I recently took a hiking trip to the Canadian Rockies for the first time, it was phenomenal.
The Canadian Rockies typically refers to the four world-renowned National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay) and their surrounding areas, stretched across the provinces of British Columbia (BC) and Alberta. I visited various parts of Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and have summarized my journey in 5 posts:
- Banff – Moraine Lake
- Jasper – Skyline Trail
- Icefield Parkway
- Banff – Lake Louise
- Yoho – Iceline Trail
Intro
My journey started with Banff National Park’s Moraine Lake, an alpine lake located just south of its more famous cousin, Lake Louise (for which I covered in a later post). Due to its popularity, Moraine Lake area no longer accepts private vehicles and most visitor access via park shuttles (more details here). Thus prior booking is necessary, and can be challenging during busy season. By own reservation required me to wake up at 7am, and all slots are booked up by 7:30am 😑
I started my exploration after a 30-min shuttle ride from Park and Ride to Moraine Lake. I hiked up to Sentinel Pass, and did a scenic walk around the lake (routes highlighted in the map below)
Sentinel Pass Trail
An out-and-back trail lasting 6.9mi with 2,618ft of elevation gain, this trail is considered strenuous:
The hike traverses upwards through thick tree lines with minimal views, until Larch Valley where the vision opens up dramatically with Eiffel Peak and Pinnacle Mountain in the distance.
The hike then reaches Minnestimma Lake under Pinnacle Mountain, where a rest is usually recommended before the final push up Sentinel Pass.
The traverse up Sentinel Pass is strenuous but the view is rewarding, with the Grand Sentinel and Paradise Valley at a distance, and Larch Valley on the original direction while descending. Photos are unable to capture the sheer scale of the mountains.
The return trip provides more great views of the glacier and alpine lakes, I’ve been told sunset during the fall season will provide the best “golden valley” view, but also tends to attract the most tourists, so last August is perhaps a good balance.
Animal and plants also make interesting spotlights, I also spotted a doe and her fawn.
Moraine Lake
The walk around Moraine lake is welcoming respite after the strenuous Sentinel Pass, with incredibly rewarding views of the pristine alpine lake and the mountains around it on an easy stroll. I also caught a few shots before I started the Sentinel Pass hike.
I caught the last return shuttle back to town, overall a pleasant and welcoming start of the trip.
OG