This article is from National Geographic Traveler (U.K).
Imagine a typical Canadian landscape, you might be imagining the Rockies. These jagged peaks are 3,000 miles across the North American continent, but some of the most exciting parts span the borders of British Columbia and Alberta. Whether you are planning to serenely winding around the glacial lake or exploring on a huge ridge, every explorer has a trail. Nature lovers will glimpse elks, bighorn sheep and deer along the way, but remember that this is the bear country – so refresh the safety of wildlife before you go.
Beginner: Jade Lake Ring Road
Start and end: Emerald Lake Trail
distance: 3.2 miles
Yoho National Park is full of glacier pools, but not as dazzling as Emerald Lake, with green water surrounded by whispering pine trees. Immerse yourself in the field of view while strolling around the coastline, which takes about 90 minutes to complete and is open year-round. When mist is like a soft veil, when mist rises on its glass surface, the most fascinating lake. Parking can be a challenge as the 50 attractions on Emerald Lake land tend to fill up by 9am, so arrive early or park on nearby Emerald Lake Road and walk to the lake. For different angles, rent a canoe from the small boathouse on the trail.
Intermediate: takakkaw waterfall loop
Start and end: Takachuan Waterfall Trail
distance: 1 mile
Although it can only be feasible in just 30 minutes, the trail offers great rewards. A half-mile walk takes you face to face with the waterfalls – with some measures, Canada’s second highest itinerary – melts snow and ice on pure rocky surfaces to form a rainbow in the mist. The route starts flat and easy, winding through the scented towering pine forest. Halfway through the road, the challenge is getting bigger and bigger, tightly bent, steeper, and rocker roads – so be sure to wear strong footwear with good grip. This preserved corridor is located in Yoho National Park near Field and opens from June to October.
Beginner: Upper Grass Lake Loop Trail in Alberta
Start and end: Upper Grass Lake Trail
distance: 1.1 mile upper Grassi Lake / 1.7 mile Grassi Lake Explanatory Trail
Part, part history lesson, this laid-back simplicity celebrates the life of Lawrence Grassi, an Italian miner and outdoorsman who helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Along the way, interpretive signs tracked his journey from immigrant workers to local legends. Earlier, a fork divided the trail into two-soft routes, open year-round, takes about an hour and wanders along an old road leading to Lake Grassia on the lake. The more challenging route is marked Grassi Lake Explanation Trail, which rises steeply to hikers with stunning views of the ski town of Canmore. Due to the cold conditions, the path is closed in winter.
Media: Outpost, Alberta
start: Lake Molein Trail
Finish: Outpost pass
distance: 7.5 miles
This hike trip to Banff National Park, which includes two of the most iconic attractions: Turquoise Ice Ora Lake and the towering valley of the Ten Peak Mountains. Starting from the shore of the lake, trekking through the golden meadows of the fallen valley – known as the tree of the same name turns rich yellow every fall – and then climbs to the dizzy heights of the valley of Paradise. Bring a pole and a sense of adventure on the hike, as this can get tough on this two- to four-hour journey.
Advanced: Skyline, Alberta
start: Lake Marini
Finish: Signal Mountain
distance: 27 miles
It’s the sublime of Jasper National Park’s most popular remote trek, and for good reason. Hikers walk more than half the walk and enjoy unparalleled views of the region’s flora and fauna, including vibrant wildflowers such as red paintbrushes and endangered white-skinned pine trees. This inspiring terrain is shared with local wildlife: elk, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional wolf. Be sure to pack a lot of layers and waterproofing equipment, as the park weather may move unexpectedly with temperature drops and downpours. It takes two to three days to complete the journey and spend the night at the campsites in Snowbowl and Tekarra, and should be booked in advance.
Advanced: Kindersley Pass and Sinclair Creek Loop
start: Sinclair Creek Trailhead
Finish: Kindersley Pass Trailhead
distance: 11 miles
The beauty of this difficult trek lies in its various landscapes: wildflower meadows, rugged mountains and spacious skylines. At sunrise, a full-day tour with a hard stab terrain requires endurance and a certain foothold. As the trail goes up, you will drive the rocky ridges and dense alpine forests. Please note the black and grizzly bears along the way. Prepare for heights – Kingsley-Sinclair Col’s summit is 7,855 feet. Although the rise is challenging, it is worth it. The top offers breathtaking panoramic views over vibrant mountain hair and red cedar woodlands.
Published in May 2025 National Geographic Traveler (U.K)
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