The Best Hiking in Alberta

Looking for the best hiking in Alberta? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Alberta. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top hiking spots in and near Alberta

Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

Hike to the Johnston Canyon Cave

4.4

3.4 mi / 700 ft gain

It’s amazing how much varied scenery you see over the course of the very short 1.7 mile hike. Follow the catwalks through the canyon as the stunning turquoise water flows below. If you’re feeling up for a longer hike, you can continue along the trail to the Ink Pots (makes for a great winter hike...
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Banff, Alberta

Dawn to Dusk in Banff National Park

5.0

6.8 mi

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...
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Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

Peyto Lake Overlook and Bow Pass Summit

4.9

4.22 mi / 863 ft gain

Peyto Lake is a scenic location on the Icefields Parkway about 40 km (25 miles) north of the town of Lake Louise. Access to the viewing area for this magnificent area is immediately off the parkway and is well signposted. From the parking lot at Bow Summit, a short paved trail leads to one of th...
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Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

Moraine Lake

4.8

Showing up at Moraine Lake before dawn is a must as to avoid the multitude of tours busses. The morning sun is subtle and magical. The lake, being glacially fed, does not reach its crest until mid to late June. When it is full, it reflects a distinct shade of blue. The color is due to the refract...
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Lake Louise, Alberta

Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers

4.7

4.2 mi / 1263.1 ft gain

Starting from the parking lot on the east end of Lake Louise, there are a few options you can take to get to the Plain of Six Glaciers. One is to head directly along the lakeshore trail, and in about 7 km (4.2 miles) you will be at the lookout offering the best vantage point of the glacier field....
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Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

Kayak Two Jack Lake

4.2

Of all the lakes in the Banff area, this was one of my favorites to get out on the water. Don't expect the bright blue glacial waters of some of the other lakes in the Canadian Rockies, but the water is pristine and it was one of the few places I went where it felt like it was all locals hanging...
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Jasper, Alberta

Explore Maligne Canyon

4.6

This canyon, although spectacular during the spring and summer as water thrashes through the canyons, should be explored in the off-season (mid-fall to late spring) to avoid masses of tourists. In addition to it being quieter, when the water levels recede, unique geological formations can be seen...
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Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

Eiffel Lake via Valley of Ten Peaks

5.0

7.35 mi / 1647 ft gain

Hike with amazing views of Valley of Ten Peaks, including Mount Fay (10,613 ft), Mount Little (10,131 ft), Deltaform Mountain (11,234 ft), and Wenkchemna Peak (10,401 ft) to two breathtaking glacial lakes in the heart of the Continental Divide. From the lake, the trail is quite easy to follow, a...
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Lake Louise, Alberta

Exploring Lake Louise

4.6

Lake Louise is one of the most photographed lakes in Canada, with reason. Many tourist walk the paved path round and head home. They miss out though. Hiking to the various tea houses surrounding the lake is a must. An easy 2 mile hike from the lake lies a tea house perched on a hill in a tight ci...
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Lake Louise, Alberta

Hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse

4.8

5 mi / 1300 ft gain

Towering peaks, glaciated valleys and crystal clear water draws thousands of visitors a year to the shores of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. A short hike takes you beyond the crowds up to Lake Agnes, in a beautiful valley surrounded by jagged peaks and golden Larch trees. At the foot of Lake...
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Jasper, Alberta

Explore Athabasca Falls

4.4

0.6 mi

Athabasca Falls is not the biggest waterfall in the area but it is one of the most powerful when it's at a full flow and attracts many visitors in the peak visiting months (late spring - early fall). In the winter, however, it's a quiet place to pull off of the Icefields Parkway and explore a bit...
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Banff, Alberta

Mount Assiniboine: Sunshine Village to Mount Shark

5.0

36.37 mi / 5869 ft gain

This trek specifically covers the distance from Sunshine Village to Mount Shark. You will need a car at Mt. Shark, as there are no shuttles from that location to Canomre or any local areas. Otherwise, you can try to hitch a ride back – your best bet is to talk with some locals or visit the Canmor...
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Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

Drive the Icefields Parkway

5.0

Starting at Lake Louise, a friend and I decided to drive up the Icefields Parkway which goes through Banff National Park into Jasper National Park. All along the parkway are pull offs and short hikes that lead to extraordinary views of lakes such as Herbert Lake, Hector Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake...
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Jasper, Alberta

Swim at Jasper National Park's Horseshoe Lake

4.6

0.9 mi

Best explored on a sunny summer day, this horseshoe shaped lake has crystal clear water that is green turquoise in colour and is surrounded by cliffs. This is a very popular cliff jumping location with the highest jump point said to be at 80 feet. An easy 1.5 km trail brings you from one side of...
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Improvement District No. 12, Alberta

Camp at Maligne Lake

4.0

Maligne Lake is one of those crystal clear unforgettable places Canada has to offer. It is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Located in Jasper National Park, Maligne lake offers great fishing, kayaking, canoeing and boat tours.Spend the day around Maligne Lodge or camp at one of t...
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Lake Louise, Alberta

Hike to Big Beehive

5.0

6.2 mi / 1710 ft gain

The hike to Big Beehive begins at the base of Lake Louise. From the parking lot, hike along the paved trail on the northeastern shore of Lake Louise. The Fairmont Chateau Hotel will be to your right with the lake to your left. Continue toward the junction for the Lake Agnes Trail. Keep right t...
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