Outbound Collective logo

Dawn to Dusk in Banff National Park

Banff, Alberta

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

6.8 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Matt Clark

Start your morning with 360 degree views of Banff National Park. Head out for a short climb to Cascade Falls and cool off with a dip in Quarry Lake.

This is a micro adventure in one of the world’s most desired National Parks. The common excuse for those who tend to skip the great outdoors is lack of time. This one day adventure is an example that you can cram a lot into a day!

Dawn: Sunrise hike up to South Ridge in Banff. Start at the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs where the Sulphur Mountain Trailhead begins. A 5.5km switchback trail will get you above the trees in no time to 360 degree views of the majestic Banff National Park. To avoid crowds hike a further mile to South Ridge where you will have the views all to yourself. (If you do so at sunrise, you are assured of views of the Canadian Rockies to yourself and those you hike with).

Noon: To cool off take the 15’ drive East to the adventure capital of Alberta-Canmore. On the south side of Bow Valley you will find Quarry Lake Park where you can take a dip via rope swing while taking in the Three Sisters and Ha Ling peaks.

Dusk: To finish off the day hike the short climb (20’) up to Cascade Falls where you will be given jaw dropping views of Banff National Park. Take the Lake Minnewanka exit as you return back to the park. Head to Banff Brewery in downtown Banff for local brews and great pub food to cap off your micro adventure.

For more trip planning resources including lodging, dining, and outdoor recreation, check out the Banff & Lake Louise Traveler Bureau

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Forest
Lake
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Swimming Hole

Reviews

Went out to Banff a couple summers ago and it changed my life. So beautiful, and you feel like every breath is just the purest possible air you could ever breathe.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Tunnel Mountain, Banff

Hike to the Hoodoos, Banff

Rock Climb Plutonian Shores in Banff

Explore Vermillion Lakes in Banff National Park

Rock Climb Escargot Corner

Take in the View at the Mount Norquay Green Spot