Scrambles in Banff National Park

THE TOP 10 SCRAMBLES IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Banff National Park, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a wonderful base for outdoor activity with many great scrambles throughout the park.  Our Top 10 Scrambles range from introductory experiences through to moderately-challenging, all-day adventures.  Remember that scrambles aren’t hikes, and most of the calls for rescue come from people who set out on a scramble without knowing what they are getting into. Scrambling requires a head for heights, the use of your hands and often climbing moves. If you haven’t done this before, take a course to learn technique and be safe before trying this on your own.

Here are the 10 Best scrambles in Banff National Park

1. Mount Bourgeau (14.9mi, 5020ft, 7-10h): The scramble up Mount Bourgeau gives way to a commanding view of the Bow Valley near Banff. The trip takes you by scenic Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass on the way to the summit, which means you’ll still have an amazing day even if you abort your summit bid.
2. Observation Peak (5.0mi, 3773ft, 5-7h): There is good reason it’s called Observation Peak! The scramble up Observation Peak gives a bird’s eye view of turquoise Peyto Lake and Bow Lake at the base of glaciated giants on the continental divide.
3. Helena Ridge (15.2mi, 5249ft, 6-9h): Scrambling to the summit of Helena Ridge offers the best view of the amazing Castle Mountain Plateau. Along the way you’ll see scenic lakes, fossils, and lovely old-growth forest that will keep you entertained on the approach.
4. Paget Peak (6.1mi, 3166ft, 5-7h): Scrambling Paget Peak offers a spectacular view of the glaciated peaks of the Great Divide and a fantastic aerial view of turquoise Sherbrooke Lake. An old fire lookout en route offers a wonderful place for a sheltered snack and serves as a nice backup plan should the weather turn.
5. Cascade Mountain (11.8mi, 5085ft, 6-10h): Scrambling up Cascade Mountain is a must-do scramble for anyone in the Canadian Rockies. Towering over the Bow Valley, the iconic Cascade Mountain provides a spectacular view of Lake Minnewanka, the Banff Town site, and hundreds of surrounding peaks.
6. Bow Peak (8.2mi, 3117ft, 6-9h): The scramble up Bow Peak takes you on an adventurous river crossing and an incredibly scenic forest walk to an isolated alpine pas. Giving way to incredible views of peaks and the icefields, the Bow Peak scramble is a classic Canadian Rockies adventure.
7. Little Hector (5.3mi, 4101ft, 5-8h): Scrambling up Mount Hector gives way to a commanding and up-close view of Hector glacier from the summit of Little Hector. The lookout provides a scenic punch to the glacial lakes, mountains, and icefields surrounding the peak.
8. Mount Richardson (13.5mi, 4429ft, 6-9h): Scrambling Mount Richardson calls for an ascension of the highest peak in the world-famous Skoki region. Go in late September and you’ll see striking yellow larches dotting the approach and mountain ridges, making this a particularly colorful scramble.
9. The Onion (12.4mi, 3199ft, 6-9h): The scramble up to The Onion brings you incredibly close to the Wapta Icefield. It is a very rewarding day out that has everything including tarns, glaciers, and great rock formations.
10. Panorama Ridge (6.1mi, 3150ft, 5-7h): This challenging scramble has incredible views combined with a very challenging ascent over moving scree. Some people rate this much higher, however the challenging ascent does hamper an otherwise brilliant scramble.

Other Activities in Banff National Park

Scrambling in Banff is a great activity for thrill seekers visiting the Rockies, but there are plenty of other things to do in Banff National Park that can be experienced year-round. From hiking and backpacking to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, the below list of activities in Banff National Park should provide you with endless adventure opportunities:

-Hiking
-Mountain Biking
-Cycling
-Backpacking
-Snowshoeing

Get the 10Adventures App

Looking to experience the wilderness of Banff National Park on your own? The 10Adventures trail app is a great resource that will keep you safe and sound while out on the trails. If you want to safely and easily navigate the trails offline, while also tracking the stats of your hike, bike, or snowshoeing adventure then make sure to download the 10Adventures app before setting out on your next adventure!