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Hike to Hector Lake

Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

3.1 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael Johnston

You may have this hike all to yourself. This hike is 5km roundtrip. Minimal elevation, with a small drop of 60m to get to the lake. Be careful when fording the river especially if you're going in the early months.

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 for use. Plenty of rainbow trout populate the lake. Be very careful fording Bow River, as it is very cold and can be high at certain times of the year with the runoff.

Hector Lake trailhead is reached by driving 18 kilometers north on the Icefields Parkway from the Trans-Canada junction. The trailhead is a minor pull off on the left with a little wooden sign labeled “Hector Lake Hike”. The trailhead for Hector Lake is not easily found. It might be a good idea to stop at the Visitors Center at Lake Louise to check current river conditions, and to get directions to the trailhead. There’s a very good chance you may be the only one parked at the trailhead.

The trail to the lake is 5 kilometers roundtrip. It is relatively flat with elevation dropping 200 feet/60 meters to the lakeshore. A possibly dangerous ford of the bow river is what makes this hike more intermediate. Special care is required in crossing the river.

When heading out on this adventure, a Parks Canada pass is required to stop anywhere in Banff National Park. The daily pass is $9.80 per adult. An annual pass is available for $67.70.

After your adventure, head to Bill Peyto’s Café located in the hostel in Lake Louise is an excellent option for beers and burgers after the hike. It’s located only 30 minutes south of the trailhead and offers fairly priced food in great surroundings.

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Features

Camping
Fishing
Photography
Swimming
Backpacking
Hiking
Lake
Scenic
Swimming Hole

Hike to Hector Lake Reviews

I have been to this lake a few times now! It's one of my favorite hidden gems! How does one book a site to camp here though? Anyone know?

My girlfriend and I attempted this hike today after following the advice of friends who completed the hike in August last year. I wish I had seen this post before! Unfortunately we were unable to ford the Bow River crossing; there had been rain that morning and still a little early in the season. The advice on this blog and accompanying comments are spot on. Go prepared with walking poles/ jelly shoes etc. Closely observe the weather and I expect this hike is accessible via this trail in July/ August onwards (weather permitting). A hidden gem no doubt with the correct preparation. Enjoy!

Even in winter this hike is easy - the hardest part is braving the cold water of the Bow river! The campsite only has 5 spots so make sure to book before you leave (especially during the summer weekends). Bring your own dry firewood if conditions are snowy/wet. Canoes are still in relatively good condition too.

This is a great hike to avoid the crowds and a best kept secret. Bring some water shoes or sandals to cross the river. Do not attempt it in bare feet. The current can be strong so be sure to keep your valuables in your pack. It's an easy 5K, and once you reach the lake you will be glad you did the trip. Bring a lunch and enjoy. There are 3 canoes donated by the park for you to enjoy!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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