The Best Camping in Alberta

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...

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...

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 Agnes sits a beautiful historic log cabin that serves an amazing variety of global tea and hand mad...

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 Canmore visitors' center. Day 1: Sunshine to Porcupine Campground (13.6 km, 8.5 mi) Start at Sunshine Vi...

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 the two campsites. There is no walking access to these campsites. You must rent a kayak or canoe, or ...

The trailhead begins directly behind the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on km 37 of the Icefields Highway. The trail is well marked and winds along the shore of Bow Lake for the first 1.2km of the hike. Eventually you will lead up to a narrow gorge and onto the crest of a glacial moraine. There are only a few spots where the trail is not as obvious, but just make sure to follow the cairns and you will be fi...

Boom Lake offers amazing views of Boom Mountain and the ridge separating Alberta and British Columbia. It is not as popular as many other hikes in the area, which means exclusion for anyone willing to explore the lake. The abundant wildlife in the area includes wolves, bears, mountain goats, deer, and moose. The view at the lake is absolutely astonishing.The Boom Lake trailhead is reached by...

This short, but steep hike includes a moderate scrambling section, leading to an open spine that becomes increasingly difficult. The views of Abraham Lake are well worth the uphill grind, however, and this makes for a great half-day or beautiful backcountry overnight trip. About one third of the way up the trail you will reach a level area, which is said to have been a Stoney vision quest site,...

Kakwa Wildland Park is 160 kilometres southwest of Grande Prairie. For travel beyond Lick Creek (roughly 10 kilometres from the park’s northern boundary) a four-wheel drive vehicle is essential. The trail to Kakwa Falls is 20km in length, and takes approximately 1.5 hours one-way if driving a 4x4 pickup truck, however off road vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) will be faster. The trail crosses several river...

The trail begins at the Siffleur Falls staging area, off the David Thompson Hwy (11) 210km west of Rocky Mountain House. The trail consists of an upper, middle, and lower falls. It is approximately 4km to the lower falls (most will turn around here) and 8km to the upper falls and campsite. This is considered an easy to moderate hike.The widened trail begins behind a well marked information sig...

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 excellent campsite is at the end of the trail, with several canoes hidden in the trees available fo...

Taking Hwy 1 West of Banff for approximately 8 miles you'll come to the Bourgeau Lake Trailhead. This trail starts with a 4.5 mile, 2460ft elevation through the forest to the beautiful Bourgeau Lake. This glacial tarn signals the start of the alpine and a wonderful morning hike on it's own. From here follow the trail up the small scree slope and enjoy the view (and most likely mountain goats) 1...

Turn off of the David Thompson Highway at Preachers Point Staging Area, approximately 60km south west of Nordegg. Beside Abraham lake, enjoy a perfect camp spot with beautiful views of the Canadian Rockies in every direction. With no cell service or amenities, this is a true experience of being the outdoors, and a cost-free stay. During the fall and winter months, you may have the area to yours...

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. There is also washrooms available in the parking lot area before you begin.To begin the hike follo...

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 Ski resort. Drive 1.6 km and then turn right onto a dirt road. After 1 km on this road you will arriv...