Improvement District No. 12, Alberta

Views of the Columbia Icefield from the Icefields Parkway pale in comparison with those achieved along this trail. Few trails anywhere are so instantly and extravagantly gratifying. That being said, be prepared to share the trail with a dozen other hikers as this premier scenery is no secret.Begi...

Starting from the Wilcox Campground, this hike is 12km roundtrip. If you're just looking to stretch your legs a bit, you don't have to go the full distance, you can hike as far as the first opening.Along the route, you'll take in the expanse of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca and Dome Glacier...

The Icefields Parkway is without a doubt one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Just off the road, you’ll find one of Jasper’s hidden gems where you can explore this stunning ice cave. Venture inside (with extreme caution) to marvel at the brilliant blue walls and admire epic views of the...

This 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...

While the drive from Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway is astoundingly beautiful, it's long enough to make even the most seasoned roadwarrior crave the chance to stretch their legs.  At almost the exact halfway point on the lengthy drive lies Parker Ridge, a short but fairly steep hike rig...

The extraordinary Panther Falls can be found along the Columbia Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Alberta. This 0.3 mile long trail requires a little scrambling and extreme caution. It leads to a breathtaking view of the falls from the top where Nigel Creek descends out from a rock canyon...

The Saskatchewan Glacier is usually seen from above, on Parker's Ridge, but this much quieter trail will give you access to the very base of the glacier. Though much longer than the famous Parker's Ridge, this trail is easy and meanders through morraines and forest before reaching the toe of the ...

Hiking up Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls is a must do summer activity for all those who love waterfalls. In the winter, this canyon gets transformed into a magical winter wonderland full of interesting ice formations. The creek and falls freeze over, but open holes of flowing water are easily foun...

This is an amazing hike takes you through the beautiful Sunset Meadows to a towering scramble of Mount Coleman. The 10,000ft peak offers up a challenging scrambling section for a rewarding view of Banff National Park.The trailhead is at the Sunset Pass/Pinto Lake Trailhead. Follow Highway 93, Ice...

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...

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...

Located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Sunwapta is a short drive along the Icefields Parkway to the Rocky Mountain Lodge. You can park at the lodge and take a short walk out to the falls or if there's room, park at the parking area located next to the falls. This stunning waterfall lunges abou...

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 ...

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...

Drive up the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) for 60 km. From there you will see a small rest stop like parking lot. From there the trail is quite obvious.The trail is short, but very steep. It shouldn't take more than 45 minutes to arrive at the climb. Once there enjoy the beautiful views and var...

The trail is steep from the very beginning, which offers rewarding views from the get go. There is moderate scrambling throughout the hike up, which requires the use of hands and some minor route finding at times. Once you reach the top of Windy Point Ridge, you can continue on northeast towards ...