Panoramic views from Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National Park
Panoramic views from Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National Park

Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows Snowshoe Trail

Banff National Park
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Snowy peaks along Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkTrail upon Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkRoute among trees on Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkSnowy winter along Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkPath through the woods on Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkWinter on Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkScenery around Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkIncredible views on Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkWinter views on Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkMt Bell from Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkRoute on Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkTaylor Lake on Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkGreat views on Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National ParkThe creek on Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows snowshoe trail in Banff National Park

Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows Snowshoe Trail

Distance: 9.8mi
Elevation: 2,477ft
Time: 5-8h

Difficulty Rating:

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A snowshoe trip to Taylor Lake, which sits at the base of Mount Bell, is a beautiful sight. Be sure not to miss the open meadows below Panorama Ridge, just a short distance from Taylor Lake; they are what make this a spectacular trip.

Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows Snowshoe Map

Getting there

The trailhead is located between Castle Junction and Lake Louise on the west side of Highway 1. It is 5.0mi north of Castle Junction, or 11.2mi South of Lake Louise. The turn-off is well signed.

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About

When to do

December - April

Mountain Huts

No

Toilets

Trailhead

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Avalanche Risk

Simple

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Taylor Lake and Panorama Meadows

Anyone on a snowshoe trip should have Avalanche training, we recommend AST 2 for all backcountry travellers, and AST 1 is the minimum. It is important to note that when travelling through avalanche terrain it is extremely valuable to always have a companion.

Taylor Lake is a popular destination in both larch season and snowshoeing in the winter. The trail to Taylor Lake is wide and well graded. Although you gain approximately 1969ft to Taylor Lake over 4.0mi, it never feels particularly steep. This is a multi-use trail in winter so be ready to encounter other snowshoers, and skiers too.

The trail is usually packed down, and the route up is as simple as following the well-used trail. The highlight of this trail are Panorama Meadows, and it’s a shame many people simply go to Taylor Lake.

The winter trail often leads directly to Panorama Meadows above Taylor Lake. If that’s the case on your snowshoe, follow this route over a small creek into Panorama Meadows to explore the area and catch some panoramic views. Make your own trail, roughly following the summer trail, down to Taylor Lake on your return. It’s only 1312ft and downhill, so it’s quite easy going.

If the trail is packed along the summer route, directly to Taylor Lake and enjoy the views there. To get to Panorama Meadows ascend the hill north of the small clearing at Taylor Lake. You’ll pass an outhouse and bear pole before travelling a few hundred metres to the edge of the meadows. .

On the way back down, keep your ears open for skiers, they can approach quickly.

Insider Hints

  • Keep your ears open on the trail, as skiers can come flying down the narrow trail you are sharing with them.

  • If you don’t want to go through Banff, stop at Castle Mountain Chalets service station for a coffee and treat on your way home.

  • Snowshoeing in the Banff takes you into remote terrain. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with warm clothes, extra food, matches and ideally a satellite transceiver, like a Garmin InReach. Cell phones do not work until you get to Canmore.

  • Always check the avalanche forecast for Banff before heading out.

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