Best fishing trails in Alberta, Canada

Note: During the winter/icy conditions, Grassi Lakes Upper Trail (also known as the "hard" trail) will be closed however the other trails are still accessible. Please check here for more information: https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/trail-reports/canmore-and-area/grassi-lakes-upper/ This popular route takes the easier, gravel Upper Grassi Lakes Trail up and returns on the steeper Grassi Lakes Trail. Feel free to do it in reverse or as an out and back. The Grassi Lakes Trail is located in a Wildlife Corridor. Travel in this area is restricted to designated trails only for the protection of natural habitat, animals, and hikers. Please remain on designated trails at all times. Each member of your hiking group should carry bear spray, as bears are often spotted in this area. Approximately 100m from the trailhead, there is a fork with signage indicating an easier route and one that is more difficult. The easier trail to the right is called Upper Grassi Lakes and follows an old road through dense forest. The more difficult route to the left is the Grassi Lakes Interpretive and climbs gradually through forested terrain before reaching a very steep section with excellent views of a waterfall and the town of Canmore. The loop can be completed in either direction, clockwise or counter-clockwise. The more difficult Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail is closed in the winter due to icy conditions which develop from water flowing over the trail. The cliffs around the lakes are regularly visited by climbers but should not be closely approached by hikers unless equipped with climbing helmets to protect against serious injury from falling rocks.Show more

PLEASE NOTE: You will need to board a ferry to take you to and from the trailhead. Tickets for the ferry are available at the marina. Seating on the ferries is limited and may sell out, so it is best to arrive early to purchase your ticket. Pay close attention to the pick-up times for your return to town after your hike. After the last scheduled pick-up of the day, there will be no more ferries coming until the following morning. The ferry is also subject to closures. For rates and additional information, visit https://www.watertoncruise.com/ It is important that each member of your hiking group is carrying bear spray, as bears are regularly spotted on this trail. The cable has some very small frayed sections, so be careful not to cut your hands. This hike does involve touching the cables and ladder so please bring hand-sanitizer for use on this trail. This hike is a great opportunity to get a good workout and see some beautiful and diverse nature. The first part of the hike goes through a forest and is shaded. The first set of climbs are easy and then the trail levels out. Somewhere around the second waterfall, the hike starts climbing and it is completely exposed, be sure to have water, sunscreen, a hat etc. for this part of the hike. Then comes the ledge, the tunnel and the cables. The ledge has enough space to walk comfortably on both sides. Unless you are very terrified of heights you will likely not find this part of the hike too scary! The tunnel is narrow but fairly short, and the lake is just a small walk away after this. The route on this map sends you back via the Hell Roaring Falls Trail. This trail can be overgrown and is much less travelled. If you want to get away from the crowds it is a great option, but you can also do the hike as an out and back. Show more

Parking is available across the highway on Abraham Lake. This trail offers 360 views of the gorgeous Canadian Rockies. Challenging hike with a steady incline. Offline map is recommended. Users have reported that the trails are not marked well.Show more

Lake Minnewanka is a must visit when visiting Banff National Park. With lots of access to wildlife and a variety of hikes, this is an amazing part of Banff you will want to explore. Show more

The route on this page has the hiker starting at the ATV staging area directly next to the road. You should park at this trailhead if you're driving a 2WD car. If you have a 4WD vehicle with good ground clearance, you will likely be able to reach the actual trailhead. The first part of the trail is on a rocky dirt road used by ATVs. You'll then reach a sign for the actual Window Mountain Lake Trail. Follow the small orange spray painted "WML"s. If you want to extend your hike, you can continue past the lake and scramble up to Mount Ward. It can be quite challenging and you will need some route-finding skills.Show more