Canadian Rockies Hiking: Waterton, Kananaskis & Lake Louise

Arrive in Calgary and make the overland journey south to Waterton Lakes National Park, a drive of roughly three hours. Upon arrival, the first objective is the Bertha Lake trail, an 11km route that climbs 500m via a series of demanding switchbacks through sub-alpine forest. The reward is the view from the blue-green lake back down the Waterton Valley.

After the hike, a short drive leads to Red Rock Canyon for a walk through the distinct geological formations. The day ends by setting up at a campsite inside the park, with dinner around a fire.

Today is dedicated to a full-day hike on one of Waterton's two most celebrated trails; there isn't time for both. The choice is between the Crypt Lake Trail and the Carthew Summit Trail, each a 6- to 8-hour commitment.

The Crypt Lake route begins with a ferry ride across Waterton Lake. The trail climbs through forest before breaking out into an exposed alpine bowl. The final section involves a steel ladder and a 60-foot tunnel through the mountain, and is not suitable for those with a fear of heights. The alternative, the Carthew Summit trail, is a point-to-point route past four alpine lakes, with views south into Montana's Glacier National Park.

Break camp in Waterton for the overland journey north to Kananaskis Country. The drive crosses Highwood Pass, which at 2,206m is the highest paved road in Canada. A good place to stop en route is the town of Longview, known for its local jerky.

In the afternoon, the day's hike is the Ptarmigan Cirque trail. It's a short but steep route, gaining elevation quickly to reach an alpine meadow with wide-open views of the surrounding peaks. From there, it's a short drive to the campsite to set up for the night.

The entire day is set aside for the Burstall Pass trail, a Kananaskis classic that requires 4 to 7 hours of moving time. The route begins on relatively flat ground, passing several marshy lakes and streams, before the real climbing begins. The trail ascends through forest into a vast alpine meadow, culminating at a high mountain pass.

From the pass, the views open up to glaciers and the snow-dusted peaks of the continental divide. The rocky terrain around the pass also provides opportunities for off-trail scrambling for those with the time and experience. Return along the same trail to the campsite in the evening.

After breaking camp in Kananaskis, the day's drive heads north to the Lake Louise area, with a stop in the town of Banff. The afternoon is best spent exploring the valley on two wheels. Bike rentals are widely available, with options for all fitness levels. A popular choice is the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail, a 23km paved pathway running from the Bow Valley Parkway to the park's east gate.

For those seeking more technical terrain, numerous mountain biking trails are accessible from town. After a few hours of riding, complete the short drive to Lake Louise and set up camp for the next three nights.

A short drive west from Lake Louise leads into British Columbia and Yoho National Park, home to the Iceline Trail. This is one of the Canadian Rockies' premier day hikes, a demanding 14km loop that gains approximately 915m in elevation and takes 7 to 9 hours to complete. The trail climbs steeply above the treeline and stays high, offering sustained, exposed views across to several glaciers, down into the deep-green Yoho Valley, and past numerous waterfalls.

The terrain is rugged and the weather can change quickly at this elevation. After completing the loop, it's a short drive back to the campsite at Lake Louise.

The day begins with a direct assault on Fairview Mountain, a prominent peak on the shore of Lake Louise. The route is a strenuous out-and-back climb, gaining 1,000m over 4 to 5 hours. Though steep, the trail is well-defined, and the views of the Bow Valley and across to Saddleback Mountain open up quickly as you gain elevation.

After the descent, make the hour-long drive to the town of Banff for a free afternoon. Options include renting a canoe on the Bow River, taking the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views, or simply exploring the town on foot. Return to the Lake Louise campsite in the evening.

After a final breakfast at the campsite, pack up for the 250km overland journey east from Lake Louise back to Calgary. The trip concludes upon arrival in the city. Onward travel should not be booked for any earlier than 3pm.