Western Canada is a gem of the North America with its turquoise lakes surrounded by magnificent mountains. There is no other place in the world like this. I was lucky to live in the area of Canadian Rocky Mountains for one year, and I would like to share with you the best places to visit. Some of them are reachable by car, but for the most of them, you will have to put on your hiking boots and hike for few hours. I can promise you it will be worth it.
1) Spectacular view of Garibaldi Lake from Panorama Ridge, near Whistler
I believe this was the most incredible place I ever hike to. It is at 10 hours long hike; people usually do it as a multiday trip. This trail has about 30 km and 1800 m elevation. After first 9 km and 900 m elevation, there is camp by Garibaldi Lake where you can spend a night before you continue to hike up to the summit.
2) Beautiful view of Lake O'Hara from Alpine Circuit Trail in Yoho National Park
There is only one way to get to Lake O'Hara. You have to book a bus (3 months ahead) that will take you there. Some people would hike it, but it’s at least 3 to 4 hours hike, and the best views are not from the lake but from trails that start there. The best way to enjoy Lake O'Hara is to camp there for one or two nights. If you are in good shape you should consider doing Alpine Circuit Trail. It is strenuous and exhausting but revarding. The full circuit
3) Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is a glacially fed lake located in Lake Louise area in Banff National Park. It is accessible from the parking lot which makes this place busy, and you should plan to go there in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
4) Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes Tea House in Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of the most famous lakes in Banff National Park. It is accessible by car, and there are many trails you can follow ranging from easy to difficult. Plain of Six Glaciers is 15 km long hike (about 9 miles) with 457m elevation (1500 ft), it is considered to be a moderate hike, and you should be able to finish it in 5 hours.
Lake Agnes is an easy hike for 2-3 hours; it is only 7 km long with 400 m elevation. Don’t stop at Lake Agnes and continue 20 minutes do the summit where you can enjoy an excellent view of Lake Louise.
5) Bow Lake
One of my favorite lakes located just outside of Lake Louise in the direction to Jasper. It is accessible by car, and if you want it to be more adventures, you can go for Bow Lake Falls Trail which is 9 km long with 400 m elevation. All of the elevation gains is in the last 1.5km of this hike, so just save a little energy if you are hiking with children.
6) Peyto Lake
Well known for it is turquoise color, Peyto lake is one of the most favorite stops in Banff National Park. You have to walk only for 5 minutes from parking lot to reach the incredible view of Peyto Lake.
7) View from the top of the Cascade Mountain
6-8 hour long hike through the forest with a little bit of scrambling will lead you to the summit with an excellent view of the surrounding mountains.
8) Parker Ridge near Columbia Icefield
Many consider Parker Ridge to be one of the best day hikes in this area. There isn’t an end to the trail; it just ends up at a wide area where you’re free to go as far or as little as you like. It is just one mile long but very steep. The view from the ridge is totally rewarding. It took us about 2 hours but with lots of time spent taking pictures and enjoying the view.
9) Bear’s Hump Waterton National Park
One of our favorite weekend trips was the one to Waterton National Park. This hike is just for 1,5 hour, and it will give you a stunning view of the area. Prepare to sweat. It is short but steep.
10) Johnson Canyon during winter time
I didn’t like Johnson Canyon during summer. It was crowded with tourists, and the falls weren’t worth the effort. But if you are in the area during winter time, it is gorgeous. And the trail is only for about 40 minutes.
11) Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park
Emerald Lake is the greenest lake I have ever seen. It is usually not as crowded as Lake Louise but not less stunning.
12) Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park
Incredible and memorable. If I had to choose one hike in the Rockies I would like to do again. It would be Iceline Trail. This Iceline hike is a 17+ km (10⅝ + mile) loop from Whiskey Jack to the Iceline traverse then past Celeste Lake, Little Yoho and Yoho Valley trails with net elevation differential of 710 m (2,330 ft) and higher. You don’t have to do the whole loop to enjoy it. We went only for 3 hours in and then 2 hours out.
13) Chester Lake in Kananaskis, Canmore
Chester Lake is a perfect hike for September when larches are turning gold. The 5 km long (one way) trail will take you to the emerald waters of Chester Lake. It is for about 4 hours.
14) Barrier Lake Lookout in Kananaskis.
Barrier Lake Lookout is on McConnell Ridge overlooking Barrier Lake in Kananaskis Country. It is 14 km long, and you should save at least 5 hours to finish it. Elevation gain is about 615 m. The trail can be done as a loop.
15) View of Columbia Icefield from Wilcox Pass
Columbia Icefield is a very touristic place. People pay hundreds of dollars to get to the glacier. If you want to consider a little bit different experience had to the Wilcox Pass. The trail is located on the opposite side, and it will give you unique views of the glaciers. It is only 12 km long, and it can be done in 3-4 hours.
Amazing pictures @endijka Thumbs up..:)
Thank you, Victor :)
I love hiking Bear Hump. It is one of my favorite memories of my childhood.
Lucky you! I ve done that hike twice. I would love to just stay there forever :-)
Fucking beautiful!
This would make a great book!
Thats great idea. I will think about it :)
Wow. My favorite place on Earth! Canadian Rockies is simply breathtaking! I've been there to most of these lakes a few times. I can't get enough of it. Going to for a road trip to the rockies again this Monday. I'm so excited. 😄 Beautiful pictures btw. Thank you for sharing. Following!
I cant Agree more :)
Opravdu famózní fotky. Krásná příroda.
Watch the bears! ;-)
Ano. Je to úžasná příroda :) pokud víš co delat, medvědů se není treba bát. Jen mít respekt. :)
Awesome photos! Upvoted!😄😄😄😄😄
Wow! Its really cool! Thanks! :)
Thank you :) i am glad you like it.
oooh my GOD looks so beautiful there, you guys are lucky being there.
skoro dech beroucí krása ;-)
Někdy úplně. Člověk zapomínal, že zírá :-D
občas mi při pohledu na takovou krásu vlhnou oči. pořád a vytrvale opakuji, že příroda je ten největší a nejkrásnější chrám
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STOPwow! looks so surreal and beautiful. really great pictures
Thank you!
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Wowww @ xaero .. i am very amazed with you .. you visit a very beautiful place
@endijka, Wow poto and a very nice view
Thank you. You should go there if you have a change :)
hezka priroda
That was FANtastic!! Thank you for sharing!!
@endijka help my post,i am so sad to see my post
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Great post, thank u for these informations, esteemed!
Thank you for your time reading my blog. . I hope it gave u some idea about this amazing place. I am not Sure if I was able to capture the beauty of the place but I can tell you it is worth visiting. :)
Really awesome travel and adventure.
These photos are all so beautiful, you got a follower for sure!
Hi there, Thank you for your kind words. I just followed u, i am sorry I am too tired to read your blog post (i am heading to bed) now but I love the picture of you and the monkey. I will for Sure read your posts tomorrow. It looks super exciting and I always wanted to go to Thailand so I am Happy that I found your account.
With love,
Lucie
Much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing your content in the future too!
Nice shots. Lake O'Hara looks beautiful! Which was you favourite place? Check post from my India trip, I hope you will find that interesting ;) https://steemit.com/travel/@wbucko/love-it-or-hate-it-india-trip-part-2-jaipur
Hello. All of them are my favourite! I ve done about 50 hikes in this area and these are the best. Thank you for the link to your blog. Will check it out.
All best,
Lucie
What wonderful nature!
These are just gorgeous!!!
I really wanna go to the Panorama Ridge :D
You should! I wanted to go for a such a long time. Its super hard Trail so be ready for that!
Thank you so much for your sharing!!!! :)
These views are stunning, Moraine lake is my favourite!
Beautiful pictures, highly appreciated.
Wonderful post. Included many good places
@alberti
Link 👇👇👇
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Hey brother, can you help me. Because every post I always have a little supporters and make me less enthusiasm.
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Thank you! :-)