Summer is just around the corner! Can you feel it? Moraine Lake Road and Bragg Creek’s winter gate have finally opened, so lots more trails are available for exploring. See our top picks for early June family fun in the mountains!
Lake Louise
- Hike to Consolation Lakes from the bridge near the Rockpile at Moraine Lake. Distance: 5.8 km return. 65 m elevation gain. This family friendly trail takes you to pretty mirror-like lakes with views of Quadra Glacier.
- Lake Agnes is a family favorite hike! 6.8 km return, 385 m elevation gain. Suitable for most kids 4 & up. Allow time for breaks along the way – Mirror Lake is a nice stop! – and tea at the Lake Agnes Teahouse (opens Saturday, June 4)! Bring cash and a sweater.
- Lake Louise Lakeshore (2 km one way) and Moraine Lakeshore (1.5 km one way) are beautiful, flat walks if you’re short on time.
- From Castle Lookout enjoy sweeping vistas of the Bow Valley. 7.4 km return, 520 m elevation gain. The trailhead is 5 km west of Castle Junction on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). The fire lookout is gone, but the views remain!
- Take the Lake Louise Gondola to Whitehorn Bistro for lunch, then hike around the ski hill! We liked Kicking Horse Lookout.
View from the Lake Louise Gondola |
Banff
- Visit Cave & Basin at night for a cool 40-minute Cave Lantern Tour! Saturday nights 7 pm & 8 pm ‘through to August 27. Children welcome. Pre-registration required. $
- Attend free learn and bike events for Bike Month in Banff!
- Take a hike! These 4 Banff Shoulder Season Hikes are perfect for June! We like exploring the ruins (of an old coal mining operation) at Bankhead too.
- Bike around town on the various paved trails or ride the Legacy Trail from Banff to Cascade Pond Day Use (or all the way to Canmore!). Banff has several great mountain biking trails including the fun and scenic Tunnel Bench Loop (intermediate level trail).
- Go horse back riding! Banff Trail Riders are now offering 1-hour trail rides near the Bow River in Banff! For ages 6 & up! $
- Enjoy the Banff Gondola, Banff Lake Cruise, or Banff Hot Springs! $
Old coal cars at Bankhead, Lake Minnewanka Area, Banff |
Ruins at at Bankhead, Lake Minnewanka Area, Banff |
Canmore
- Top 5 Spring Things to Do in Kananaskis In addition to these hikes, I’m pleased to announce that the bridge at Sarrail Falls has been rebuilt, so you can safely make your way to beautiful Rawson Lake! Be prepared for snow, wet and muddy spots on the upper section of the trail as it is still early season – the trail should be in great shape by late June.
- Visit Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park for mountain biking, trail running, roller skiing, mountaineering, or disc golf! Green mountain biking trails are easiest, blue are intermediate, and black are advanced. Get a map at the daylodge information centre or download it here.
- Art in the Park – Saturdays, Sundays, and long weekend Mondays through September 5, from 10 am to 6 pm. Location: Canmore’s historical Northwest Mounted Police Barracks at 609 Main Street.
- Go for ice cream at the Old School Bus (621 Main St)!
Not a weekend event, but worth mentioning… Enjoy Alberta grown produce and meats, fresh baked goods and more at the Canmore Mountain Market. Thursdays, 10 am-6 pm, until October 26th at the Canmore Civic Centre Plaza on 7th Avenue.
West Wind Pass, Kananaskis – only 4.2 km return, but steep! |
Bragg Creek
- Go mountain biking! West Bragg Creek has a great network of trails with some beginner trails. Once you’ve mastered those, try Sulphur Springs in Elbow Valley.
- Climb Prairie Mountain. It’s a workout, but worth it!
- Powderface Ridge is a similar challenge – up, up, up with great views at the top.
- Nihahi Ridge is a a fun one to do without the kids (steep and exposed), but kids will love playing in Nihahi Creek!
- Fullerton Loop (8 km, 365 m elevation gain) is a fun, family hike that is not too strenuous.
- Picnic at Forget-Me-Not Pond.
- Visit Elbow Falls.
- Get an ice cream in Bragg Creek on your way home!
Prairie Mountain in March (don’t worry, the snow is gone now) |
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