Alberta

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!), which is an additional 3.6 miles. To avoid the crowds, it is highly recommended to start this hi...

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 ...

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 the most breathtaking views you could ever imagine. Skip the viewpoint wooden balcony where hoards of to...

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 refraction of light off the rock flour deposited in the lake on a continual basis. If you want to stay over...

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.Another is to make a short detour up to Mirror Lake, then to Lake Agnes. Both lakes are beautiful an...

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 out.If you are coming from the town of Banff, take the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive until you reach...

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 like water seeping out of rock walls, alternating sections of running water and dry river bed, wate...

From the lake, the trail is quite easy to follow, and clearly marked with signs and maps. Follow the lakeshore west 0.1 km (300 ft), then head up the Larch Valley Trail, which switchbacks 2.3 km (1.5 miles). At the top there is an option to continue up to the Larch Valley, then Sentinel Pass, or to keep going west towards Eiffel Lake.The Eiffel Lake Trail (3.3 km/2 miles) is easy, with very lit...

Vermillion Lakes is one of the best spot's in Banff to catch a sunrise or sunset depending on the season. Although it's one of the most popular locations for photographers, there are so many different areas around the lakes that you'll never feel like it's too crowded. Mount Rundle can be photographed during anytime during the year, but be sure to check for ideal conditions to capture that perf...