An Adventure Guide to Alberta Hiking Trails

Alberta Hiking Trails around Lakes, Mountains and Meadows!

Alberta's national parks are excellent places to hike. If you're planning on visiting Jasper, Banff or Waterton, you won’t have any problem finding that perfect hike to suit your ability.

There are lots of family-friendly trails to pick from as well as overnight and multi-day hikes.

Not only can you do most treks and trails on your own, you can also arrange for guided tours to learn more about the area you’re exploring.

Easy hikes are less than 5 hours and can be done by anyone who is reasonably fit.

Moderate hikes are usually longer than 10 kilometers and includes a climb up to 1000 feet.

Difficult hiking may include undefined paths and trails and involve climbing or descending up to 2000 feet.

Big Savings on Banff Hotels
2011 Summer Discount Hotels
Find the Best Deals on Banff Lodges
Suites and Chalets

Great Rates on Jasper Lodges & Inns
Guaranteed Best Prices in Jasper
Save on Jasper's Discounted Hotels
for the Summer

Cheap Waterton Park Hotels
Best Deals on Waterton Park Lodges
Save on Deeply Discounted Hotels
in Waterton National Park

Best Alberta Hiking Trails - Banff National Park

• Bow River Falls is a short hike (1.5 hours) along a beautiful riverbed.
• Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in the park.
• Lake Louise Trail takes about 1 hour to hike with outstanding views of glacier lakes and mountain peaks.

• Bow Glacier Falls is a 1 hour hike around a steep gorge, lake and waterfall.
• Helen Lake Trail will take about 4 hours to complete that takes in scenic alpine meadows and wildlife.

• Mount Assiniboine Trail and Lake Minnewanka are two of the most popular overnight hikes. Backcountry beauty at its best!
• Crowfoot Pass - Only for the most experienced and hardcore hiker, you'll need to cross the Bow River on foot and climb up around 1500 feet of elevation. But the rewards are worth it - no crowds and spectacular scenery!

Alberta Adventure Hikes in Jasper National Park

• Moose Lake Trail around Maligne Lake is an easy family friendly hike that takes about 45 minutes to walk.
• Mina & Riley Lakes Loop takes you into the remote wilderness quickly from Jasper township for about 3 hours of trekking.

• The Wilcox Pass Trail is a half day hike that starts in the Icefields Parkway which showcases the Columbia icefields and high alpine peaks.
• Bald Hills Trail starts at Maligne Lake and takes about a half day to complete and is rated moderate to difficult.

• The Skyline Trail is a great high altitude hike through the Rockies and is open from July to September. You'll have stunning long distance views and lots of wildlife around.

Adventure Hiking in Waterton & Glacier National Park

Waterton Moderate Hikes Half to full day hiking can be done on the Avion Ridge Loop, Crypt Lake Trail and Carthew Alderson Trail.

There are no overnight hikes in Waterton.

For more information on the best hikes in Banff, check out the Parks Canada website.

Hike Jasper is a great site with detailed descriptions of trails throughout Jasper National Park.

Find info about hiking safety and trail in and around Waterton and Glacier National Parks at Watertonpark.com

Return from Alberta Hiking Trails to Alberta Adventure Vacation Page


Return to Ultimate Adventure Vacations Home Page