Best Hikes Near Calgary – Best Views Easy to Moderate

Calgary’s proximity to the Rockies makes it the perfect starting point for some of the most breathtaking hikes in Alberta.

Whether you’re a casual hiker looking for a gentle stroll or a seasoned adventurer seeking challenging summits, the trails around Calgary offer a variety of options, each with stunning views of mountains, lakes, and valleys.

This guide covers the top hikes near Calgary, organized from the easiest to the most difficult, so you can find the best trails that match your experience level and take in the unforgettable scenery.

Pack your gear, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore some of the best views that Alberta has to offer!

Easy Trails

1. Grassi Lakes Trail (Canmore)
   • Distance: 4 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 125 m
   • Highlights: Stunning turquoise lakes, lush forest, and views of the Bow Valley. Great for families or beginners.
2. Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls (Banff)
   • Distance: 5.4 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 135 m
   • Highlights: A walk through a scenic canyon with waterfalls, catwalks, and layered cliffs.
3. Bow River Trail (Banff)
   • Distance: 6.4 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: Minimal
   • Highlights: Gentle riverside trail with mountain views, the Bow Falls, and spots for picnics and wildlife viewing.
4. Troll Falls (Kananaskis Country)
   • Distance: 3.4 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 60 m
   • Highlights: A forested trail leading to a scenic waterfall, perfect for kids and accessible year-round.

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Moderate Trails

1. Tunnel Mountain (Banff)
   • Distance: 4.8 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 300 m
   • Highlights: Overlooks Banff, with views of Mount Rundle, the Banff Springs Hotel, and Bow Valley.
2. Ha Ling Peak (Canmore)
   • Distance: 7 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 800 m
   • Highlights: Panoramic views of Canmore and the Bow Valley, rewarding for intermediate hikers.
3. Rawson Lake (Peter Lougheed Provincial Park)
   • Distance: 7.8 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 320 m
   • Highlights: A scenic lake surrounded by mountain peaks, especially beautiful in the early summer and fall.
4. Chester Lake (Peter Lougheed Provincial Park)
   • Distance: 9.2 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 300 m
   • Highlights: This alpine lake is surrounded by rocky peaks and lush meadows, with great spots for a picnic.
5. Ptarmigan Cirque (Highwood Pass, Kananaskis)
   • Distance: 4.5 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 260 m
   • Highlights: Dramatic cirque views, wildflowers, and stunning alpine landscapes.
6. Lake Agnes Tea House (Lake Louise)
   • Distance: 7 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 400 m
   • Highlights: Stunning lake views, ending at a tea house for refreshments, with vistas over Lake Louise and surrounding peaks.

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Difficult Trails

1. Prairie Mountain (Kananaskis)
   • Distance: 7 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 700 m
   • Highlights: Sweeping views over the foothills and Rockies from the summit, a quick but challenging workout.
2. East End of Rundle (EEOR) (Canmore)
   • Distance: 5.8 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 877 m
   • Highlights: Views over Ha Ling Peak, Canmore, and the Bow Valley; a short but steep scramble.
3. Mount Lady Macdonald (Canmore)
   • Distance: 9 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 1,200 m
   • Highlights: Spectacular ridge views, an optional heli-pad rest spot, and a rewarding, challenging climb.
4. Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass (Lake Louise)
   • Distance: 11.6 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 792 m
   • Highlights: Golden larch trees in the fall, plus a high alpine pass with expansive views of Ten Peaks and Paradise Valley.

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Very Difficult Trails

1. Mount Bourgeau (Banff)
   • Distance: 24.4 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 1,435 m
   • Highlights: Panoramic summit views, alpine lakes, and rugged scenery, ideal for experienced hikers.
2. Cascade Mountain (Banff)
   • Distance: 18 km round-trip
   • Elevation Gain: 1,500 m
   • Highlights: High-altitude views over Banff and surrounding peaks, with a strenuous ascent that’s well worth the effort.

Tips and Tricks for Hikes Near Calgary

Before setting off on any hike around Calgary, it’s essential to be well-prepared.

First, plan your trip based on the time of year: many trails around Calgary are snow-covered and challenging in winter, while summer and early fall generally offer the best conditions.

Most of the popular trailheads are a 1- to 2-hour drive from Calgary, so plan accordingly and consider carpooling or checking shuttle services for busier trails like those in Banff and Canmore.

Always bring plenty of water, layers, and weather-appropriate gear, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

For safety, tell someone your plans, carry bear spray, and be aware of wildlife in the area.

Lastly, pack essentials like a map, snacks, a first-aid kit, and sturdy footwear—these trails can vary significantly in difficulty, so it’s best to be prepared for anything.

With these tips in mind, you’re set to enjoy Alberta’s stunning natural beauty safely!