Winter is almost here, and while the cold can be a little intimidating, it’s the perfect time to get out of the city and hit the trails to take in some stunning scenery.
Snow-dusted trees, frozen streams, and peaceful paths make this season ideal for an outdoor adventure. Here are seven amazing winter hikes outside Calgary.
Johnston Canyon
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Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular winter hikes in Banff, and for good reason. The trail winds through lush forests until you emerge at a beautiful waterfall. In the winter, the falls freeze, creating a stunning ice formation. Wooden catwalks and bridges take you to either the lower or upper falls. You may even spot ice climbers climbing the falls! The trail is suitable for all ability levels.
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Johnston Canyon day-use area
Length: 2.3 km
Grotto Canyon
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Grotto Canyon is a well-marked trail located about 10 minutes from the town of Canmore. As you make your way through the canyon, you will have stunning views of the white capped mountains. Halfway through the trail, there is a waterfall and a cave that offer gorgeous photo opportunities. As you approach the end of the trail, you will encounter open spaces offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Grotto Mountain day-use area
Length: 4.2 km
Rawson Lake
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This seven-kilometre hike winds you through the forests until you reach a hidden oasis. You will walk along a lake, passing by waterfalls and a creek before making your way up a steep slope. At the top of the slope, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Rawson Lake nestled beneath Mount Serrail. This trail is beautiful year-round, but the peacefulness of winter makes it a unique destination.
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: West of the Upper Kananaskis Lake parking lot
Length: 6.8 km
Troll Falls
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Troll falls in one of the most family-friendly trails in Kananaskis, and it turns almost magical in the winter months. The trail winds you through snow-covered trees before arriving at an absolutely breathtaking waterfall. It’s a short and easy hike, perfect for anyone looking for a winter escape.
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Troll Falls Trailhead day-use area or Ribbon Creek day-use area
Length: 1.2 km
Elbow Falls
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Elbow Falls is a very short hike located near Bragg Creek, perfect for all ability levels. The trail loops around a set of cascading falls, which turn into a gorgeous sight in the winter.
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Elbow Falls day-use area
Length: 0.8 km
Chester Lake
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The Chester Lake trail will take you through stunning alpine meadows and lush forests before you arrive at Chester Lake. In the winter, you can choose to hike or snowshoe along the trail, with a separate snowshoeing path available. The lake sits beneath Mount Chester, offering beautiful views of the mountain and the lake.
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Chester Lake day-use area
Length: 9.2 km
Tunnel Mountain
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Tunnel Mountain is a Banff favourite due to its stunning views of the park and surrounding mountains. The trail leads you up the side of the mountain until you reach the summit, which offers views of the snowy park below and the gorgeous landscapes Banff has to offer.
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Tunnel Mountain Drive in Banff
Length: 4.3 km