HIKING
The Icefields Parkway
Within 30 minutes’ drive of The Crossing Resort, we’ve identified 11 of the most accessible and spectacular hikes along the Icefields Parkway. Selected hikes are of varying degree, from easy to moderate to strenuous. Available at check-in, we provide area maps and full color rack cards detailing the selected hikes, including rating, distance, maximum elevation, approximate time length, suggested footwear, best hiking months and location of the trail heads. Our front line staff members are fully conversant with the area and will be pleased to assist you with hike selection and information. Enjoy your hiking adventure at The Crossing Resort.
Reminder: Before you head out for your hike today, stop in to our General Store to pick up your box lunch and check out our hiking supplies for a water bottle, sunglasses, or any other hiking needs.
Use the following link for hike descriptions/trailhead locations for trails accessible to The Crossing Resort, and then click on Icefields Parkway area: www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/lakelouise.aspx
Bow Glacier & Falls
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6.8 km (4.1 mi) round trip
Max. Elevation: 2040 m (6690 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: +91 m (297 ft)
Approx. time: 3 hours round trip
Footwear: Good walking shoe/light hiking boot
Best months to hike: Late June-October
Trailhead: Num-Ti-Jah Lodge parking lot, 42 km south of The Crossing Resort on Icefields Parkway
Chephren Lake
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 7.0 km (4.4 mi) round trip
Max. Elevation: 1755 m (5750 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: +105 m (345 ft) -42 m (140 ft)
Approx. time: 3 hours round trip
Footwear: Light to good hiking boot
Best months to hike: Early June-Late September
Trailhead: Waterfowl Lakes campground 19.3 km south of The Crossing Resort on the Icefields Parkway
Cirque Lake
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 8.4 km (5.2 mi) round trip
Max. Elevation: 1755 m (5750 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: +105 m (345 ft)
Approx. time: 3 hours round trip
Footwear: Light to good hiking boot (trail can be muddy)
Best months to hike: Early June-Late September
Trailhead: Waterfowl Lakes campground 19.3 km south of The Crossing Resort on the Icefields Parkway
Mistaya Canyon
Rating: Easy
Distance: 1.5 km. (0.9mi) round trip
Max. Elevation: 1525 m (5002ft)
Elevation loss/gain: Minimal
Approx. time: 30 minute round trip
Footwear: Good walking shoes or similar
Best months to hike: May-October
Trailhead: Parking area on Icefields Parkway 5.5 km (3.5 mi) south of The Crossing resort
Parker Ridge
Rating: Strenuous
Distance: 5 km (3 mi) round trip
Max. Elevation: 2255 m (7395 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: +216 m (708 ft)
Approx. time: 2.5-4 hours
Footwear: Light hiking boot
Best months to hike: Early July-End of September
Trailhead: Parking area 41 km (25 mi) north of The Crossing Resort on the Icefields Parkway
Peyto Lake
Rating: Easy
Distance: 1.2 km (0.7 mi) Round trip.
Optional trail loop additional 1.0 km (.06 mi)
Max. Elevation: 2134 m (6699 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: +45 m (148 ft)
Approx. time: 20 min round trip
(optional loop add another 20 min)
Footwear: Anything
Best months to hike: July-October
Trailhead: 37 km (23 mi) South of The Crossing Resort on the Icefields Parkway
Pony Bridge
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 2.2 km (1.3 mi)
Max. Elevation: 1660 m (5450 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: approx 100 m (300 ft)
Approx. time: 1-1.5 hours
Footwear: good walking shoe/light hiking boot
Best months to hike: May-October
Trailhead: gravel parking lot 1.2 km (0.7 mi) north of The Crossing Resort on the Icefields Parkway
Sunset Pass
Rating: Strenuous, Difficult
Distance: 16.4 km (9.8 mi) round trip
Max. Elevation: 2165 m (7100 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: +725 m (2380 ft)
Approx. time: 6-7 hours round trip
Footwear: Good hiking boot
Best months to hike: Late June-Early September
Trailhead: Parking area on the North side of the Icefields Parkway 16.7 km (10.3 mi) from The Crossing Resort
Warden Lake
Rating: Easy
Distance: 4.4 km (1.4 mi) round trip
Max. Elevation: 1426 m (4678 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: +30 m (100 ft)
Approx. time: 2.5 hours round trip
Footwear: Good walking shoe
Best months to hike: Early June-End September
Trailhead: Saskatchewan River Crossing Warden station 2 km south of The Crossing Resort on the Icefields Parkway
Warden Lake
Rating: Easy
Distance: 4.4 km (1.4 mi) round trip
Max. Elevation: 1426 m (4678 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: + 30 m (100 ft)
Approx. time: 2.5 hours round trip
Footwear: Good walking shoe
Best months to hike: Early June-End September
Trailhead: Saskatchewan River Crossing Warden station 2 km south of The Crossing Resort on the Icefields Parkway
Wilcox Pass
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 8 km (5 mi) round trip
Max. Elevation: 2375 m (7800 ft)
Elevation loss/gain: +335 m (1100 ft)
Approx. time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Footwear: Light hiking boot
Best months to hike: Late June-Mid-September
Trailhead: Left side of entrance to Wilcox Creek campground 47.4 km North of The Crossing Resort on the Icefields Parkway