Our Favorite Hikes in the Rocky Mountains

To conclude our Canada blog, we want to zoom in on the most beautiful hikes we experienced in The Canadian Rockies. Exploring the stunning trails of Western Canada was the main reason for our trip—each day brought a new mountain to climb or a breathtaking viewpoint to discover.

From crystal-clear lakes to glaciers, from dense forest paths to vast landscapes, Canada has it all! Here are our top 5 hikes in the Rockies that you shouldn't miss on your bucket list:

Eva and Miller Lake Trail – Revelstoke National Park

[Hard, 17km, 550m elevation gain]

A beautiful route that mostly runs on forest paths, occasionally crossing rocky terrain or meadows. Despite not being very crowded, there are enough people to feel safe. The parking area is well-maintained, and the route is clearly marked. The entire trail offers views of glaciers across the valley. The lakes, Eva and Miller, are the highlights where you’d love to stay for days.

Great Glacier Trail – Glacier National Park

[Moderate, 10km, 430m elevation gain]

This beautiful trail leads to the foot of a once-grand glacier. Starting at an old train station, you walk through a lovely forest to a rocky plateau, providing stunning views between two mountains. For a shorter hike, you can walk a few flat kilometers to a junction where two streams meet—one of the most scenic parts of the route.

Emerald Lake Trail – Yoho National Park

[Easy, 5.5km, 50m elevation gain]

Emerald Lake offers a lovely, easy hike around its stunning blue waters. It's busier than other trails but no less beautiful. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and if you have the energy, you can climb one for even better views. Alternatively, rent a kayak for an authentic experience on the lake.

Little Bee Hive, Agnes Trail and Plain of Six Glaciers Trail – Banff National Park

[Hard, 18km, 750m elevation gain]

Lake Louise in Banff is a must-see. From light to strenuous hikes, there's something for everyone. The teahouse at the lake's end is a pleasant reward after a forest hike. For more adventure, continue to the Little Bee Hive viewpoint or follow the long trail past five glaciers, ending at a charming lunch spot. The area offers endless hiking opportunities.

Wabasso Lake Trail + Valley of the Five Lakes Trail – Jasper

[Moderate, 17km, 400m elevation gain]

We combined these two trails as they share the same start and end points. Wabasso Lake Trail leads deep into the forest, ending at a private lake, while Valley of the Five Lakes Trail is an easy hike past five azure-blue lakes. Despite being busier, the experience is worth it.

We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful mountain slopes, the mid-trail lakes, and the many waterfalls. Canada is such a stunning country, offering new adventures every day!

Animals on the Trails We expected to encounter a lot of wildlife, but this wasn't the case. We did see some animals, but not as many as we had hoped.

Every trail has a sign indicating recent bear sightings and other dangerous animals like mountain lions. For example, at Valley of the Five Lakes, we were warned about wasp nests after several people had been stung in previous days. It's always good to read these signs before starting your hike.

We always carried a bear bell, which may have kept bears at a distance. Although we missed seeing bears, encountering one might have been too thrilling. Bear spray is also recommended for safety, though we didn't always carry it.

After returning home, we heard the tragic news of two hikers killed by a rare bear attack in Banff National Park. We were relieved to hear this news after our trip. The bears we did see were near our campsite, not on the hikes. We did encounter elks, a marmot, and many squirrels on the trails, making the hikes enjoyable nonetheless.

Check out the markers of this trails for more information and photo's!