Hiking images of alpine lakes with turquoise water and glaciers in the background have been enticing Eric and I to visit Banff for years, and we finally made it to these glorious mountains! If you read our last post, Canada’s Golden Secret: An Alternative to Banff, then you know we stayed in Golden and why. In this post we’re going to show you further proof that basing yourself in Golden provides the same opportunities for beautiful hikes.
During our stay in Golden, we hiked three trails, each in different national parks. I honestly can’t say which was our favorite because like most trails, the ones with the most epic views were also the ones that nearly killed us. So let’s start with the most interesting trail, where we experienced our very own National Geographic Wildlife moment.
Bow Summit Trail, Banff National Park
4.1 miles out and back
Getting there: scenic 1.5 hr drive from Golden along Trans-Canada Hwy and Icefields Pkwy. Park at Bow Lake Car Lot.
This is a popular trailhead because it begins with a short hike up to Peyto Lake Viewpoint, which is a great alternative to the even more popular Lake Louise. We arrived around 8:30am and the crowds were just beginning to show but there was plenty of space at the viewing deck to savor the moment and snap some photos.
Once past the viewing point and on the trail for Bow Summit, the crowds completely disappeared and just the quiet, contemplative walkers were left. It was bliss. It was also a workout climbing up, but the ground was easy on the feet and the steep inclines were short.
Once clearing the forest, everything opened up to a bright green meadow with alpine flora, waterfalls and frisky wildlife. We glimpsed a pika, chipmunk and two marmots. I thought the marmots were fighting but quickly realized their fighting was more than just a lovers’ spat. Felt like a peeping tom filming the encounter.
The trail ends with a true summit view of the Banff mountain range all around and Bow Lake down below. I would describe this trail as a nice gentle jaunt up a mountain with breathtaking views.
Icefields Parkway
We combined the hike with scenic stops along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives in Canada. We turned around at Big Bend Lookout and someday we’d like to return to drive the circle loop to Jasper then west to Kamloops. Whatever you do, make time to drive at least a section of this breathtaking route!
Great Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park
5 mi out and back, 1200 ft gain
Getting there: scenic 1 hr drive from Golden along Trans-Canada Hwy. Park at Illecillewaet Campground.
Most of the trail was our favorite type: soft underground, lush forest, interesting rock formations and a rushing river. This part of the trail was a true delight, complete with a fairy ring that proved others felt the magic here as well.
We ate our picnic lunch on the riverbed, keeping our eyes out for bears who might poach our sandwiches. The end of the trail was rocky and fully exposed to the hot sun — it wasn’t a fun climb at all — and unfortunately my knees weren’t cooperating so we turned around and headed back into the haven of the forest.
Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park
9 mi out and back, 2,800 ft gain
Getting there: scenic 1 hr drive from Golden along Trans-Canada Hwy. Park at Takkakaw Falls parking lot.
This was our most memorable hike, both for its challenging terrain and high elevation climbs but also for its once-in-a-lifetime views. We began at the Takkakaw Falls parking lot early in the morning and had the waterfall all to ourselves.
That was our last peaceful moment for awhile, because the rest of the trail was spent enduring switchbacks and scrambling up rockpiles. But with views like this, it was easy to keep pushing onward.
There was one particular section with a steep climb up loose rocks next to a death drop where we considered turning around, but thank goodness we didn’t because it opened up to this amazing icefield. The 360 degree views were jaw dropping and we felt so tiny amidst those ancient rocks and glaciers. We had a lengthy conversation with one couple while eating lunch. They reminded me of our friends Mary and Joe, independent global travelers through and through.
After the iceline shelf, the trail turned into a ridgeline and continued on towards a loop that would return us to the parking lot. My knees couldn’t handle that longer route so we turned around and enjoyed the views from a different perspective.
So there you have it, a short and sweet recap of the trails we loved near Golden, Canada. I’d write more details, but we’re already on to our next adventure!
