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Canmore, Alberta

Looking for the best hiking in Canmore? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Canmore. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Canmore

  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Hiking Jura Creek

    5.0
    From the parking lot find the trail head that leads away from the highway. This is an easy, but very interesting hike that will take you through a winding slot canyon.Take your time and explore all the various options, there are small waterfalls, and if you're feeling really adventurous you can c...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike to the Hermit of Inglismaldie

    4.0
    2 mi / 34 ft gain
    As you drive towards Johnson Lake, the road will end at a parking lot where you should park. There are restrooms and picnic tables located in this same area.  Due to the low elevation, the trail around Johnson Lake is a gentle walk, but trail conditions should always be checked especially during ...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Snowshoe to Johnson Lake

    2 mi
    This is a well-traveled hike, so if you stay on the path, you'll likely need only a good pair of boots. However, in the middle of winter, the lake freezes solid, and you might enjoy exploring a little out on the frozen lake like we did. Snowshoes definitely came in handy out there.This is a very ...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Dawn to Dusk in Banff National Park

    5.0
    6.8 mi
    This is a micro adventure in one of the world’s most desired National Parks. The common excuse for those who tend to skip the great outdoors is lack of time. This one day adventure is an example that you can cram a lot into a day! Dawn: Sunrise hike up to South Ridge in Banff. Start at the famous...
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  • Kananaskis, Alberta

    Scramble up Mount Sparrowhawk for Sunrise

    7.5 mi / 4527.6 ft gain
    Mount Sparrowhawk was the first mountain I ever fell in love with -- I knew it well, and I knew that the summit would still be accessible with a bit of snow on it in October. With waning daylight hours, it was a perfect option - albeit intense - for a sunrise hike.The trailhead is located on the ...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Hike Tunnel Mountain, Banff

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 984.3 ft gain
    The lower trailhead is only a short walk from Downtown Banff. Head east on Wolf street and up St. Julien Road and you will see the trailhead shortly after passing Wolverine street.There is also a upper trailhead on Tunnel Mountain Drive across from the carpark and viewpoint. Although this is clos...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Hike to the Hoodoos, Banff

    5.0
    3 mi / 295.3 ft gain
    The beginning of this hike is easily accessed from the town center of Banff by the Bow river. Perfect for those without a car! Follow the trail on the side closest to town as it leads up the Bow River and into the forest following the signs for Hoodoos Loop.The hike is 4.8km one way, leading arou...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Hike Mt. Yamnuska

    4.3
    5.4 mi / 855 ft gain
    This Alberta classic start just a few minutes off the Trans Canada. The trail begins gently through forests of Aspen. In spring and fall these are particularly lovely. Steadily the trail heads upwards bringing you to a three-way junction. Head right, and follow the trail Eastwards, as it zigs int...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Grillmair Chimneys Climb - Mount Yamnuska

    First route put up on Yamnuska by Hans Gmoser, Leo GrillmairSome say this was the start of modern climbing in Canada5.6 Trad Route- 8 PitchesThis climb is very unique once you get to the last pitch- squeezing your way into a cave, once at the cave you climb through a small hole which brings you o...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Kayak Two Jack Lake

    4.2
    Of all the lakes in the Banff area, this was one of my favorites to get out on the water. Don't expect the bright blue glacial waters of some of the other lakes in the Canadian Rockies, but the water is pristine and it was one of the few places I went where it felt like it was all locals hanging...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Explore Bankhead Ghost Town

    5.0
    0.81 mi / 37 ft gain
    Bankhead is a ghost town which flanks Cascade Mountain and lies just south of Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. The main portion of the ghost town is located in Lower Bankhead, which can be reach by traveling North on Range Rd 1158 (closed Nov - Apr), following the signs to Lake Minnewanka....
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Take in the View at the Mount Norquay Green Spot

    3.5
    The "Green Spot" is a beautiful grassy slope that opens up to sweeping views of downtown Banff and the surrounding area.  It's a great spot for photography, especially capturing the peak of Mt. Rundle.  There's also a set of chairs conveniently placed on the slope so you can kick back and enjoy t...
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  • Kananaskis, Alberta

    Hike the Prairie View - Jewel Pass Loop

    5.0
    9.3 mi / 2050.5 ft gain
    Park at the Barrier Lake day use area on Hwy. 40. Make your way across the dam heading west. Follow the main trail slightly north west into the trees and begin your ascent. Mostly long switchbacks with some sections getting a bit steeper near the top. As soon as you break through the trees, you'l...
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  • Kananaskis, Alberta

    Hike Alberta's Mount Baldy

    4.0
    Rated as moderate to difficult due to scrambling sections. Estimated round trip is 4-5 hours depending on experience. From highway #1, the trailhead is located 13 kms South on highway 40. You will spot a small stream on your left with a small parking area for a few cars. The trail head is often m...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Hike Cascade Mountain, Banff NP

    7.5 mi / 4800 ft gain
    From Banff, follow the Norquay Road (the west access road to Banff) up to Mt. Norquay Ski Area. The trail begins from the day lodge at the far end of the first parking lot on the right.Walk by the front of the day lodge and follow a service roaddown through the ski area past the base of three cha...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Snowshoe Mt. Norquay

    2.2 mi / 1000 ft gain
    From Banff:Take the shuttle from the town lot to Mt. Norquay Ski Lodge, it is $10 CAD one way or $15 roundtrip, but you may want to walk back. If you decide to walk back there are two options; the road or the beautiful mountain trail. The trail head can be easily picked up in the parking lot, hik...
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