Cascade Mountain

Head out of Banff towards the Trans Canada highway. Do not get on the highway, and instead head up Mt. Norquay Rd., and follow signs for the ski resort. Park in the parking lot, and walk through the resort past the chairlifts until you get to the last one. The trail will take you down a little hill, and the first 20 minutes are relatively flat or downhill. You will come to a river and cross the bridge, and from here the switchbacks begin. Follow the switchbacks all the way up to the amphitheatre. Once in the amphitheatre, head towards the mountain and gain the ridge on the right. This will take you to the first peak. The first peak is through a rock garden and there are many cairns to show you the way. After the first peak you will hike down, then hike up to the second peak. Again, the trail is well marked and this year I noticed that there are orange squares now painted to show you the way. Follow the orange squares. You will experience an exposed section next as you traverse across to the false summit. Be careful in this section if it is wet. Once you arrive at the false summit, the trail comes around the front side of the mountain and is fairly exposed as well. From here, the trail to the summit is straightforward. Once at the summit, enjoy views of the town of Banff, Mt. Rundle, Sulphur, Borgeau, Lake Minnewanka, and the Bow Valley. Follow your same route down the mountain. Roundtrip time 8 hours.