5 Best Summer & Winter Hikes in the Canadian Rockies
Welcome to the Canadian Rockies, a region considered the ‘hiking capital of Canada!” This vast region spans two Canadian provinces and includes three of Canada’s most breathtaking national parks: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park. It’s a hiker’s paradise full of sky-touching peaks, lush meadows, enchanting lakes, and otherworldly rocky landscapes sculpted to perfection.
The Canadian Rockies feature some of MT Sobek’s most exciting hiking adventures. We’ll explore a few of our favorite hikes in the region to inspire your next hiking excursion.
Why Hike in the Winter or Summer?
The Canadian Rockies is a year-round hiking destination. However, summer and winter are polar opposites when it comes to the type of hiking experience.
During the summer, the trails are busy with excited trekkers seeking those turquoise water views surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the distance. Canoeing, kayaking, and chasing waterfalls are highlights of outdoor adventures to complement a day of hiking.
Winter hikes immerse you in a winter wonderland full of snowy hiking trails, skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and cozy nights by the fire in mountain cabin lodges.
5 Best Summer & Winter Hikes in the Canadian Rockies
Check out our recommendations for the best hikes to trek in the Canadian Rockies that are open all year long.
1. Eiffel Lake Trail
- Length: 7.4-mile (11.2 km) out-and-back trail
- Time: Approx. 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Stand in the shadows of rocky giants when you arrive at the stunning Eiffel Lake in Banff National Park. The pristine turquoise lake perfectly mirrors the Valley of Ten Peaks, a series of summits rising more than 10,000 feet.
Navigating the moderate Eiffel Lake Trail takes you through the beautiful Larch Valley. Summer hikes in this area offer vistas of colorful Larch trees and Douglas Firs hugging the banks of the lake. During winter, hikers get an early peek at the upcoming lake, thanks to bare trees that reveal the landscape’s natural winter beauty. The trail takes you right to the lake shore, where your reward is a view carved out from millions of years of glacier activity.
For easy access to the Eiffel Lake Trail, stay at Moraine Lake Lodge, located near the trailhead. Alternatively, the Lake Louise Campground gives access to this trail and others nearby.
Explore Eiffel Lake during the tail-end of our Canadian Rockies Hiking & Camping Tour>>
2. Iceline Trail
- Length: 12.8 miles (20.3 km) loop trail
- Time: Approx. 7-8 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
The chilling Iceline Trail gives hikers a true sense of the height elevation in the Canadian Rockies. Warm up before this hike because it’s cold, challenging, but worth every moment to see some of Canada’s most dramatic landscapes inside Yoho National Park.
Get ready for a leg workout because the Iceline Trail kicks off with tons of switchbacks that take you above the tree line to an elevation of 3,425 feet above sea level. You’ll be hiking parallel to Emerald Glacier! The clear views showcase the melting Daly Glacier in the distance, which flows directly into Takakkaw Falls, the second-tallest waterfall in Canada.
Hike this route in the summer to see Takakkaw Falls at its full force. Pack an empty water bottle and refill with cold, refreshing (and drinkable!) glacier water running right off the rocks. Strap on your snowshoes during winter to help you navigate icy terrain and even spot ice climbers ascending frozen waterfalls.
3. Helen Lake Trail
- Length: 7.3 miles (11.7 km) out-and-back trail
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Whether you prefer snowy alpine meadows or lush, green terrain, the Helen Lake Trail is an excellent year-round hiking trail to explore in the Canadian Rockies. Its accessibility and moderate hiking conditions make it a popular choice for hikers to get their first taste of Banff National Park. You can drive right up to the trailhead and begin the hike.
The half-day journey takes hikers across the region’s diverse landscapes of alpine lakes, forests, and backdrop glaciers in just a short distance. The route traverses through the Icefields Parkway near Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Crawfoot Glacier. Helen Lake isn’t the largest lake in the park, but it has a charming setting set in the meadow surrounded by snowy mountain ridges. During the summer, you’ll see plenty of other hikers unwinding after their trek with a lakeside picnic. Take advantage of proximity to the town of Banff for a post-hike soak at the full-service Red Earth Spa at Banff Caribou Lodge.
Still craving more hiking adventure after this moderate hike? Join our Canadian Rockies Hiking Tour into the Valley of the Ten Peaks to see the famous Moraine Lake, featured on the Canadian $20 bill.
4. Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots in Winter
- Length: 7 miles (11 km) out-and-back trail
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Lonely Planet ranks Johnston Canyon to the Inkpots as one of the ‘best hikes in Canada.’ Dress warm because wintertime is one of the best times of year to experience one of the oddest natural phenomenon Canadian Rockies.
Natural wonders aren’t just above ground in Banff National Park. The ink pots are the perfect example of just what nature is capable of—even in the middle of winter! The initial section of the hike explores the winterized Johnston Canyon via a paved walkway. Start your hike early to avoid the crowds lining up to see the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The paved pathway becomes snowy terrain as you make the final stretch towards the ink pots.
The Ink Pots are underwater springs that create five pools of water. The pools remain at temperatures just above freezing level all year long, so you can still see the phenomenon in the winter. Look for the rings in the sand of the shallow pools to see the air bubbles rising from the ground. On-site signage provides additional information about them.
Witness the ink pot phenomena with a group when you join our Canada Banff & Beyond Winter Hiking Tour.
5. Lake Annette
- Length: 7 miles (11.3 km) out-and-back trail
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Welcome to paradise! Where a well-marked trail leads you directly to the scenic vistas at Lake Annette. The Paradise Valley trailhead takes you across wooden bridges, treks alongside a glacier creek bank, and ultimately reaches the clearing in the trees to see the breathtaking lake views surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.
The crystal-clear waters perfectly mirror Mount Temple, which protrudes above Evergreen trees. If you find yourself here during the summer, go for a quick dip in the cold water. Winter is an exciting time when the lake freezes over and visitors can enjoy nature’s best ice skating.
Take an alternative hiking route to also see the famous Moraine Lake to Lake Annette on our Canadian Rockies Hiking Tour.
Summer & Winter Travel Safety Tips
So, you’re ready to embark on one of these exciting hikes in the Canadian Rockies. But before you hit the trails, make sure you’re prepared for what’s to come based on the season you’re planning to hike. Here are a few practical things you should expect when hiking in this region.
- Pack layers – It’s common to experience all four seasons in a day of hiking. Dress in layers so that you can stay cool at lower elevations and warm as you ascend to higher elevations.
- Watch for bears – Grizzly and Black bears are some of the frequently seen residents of the Canadian Rockies. Bring bear spray and make noise when rounding corners to avoid becoming a threat to bears. These precautions let them know you’re approaching.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks – Whether you’re on a short or long hike, anything can happen, and you should be prepared for anything on your trek.
- Download trail maps before reaching the trailhead – You won’t find any wifi or cellphone signal in the Canadian Rockies. Make sure you’re prepared with your route map before leaving your accommodations.
- Check route conditions – weather is unpredictable in the mountains, especially in the winter. Winter hazards can cause trail closures and recent Canada fires have also impacted accessibility in the region.
Voted the Best Adventure Travel Company, MT Sobek has led guided tours through the Canadian Rockies and other popular hiking destinations worldwide. Discover even more exhilarating hiking adventures around the world. Request your free catalog and start planning your next adventure today!
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