Alberta

The Tonquin Valley is well known for its strong grizzly bear population. If you plan on tackling this hike check bear warnings prior to leaving and always keep a can of bear spray easily accessible.It also is recommended that hikers wait till late summer or early autumn to complete this hike. Ear...

Hector Lake is one of the larger lakes in Banff National Park. It is surrounded by the Waputik Range to the west, and offers pristine views of the mountains. Hector Lake is idyllic and peaceful. Most tourists drive past the trailhead on the parkway, which means the hike is not at all busy. An...

The beginning of the trailhead descends down to the Maligne river where hikers have to rock hop due to the bridge being washed away in 2012. Soon after the river the elevation steadily climbs through dense forest. After about 20 minutes the forest opens into the charred aftermath of the Excelsior...

Starting 105 miles (169kms) from Rocky Mountain House, the trailhead for this hike begins across the highway from Thompson Creek Campground. There is a grassy area to park and the path extends obviously on the east side of the creek. The initial 2.5 miles (4.2kms) meanders along the creek with 2...

The Big Bend Trail is the first part of the greater Fortress Lake trail system. Situated in Jasper National Park, Canada, this hike is extremely quiet during the winter, so if you're looking for seclusion, this winter trail is for you. The trail is transformed into a wonderland during the winter ...

The hike begins with a gradual climb through shaded forest, which thins as you progress into the hanging valley. Along the way, you will pass by three amazing waterfalls: Twin Falls at 3.5km (2 mi), Burnt Rock Falls at 5.6km (3.5 mi) and the 600ft Crypt Falls at 8km (5 mi). There is also a 1km (0...

The Mosquito creek trailhead is on the east side of the Icefield parkway road just across from the Mosquito Creek Hostel. You park in front of the hostel, and hop across the road to begin the trek.The trail winds up the Mosquito Valley, occasionally popping into a clearing where you get good view...

Ribbon Creek trail is accessible via Highway 40 at the turn off for Nakiska Mountain Resort. From there take a left at Centennial Drive and then a right onto Ribbon Creek Road. The hike begins at the far end of the Ribbon Creek Trailhead parking lot. There is an old coal mining cart at the start...

Geraldine Lakes is one of the more physically demanding half-day/day trails in Jasper National Park. However, this hike rewards you with everything that makes the Canadian Rockies wonderful, with views of pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and mountain vistas.The first 1.8km to Lower Geraldine...

This area is best known for Skoki Lodge, a world class back country destination. Unfortunately Skoki Lodge is quite expensive, and very rarely has rooms available. Luckily you can still enjoy everything the area has to offer if you're on a budget. From Highway 1 take the exit to the Lake Louise S...

Trailhead Owen Creek located by the East Banff National Park Boundary on the David Thompson Highway (#11). There is no sign for Owen Creek so keep you eyes open for a pullout approximately 2kms east of the Banff National Park toll gate. You will find the trail to the right of the creek when facin...

Head to the northwest corner of the parking lot to find the trail. For the first 5.5 km the trail is quite easy, with only modest elevation increase. At 5.5 km you will arrive at what is known as the gravel flats. Depending on the time of year the gravel flats can be either quite dry or a wide, s...

The Jacques Lake trail is one of the best winter trails in Jasper National Park and allows for various activities including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping. The trip to Jacques lake is 13km one-way through a narrow mountain valley and can be quite a strenuous, but rewarding hike in...

The trek is 11.6km one way to HI-Mount Cavell Hostel and can be done on classic or skate skis. Be ready for a workout as this breathtaking ski (in more ways than one) has an elevation gain of 1,000ft. Make sure you've done your homework on current avalanche conditions and have the proper gear pac...

Park in the Lantern Creek Recreation Area across the street from the trailhead. Highway #40 is closed at the Upper Lakes and Highwood House Junction from Dec 1st to June 14th for wildlife preservation, so you will have to plan your trip here accordingly. Once you cross the street you will see the...

I first heard about Carnarvon Lake (mistakenly called Carnivore Lake) in 2015 at my sister's wedding in Rhode Island - which is actually the last place I figured I'd get a recommendation. I spent a good amount of time trying to find any mention of Carnivore Lake on the internet, and asked anyone ...