Best Hikes In Alberta Canada
Located in the South East of Canada, the Alberta province is a bucket-list destination for avid hikers from around the globe. It’s jam-packed full of spectacular scenery, ranging from vast turquoise lakes, to snow-capped forests, to meadows full of wildflowers… and even non-hikers will have heard of the famous Rocky Mountains.
Alberta is overflowing with National Parks such as Banff, Jasper, Waterton Lakes, and Elk Island (just to name a few), and you’ll find magical trails weaving throughout them all. On top of that, many of its parks, including the Dinosaur Provincial Park and the Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park are so special that they’ve been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites… it really is no wonder it’s such a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
Alberta really does offer unparalleled variety in terms of your hiking backdrop and, with so many hikes to choose from, you’ll definitely be able to find one that suits your ability perfectly. To help you make the most of your time there, we’ve put together this list of the best hikes in Alberta Canada – happy hiking!
Tips for Hiking in Alberta Canada
Although hiking in Alberta Canada is undeniably magical, things can turn a little sour if you don’t plan ahead. In the summer months, the days can get hot and sweaty, so make sure you pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water. In the winter months, some of the routes can become quite perilous, and you’ll need to make sure you have enough layers to keep you warm and any equipment you’ll need to scale those more challenging climbs. At the turn of the season, you’ll need your hot and cold weather gear, as things can be unpredictable.
As well as the weather, you need to be wary of the wildlife you might encounter – you’ll need to stock up some bear spray and be confident using it (for more tips on bear precautions, see here). Overall, though, if you pick a route in advance and do your research, hiking around Alberta is going to be one unforgettable experience.
Johnston Canyon Upper and Lower Falls
Hike Details
- Trail length: 2.4 km (Lower Falls), 5 km (Upper Falls) 0r 11.4 km (Ink Pots)
- Elevation Change: Elevation gain of 50 m (Lower Falls) 120 m (Upper Falls), or 215 m (Ink Pots)
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Starting Point: Banff National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Transportation: Via car - head along the Bow Valley Parkway/AB-1A until you reach the Johnston Canyon Car Park.
To prove that Alberta isn’t only a destination for mammoth hikers, we’re going to start off with a nice casual walk that takes you up to the Johnston Canyon.
Located in the Banff National Park, the hike is often referred to as simply the ‘Johnston Canyon’… but this is a little misleading as there are actually two routes that take you either to the lower or upper falls. A return hike to the lower falls is 2.4 km in distance, while it’s 5 km to the upper – either way, it’s an easygoing trail to follow and one of the most stunning trails in Banff.
You’ll wind your way up walkways, staircases, and bridges (and there’s seven a tunnel at the Lower Falls) that take you up close and personal to the limestone cliffs and flowing waters. If you have the energy, we recommend extending your trip slightly to include the nearby Ink Pots – this will make it a 5.7 km hike each way.
The Hike
Whichever route you opt for, you’ll be setting off from just behind the designated car park. From here, head along the trail through