Yamnuska Mountain Adventures offers scheduled hiking and backpacking trips to different areas of the Canadian Rockies, each with its own unique ambiance, unotuched beauty and challenge. If the dates don’t suit, trips can be arranged for private groups.

Yamnuska’s backpacking adventures are a great escape from the rat race. As days go by you fall into a rhythm, you relax and sore muscles firm up. Hiking at an easy pace and with the worlds most beautiful natural scenery all around you, you soon forget that you’re moving at all as you become absorbed with your surroundings: a waterfall breaks through the cliffs above, an orchid peeps through the moss on the forest floor, clouds scud past the peaks high above. The mountains provide endless distractions. Pure bliss.

Your Banff area and Rockies adventure begins with Yamnuska.

Related articles:

• Mountaineering in Banff and the Canadian Rockies
• Rock Climbing in Banff and the Canadian Rockies
• Ice Climbing in Banff and The Canadian Rockies

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures’ rock climbing programs provide a selection of climbs from progressive training for beginners level to advanced. The friendly and experienced instructors are certified guides and leading edge climbers. Individuals, families and groups welcome.

We are proud of our reputation as one of the leading mountain school & mountain guide services in North America. Owned and operated locally by guides, we are committed to providing the highest quality mountain experiences. At Yamnuska, it’s all about enjoying the mountains, learning from them, and accepting challenge while staying as safe as possible.

Your Banff area and Rockies adventure begins with Yamnuska.

Related articles:

• Mountaineering in Banff and the Canadian Rockies
• Ice Climbing in Banff and The Canadian Rockies
• Backpacking in Banff and the Canadian Rockies

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is the top Banff and Canadian Rockies mountaineering guide service and school. Over the years, we have helped thousands of mountaineers of all levels see the Canadian Rockies from their highest points.

Enjoy a Canadian Rockies mountain experience with our certified and experienced guides. We know The Rockies!

Our mountaineering team includes some of the friendliest, most experienced instructors and guides you are ever likely to meet. All of the guides hold climbing certification from the association of Canadian Mountain Guides and from other International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA) countries so you know you are in the best hands possible.

Your Banff area and Rockies adventure begins with Yamnuska.

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• Ice Climbing in Banff and The Canadian Rockies
• Rock Climbing in Banff and the Canadian Rockies
• Backpacking in Banff and the Canadian Rockies

Ice Climbing is one of the 'coolest' activities to do in the Rockies...

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is the top Banff and Canadian Rockies ice climbing guide service and ice climbing school. We have hosted thousands of climbers looking to ice climb in The Canadian Rockies.

Enjoy a Canadian Rockies mountain experience with our certified and experienced guides. We know The Rockies!

Our Ice Climbing Team includes most of the best climbers, guides and instructors anywhere! Enthusiastic and extremely talented, they hold climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and from other International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA) countries. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to them.

Your Banff area adventure begins with Yamnusksa.

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• Rock Climbing in Banff and the Canadian Rockies
• Mountaineering in Banff and the Canadian Rockies
• Backpacking in Banff and the Canadian Rockies

By Leroy Jenkins
Staff Writer

The Canadian Rockies offer awesome riding opportunities.

If you’re looking for a quick but challenging mountain bike ride in the town of Canmore, or a chance to work on your skills and test your bike before you head out into the wild Canadian Rockies, you’ll want to head straight over to Canmore’s new mountain bike parks.

The the Millennium and Benchlands Mountain Bike Skills Parks are designed by master park builder Jay Hoots, who, with a team of local volunteers, created this 2,000 square metre mountain biker’s heaven.

Besides being awesome parks, they also happen to be free, so you can hold on to your wallet and save it for some of that good Canadian Rockies cusine you’ll be dying for after a hard day riding.

The Benchlands park is located at the base of the hill just east of the Trans Canada Highway overpass. You can ride into the park from a paved or a gravel path above the east side of the Canmore Cemetery. There is a small gravel lot accessed off of Benchlands Trail.

The Millennium Mountain Bike Skills Park is on the corner of 5th Avenue and 1st Street Canmore, right next to the Millennium Park Sport field. You can ride in from 5th Avenue or the Bow River trail. If you drove, park at the Millennium Park lot.

The parks are designed to be fun and challenging for riders anywhere from a beginners level to advanced. Riding in the park is unsupervised, so you’ll want to exercise caution just like you would if you were out in the mountains.

The park does have some guidelines intended to increase your enjoyment of it, and help protect your safety, including that you wear a helmet and other protective gear, keep your seat post low, communicate with other riders and know your ability and stay within them.

Anyway, no excuses. If you’re in Canmore and looking to bike, it’s right there. Get out and ride!

No related posts.

1. Bow Summit
   Printable Version (PDF, 832 kb)
2. Cascade Waterfall
   Printable Version (PDF, 2.8 mb)
3. Healy Creek
   Printable Version (PDF, 1007 kb)
4. Parker Ridge
   Printable Version (PDF, 756 kb)
5. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
   Printable Version (PDF, 1 mb)
6. Wawa Ridge
   Printable Version (PDF, 1199 kb)
7. West Bowl
   Printable Version (PDF, 919 kb)

Glacier National Park

1. Asulkan and Illecillewaet
   Printable Version (PDF, 1,189 kb)
2. Connaught Creek
   Printable Version (PDF, 940 kb)
3. Loop Brook
   Printable Version (PDF, 2.6 mb)
4. NRC Gully
   Printable Version (PDF, 845 kb)

Jasper National Park

1. Bald Hills
   Printable Version (PDF, 926 kb)
2. Whistler Creek
   Printable Version (PDF, 878 kb)

Waterton Lakes National Park

1. Cameron Lake
   Printable Version (PDF, 897 kb)

Yoho National Park

1. Mount Dennis
   Printable Version (PDF, 912 kb)

Related articles:

• Jasper Townsite – A Quick History
• Mountaineering in Banff and the Canadian Rockies
• Backpacking in Banff and the Canadian Rockies

From glacier-clad peaks along the Continental Divide to the dry grassy slopes of the Columbia Valley, where even cactus grows, Kootenay National Park is a land rich in variety. The Banff-Windermere Highway (#93 South), the first motor road across the Canadian Rockies, takes you through the park along the Vermilion and Kootenay rivers and through the narrow gorge of Sinclair Canyon. The village of Radium Hot Springs, just outside the south end of the park, is the closest visitor service centre.

The village of Field is the main visitor service centre in the park.

READABLE MAP (pdf – 142 KB)

1A. Kootenay Park Information Centre
(3 km from Radium; 347-9505)

Located at the Radium Hot Springs Pools:

- Park information, maps, brochures, passes, permits, backcountry reservations

- Friends of Kootenay National Park gift shop (summer only)

Open hours:

SPRING (MAY 16/17 & MAY 30 – JUN 26): 9 am – 5 p.m.

SUMMER (JUN 27 – SEP 06): 9 am – 7 p.m.

FALL (SEP 07 – SEPT 20): 9 am – 5 p.m.

The rest of the year, call: (250) 347-9615

1B. Vermilion Crossing Visitor Centre
(63 km from Radium)

Operated by Kootenay Park Lodge (no telephone). Offers most Parks Canada information services.

Open hours:

SPRING (APR 09 – MAY 10, FRI-SUN & HOLIDAYS): 11 am – 6 p.m.

SUMMER (MAY 15 – SEP 27, DAILY): 10 am – 6:30 p.m.

FALL (OCT 02 – OCT 12, FRI-SUN & HOLIDAYS): 11 am – 6 p.m.

2. Sinclair Canyon
(1.5 km from Radium)

Just inside the park ’s West Gate, Sinclair Canyon offers a dramatic park entrance. One kilometre ahead are the Hot Springs Pools and, a kilometre further, the iron-rich cliffs of the Redwall Fault. Watch for bighorn sheep.

3. Valley View Interpretive Trail
(2 km from Radium)

Enjoy views of the Columbia Valley, and learn about the natural history of a Douglas fir forest typical of the warm, dry slopes in the Radium Hot Springs area on this 2.8 km (return) trail which starts near the Redstreak Campground entrance.

4. Radium Hot Springs Pools
(3 km from Radium; 250-347-9485)

To Canada ’s Aboriginal people these were sacred waters — a place to cure illness and achieve spiritual peace. Look for the booklet Nipika to learn about the history of the springs. Today thousands of people are rediscovering the power of these waters to relax tired muscles and soothe troubled spirits. There is a hot soaking pool, for relaxing (40°C), and a cooler swimming pool.

- Locker rooms, showers, swimsuit and towel rentals; massage by appointment

- Park Information Centre (see 1A.)

- Open year-round; hours and admission fees vary by season — see the brochure Soak in Some History

5. Olive Lake
(13 km from Radium)

Don ’t miss this little spot: a spring-fed lake with clear, shallow water bordered by a fully accessible boardwalk trail with interpretive panels.

6. Kootenay Valley Viewpoint
(16 km from Radium)

Stop here for a dramatic overview of the Kootenay River Valley and the peaks of the Mitchell and Vermilion ranges.

7. Mount Wardle
(48 km from Radium)

Mount Wardle is home to a large population of mountain goats. For most of the year they live high on its slopes and crags, but in spring and early summer they and their newborn kids come down to lick the minerals in the banks beside the road. Watch for stopped vehicles, and remember to pull safely off the roadway before you stop to view wildlife.

8. Paint Pots
(85 km from Radium)

A 1.5 km trail leads to the Paint Pots: cold, iron-rich mineral springs which bubble up through small pools and stain the earth a deep ochre colour. Interpretive panels and a display describe the Aboriginal and European mining history of this unusual geological feature.

9. Marble Canyon
(88 km from Radium)

Blue glacial meltwater, grey limestone walls, and green cliff-dwelling plants make this a colourful place. A 0.8 km interpretive trail crisscrosses the narrow gorge and ends at a pounding waterfall.

10. The Continental Divide and Fireweed Trail
(95 km from Radium)

The summit of Vermilion Pass (1651 m) marks the dividing line between Kootenay and Banff National Parks, and between Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. It was also the site of a large wildfire in 1968. The Fireweed Trail takes you on a 0.8 km interpretive loop through the regenerating forest.

Related articles:

• Jasper National Park
• Banff National Park
• Yoho National Park

The word “Yoho” is a Cree expression of awe and wonder. Nestled on the western slopes of the Rockies, Yoho National Park boasts towering rock walls, spectacular waterfalls, and 28 peaks over 3,000 metres in height. The exquisitely preserved fossils of the Burgess Shale, discovered in Yoho in 1909, have greatly expanded scientific understanding of the evolution of animal life.

The village of Field is the main visitor service centre in the park.

READABLE MAP (pdf – 125 KB)

1. Field Visitor Centre

(in Field; 250-343-6783)
Need information? Come see us. And enjoy the playground, pond, and picnic facilities nearby. – Park information, maps, brochures, passes, permits, backcountry registration

- Burgess Shale fossil displays

- Travel Alberta and Tourism British Columbia information services (year-round)

- Friends of Yoho National Park gift shop (year-round)

Open daily:

SPRING (MAY 15 – JUN 25): 9 am – 5 p.m.

SUMMER (JUN 26 – AUG 30): 9 am – 7 p.m.

FALL (AUG 31 – SEP 27): 9 am – 5 p.m.

WINTER (SEP 28 – MAY 14) 9 am – 4 p.m.

2. The Great Divide and Kicking Horse Pass

(16 km from Field)
See Divide Creek flow east and west beside an arch marking the Great Divide on the 1A Highway at Kicking Horse Pass. In 1858, while searching for a suitable travel route through the Rockies, explorer James Hector was knocked unconscious by his horse during a river crossing near Wapta Falls. Soon thereafter, he discovered this important mountain pass.

3. Lower Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint

(8 km from Field)
The original railway line descent from the Continental Divide to Field had a grade of 4.5%, the steepest of any railway in North America. The Spiral Tunnels, completed in 1909, reduced this grade to a much safer 2.2%. A display beside the highway explains the history and operation of the spiral tunnels.

4. Takakkaw Falls

(17 km from Field)
Takakkaw — meaning “magnificent!” in Cree Indian — is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, with a free fall of 254 m. Several popular hikes start here. The 13 km Yoho Valley Road leading to the falls is steep with some switchbacks. Please leave trailers at the parking lot across from Monarch Campground. The road is open in summer only, as snow conditions permit.

5. Natural Bridge

(3 km from Field)
Water and time have relentlessly worn through a solid rockbed to create a natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River, 1.6 km from the Trans-Canada Highway.

6. Emerald Lake

(11 km from Field)
Check out the new Burgess Shale display at the picnic area, complete with a telescope that allows you to see the world-famous fossil site, and illustrations of the amazing creatures that have been discovered there. You can also enjoy a 1-hour hike around one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies on a well-marked interpretive trail.

7. Wapta Falls

(22 km from Field)
The impressive Kicking Horse River was earlier known as the Wapta, which means “running water”. A short drive from the Trans-Canada Highway takes you to the start of an easy 2.4 km trail to the falls. The turn-off is accessible only to eastbound traffic traffic; if you’re westbound, ask for directions at the Field Visitor Centre.

Special Access Areas

Lake O’Hara

The Lake O’Hara area is as fragile as it is beautiful. To protect this alpine area and assure a high quality visitor experience, a quota limits the number of people who may use the bus service to the lake. Bicycles are not permitted either, but there is no limit on the number of people who may hike in.

Reservations are required for the bus service (JUN 19 – SEP 28) and for the backcountry campground. They can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling (250) 343-6433; there is a $10 reservation fee. A small number of day use and one-night campsite spots are set aside for assignment 24 hours in advance. These are available in person only at the Field Visitor Centre.

Burgess Shale

The remains of more than 120 species of marine animals from 515 million years ago have been found in the Burgess Shale. Soft-bodied creatures rarely survive the fossilization process, but here they are preserved in exquisite detail. In some cases scientists can even see what the fossilized animals were eating just before they died!

To protect this unique and globally important scientific site, access to Walcott’s Quarry and to the Trilobite Beds is by guided hike only. Both hikes are long and strenuous, and run from late June to October, as trail conditions permit. The hikes, led by licensed guides, are limited to 15 people. For schedules, fees, and reservations, contact the Yoho Burgess Shale Foundation: 1-800-343-3006.

If you are not able to visit the fossil sites, you can still enjoy the Burgess Shale displays at the Field and Lake Louise Visitor Centres.

Collecting fossils anywhere in the national parks is prohibited by law.

Related articles:

• Kootenay National Park
• Banff National Park
• Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is the largest and most northerly of the four mountain parks. The land is rugged and diverse, with endless opportunities to discover its natural beauty. In addition to the attractions described below, there are over 1000 km of trails to explore. The Town of Jasper is the main service centre in the park.

READABLE MAP (pdf – 216 KB)

1. Mount Edith Cavell
(29 km from Jasper)

In the early 1800s French-Canadian ‘voyageurs’ of the fur trade, on their way to nearby Athabasca Pass, called this “the mountain of the great crossing”. During WW1 it was renamed after a heroic British nurse. A switchback road climbs 14.5 km to a viewpoint under the mountain’s spectacular north face, and the start of a variety of trails. Trailers are not permitted on this winding road, and vehicles longer than 6 m are not recommended. The road is open in summer only, as snow conditions permit.

2. Miette Hotsprings
(61 km from Jasper; 780-866-3939)

These are the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies, emerging from the ground a steamy 54 °C! There is a hot pool (kept at 40 °C) for soaking, and a plunge pool for cooling.

* Open MAY to OCT

* Towels, lockers and swimsuits available for rent

* See the brochure Soak in Some History for details

3. Maligne Canyon
(11.5 km from Jasper)

Here the Maligne River plunges 23 m into a narrow, steep-walled gorge of limestone bedrock. A 3.7 km interpretive trail takes you over footbridges providing spectacular views. For safety’s sake, stay on the trail and away from the edge!

4. Medicine Lake
(27 km from Jasper)

The Maligne River flows into this lake, but nothing appears to flow out. Instead, Medicine Lake is drained by one of the largest underground river systems in North America. On-site exhibits explain.

5. Maligne Lake
(48 km from Jasper)

The beauty of this lake, rimmed by snow-capped peaks, is legendary. At 22 km long and 97 m deep, this is the longest, deepest natural lake in the four mountain parks. Commercial services (JUN to OCT) include boat cruises (780-852-3370), rowboat rentals, fishing guides, and trail rides.

6. The Whistlers
(4 km from Jasper)

You can walk up (7 km one way) or take the Jasper Tramway (APR – OCT; 780-852-3093) to the Whistlers alpine zone. At the top of the tramway, there are boardwalk exhibits and a steep 1.5 km trail to the summit.

7. Athabasca Falls
(30 km from Jasper)

Imagine a river falling 23 m through a narrow gorge of quartz-rich rock and you start to get a picture of Athabasca Falls. A bridge and platforms give you great views. Stay safe — keep on the trail and inside the protective fences.

8. Goat Mineral Lick
(38 km from Jasper)

Bluffs of mineral-rich soil at the roadside are irresistible to goats, who usually spend their time in the higher country.

9. Sunwapta Falls
(55 km from Jasper)

A short paved road leads to the falls, which tumble into a limestone gorge rather like Maligne Canyon. From here it ’s a 15-minute walk to the lower falls.

10. Athabasca Glacier
(103 km from Jasper)

Touch the toe of a glacier! The Athabasca Glacier is part of the great Columbia Icefield — 325 sq. km in area and up to 350 m thick. An access road takes you to an interpretive trail leading to the glacier. Heed all warning signs; glaciers can be as dangerous as they are impressive.

11. Icefield Centre
(103 km from Jasper)

Interpretive displays in the Glacier Gallery at the Icefield Centre tell the fascinating story of glaciers and the history of this area. Built in partnership with Brewster, the Centre is open MAY 01 – OCT 15 and offers complete Parks Canada information services (780-852-6288), as well as “Snocoach” tours (780-762-6735) and guided “Ice Walks” (780-852-6550) onto the glacier. People with severe heart or lung conditions should note that the Centre is at an elevation of 2000m (6500ft) above sea level.

Related articles:

• Kootenay National Park
• Banff National Park
• Jasper Townsite – A Quick History

READABLE MAP (pdf – 37 KB)

1. Jasper Information Centre
(500 Connaught Drive; 403-852-6176)

Completed in 1914, this structure originally housed the park’s first superintendent, administration offices, and a museum. It was declared a National Historic Site to honour its significant role in defining the character of early architecture in Jasper.

- Park information, maps, brochures, passes, permits, backcountry reservations, backcountry trail office

- Jasper Tourism & Commerce information services (MID JUN – MID OCT)

- Friends of Jasper National Park gift shop (year-round)

- Similar Parks Canada Information services are offered at the Icefield Centre (see pages 20/21)

Open DAILY:

SPRING (MAY 16 – JUN 13): 8 am – 5 p.m.

SUMMER (JUN 14 – SEP 01): 8 am – 7 p.m.

WINTER (SEP 02 – MAY 15): 9 am – 5 p.m.

SOME EASY TRAILS

For a more complete list, ask for the Day Hikers’ Guide To Jasper National Park brochure.

2. Old Fort Point Loop

This moderately steep 3.4 km trail is ideal for hikers interested in superb views and both the human and natural history of the park. To learn even more, borrow a free self-guiding activity kit from the Friends of Jasper sales outlet in the Information Centre.

3. Patricia Lake Circle

The 4.8 km trail loops by the Cottonwood slough and creek, offering excellent chances for wildlife watching.

4. Lake Annette Loop

Designed for visitors with disabilities, this 2.4 km paved interpretive trail is enjoyed by everyone. Benches allow you to stay awhile and enjoy peaceful mountain and lake views.

Related articles:

• Jasper National Park
• Banff Townsite
• Lake Louise Townsite