Plain of Six Glaciers, Banff National Park
This is a quintessential Banff experience that begins along the famously beautiful shores of Lake Louise. The first couple of kilometres are a flat, scenic stroll, but the trail soon begins a steady climb into a dramatic, glacier-carved valley. The path
takes you past the Victoria Glacier and offers stunning views of surrounding peaks like Mount Lefroy and Mount Victoria. The reward for this moderately difficult, 14-kilometre round-trip hike is not just the awe-inspiring view of six glaciers, but also the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. Built in 1927, this rustic cabin serves refreshments and snacks, offering a perfect mid-hike break before you make the return journey. It's a trail that delivers a bit of everything: iconic lake views, a challenging but manageable ascent, and a unique piece of history.
Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park
One of the most popular and accessible hikes in Banff, Johnston Canyon is famous for the series of catwalks bolted to the canyon walls, allowing you to walk directly above the rushing turquoise creek. The trail is relatively easy, making it a great option for families and hikers of all skill levels. The first major destination is the Lower Falls, about 1.2 kilometres in, where you can even duck through a short tunnel for a misty, close-up view. Continuing another 1.5 kilometres brings you to the more dramatic Upper Falls. For those seeking a longer day and fewer crowds, the trail extends past the falls for several more kilometres to the Ink Pots, a collection of seven beautiful, mineral-rich pools that bubble up in a serene meadow.
Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park
In Jasper, Maligne Canyon is a geological marvel and one of the park's must-see sights. Water has carved a deep, narrow gorge—over 50 metres deep in some places—out of limestone, creating a dramatic landscape of waterfalls, fossils, and swirling eddies. A well-maintained trail follows the canyon rim, with six bridges offering different perspectives of the powerful water below. You can tailor the hike to your schedule; a short walk will take you across the first two bridges, while a longer hike can cover the full 3.7-kilometre trail to the Sixth Bridge. The upper sections are the most dramatic, where the canyon is at its deepest and narrowest. It's an impressive display of nature's power and a highlight of any trip to Jasper.
Valley of the Five Lakes, Jasper National Park
For an easy but incredibly scenic outing in Jasper, the Valley of the Five Lakes is hard to beat. This trail, a loop of about 4.5 kilometres, takes you through a forest to a series of five small, stunningly clear lakes. Each lake has its own unique shade of jade and blue, a result of the glacial rock flour in the water. The path offers gentle ups and downs and is well-suited for a relaxed afternoon hike. It’s a favorite for its high scenic reward for relatively little effort, providing some of the most beautiful water colours in the park without a strenuous mountain climb.
Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park
Often hailed as one of the premier hikes in the entire Canadian Rockies, the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park is a truly spectacular adventure. The trail climbs steeply at first but soon opens up onto a high alpine bench that runs alongside the Emerald Glacier. This vantage point offers unparalleled views of the glacier, distant peaks, and the thundering Takakkaw Falls across the valley. The full loop is a strenuous 20 kilometres, but shorter out-and-back options are also possible. Hikers are rewarded with a landscape of moraines, glacial meltwater streams, and alpine meadows, making it a challenging but unforgettable day in a park aptly named from a Cree expression for 'awe and wonder'.
