I recently had the opportunity to visit Banff city, located near Calgary in Alberta, and witnessed the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies in winter. Despite the cold and snowy conditions, my hiking adventure through the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies was an unforgettable experience.
Although our initial plan was altered due to weather conditions, we ended up having a blast and enjoying our trip to the fullest. If you’re interested in reading more about my hiking journey in the Canadian Rockies, feel free to follow my blog for a travel talk every Wednesday. And for those of you planning a similar adventure, I also have a packing list for a hiking trip in the Canadian Rockies available on my blog here.
Have you ever been to the Canadian Rockies in winter and gone hiking? Let me know in the comments below and share your experience!
Day 1 in the Canadian Rockies
We started our day with a delightful hike on the Grassi Lake trail in Canmore, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in winter. This popular hiking trail is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, including the stunning turquoise waters of Grassi Lakes.
After that, we drove to the Banff Pedestrian Bridge, an iconic landmark that offers incredible views of the Bow River and the surrounding mountains. We made a stop at the Bow Falls viewpoint, a picturesque spot where the Bow River cascades over a rock ledge, providing breathtaking photo opportunities.
Our day continued with another moderate hike on the Tunnel Mountain trail, a short and easy climb that offers panoramic views of Banff and the Bow Valley. If you’re interested in hiking in the Canadian Rockies, these are some of the best hikes in the area.
Later, we took the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where we witnessed the stunning sunset and enjoyed panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 2 in the Canadian Rockies
On this particular day, our itinerary was interrupted by a snowstorm, which meant we had to adapt our schedule and stay close to our Airbnb.
Fortunately, we had the opportunity to visit Lake Louise and hike the Lake Agnes Trail. The trailhead starts at the eastern end of Lake Louise and is well-marked. The trail leads you through the forest, up a series of switchbacks, and past Mirror Lake before reaching Lake Agnes. Although the teahouse was closed during our visit due to the winter season, we were still able to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear lake. If you have more time and energy, you can continue on the trail to the Big Beehive, which offers even more impressive views of the lake and its surroundings from what I was told.
After the hike, we drove to the town of Banff, where we had dinner at a restaurant, stopped by a candy store for some sweet treats, and shopped for some souvenirs.
Day 3 in the Canadian Rockies
Early in the morning, under a grey sky, we left for British Columbia to see the stunning Emerald Lake, located in Yoho National Park. Despite being a bit of a detour, the lake’s captivating beauty made it well worth the trip.
After our visit, we returned to Lake Louise, where we tackled the challenging Saddleback Pass Trail, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The trailhead is located just behind the Lake Louise Ski Resort, and it’s known for being one of the toughest hikes in the area. The altitude and cold temperatures made the hike even more challenging, but we persevered despite feeling like we might lose a finger or two to the biting cold.
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to complete the entire trail due to our late start, but the stunning scenery made the effort more than worthwhile.
Day 4 in the Canadian Rockies
The last day of the trip was my favorite, as we explored Jasper National Park. We began by visiting the Athabasca Glacier, one of the largest and most accessible glaciers in North America. The glacier has been retreating over the years, and you can see the signs that track its shrinking size due to climate change. We walked on a short trail that provided a stunning view of the glacier and the surrounding mountains.
Next, we took a stroll to the Sunwapta Falls, a picturesque waterfall on the Sunwapta River that cascades down through a narrow gorge. The falls are an excellent spot for taking pictures and enjoying the natural beauty of the park. I highly recommend staying as close as possible to the park, as it can take a lot of time to travel between attractions. We lost about six hours that day just in transportation, so plan accordingly.
And then we took the plane back home 🙁
Reflecting on our trip, I realized how much we did and saw in such a short time. Our initial plan was even longer, but time flew by, and we weren’t able to check off everything on our list. Nevertheless, we had an amazing time, and I’m already planning to return to the Canadian Rockies, perhaps during ski season. I’ve heard that skiing on the Canadian Rockies is an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to try it out. Have you ever skied in the Canadian Rockies? Let me know your thoughts!
Until next time,
Sofyah,
Not all storms come to disrupt your life. Some come to clear your path.
Sofyah Ov is the founder of Sofyahscorner. Through her travels, she emphasizes the art of living comfortably while adventuring, showing readers how to strike a harmonious balance between world exploration and the soft life. Having lived in 3 different continents, the writer, passionate traveler, and lifestyle enthusiast would love to teach you how you can have it all!
Quel endroit magnifique !
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Vraiment magique!