OUR Alberta 2018 | Page 25

region |rocky mountains Popular Hikes GRASSI LAKES This family friendly hike close to Canmore offers two routes. Choose between “easy” and “difficult” routes, both of which will lead you to a majestic lake surrounded by panaromic views of Canmore. Keep an eye out for rock climbers — it’s a popular spot for beginners thanks to a section of rock with large, easy-to-grip holds. www.tourismcanmore.com GROTTO CANYON Walk through a narrow-walled creek bed in this majestic canyon. There’s a lot to see along the way, including ancient pictographs and unique rock formations. When you hit a fork in the road, turn right for a beautiful waterfall — in the winter, the waterfall freezes and draws ice climbers. If you continue going straight, you will see hoodoos and a cave. www.tourismcanmore.com Banff National Park This short hike starts right in the town of Banff and leads you on fairly steep switchbacks up the forested side of a mountain, but the 360 views of Banff are well worth it. Take a rest at the summit on Parks Canada lawn chairs. banff.ca Kakwa 40 GRANDE CACHE JOHNSTON CANYON AND INK POTS Walk along sturdy catwalks that overlook the canyon to the magnificent Lower and Upper Falls. Once you’ve soaked in the scenery, you can continue another 3 km to the Ink Pots — seven mineral springs in the open meadows beside Johnston Canyon Creek. Give yourself half a day to complete this trek. banff.ca WILLMORE WILDERNESS PARK HINTON 40 LAKE LOUISE LAKESHORE Take a jaunt on this path along the shoreline of the sublime Lake Louise. Bring your camera, as the water is so clear it reflects the mountain backdrop and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. www.pc.gc.ca JASPER JASPER NATIONAL PARK 93 COLUMBIA ICEFIELD DISCOVERY CENTRE SUNWAPTA FALLS This easy hike gives you an unforgettable view of the epic Sunwapta Falls and Canyon. Follow the Lower Sunwapta Falls trail for a closer view of the falls. Be careful as the path can be slippery when wet! www.hikejasper.com Abraham Lake COLUMBIA ICEFIELDS N TUNNEL MOUNTAIN 93 BANFF NATIONAL PARK LAKE LOUISE FIELD BANFF CANMORE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Jasper National Park 25