WONDERING WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND?

Take a hike! The fine folks at Hike365 and Highline Magazine have joined forces with our local audiences to create a top 12 list of the locals’ favourite hikes in the Rockies, within three hours driving distance if launching from Banff. The survey we hosted in April came back with some incredible results, and we’ve pared it down to a top three in each category.

Now get out there and show this summer how it’s done!

GENTLE HIKES

DESCRIPTION: A walk. A meditation. Hiking for relaxation. A great dog walk. A hike you’d take a visitor on to show them the goods. Great on a rainy day. Less than two hours return. Minimal elevation gain (1m – 300m).

Highline’s top three:

(Click on the button to read a trip description!)

1. Troll Falls

2. Consolation Lakes

3. Rawson Lake

GO-TO HIKES

DESCRIPTION: It’s a workout. Great views. Never gets old. Could be a great after/before work micro-adventure (if you’re adventurous). Moderate grade, single track, minimal exposure. More than three hours return. Elevation gain (200m+) and/or moderate distance.

The Iceline Trail. Photo courtesy of Darren Umbsaar.

Highline’s top three:

(Click on the button to read a trip description!)

1. Heart Mountain

2. Sentinel Pass

3. Iceline Trail, Little Yoho Valley

PUSH-YOURSELF HIKES

DESCRIPTION: Great views. Ridge lines, scrambles, alpine lakes and tarns, remote locations. You feel a definite sense of accomplishment when finished. Moderate-intense elevation gain (600m+) and/or long distance. Moderate to intense grade, single track, switchbacks, monderate-intense exposure.

Mt Bourgeau. Photo courtesy of AV Wakefield.

Highline’s top three:

(Click on the button to read a trip description!)

1. Mount Bourgeau

2. Cory Pass

3. North Molar Pass

DREAM HIKES

DESCRIPTION: A bucket list hike! More than 10 hours return or could require at least one overnight stay. Intense elevation gain (900m+) and/or long distance. Ridge lines, scrambles, backpacking trips, remote locations, alpine lakes and tarns, glaciers. Aggressive grade, single track, glacier travel.