Tony Daffern - Popular Day Hikes: Canadian Rockies — Revised & Updated

Copyright 2019 by Tony Daffern

First Revised and Updated Edition

Originally published in 2007 as Popular Day Hikes 2: Canadian Rockies

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Cataloguing data available from Library and Archives Canada

ISBN 9781771602679 (paperback)

ISBN 9781771602686 (electronic)

We would like to also take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories upon which we live and work. In Calgary, Alberta, we acknowledge the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikuni, the Kainai, the Tsuutina and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, including Chiniki, Bearpaw, and Wesley First Nations. The City of Calgary is also home to Mtis Nation of Alberta, Region III. In Victoria, British Columbia, we acknowledge the traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Esquimalt, and Songhees), Malahat, Pacheedaht, Scianew, TSou-ke and SNE (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum) peoples.

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Disclaimer

There are inherent risks in hiking mountain areas that require hikers to constantly use their own judgement. Anyone using this book does so entirely at their own risk and both the author and publisher disclaim any liability for any injuries or other damage that may be sustained by anyone hiking any of the trails described in this book.

Be aware that bear sightings and fire hazard can close trails at a moments notice. Flash floods can wash out bridges. Fallen trees resulting from strong chinook winds can block trails and make the going difficult.

In this book there are no dos and donts. It is assumed that users are caring, intelligent people who will respect the country they are travelling through and its wildlife.

Contents

Banff Area

Kootenay National Park

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Yoho National Park

Icefields Parkway

Jasper Area

Area Map

Introduction

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies is an area of high limestone peaks (up to 3954 m), glaciers, waterfalls, blue-green lakes, boisterous streams and forested valley bottoms of spruce and fir with larches at treeline.

Alpine meadows are the reward for hiking up through sometimes dense forest. For too brief a time, from early July to mid-August, they are crammed with flowers. In particular, overseas visitors will be intoxicated by the gaudy colours of North Americas Indian paintbrush. I advise all flower buffs to buy a field guide to put in their pack.

Getting to the trailhead

See the map on . Other than a few buses that run along the Trans-Canada Highway and from Banff to Jasper, there is no public transportation. I have included one trail in both Banff and Jasper where you can walk or ride town transit to the trailhead. You can also walk up to the lake if you are staying in Lake Louise Village. For all other trails, you need a car.

Weather

The higher-elevation trails of the Canadian Rockies enjoy a very short hiking season. Winter snowfall can be heavy, so many trails are not completely clear of snow until mid-July. Hiking usually starts in mid-May on lower-elevation trails. In May there is usually a period of warm, sunny weather. Rains fall mainly in Junethe peak runoff time. During July and August temperatures can reach the mid-30s and there may be late afternoon thunderstorms. However, snow can fall in any month of the year and conditions at higher elevations can be really foul. The weather starts cooling off in mid-September. Indian summers can occur in late September through October and are glorious, bringing sunny, stable weather. By the end of October, there is usually too much snow at higher elevations for hiking.

Drinking water

Most locals drink from the creeks. However, there is a chance the water, especially at lower elevations, may be contaminated by Giardia lamblia, a parasite that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. It is best to carry water from your home, hotel or campground.

Wildlife concerns

It is unlikely that you will encounter bears if you are hiking these popular trails during normal daytime hiking hours. Having said that, you should constantly be alert for signs of bears (tracks, scat), particularly in early fall when the berries ripen. Parks Canada will often close a trail until a bear has moved out of the area. See the , which requires hikers to travel in tight groups of four. Make a lot of noise if you suspect there is a bear in the area.

Elk and moose should also be given a wide berth, especially in fall during the mating season, when males get very ornery. Lately, cougars have become a year-round worry. However, they are rarely seen, as are wolves. Be wary of picas, ground squirrels and chipmunks. They bite and could carry disease.

Dogs in Jasper National Park

Dogs are not allowed on trails in Jasper National Park in important caribou habitat, in order to reduce stress on this threatened species. Dogs are not allowed on any of the trails in the Maligne Lake area nor at Cavell Meadows.

Lake OHara

Lake OHara is only accessible by pre-booking a bus or by hiking 11 km up the access trail. The bus service runs from mid-June to the end of September. The first bus leaves at 8:30 in the morning and the last bus out is at 6:30 in the eveningample time for a good days hiking. For reservation information go to www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca. Be sure to arrive early. Bus reservations become invalid 10 minutes before departure time and may be given away.

In order to fully appreciate this beautiful area you may choose to use one of the two accommodation options available to those who have not booked in at the Lodge a long time in advance.

Camping

Campground reservations may be made up to three months in advance by calling Parks Canada at 250-343-6433. Your campground reservation also secures you a place on the bus. Visit the Parks Canada web site mentioned above for more information.