As the days stretch longer and the sun beckons us outdoors, we need places to go!
Hiking is an obvious go-to activity for those living in or near the Rockies, especially for achieving epic views.
However, getting to the top of a mountain to see said view is no small feat.
While our province is undoubtedly full of hardy enthusiasts…not everyone is looking for the uphill trek that’ll have them doubled over and dripping sweat in the midday sun.
If you’re just getting into hiking, trying to get outside with small kids, or your knees aren’t quite what they used to be – this list is for you!
We’ve compiled some safe, beginner-friendly hikes in Alberta. These hikes will help you make the most of the season and soak in the beauty of the great outdoors.
So read on, lace up your boots, pack your snacks, and get ready to hit the trails!
Aspen, Fescue and Rancher’s Trail (Priddis)
Immerse yourself in nature on this serene 5.5 km hike southwest of Calgary, just seven minutes east of Priddis.
Head to the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area and prepare for a nice leisurely stroll through rolling terrain with picturesque mountain views.
It takes most people about 2 hours to complete this loop trail.
You’ll share your hike with some bovine friends as you walk through active pastures, but this trail offers birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts an exceptional experience.
The trail is open year-round and beautiful to visit anytime. However, dogs are prohibited on this trail, so you must leave your pups home.
Users must register at the trailhead, and there is a $10 fee to park in the trailhead lot.
The park is open early and late into the day (4 AM to 11 PM), so plan accordingly if you want to avoid mid-day crowds.
Remember, this is private land, so use respect.
For more information, go to the conservation site’s website.
Misery Mountain Ridgeline Trail (Peace River)
Here’s one that’s an “only locals know” hike.
Don’t be fooled by the name, Misery Mountain Ridgeline Trail will give you the opposite feeling!
This trail, located in the town of Peace River, offers tranquillity and endless vistas for hikers and mountain bikers.
With its gentle incline and scenic viewpoints, this 4.3 km trail offers a peaceful escape for hikers of all abilities.
Wildflowers, 360-degree views and wildlife sightings will leave you breathless and wanting more.
Take your time to savour the scenery and enjoy the solitude of this lesser-known gem.
Then reward yourself with a coffee and a treat at the top-rated J’s Java Domain.
Troll Falls (Kananaskis Village)
Troll Falls is a beloved hiking destination for Albertans headed into Kananaskis Country.
This gentle trail, stretching 3.4 kilometres with an elevation gain of just 154 meters, showcases some of Mother Nature’s best work.
Hikers can choose between two routes: one leading to the base of the picturesque waterfall that gives the trail its name and the other ascending to the top, where a creek and additional waterfalls await. Both paths are accessible to hikers of all skill levels and promise a rewarding experience.
The trail is dog-friendly, but be sure to have your best friend leashed.
In the past, the trail had a whimsical tradition of hikers placing Troll Dolls among the trees, adding a playful element to the hike. However, Alberta Parks has since requested that visitors refrain from leaving the dolls for environmental reasons, humorously noting that the dolls prefer to stay warm and cozy with their owners.
Despite this change, the trail’s quirky history adds to its charm.
Located just five minutes from Kananaskis Village, Troll Falls is a perfect prelude to exploring the local dining and lodging options.
Wedge Pond Trail (Kananaskis)
Hikes in the mountain don’t get any easier than this 1.0 km loop with only an elevation gain of 33 metres.
Usually, hikes with no elevation gain lack big views, but the Wedge Pond Trail is the exception. It offers stunning mountain views the entire time you circle the lake.
With excellent picnic facilities and a nice beach area, Wedge Pond is also great for a weenie roast or paddle board.
Wedge Pond is easy to find, just 30 kilometres from the Trans Canada highway south on Highway 40.
Blakiston Falls Trail (Waterton Lakes National Park)
If you’ve already done the easiest well-known glory hike in Waterton, the Mars-like terrain of Red Rock Canyon, it’s time to move onto the often-overlooked Blakiston Falls.
While the Red Rock Canyon loop is only 0.7 km, the Blakiston Falls trail is longer, at 2 km return, but with a relatively easy-on-the-lungs elevation gain of 76 metres.
To get to the trailhead, drive to the end of the Red Rock Parkway. There, you’ll find two parking lots: the upper one to access Red Rock Canyon and the lower one, which is best to access the Blakiston Falls trailhead.
Walk along the east side of Red Rock Canyon, cross the bridge, and then return along the west side of the canyon to the trailhead for Blakiston Falls.
The trail to Blakiston Falls is an especially pleasant walk. Though the forest has been burned here, it is one of the best areas in the park for spectacular stands of fireweed during late June and early July.
Lake Edith (Jasper National Park)
One of the easiest hikes is the Lake Edith trail in Jasper National Park with an elevation gain of a mere 19 metres!
Here you have an easy 4.9 km stroll around the lake with no hills, and there is much to see.
This hike is often overlooked for the more popular lake circuits around Lake Annette and Lac Beauvert.
This hike is less busy and provides time away from the crowds
You are bound to see wildlife on your walk. Elk are super common, and bears are also commonly seen, so practice being smart, carrying bear spray, and making noise while hiking.
The lake is popular for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
The trail goes through private cabin areas, but beach access is allowed to all visitors; just respect private property.
The trail is dog-friendly, but keep pets on a leash; you don’t want your off-leash dog luring a bear back to meet you!
Trail access can be found here.
Before you hit the trails, remember to check for trail conditions, closures, and weather advisories.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate attire, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of Alberta’s wilderness.
Happy hiking!
