Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Calgary, Canada
1. Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
Offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails for winter adventures. It also hosts biathlon events.
- Variety of Trails: Over 150 km of groomed tracks for different skill levels
- Biathlon Events: Participate or spectate at international competitions
- Nature and Wildlife: Spot wildlife like elk, moose, and eagles in the wilderness
2. Grassi Lakes Trail
A scenic hike with twin turquoise lakes nestled amidst the cliffs of the Canadian Rockies.
- Stunning Views: Panoramic vistas of the Rocky Mountains and the Spray Lakes Reservoir
- Geological Features: Explore hoodoos, cave formations, and limestone ridges
- Moderate Difficulty: A family-friendly hike with some steep sections and beautiful lookout points
3. Ram Falls Provincial Park
A picturesque hiking destination with a stunning waterfall and opportunities for fishing.
- Waterfall Viewing: Marvel at the 30-meter (100 ft) Ram Falls
- Fishing Opportunities: Cast a line in the Cataract Creek for trout and grayling
- Natural Bridge: Admire the natural stone bridge formed by erosion over time
4. Elbow Falls Provincial Park
A short but beautiful hike leading to a picturesque waterfall in the Elbow River Valley.
- Waterfall Viewing: Enjoy the sight of the 20-meter (65 ft) Elbow Falls
- Geological Features: Observe the limestone canyon and hoodoos along the trail
- Easy Accessibility: An accessible hike suitable for families and beginners
5. Moraine Lake
Iconic turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains in Banff National Park.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the Rocky Mountains reflected in the lake
- Valley of the Ten Peaks: Hike to the Valley of the Ten Peaks for breathtaking mountain views
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway to reach Moraine Lake
6. Johnston Canyon
A popular hike featuring lower and upper waterfalls within Banff National Park.
- Lower and Upper Falls: Hike to the Lower Falls or continue to the Upper Falls for a more challenging trail
- Ice Walks: Walk on the frozen lower falls during winter for a unique experience
- Cave Formations: Discover the Ink Pots - limestone formations filled with mineral-rich water
7. Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site
A historic site and hiking trail located at Banff Gondola, offering panoramic mountain views.
- Historic Site: Visit the Cosmic Ray Station, used for cosmic ray research in the 1950s
- Panoramic Views: Take in stunning views of Banff and Six Glaciers from the summit
- Gondola Ride: Alternatively, take a gondola ride up for easier access to the site
8. Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Step back in time and learn about ranching life on the prairies at this historic site.
- Historic Buildings: Tour original homestead buildings dating back to the late 1800s
- Ranching Demonstrations: Witness demonstrations of ranch activities, such as cow milking and horse training
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the ranch
9. writing here
A peaceful kayak trip on a serene lake surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.
- Kayaking Opportunities: Rent a kayak and explore the tranquil waters of the lake
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for loons, ospreys, and beavers on the lake
- Scenic Surroundings: Take in the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains as you kayak