Alpine LAKES
Lake Agnes and “Little Beehive”, full day
One of Banff's “Classic Hikes” leads to a charming glacial tarn above Lake Louise with a historic teahouse on its shore. There is an option to visit the site of a former fire lookout with breathtaking views of Lake Louise and the surrounding glacier capped mountains.
Total distance: 6.8 km (4.2 miles) / with “Little Beehive” option: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation gain: 400 m (1300 feet) / with “Little Beehive” option: 480 m (1570 feet)
Trailhead: At the shore of Lake Louise.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Helen Lake, full day
Surrounded by beautiful alpine meadows with flower power, Helen Lake makes a great destination for people seeking unspoiled wilderness.
Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 455m (1500 feet)
Trailhead: East side of the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), 34.5 km (21.4 miles) north of Lake Louise, opposite the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Peyto Lake / Hector Lake, full day
Two short walks to glacier fed lakes, offering stunning views of mountains, glaciers and erosion at work. Due to a river crossing, Hector Lake might only be accessible later in the season.
Total distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Peyto Lake only: 4.8 km (3 miles)
Hector Lake only: 4.2 km (2.6 miles)
Elevation gain: 365 m (1200 feet)
Peyto Lake only: 275 m (900 feet)
Hector Lake only: 100 m (300 feet)
Trailhead: West side of the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), 18 km (11.2 miles) north of its junction with the Trans-Canada Highway
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Rockbound Lake, full day
An alpine lake nestled in a natural amphitheatre of impressive cliffs with stunning views of the Bow Valley.
Total distance: 16.8 km (10 miles)
Elevation gain: 760 m (2500 feet)
Trailhead: East side of the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), 29.5 km (18.3 miles) west of Banff, 200 m (650 feet) east of Castle Junction.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Yoho Lake - Iceline loop, full day
This trail leads to a small, green lake and on to an open slope with spectacular views of Yoho Valley and Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls.
Total distance: 9 - 13 km (5.6 - 8 miles)
Elevation gain: 360 - 700 m ( 1200 - 2300 feet)
Trailhead: Follow Highway 1 to the Yoho Valley Rd., 3.7 km (2.3 miles) east of Field, 22.3 km (13.8 miles) west of Lake Louise. Turn north and follow this road, 3.3 km (8.3 miles) to Whiskey Jack hostel. The trailhead is in the hostel parking area.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunshine Meadows, full day
Sunshine Meadows is one of the most scenic locations in the Canadian Rockies. It offers alpine lakes, stunning views and an incredible variety of wildflowers. This is Banff’s best kept secret!
Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 300 m (1000 feet)
Trailhead: Follow the Trans-Canada Highway to the Sunshine Village interchange, 9 km (5.5 mi) west of Banff town site and 21 km (13 miles) east of Castle Junction. Continue on the Sunshine Road for another 9 km (5.5 miles) to the parking area at the foot of the gondola lift.