Western Canada is a gem of the North America with its turquoise lakes surrounded by magnificent mountains. There is no other place in the world like this. I was lucky to live in the area of Canadian Rocky Mountains for one year, and I would like to share with you the best places to visit. Some of them are reachable by car, but for the most of them, you will have to put on your hiking boots and hike for few hours. I can promise you it will be worth it.
1) Spectacular view of Garibaldi Lake from Panorama Ridge, near Whistler
I believe this was the most incredible place I ever hike to. It is at 10 hours long hike; people usually do it as a multiday trip. This trail has about 30 km and 1800 m elevation. After first 9 km and 900 m elevation, there is camp by Garibaldi Lake where you can spend a night before you continue to hike up to the summit.
2) Beautiful view of Lake O'Hara from Alpine Circuit Trail in Yoho National Park
There is only one way to get to Lake O'Hara. You have to book a bus (3 months ahead) that will take you there. Some people would hike it, but it’s at least 3 to 4 hours hike, and the best views are not from the lake but from trails that start there. The best way to enjoy Lake O'Hara is to camp there for one or two nights. If you are in good shape you should consider doing Alpine Circuit Trail. It is strenuous and exhausting but revarding. The full circuit
3) Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is a glacially fed lake located in Lake Louise area in Banff National Park. It is accessible from the parking lot which makes this place busy, and you should plan to go there in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
4) Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes Tea House in Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of the most famous lakes in Banff National Park. It is accessible by car, and there are many trails you can follow ranging from easy to difficult. Plain of Six Glaciers is 15 km long hike (about 9 miles) with 457m elevation (1500 ft), it is considered to be a moderate hike, and you should be able to finish it in 5 hours.
Lake Agnes is an easy hike for 2-3 hours; it is only 7 km long with 400 m elevation. Don’t stop at Lake Agnes and continue 20 minutes do the summit where you can enjoy an excellent view of Lake Louise.
5) Bow Lake
One of my favorite lakes located just outside of Lake Louise in the direction to Jasper. It is accessible by car, and if you want it to be more adventures, you can go for Bow Lake Falls Trail which is 9 km long with 400 m elevation. All of the elevation gains is in the last 1.5km of this hike, so just save a little energy if you are hiking with children.
6) Peyto Lake
Well known for it is turquoise color, Peyto lake is one of the most favorite stops in Banff National Park. You have to walk only for 5 minutes from parking lot to reach the incredible view of Peyto Lake.
7) View from the top of the Cascade Mountain
6-8 hour long hike through the forest with a little bit of scrambling will lead you to the summit with an excellent view of the surrounding mountains.
8) Parker Ridge near Columbia Icefield
Many consider Parker Ridge to be one of the best day hikes in this area. There isn’t an end to the trail; it just ends up at a wide area where you’re free to go as far or as little as you like. It is just one mile long but very steep. The view from the ridge is totally rewarding. It took us about 2 hours but with lots of time spent taking pictures and enjoying the view.
9) Bear’s Hump Waterton National Park
One of our favorite weekend trips was the one to Waterton National Park. This hike is just for 1,5 hour, and it will give you a stunning view of the area. Prepare to sweat. It is short but steep.
10) Johnson Canyon during winter time
I didn’t like Johnson Canyon during summer. It was crowded with tourists, and the falls weren’t worth the effort. But if you are in the area during winter time, it is gorgeous. And the trail is only for about 40 minutes.
11) Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park
Emerald Lake is the greenest lake I have ever seen. It is usually not as crowded as Lake Louise but not less stunning.
12) Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park
Incredible and memorable. If I had to choose one hike in the Rockies I would like to do again. It would be Iceline Trail. This Iceline hike is a 17+ km (10⅝ + mile) loop from Whiskey Jack to the Iceline traverse then past Celeste Lake, Little Yoho and Yoho Valley trails with net elevation differential of 710 m (2,330 ft) and higher. You don’t have to do the whole loop to enjoy it. We went only for 3 hours in and then 2 hours out.
13) Chester Lake in Kananaskis, Canmore
Chester Lake is a perfect hike for September when larches are turning gold. The 5 km long (one way) trail will take you to the emerald waters of Chester Lake. It is for about 4 hours.
14) Barrier Lake Lookout in Kananaskis.
Barrier Lake Lookout is on McConnell Ridge overlooking Barrier Lake in Kananaskis Country. It is 14 km long, and you should save at least 5 hours to finish it. Elevation gain is about 615 m. The trail can be done as a loop.
15) View of Columbia Icefield from Wilcox Pass
Columbia Icefield is a very touristic place. People pay hundreds of dollars to get to the glacier. If you want to consider a little bit different experience had to the Wilcox Pass. The trail is located on the opposite side, and it will give you unique views of the glaciers. It is only 12 km long, and it can be done in 3-4 hours.