A First-Timer's Guide to Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

Fresh air in your lungs, sweeping views all around: the Canadian Rockies offer some of the best hiking in the world, with trails of all lengths and levels of difficulty to choose from. Beyond the gear on your back, all you need is your two feet to take you into enchanted river valleys and majestic landscapes.

The logistics of mountain hiking can feel overwhelming if it’s your first time heading out. Here are some tips to help you plan your first hike in the Rockies.

Bottom line: You’ve got this.

Best times to hike

Prime hiking season in the Rockies begins in late spring at lower elevations and comes into full swing from mid-June until October. Check trail conditions in advance as late or early snow can affect the timeline.

Temperatures in the Rockies get hottest mid to late afternoon. Starting early will give you those glorious morning hours of cooler hiking, help you snag parking at popular trailheads and give you more time to enjoy the hike, no matter the distance. Fortunately, summer days are long, which gives you plenty of daylight to work with. Who knows, you may even fit in more than one hike per day.

How to plan 

Figuring out which trails are suitable for you is often the first challenge when you’re getting into hiking. It’s best to underestimate your ability level. If anything, it will give you confidence and you can increase the difficulty from there. Here are some tips for selecting your hikes: 

• Look at the distance, estimated times and the elevation gain/loss for hikes. Even a short hike can be rigorous if it climbs steeply.
• To help you choose, pick up a copy of Canadian Rockies Trail Guide by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson or Classic Hikes in the Canadian Rockies by Graeme Pole.
• Check out AllTrails or a similar app/website for statistics, as well as hiker reviews. Take reviews with a grain of salt and comb them for information that might be relevant to you.
• Consider the slowest or least experienced hiker in your group and pick a trail that is suitable for them.
• Check the Parks Canada or Alberta Parks websites for updated trail conditions and potential closures.
• Purchase any relevant park passes.

How to pack 

Packing properly for a hike in the Rockies will make the experience much more enjoyable — and safe. In the mountain environment, the weather can change on a dime. It’s also not unusual for temperatures to exceed 25º Celsius and then drop when you’re exposed to the alpine. You’ll be carrying everything on your back, so be mindful of how heavy a pack can feel after a few hours. 

Here are some suggestions to help you prepare: 

• Choose a well-fitting 20L to 40L backpack.
• Dress for the forecasted weather and bring layers for both warmth and waterproofing.
• Work with a layering concept: moisture-wicking materials against the skin, a warm insulating layer and finally a rain/wind shell. Don’t forget some warmth protection for your hands and head.
• Bring sun protection: a high UV rated sunscreen, lip chap, as well as sunglasses and sun hat.
• Test drive your boots at home first. And socks are everything. Invest in high-quality socks made specifically for hiking.
• Bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks and extra food in case of delay.
• Bug repellant may be your best friend.
• Make sure your group has bear spray (stored on your waist belt or exterior of a backpack), as well as a first aid kit.
• Bring a paper map instead of relying fully on a digital device.
• A flashlight or headlamp is a great addition to your pack, in case you are returning late.
• Hiking poles can greatly ease the impact on your knees; collapsible ones can be easily stored on your backpack when not in use.

Keeping it safe 

Part of the thrill of hiking is the chance to get out into nature, away from the road. But this also means you need to be quite self-reliant and trail savvy. Hikers can get themselves into trouble when they aren’t prepared, either in terms of gear or knowledge. The Rockies have well-trained search and rescue teams, which can be dispatched in a true emergency. But here are some tips for making sure you don’t need to hit that SOS button: 

• Tell someone where you are going and when you can be expected back.
• Have a map and navigational device and know how to use them.
• Restock your first aid kit and refresh your skills.
• Bring extra layers, food and water in case you are delayed returning.
• On quieter trails, bring a SPOT or satellite device so that you can contact someone if you need to.
• Do not go off-trail unless you have a good sense of route-finding.
• Avoid venturing out alone. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s always a good idea to make noise on the trails to avoid unexpected encounters with wildlife.
• The Canadian Rockies are bear Always carry bear spray, make sure it’s somewhere you can access easily (such as the outside of a backpack) and that you understand how to use it. Click here to learn more about what to do if you encounter bears and other wildlife on hiking trails. 

Join a guided hiking group 

A guided hike is a wonderful way to enjoy the wild, no matter how experienced you are. You’ll no doubt meet some great people, plus your guides will offer some interpretation of the landscapes you’re travelling in. Numerous hiking companies exist alongside independent guides. Here’s a selection: 

• White Mountain Adventures
• Great Divide Nature Interpretation
• Canadian Rockies Hiking by Yamnuska
• Fresh Adventures
• Rockies Hiking and Yoga
• Hike Waterton with Tamarack

Ready to hit the trail?  

Find more hiking resources.