Want some tranquility in life? Bid adieu to the urban charm of city life for the sprawling mountains and serene lakes near Calgary. Today we have collated a list of the best hikes near Calgary you need to try. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or it’s your first time, we have something in our list for everyone.
Let’s check 10 best hikes near Calgary…
Blackshale Suspension Bridge
Duration: 30 minutes
Length: 1 km
Best time for hiking: Throughout the year
Elevation Gain: 52 meters
If you want to bring your small children along on your next hiking adventure, then plan a trip to the Blackshale Suspension Bridge. As the name suggests, this family-friendly hike takes you across a suspension bridge set in a forested landscape while spanning the scenic Blackshale Creek. You can reach this place following a 1.5-2 hour drive from Calgary. Moreover, visitors can’t get enough of the swaying bridge thrill on this 70-meter-long bridge running across a forested valley. The bridge has a maximum carrying capacity and tends to be extremely crowded on summer weekends.
Elbow Lake
Duration: 1-2 hours
Length: 3 km for a round trip
Best time for hiking: Summer months
Elevation Gain: 120 meters
Elbow Lake is one of the extremely beautiful and short hikes near Calgary in Kananaskis. Because of its easy access, it makes a perfect choice for a quick yet rewarding outdoor escape. Further, the well-maintained trail is perfect for taking your family along. Finally, when you reach the lake, turquoise waters greet you, while sky-high peaks line the shoreline and create a breathtaking alpine scene.
Ha Ling Peak
Duration: 3-5 hours
Length: 7.9 km
Best time for hiking: Throughout the year
Elevation Gain: 745 meters
Ha Ling Peak is the top choice of locals when it comes to hikes near Calgary. Further, the trail underwent a massive facelift in 2019 by Alberta Parks, where proper handrails were installed and steps were constructed to make it more accessible. Although the hike is a tasking one, the views it offers of the Spray Valley and Goat Valley are extremely rewarding. If you can start early, then Ha Ling Peak can stun you with breathtaking sunrise views.
Galatea and Lillian Lakes
Duration: 4-7 hours
Length: 12 km to Lillian and 16 km to Galatea Lakes (round trip)
Best time for hiking: Summer months
Elevation Gain: 500 m to Lillian and 870 m to Galatea
Galatea and Lillian Lakes together offer a highly rewarding full-day hiking experience in Kananaskis Country, as they combine scenic trails, alpine landscapes, and a true sense of adventure. Moreover, it delivers an excellent blend of steady forest climb with emerald water pools and rugged mountain clearings. Further, the tranquil Lillian Lake has a backcountry campground, which attracts overnight camping enthusiasts. Moreover, this hike is a moderate to challenging one well suited for experienced hikers.
Ptarmigan Cirque
Duration: 1-3 hours
Length: 3.4 km
Best time for hiking: Larch season
Elevation Gain: 240 meters
Ptarmigan Cirque is a signature hike in Kananaskis Country, and it offers spectacular alpine views. Along the way, you can enjoy golden larches, open meadows, and towering cirque walls, making it a rewarding experience for hikers. The trail will first take you through a steep forest before opening out into a broad terrain above the tree line. Have your camera ready, as you will now come across breathtaking views of wildflowers, which turn into a shade of intense gold during larch season in September. Moreover, make sure to read the interpretive signs along the path to know more about the local flora and fauna.
Continue reading about best hikes near Calgary…
Arethusa Cirque
Duration: 2-4 hours
Length: 4.5 km loop
Best time for hiking: Larch season
Elevation Gain: 278 meters
Arethusa Cirque is a family-friendly hike in Kananaskis. You can reach it with a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary. Located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, it makes a perfect choice for an easy outdoor adventure. Visitors especially praise it for offering spectacular larch views during the autumn season. To begin with, the hike starts from an unmarked roadside trailhead.
From there, it leads you through a dense forest, creating a quiet and immersive experience right from the start. Finally, it will take you to a broad clearing lined by Mount Arethusa. If you are planning to hike to Arethusa Cirque, then make sure to wear proper footwear. Additionally, carry reliable navigation tools and bear spray to ensure a safe and well-prepared outing.
Mount Yamnuska
Duration: 4-6 hours
Length: 9.5 km
Best time for hiking: Summer months
Elevation Gain: 878 meters
Mount Yamnuska is a highly challenging summit located close to Calgary, and it is especially popular for its demanding scrambling terrain and sheer limestone cliffs. To start with, the route leads to a scenic viewpoint at the base of the cliffs. Beyond this point, the hike mainly involves scrambling along exposed ledges, which are secured by a bolted chain. Therefore, if you plan to visit on a beautiful summer weekend, be prepared to encounter plenty of fellow hikers.
Barrier Lake/Prairie View Lookout
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Length: 13.8 km for the full loop
Best time for hiking: Throughout the year
Elevation Gain: 564 meters
Looking for a hike near Calgary that will let you enjoy big mountain panoramas without having to put in much effort? Include the Barrier Lake hike in your itinerary today. If you are searching for exciting hikes that start at Calgary, then you can opt for this. Whether you wish to enjoy the serene lakeside view, take a brisk nature walk, or go paddling or ice skating during winter months, the Barrier Lake hike offers something for everyone.
If you are a highly energetic person, then you can hike to Prairie View Lookout from Barrier Lake. In particular, this hike is highly recommended for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Moreover, the trail is extremely well maintained, and you can easily descend using the same route you took to reach the top.
Troll Falls
Duration: 1 hour
Length: 3.4 km
Best time for hiking: Throughout the year
Elevation Gain: 151 meters
Troll Falls is a family-friendly outing in Kananaskis, and it rewards hikers with a highly photogenic waterfall. To begin with, the trail follows a mostly flat path through dense conifer and aspen forests. Because of this, it remains popular with young hikers and beginners throughout the year. As you reach the main Troll Falls, you can marvel at Marmot Creek spilling gracefully over a rocky ledge. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a stair-assisted extension leads further to Marmot Falls. However, being one of the hikes near Calgary, the trail experiences heavy footfall on weekends. If you wish to beat the crowd, it’s advisable to go during weekdays.
Famous Waterfalls in Alberta to explore!!
Moose Mountain
Duration: 4-7 hours
Length: 14 km
Best time for hiking: Throughout the year
Elevation Gain: 750 meters
Moose Mountain, located west of Calgary, offers an excellent all-day hiking opportunity. To begin with, the trail takes you along an old fire road beside the Moose River. Then, once you reach the viewpoint, you are rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding sprawling vistas. But you need to be extremely cautious, as this viewpoint is a narrow single track that remains covered with loose rocks.
Conclusion
Calgary is more than just a city of skyscrapers. It offers the perfect gateway to the serene Rocky Mountains. If the hustle and bustle of city life tires you, these perfect hikes near Calgary await you.
