8 hiking trails near Calgary that you need to conquer
With Calgary being so close to the mountains, we’d be foolish not to take advantage with some hiking!
Be sure to check trail conditions and pack accordingly before heading out!
Here are eight trails to check out.
Beginner
Johnston Canyon
View this post on Instagram
Located near Banff, this trail is well-worn. Better described as a nature walk than as a hike, a casual stroll will take you over a few bridges and catwalks, bringing you an arm’s-length away from some incredible waterfalls. For an additional challenge, head further up the mountain to the Ink Pots.
It’s important to note that Highway 1A, which offers access to the Johnston Canyon trailhead, is subject to seasonal road closures. For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.
Difficulty: Easy
Location: The Johnston Canyon trailhead is located off of the Bow Valley Parkway/Highway 1A, west of Banff (150 km/an hour-and-45-minute drive from Calgary)
Length: 2.3 km
Elevation: 105 m
Route type: Out and back
Lake Louise Lakefront Trail
View this post on Instagram
Lake Louise may be ranked as one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the world, but it is something to be marvelled at during the spring, summer, and fall months as well. Follow along the shoreline of the turquoise waters for some breathtaking beauty – without having to catch your breath.
Difficulty: Easy
Location: This route begins from the Chateau Lake Louise, located at 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise (183 km/approximately a two-hour drive from Calgary)
Length: 4.5 km
Elevation: 108 m
Route type: Out and back
Intermediate
Lake Agnes Trail
View this post on Instagram
An amazing way to reward yourself after an early-morning hike is to have tea and some signature apple crisp on the patio at the Lake Agnes Tea House. It has over 100 varieties of tea from all areas of the world, along with homemade sandwiches and other bites. To extend your hike, you can carry on to the Little Beehive, Big Beehive, or even take the High Line Trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: This route begins from the Chateau Lake Louise, located at 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise (183 km/approximately a two-hour drive from Calgary)
Length: 7.4 km
Elevation: 435 m
Route type: Out and back
Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
View this post on Instagram
Located just a little further back than the Lake Agnes Tea House (but easily connected), this teahouse is nestled right in the heart of Mount Lefroy. Try their homemade chocolate cake as a treat for your efforts once you get there, and enjoy the incredible vistas. They do have some season closures so make sure to check the teahouse site before heading out.
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: This route begins from the Chateau Lake Louise, located at 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise (183 km/approximately a two-hour drive from Calgary)
Length: 14.6 km
Elevation: 588 m
Route type: Out and back
Sulphur Mountain Trail
View this post on Instagram
Known as one of the classic trails in the Banff area, this trail is conveniently connected to the Banff Gondola. You’ll reach an elevation of 2,292 metres at the top, and, luckily, you can always catch the gondola down if one way was enough for you – or if you happen to have a few too many beers with lunch at the mountaintop restaurant.
Difficulty: Hard
Location: The Sulphur Mountain trailhead is accessible from the Banff Gondola parking lot on Mountain Avenue, Banff (133 km/one-and-a-half-hour drive from Calgary)
Length: 10.9 km
Elevation: 756 m
Route type: Out and back
Advanced
Ha Ling Peak
View this post on Instagram
Once you’re a little more comfortable with hiking, Ha Ling is a must-try. The view is absolutely incredible and definitely worth the challenge. This trail is super popular, so it may be crowded more into the summer months, but that just means more people who you can give encouraging smiles on your way down!
Difficulty: Hard
Location: The Ha Ling Peak trailhead is located right off of Highway 742 in Kananaskis, southwest of Canmore (111 km/an hour-and-20-minute drive from Calgary)
Length: 7.2 km
Elevation: 748 m
Route type: Out and back
Moose Mountain
View this post on Instagram
Just outside of Bragg Creek, Moose Mountain is home to the highest wildfire lookout point in all of Alberta. This hike definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, but you’ll practically be able to touch the clouds when you get to the top.
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: The Moose Mountain trailhead can be found off of Moose Mountain Road off of Highway 66, west of Bragg Creek (69 km/approximately a one-hour drive from Calgary)
Length: 13.8 km
Elevation: 766 m
Route type: Out and back
Yamnuska Ridge & CMC Valley Trail
View this post on Instagram
Another token hike in the Canmore area, be prepared for a steep haul on this one. There is also a bit of scrambling (loose rocks) near the top, but the view into the valley below is so worth it. There are chains bolted into the mountain on some steeper areas so you can navigate around a little more safely, but don’t let that scare you away!
Difficulty: Hard
Location: The Mount Yamnuska trailhead is located off of Highway 1A/Bow Valley Trail in Seebe, Alberta (85 km/one-hour drive from Calgary)
Length: 8.9 km
Elevation: 915 m
Route type: Loop
The original version of this article was written for Daily Hive by Sarah Mang