18 Easy Hikes In Alberta You Can Go On This Fall If You Actually Hate Hiking
If you love the views but hate the hikes, you're not the only one. Alberta is undoubtedly packed with surreal nature spots but really, who has the time and energy to undertake the massive treks that lead up to them? That's why we've gone ahead and found you a whole bunch of easy hikes in Alberta that are ideal if you're not about getting your steps in.
These short and sweet hikes will treat you to a wealth of natural scenery, so don't worry about missing out on the best of what Alberta has to offer.
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From well-known attractions in beloved national parks to some hidden gems that you won't believe are so accessible, this list features it all.
Autumn is a tricky, fleeting season in Alberta. You won't want to be out in the cold for too long but you also want to see everything before the snow hits and covers the area.
All in all, it means you don't have much time.
Seeing how quick some of these hikes are, you can probably blast through them in a month if the weather holds up and you plan incredibly strategically.
Or you can just pick your favourites and go from there. It's all up to you. As long as you're willing, Alberta will keep giving.
Fenland Trail
Address: Fenland Trail parking area, west of Mt. Norquay Rd., Banff National Park, AB
Distance: 2.1-kilometre loop
Why You Need To Go: This sweet little trail just outside the town of Banff will take you along a magical river and old-growth spruce trees. The trail's fairytale vibes will leave you in awe.
Sheep River Falls
Address: Sheep Falls Day Use Area, Sheep River Provincial Park, AB
Distance: 0.5 kilometers
Why You Need To Go: This ridiculously easy hike will take you past a rushing river and to an enchanting waterfall. Be sure to get there early because the trail tends to be quite packed.
Grassi Lakes
Address: Grassi Lakes, Canmore, AB
Distance: 4 kilometres, one-way
Why You Need To Go: This hike might be on the longer side when compared to everything else on the list but trust us when we say that the views are 100% worth your time. Just imagine the golden leaves reflected against the pure blue waters, and you'll find yourself immersed in some sort of a daze.
Vista Lake
Address: Vista Lake viewpoint on Highway 93 S., Banff National Park, AB
Distance: 1.4 kilometres one-way
Why You Need To Go: Feel at one with nature as you walk down the mountain towards the turquoise-coloured lake. The blooming larch trees and the occasional wildflowers will make your trek all the more picturesque.
Angel Glacier
Address: Cavell Road, Mouth Edith Cavell Area, Jasper National Park, AB
Distance: 1.6 kilometres round-trip
Why You Need To Go: Nothing captures the spirit of fall better than a slow covered path complete with larch trees, crystal-clear waters, and a cool breeze in the air that will make so glad cozy season is underway.
Marsh Loop
Address: Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff National Park
Distance: 2.8-kilometre loop
Why You Need To Go: It takes all of an hour to complete this hike; the path surrounds a pristine wetland and hot springs that originate from Sulphur Mountain.
Blakiston Falls
Address: Red Rock Canyon lower parking lot, Waterton National Park, AB
Distance: 2 kilometres, round-trip
Why You Need To Go: If you're in Waterton, you better be chasing waterfalls. Thankfully, these stunning falls can be reached within 45 minutes. The massive red boulders you'll be passing on your way will make your journey even more worthwhile.
Horsethief Canyon
Address: Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, AB
Distance: 0.8 kilometres one-way
Why You Need To Go: Fall may be the best time to feast your eyes on this Badlands wonder — you can beat the scorching heat but just miss out on the snow that will envelop the terrain shortly.
Bighorn Lookout
Address: Bighorn Lookout Day Use Area, Sheep River Provincial Park, AB
Distance: 0.5 kilometres one-way
Why You Need To Go: As the shortest hike on this list, this is a little bit of a no-brainer. You will be able to savour some incredible meadow settings, the magnetic Sheep River as well as cliffside viewpoints that will transport straight to Ireland.
Athabasca Falls
Address: Junction of Hwy. 93 and 93A, Jasper National Park, AB
Distance: 0.8 kilometres one-way
Why You Need To Go: This wonder is one of Alberta's most powerful and glorious waterfalls. The sheer amount of glacial water gushing down the canyons makes this both a misty but terrific trip.
Stewart Canyon
Address: Lake Minnewanka Day-use Area, Banff National Park, AB
Distance: 1.5 kilometres one-way
Why You Need To Go: This is yet another hidden gem in Banff National Park. You'll be walking past a sparkling reservoir and on a bridge hanging between two massive canyons. What's not to love about this route?
Moose Lake
Address: Maligne Pass Trail, Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, AB
Distance: 2.7 kilometres loop
Why You Need To Go: If you like to stay within the captivating woods during your hikes, you'll adore this trail. The moss-covered boulders along your route will make this a memorable journey alone.
Horseshoe Lake
Address: Horseshoe Lake, Improvement District No. 12, Jasper, AB
Distance: 1.1-kilometre loop
Why You Need To Go: We love our emerald-green lakes in Alberta and we love them all times of the year. Fall is as good of a time to venture to this lovely spot and check out the cool, scintillating waters.
Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
Address: Johnston Canyon Day-use Area, Banff National Park, AB
Distance: 1.2 kilometres one-way
Why You Need To Go: There are a lot of different trails you can access from this trailhead but this one is by far the shortest. Staggering waterfalls, spectacular canyons, and a quick and easy route that will take you no time at all — this entry should be at the top of your list.
Lake Louise Lakeshore
Address: Upper Lake Louise parking area, Banff National Park, AB
Distance: 2 kilometres one-way
Why You Need To Go: Isn't it nice when one of the most staggering spots is not only Alberta but all of Canada can be seen following a one-hour hike? While you drive to the parking lot, the view from the lakeshore on the opposite side is totally worth the walk. You'll have to see the lake to truly understand what makes the attraction so beloved.
Lake Annette
Address: Lake Annette, Jasper National Park, AB
Distance: 2.4-kilometre loop
Why You Need To Go: Though it's probably too cold to take a dip in this lake's waters at this time of the year, there's nothing stopping you from setting up shop in one of the picnic tables and just soaking in the views.
Silverton Falls
Address: Rockbound Lake parking area, Banff National Park, AB
Distance: 0.9 kilometres one-way
Why You Need To Go: This one ends at the base of the waterfall, so you can get nice and close as it flows in full force. The forest surrounding the attraction is fairly breathtaking on its own.
Moraine Lake
Address: Moraine Lake Lodge, Banff National Park, AB
Distance: 1.4 kilometres one-way
Why You Need To Go: Just like Lake Louise, this baby can be viewed with just a short and sweet hike. Yet the gorgeous views will leave you in awe for a long time.