Our Favourite Hikes in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails on the planet. From glacier-fed valleys to wildflower-covered alpine meadows, every trail offers something unforgettable. As a family of four - including two young kids - we’ve been steadily building our list of favourite hikes, and we plan to keep adding to it as we explore more of this incredible mountain range.

This is our running list of the hikes that have left the biggest impression on us. Some are short and sweet, perfect for families with little ones. Others push you a bit harder but reward you with views that will stay with you forever. We’ll keep updating this list as we discover new trails, so check back often.

1. Parker’s Ridge Trail - Banff National Park

Distance: 5.1 km round trip | Elevation Gain: 250-330 m | Difficulty: Moderate | Family Friendly: Yes

Parker’s Ridge might be the single best effort-to-reward ratio of any hike in the Canadian Rockies. In just over an hour of hiking, you climb above the treeline to a windswept ridge overlooking the massive Saskatchewan Glacier - the largest outlet of the Columbia Icefield. We hiked this in July 2021 when our daughter was just one year old and barely walking. I carried her the entire way, and it was worth every step.

The trail starts with switchbacks through subalpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, then opens up to panoramic views that stretch in every direction. The glacier viewpoint at the top is genuinely jaw-dropping. If you only have time for one hike on the Icefields Parkway, make it this one.

Read our full Parker’s Ridge Trail guide →

More hikes coming soon! We’re working on adding our experiences from Wilcox Pass, Grassi Lakes, Johnston Canyon, and many more. Stay tuned as we continue exploring the Canadian Rockies with our kids.