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
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Banff, Alberta
Hike to the Hoodoos, Banff
5.03 mi / 295.3 ft gainThe beginning of this hike is easily accessed from the town center of Banff by the Bow river. Perfect for those without a car! Follow the trail on the side closest to town as it leads up the Bow River and into the forest following the signs for Hoodoos Loop.The hike is 4.8km one way, leading arou...Read more -
Improvement District No. 12, Alberta
Hike to Bald Hills
4.0Bald Hills is a destination that exudes what Jasper is all about. With views of Maligne Lake, the Queen Elizabeth Ranges, glaciers, forest and alpine meadowlands, it is a feast for the eyes.An early start is advisable to beat the heat and the tourist during the busy summer season. Bring plenty of...Read more -
Banff, Alberta
Take in the View at the Mount Norquay Green Spot
3.5The "Green Spot" is a beautiful grassy slope that opens up to sweeping views of downtown Banff and the surrounding area. It's a great spot for photography, especially capturing the peak of Mt. Rundle. There's also a set of chairs conveniently placed on the slope so you can kick back and enjoy t...Read more -
Kananaskis, Alberta
Hike Mount Indefatigable
4.5If you choose to do this hike, you'll find yourself at Kananaskis Lakes, one of my favourite spots in K-Country! Park your car at the Interlakes parking lot, have that one last bathroom break, and make your way north to get to the trailhead. The trailhead is impossible to miss as it's blocked off...Read more -
Bragg Creek, Alberta
Winter Hike Up Vent's Ridge
Whether it was the unseasonably warm weather; the forested, uneven, foot-wide, root-covered trail; limestone cliffs towering above me; the view of Myosotis Peak from the ridge; or exploring along Powderface Creek on the descent, this trail was an absolute blast.If you do this hike in February lik...Read more -
Bighorn No. 8, Alberta
Hike through McGillivray Canyon
1.0Between Pigeon Mountain and Mount McGilliveray, pull off the road and slow down until you see a little dirt road turn off to the large parking area.Follow the trail heading south- don't take the transcanada trail- further up you will find another small trail that takes you to the creek bed. Follo...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Hike to Bow Glacier Falls
5.05.6 mi / 508.5 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Jasper, Alberta
Hike the Cavell Meadows Trail
5.05.3 mi / 1500 ft gainJasper National Park is an outdoor wonderland filled with vibrant glacial waters and an abundance of wildlife. My favorite hike to experience the beauty of this park is the Cavell Meadows trail. At approximately 5.3 miles, the hike takes between 3-4 hours round trip so it's the perfect way to st...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Scramble the Tower of Babel
4.01.94 mi / 1726 ft gainStarting at the Moraine Lake parking lot follow the trail East along behind the large pile of boulders along the lake shore. Once you reach the foot of the Tower of Babel scramble up the slope to heading towards the valley between the two peaks. The easiest route is along one of the cliff faces w...Read more -
Jasper, Alberta
Hike along the Athabasca Glacier
4.73 mi / 700 ft gainThis is not an advertisement for the guided tour, but you will see so much more of the glacier than if you do a bus tour or just visit the roped off visitor area. Do you research and you can find a company that will take you up onto the glacier safely. It was amazing looking into the crevasses an...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Hike the Cory & Edith Pass Trail
4.09.3 mi / 3002 ft gainGoing west from Banff, take the first exit for Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway). Take the first right up to the fireside picnic area and begin your hike here. The first 5kms of the hike climb uphill through the forest, making up most of the 915m elevation gain. Watch for trail markers over the ro...Read more -
Bighorn No. 8, Alberta
Heart Mountain and Grant MacEwan Scramble
2.0A bit of a jaunt is required to get to the start of the scramble - follow the Heart Creek Trail, and after crossing the creek, look for a yellow sign that marks the scramble route. There will be exposure as well as use of hands, but it is totally do-able as long as you keep your head right!After ...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Hike to Boom Lake
4.06.2 miBoom 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, de...Read more -
Canmore, Alberta
Hike Pigeon Mountain
Important note: trail closure from December 1 - June 15th.Altitude: 2,394m (7,852 ft)Elevation gain: 990m (3,247 ft)Round trip: 6-6.5 hours (15 kms)Heading West from Calgary on Trans Canada Highway #1 - take the Dead Mans Flats overpass, and go South for 1 -1.5 kms until you reach a parking lot. ...Read more -
Kananaskis, Alberta
Hike up Galatea Creek to Lillian Lake
Located on Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail) and marked by the "Galatea" sign, there's not much more to this hike other than putting one foot in front of the other, but the amount of traffic it sees is a testament to the quality of this hike.Even on the backend of winter the numerous shades of green ...Read more -
Canmore, Alberta
Hike Grotto Mountain
7.5 mi / 4429.1 ft gainFrom Highway 1A take the exit to the Alpine Club of Canada. Park near the woodpile as the actual parking lot is for Alpine Club customers. The trailhead about 30 metres up the road from the woodpile.The start of the trail is fairly relaxed but it quickly becomes a steep uphill battle. There are t...Read more