With diverse scenery, towering peaks, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and turquoise lakes, Alberta boasts some pretty sweet hiking. Here are over 20 of our favorite scenic hikes in Alberta, and some high quality hiking gear recommendations.

Sponsored Content/Affiliate Disclosure: This story was sponsored by Helly Hansen and includes affiliate links through which I earn a commission at no extra cost to you, but all words and opinions are my own.
Table of Contents
1. Moraine Lake Rockpile, Banff National Park
It’s easy to see why beautiful Moraine Lake, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is one of Canada’s most photographed lakes. With its stunning azure color (due to rock flour particles suspended in the water) and perfect setting, it’s a must-see when in Banff National Park.
While you can easily get to the lake from the parking lot, it’s worth taking a short walk to the “rockpile.” To get there, head towards Consolation Lakes, and take a right at the first junction. Follow the well-defined trail to the “Twenty dollar view.” Moraine Lake used to grace the back of Canadian $20 bills from 1970-1993.
- Distance: 800 m loop
- Elevation Gain: 35 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Parking: End of Moraine Lake Road
While you’re there: Hike the Moraine Lake Lakeshore (1.5 km one way) or go to Consolation Lakes (2.9 km one way).
Know before you go: As of 2023, Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles. Take the Parks Canada Shuttle from the Park & Ride at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Reservations required.
For more transportation options, see our story How to Visit Moraine Lake now that Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles.
2. Peyto Lake Viewpoint & Bow Summit, Banff National Park
This short walk boasts wildflowers, mountain views, and a wolf’s head lake in a surreal shade of blue. While there is no lake access here, high above the water, the view is worth a quick stop. Continue on to the Overlook (directions in this blog post) or Bow Summit if time allows. The Overlook is even more spectacular and a lot less crowded.
- Distance: 600 m one way to Peyto Lake Viewpoint / 1.2 km to Peyto Lake Overlook / 2.9 km one way to Bow Summit
- Elevation Gain: 25 m to Viewpoint / 94 m to Overlook / 245 m to Bow Summit
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Bow Summit
For more gorgeous views between Lake Louise and Jasper, see our story: The best stops on the Icefields Parkway.
Hiking Gear for Her from Helly Hansen
Outdoor adventures call for great gear!
- Keep a waterproof/windproof jacket in your pack like the light, fully seam-sealed Helly Hansen Women’s Loke Outdoor Jacket (6 colors to choose from) with 10,000mm waterproofness and vents, plus a fleece, wool, or down midlayer.
- The Women’s LIFA Merino Base Layer Jacket (available in Terrazzo, Cactus, or Black) is made with 2-layer merino wool/polypropylene construction to wick moisture and provide warmth without being itchy, and is also odor-resistant and has two zippered hand pockets to stash snacks or keys.
- Stretchy, windproof, water-repellant, and abrasion-resistant Women’s Rask Light Softshell Pants (available in Black or Sage) are perfect for hiking, scrambling, or climbing.
- Travel fast and light with waterproof and grippy Women’s Cascade Low Cut Helly Tech Hiking Shoes (choose from Canyon, Sunset Pink, Trooper, or Black).
- Pop all the essentials in the thoughtfully-designed, hydration pack compatible Unisex Generator 20 L Backpack (available in Deep Canyon or Black).
Shop now at hellyhansen.com.
3. The Bear’s Hump, Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton has no shortage of amazing hikes, but if you’re short on time, hike the Bear’s Hump. This short but steep trail switchbacks up a bear-shaped knoll, an outcropping of Mount Crandell, across from The Prince of Wales Hotel. It has been known as “Great Bear” or “Grizzly Medicine Mountain” to the Piikani for a long time.
From the top, you have sweeping views of Waterton Lakes, the townsite, and surrounding peaks. It’s most magnificent (and less busy) at sunrise and sunset, but bring a headlamp and be bear aware!
- Distance: 1.4 km one way
- Elevation Gain: 225 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: The Bear’s Hump
If you’re up for more of a challenge, Akamina Pass and Crypt Lake are stunning day hikes!
4. Matapiiksi (Hoodoo) Trail, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park’s Matapiiksi (Hoodoo) Trail winds through wind- and water-sculpted hoodoos, up and down stairs, along the river, and even passes by an awesome display of rock art! Download the Alberta Parks Hoodoo Trail Guide for info about each numbered post along the trail.
- Distance: 2.5 km one way
- Elevation Gain: minimal
- Difficulty: easy
- Parking: Writing-on-Stone Day Use Area
Know Before You Go: It can be 10 C hotter in the hoodoos than at the campground, so plan to do this hike early in the morning when it’s cool out and bring lots of water.
For more information on this beautiful park, read our story: Why You Should Visit Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.
5. Johnston Canyon Lower & Upper Falls, Banff National Park
Johnston Canyon is one of the most-visited places in Banff, so plan to go early or late in the day, mid-week, or in the shoulder season for the best experience. Catwalks along the cliffs allow you to peer down at the creek and waterfalls below. Keep an eye out for endangered black swifts that nest in the canyon, and don’t miss the Lower Falls viewing platform at the end of a small tunnel; it gets you close enough to the falls to feel mist on your face.
- Distance: 1.2 km to Lower Falls / 2.5 km to Upper Falls
- Elevation Gain: 50 m to Lower Falls / 120 m to Upper Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Johnston Canyon
For details, see our story Exploring Johnston Canyon.
Hiking Gear for Him from Helly Hansen
- Be ready for rain with the award-winning Men’s Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Hard Shell Jacket (available in 9 colors). This waterproof-breathable jacket features eco-friendly materials (PFC-free waterproofing & 100% recycled polyester), a helmet-compatible hood, ventilation zippers, RECCO® rescue system transponder, adjustable hem with tail drop will make this your favorite jacket.
- When the temperature dips, pull on the warm and light Men’s Verglas Down Insulator Jacket (available in Blue Fog, Utility Green, or Black).
- On hot days, stay cool with the light, stretchy, and breathable Men’s Maridalen Hiking Shorts (choose from Pebble, Ebony, or Navy). Lots of pockets make it easy to keep small items handy.
- Prefer trekking pants? The Men’s Verglas Tur Hiking Pants are rugged and comfortable with 4-way stretch. 7/8 zips with 2-way zippers provide ventilation, and boot hooks are great for keeping debris out of your boots (no need for gaiters!).
- Slip on some light, waterproof Men’s Gobi APS HT Hiking Shoes (available in Alpine Frost, Alert Red, or Black) with great traction, and you’re ready to hit the trail!
See more at hellyhansen.com.
6. Badlands Trail & Coulee Viewpoint Trail, Dinosaur Provincial Park
With dramatic out-of-this-world scenery and short, easy trails, Dinosaur Provincial Park is sure to be a family favorite. On the Badlands Trail (1.3 km loop), interpretive signs describe how the awesome hoodoos, coulees, and rills formed; and why the park is a dino fossil hotspot. Coulee Viewpoint Trail (0.9 km) is another favorite for scenery; but on a hot day, seek shade on the Cottonwoods Flats Trail (1.4 km).
Discover more trails at this UNESCO World Heritage Site in our story, Exploring Dinosaur Park.
7. Ptarmigan Cirque, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Ptarmigan Cirque is the best short hike in Kananaskis, but it’s not the easiest. Starting from the highest paved pass in Canada, Highwood Pass, take the boardwalk through an alpine meadow, cross the highway, then hike straight uphill to a waterfall in a cirque. Watch for ground squirrels and bears in the meadows carpeted with wildflowers, and look for fossils on your way back (but leave them in place).
- Distance: 4.5 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 210 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Highwood Pass Day Use
Read more about this awesome trail in our story Ptarmigan Cirque, Kananaskis.
8. Cavell Meadows Trail, Jasper National Park
For spectacular glacier and mountain views, and wildflowers, hike to Cavell Meadows! The lovely trail begins at the same place as Path of the Glacier Trail, then branches off to the left, around the moraine (good place to spot marmots and pikas; then climbs through subalpine forest to Cavell Meadows, which are bursting with color in late July. Enjoy stunning views of the Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond along the way!
- Distance: 7 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 500 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: End of Cavell Road (Note: Maximum vehicle length 7.5 m / 25 feet on this winding road)
Read more about this beautiful trail in Hiking Cavell Meadows & Path of the Glacier, Jasper National Park.
9. Valley of the Five Lakes, Jasper National Park
Valley of the Five Lakes is a pretty and popular trail that takes you past five mountain lakes in varying shades of blue. Jump off the dock at Fifth Lake, get a Red Chair photo between Third and Fourth Lakes, and look for loons at First Lake!
- Distance: 4.6 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 66 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Valley of the Five Lakes
For more details on this family-friendly hike, read our story Valley of the Five Lakes, Jasper.
10. Parker Ridge, Banff National Park
All hikes near the Columbia Icefield are beautiful, but Parker Ridge is a family favorite because you get stunning glacier views with minimal effort. While it’s all uphill to gain the ridge, it’s less than 3 kilometres to the top, so you can take your time and enjoy the wildflowers, natural bonsai (kruppelholz), and views. Saskatchewan Glacier, visible from the ridgetop, is the largest of the Columbia Icefield’s six glaciers.
- Distance: 2.7 km one way
- Elevation Gain: 250 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Parker Ridge
Read more in our blog post: Hiking Parker Ridge.
11. Bow Glacier Falls, Banff National Park
Starting at cerulean Bow Lake, it’s hard to imagine how the hike can get any better, but it does! After hiking to the other side of the lake, climb big steps along a gorge, traverse a moraine, then cross the valley (hop over small streams) to beautiful Bow Glacier Falls. Standing 154 metres tall, these glacial-fed falls are the tallest on the Icefields Parkway.
- Distance: 4.6 km
- Elevation Gain: 155 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Take turnoff for Simpson’s Num-ti-jah Lodge / Bow Lake and park near outhouses. If it’s full, there’s an overflow parking lot closer to the highway.
For more info, see our story: Bow Glacier Falls, Banff National Park.
12. Wilcox Ridge, Jasper National Park
Wilcox Ridge offers panoramic views of the Columbia Icefield from an elevated viewpoint almost 8,000 feet (2,438 metres) high. The trail climbs quickly to the best Red Chair view in the Rockies, then gradually levels off as you approach the pass. While most people turn around at Wilcox Pass, we highly recommend continuing on just a bit further (1.4 km) to the ridge, for even better glacier views. The trail is marked with yellow trail markers, and is not technical, but hiking boots are recommended so you don’t slip on loose rock.
- Distance: 4 km to Wilcox Pass / 5.4 km to Wilcox Ridge
- Elevation Gain: 390 m to pass / 500 m to ridge
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Wilcox Creek
See more photos and a route description in our post: Wonderful Wilcox Pass & Ridge.
13. Plain of Six Glaciers, Banff National Park
A classic hike in the Canadian Rockies, Plain of Six Glaciers begins at legendary Lake Louise and ends at a Swiss-built alpine teahouse (open from early June until Canadian Thanksgiving – bring cash) with fantastic views of Mount Lefroy and Victoria Glacier. Take the lakeshore trail to the end of the lake, then continue onward and upward to Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. Pace yourself as most of the elevation is in the second half of the hike. Once you arrive at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, you can order tea and cakes, or sit on benches near the teahouse and enjoy the view. Return the way you came.
- Distance: 5.3 km one way to Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
- Elevation Gain: 365 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Lake Louise Parking Lot (park at the lake, not in the Village)
Going further: It’s possible to make a side trip to Abbot Pass Viewpoint (1.5 km one way, 50 m elevation gain), or return via Lake Agnes to make a 14.6 km loop.
Read our story: Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, Lake Louise for more information.
14 – 22. Strenuous Scenic Hikes (15+ km hikes) & Easy Scrambles
14. Sarrail Ridge (above Rawson Lake), Kananaskis: This super steep trail offers a sweet reward. Look down on Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lake, and across at Mount Indefatigible. 11.2 km round trip, 675 m elevation gain.
15. King Creek Ridge, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park: While it’s quite the grind and isn’t the highest peak in the area, the summit offers a spectacular view! 7 km round trip, 750 m elevation gain.
16. Tent Ridge Horseshoe, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park: Do the scramble clockwise (to avoid downclimbing the most difficult sections) and look for larches in September! 10.1 km, 820 m elevation gain.

17. Mount Allan, Kananaskis: With wildflowers galore, a “rock garden” of large conglomerate rock towers, and several false summits, you will be well rewarded for your efforts! That elevation gain is intense though! 15.9 km round trip, 1450 m elevation gain.
18. Pocaterra Cirque and Ridge, Kananaskis is one of the best larch hikes in Kananaskis: To the cirque: 2.5 km, 225m / To the ridge: 4 km, 450 m.
19. Healy Pass, Banff National Park (Alltrails): This popular trail features wildflowers in summer and larches in autumn. Although it’s long, the elevation gain is moderate, so the trail doesn’t feel too tough. 18 km, 655 m elevation gain.
20. Mount St. Piran, Banff National Park: This easy scramble branches off from the trail to Little Beehive in Lake Louise and has glacier and lake views. 12.2 km round trip, 900 m elevation gain.
21. Helen Lake and Cirque Peak, Banff National Park (Alltrails): One of my favorite hikes of all time. The first part to Helen Lake is pretty straightforward. Carrying on to Cirque Peak requires patience with the steep scree slope. Look south at castellated Dolomite Peak and west at Bow Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier. 16 km round trip, 1,100 m elevation gain.
22. Crypt Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park (Parks Canada): Touted as one of the most adventurous hikes in North America, this trail features a boat ride, waterfalls (slightly offtrail), cave, and lake. Note that a first come first served boat ride to the trailhead is required; see the Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company boat schedule for departure times. 17.5 km round trip, 675 m elevation gain.
What to Bring: Hiking Essentials
Disclosure: This section includes affiliate links through which I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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.
Some of these trails are in avalanche terrain, and are not safe in snowy conditions. Always check the Alberta Parks Trail Report or appropriate Parks Canada Trail Report (e.g. Banff, Jasper, Waterton Lakes National Park Trail Report) before you go! When in doubt, inquire at a local parks visitor information centre.
More Great Hikes
- 27 Waterfall Hikes in Southern Alberta
- South Lawson Peak, Kananaskis
- Little Lougheed, Kananaskis
- The Best Hikes of Crowsnest Pass
- The Best Short Hikes near Calgary
- The Best Short Hikes in Kananaskis
- Fantastic Fall Larch Hikes in Southern Alberta