Wildflower season is a magical time in the mountains when meadows are bursting with color. Flowers start blooming in the Canadian Rockies in late April/May at lower elevations, and peak in mid to late July at at higher elevations. Start the season in the Ghost/Waiparous area, then head to Bow Valley Provincial Park in May, and Waterton in June. Banff, Kananaskis, and Jasper wildflowers peak in mid to late July (though flowers at lower elevations bloom sooner).
Here are some of our favorite wildflower hikes in the Canadian Rockies. From mellow interpretive trails to challenging day hikes, there’s something for everyone.
Please do not pick wildflowers! Many species are annuals that must go to seed in order for new flowers to come up next year, and several alpine flowers are already threatened due to the harsh conditions they live in (ground covered in snow half the year), and climate change.
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Bow Valley Provincial Park
Wildflower season in Bow Valley Provincial Park starts early due to its lower elevation, and boasts a unique assortment of flowers not seen in many other parts of the Rockies. We recommend hiking these interpretive trails from late May until late June to see the most flowers in full bloom:
- Flowing Water Trail takes you through forest and wetlands, and along the Kananaskis River. In this lush environment, you will see lady slipper orchids, wild roses, purple clematis, brown eyed Susans, wild bergamot, Western wood lilies and purple alpine asters. 2.4 km loop.
- Many Springs Trail goes through forest to a wetland with springs, and is home to rare types of plants including blue columbines, lady slipper orchids, sparrow’s egg orchids, round leaf orchids, and wood lilies. 1.9 km loop.
- Middle Lake, a small pond, is also known for wildflowers. Look for arnica, Western wood lilies, brown-eyed susan, smooth blue asters, prairie crocuses, purple fleabane, and more. 2.5 km loop.
Since the trails are short, you can do some or all of them on the same day, then go for a picnic at Middle Lake Day Use Area and enjoy the awesome view of Mount Yamnuska.
Fore detailed trail information, see our story: Exploring Bow Valley Provincial Park.
Sunshine Meadows, Banff National Park
Sunshine Meadows is famous for flowers! While it’s possible to hike to the meadows, it’s a steep and boring 5 km hike to the trailhead, so we recommend taking the Sunshine Meadows Gondola (opens for the season on June 28, 2024). This way you have lots of energy to explore this stunning area.
There are several well-marked trails offering access to the most expansive alpine meadows in the Canadian Rockies with stunning views in all directions. Popular hikes at the top of the gondola include:
- Rock Isle Lake: 3.6 km loop, 120 m elevation gain
- Sunshine Meadows Loop takes you to Rock Isle, Larix, and Grizzly Lakes, and returns via Twin Cairns to Monarch Lookout Trail and Meadow Park Trail. 10.6 km loop, 420 m elevation gain. See Alltrails for details.
- Hosted trail walks: 1 hour or 2 hour hosted trail walks are also available for an extra charge.
Flowers are usually in their prime in the 3rd week of July, but even if the flowers aren’t in full bloom, the scenery is spectacular! Pack a lunch and lots of water so you can stay a while! (If you can’t make it to Sunshine Meadows in summer, it’s also a great larch hike! Go in late September when the larch needles turn golden for a couple weeks.)
Healy Pass, Banff National Park
For wonderful mountain views and tons of wildflowers, hike to Healy Pass! You can save $68 on the Sunshine Meadows gondola and chairlift too. Allow 5-6 hours for this moderate, well-marked trail so you have plenty of time for lunch, snack breaks, and photos. 18 km return, 750 m elevation gain.
See our story Hiking Healy Pass for more info!
Ptarmigan Cirque, Kananaskis
Ptarmigan Cirque should be on every family’s bucket list. With alpine meadows, a sculpted cirque, stream, and waterfalls, there is a lot to see over a short distance. The trail begins at Highwood Pass, the highest paved pass in Canada at 2206 m, and takes you quickly up to the cirque (it’s all up!). Glacial lilies, paintbrush, and Western Anemones (also known as Western Pasqueflowers or “hippy heads”), Sitka Valerian, mountain avens, globeflowers, and forget-me-nots steal the show in July.
Allow 1.5 hours to complete this short but steep hike, or 2-3 hours if hiking with young children. 4.5 km, 250 m elevation gain
For a complete trail writeup, see Hiking Ptarmigan Cirque.
Helen Lake, Icefields Parkway
Helen Lake is a scenic summer hike on the Icefields Parkway that boasts tons of wildflowers in late July. While the first several kilometres are in the trees, when the views open up, you are rewarded with the grand sight of Dolomite Peak and Cirque Peak, and meadows filled with paintbrush, purple asters, and arnica. Photograph reflections in mirror-like tarns, cool your feet in a sparkling stream, picnic at Helen Lake, and return the way you came. 12 km, 455 m elevation gain
Going further: If you’re up for a scramble, the views from Cirque Peak are some of the best you’ll ever see. Good hiking boots are required, and trekking poles recommended as the last kilometer is all scree.
Centennial Ridge, Kananaskis
There is an Annual Seasonal Closure of Centennial Ridge / Mount Allan from April 1 – June 21 for bighorn sheep lambing season.
Centennial Ridge Trail is a fantastic (but steep) wildflower hike in July. As soon as you get above treeline, you will enter a meadow of wildflowers filled with paintbrush, Western yarrow, brown eyed susans, and harebells. Hike to the first and second lookouts for flowers; or continue on to Olympic Summit or the summit of Mount Allan for lofty, panoramic views.
Distance (one way) and elevation:
- 2.3 km to First Lookout / Coal Mine Viewpoint, 250 m elevation
- 3.2 km to Second Lookout / Shoulder of Centennial Ridge, 680 m elevation
- 4.3 km to Olympic Summit (just past the Nakiska Ridgetop weather station), 1000 m elevation
- 5.8 km Rock Garden, 1100 m elevation
- 7.9 km to Mount Allan Summit, 1450 m elevation
Cavell Meadows, Jasper National Park
Cavell Meadows is the premiere wildflower hike in Jasper. Not only can you see a wide array of flowers, you can also see the Angel Glacier! Blooms typically peak in late July. 7 km round trip, 500 metres elevation.
Add-on: We highly recommend hiking the Path of the Glacier while you’re at Mount Edith Cavell. 1.4 km round trip, 70 metres elevation.
More Wildflower Hikes in Kananaskis
Grass Pass & Bull Creek Hills Loop, South Kananaskis
Do the Grass Pass & Bull Creek Hills loop counter clockwise for the best views, and go in June to see flowers at Grass Pass. Note: The trail isn’t well marked, so you should download the Alltrails map and directions before you go. 14 km, 800 m elevation gain
High Noon Trail, South Kananaskis
Hike this short and easy unofficial trail (download map – no signage!) in early June to see tons of butterbean, larkspur (aka delphiniums), shooting stars, arnica, and wooly mouse-ear chickweed, and violets. For a sneak peek, see our High Noon Trail Instagram reel. 5 km round trip, 200 m elevation gain.
Jumpingpound Summit, Sibbald area
Jumpingpound Summit has stunning views! Go in mid to late July for wildflowers. 6.5 km round trip, 330 m elevation gain.
Lesueur Ridge, The Ghost Public Land Use Zone
Lesueur Ridge is an excellent early season hike with lots of flowers, 45 minutes northwest of Cochrane. 8 km loop, 350 metres elevation.
Marl Lake Interpretive Trail, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
This lovely little interpretive trail starts at Elkwood Campground’s Amphitheatre and ends at a small lake. Look for orchids, paintbrush, firewood, and arnica in July. 3.1 km round trip, 25 metres elevation.
Mount Lipsett, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
For spectacular panoramic views and amazing blooms, hike Mount Lipsett in mid July. 14 km round trip, 700 metres elevation.
Raspberry Ridge, Kananaskis
June to early July is the best time of year to see columbines, mountain avens, scorpion weed, Jacob’s ladder, clematis on Raspberry Ridge. Easy way: At the junction halfway up, go left to the top and go back the way you came. Loop: Go right (counter clockwise) to go up the steep, rocky part and down the easier side. 9.8 km round trip, 650 m elevation gain.
More Wildflower Hikes in Banff and Jasper
Bow Summit Lookout, Icefields Parkway
Hike past the Peyto Lake viewpoint, through an alpine meadow, to Bow Summit. Views of cobalt Peyto Lake and the surrounding peaks are spectacular! 5.8 km, 245 m elevation gain
Johnson Lake, Banff
Look for wildflowers along Johnson Lake‘s north shore in July. This mostly flat trail offers great views of Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle. There’s a nice picnic area and small sandy beach here too! 3.1 km loop.
Parker Ridge, Jasper
Parker Ridge is one of the most scenic short hikes in Jasper! Hike to a spectacular viewpoint of the Saskatchewan Glacier, and find flowers in late July. 5.4 km, 250 m elevation gain
What to Bring
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Waterproof mid-height hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a fully-loaded backpack (or are babywearing). You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass / Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator* and map of the area, mineral sunscreen, bug spray (this DEET-free insect repellent contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
*A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required.
Know Before You Go
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis. Purchase your pass online from the Government of Alberta.
- A Parks Canada Discovery Pass / daily admission fee is required to stop in the national parks (Banff, Jasper, Waterton, Elk Island, Yoho).
- You are in bear territory. Review our Bear Safety Tips and keep bear spray accessible.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Pack out all trash and dog poop.
- Always check the weather, trail report, and park advisories (for wildlife/construction closures) before you head out!
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