great trip, it is a beautiful place.
