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BANFF – FAMOUS FALL HIKESby Cameron Spence
September is a great time to hike in the Banff area. Not only are the trails much quieter, but the weather often seems a little more stable at this time of the year. Banff is often treated to a balmy Indian Summer as the temperatures stay high for much of the month. On some years, the autumn hiking season may extend well into October. The best time to take advantage of the autumn colours is around mid September.
In the autumn, the bears are busy filling their bellies with vast amounts of buffalo berries, so you want to be aware of the ever-present possibility of seeing one in the mountains, and take the proper precautions. When hiking, make lots of noise and be sure to make a wide detour of any bears you do see. The chance of seeing a bear is slim. They usually know you are coming long before you even see them. For more information on hiking in bear country, see the free brochure "You Are In Bear Country", available at the Tourist Information Centre in Banff. Autumn hiking in Banff is famous for the golden sub-alpine larch that rims many of its high valleys and ridges. The following hikes all take you into areas where you can view great examples of this sub-alpine treat. Taylor LakeThis 6½ km hike up to a pretty alpine lake begins at the Taylor Creek Picnic area 8 km west of Eisenhower junction on the Trans Canada Highway. Although the trail is primarily through dense forest, the final destination is well worth the visit. Taylor Lake sits in a high sub-alpine valley with glacier studded peaks. Egypt LakeThe trail to Egypt Lake begins at the Sunshine Ski Area parking lot. From there the hiker travels part of the route followed by Sir George Simpson in 1841. This steady climb finally culminates with the spectacular Healy Pass. The trail then descends towards Egypt Lake at the 12.4 km mark. Twin Lakes"The Twin Lakes lie at the base of the scarped and nearly vertical front of the watershed range, which rises above them in stupendous cliffs, in the rifts and hollows of which, snow remains throughout the year." This is how these picturesque lakes were described by surveyor George M. Dawson in 1884. Today the lakes are accessed by an 8.7 km hike which climbs a steep 745 m. Worth every step, the trail begins at the Vermilion Pass Burn viewpoint, 5.2 km south of the Trans Canada Highway on Highway 93 (towards Radium). Rockbound LakeThis 8½ km hike (one way) begins along the 1A Highway.8 km east of Eisenhower Junction. The trail is a steady climb taking the hiker up behind the towering Castle Mountain to the picturesque Rockbound Lake. Completely hemmed in by rock, this appropriately named lake is well worth the 760 m climb to reach it. Lake AgnesThis tiny lake is easily accessible after a 3.4 km hike from the shores of Lake Louise. Climbing 367 m over this distance, it rapidly ascends above the lake to a teahouse along the shores of this pretty little lake. Named after a former prime minister Sir John A. McDonald's wife, this alpine gem is well worth the visit. Energetic hikers may continue another 1.6 km to the top of the big beehive and be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of Lake Louise. Major tour operators offer group and independent autumn tours to Banff. Hiking maps are available at the Tourist Information Centres, and the National Parks office in Banff For further information contact:Banff Lake Louise
Tourism Bureau -Updated 9-12-99- |
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TM
Banff, Alberta is
known the world over for its spectacular mountain scenery, yet with the arrival
of Fall, it suddenly takes on a dormant mood as the seemingly endless wait for
the ski season begins. With the arrival of fall though, some of the most
exciting hiking in the Rockies can be found as the aspen turn the valleys
golden and the sub-alpine larch do the same to the high country. 
Like any other time
of year, hiking in the mountains requires preparation. Because the weather can
change with little notice, you should be prepared for just about anything. It's
not uncommon to get early season frosts in September, so be sure to pack along
some warm clothes just in case. It's a good idea to check the forecast before
you head out, but remember that in the mountains, local weather patterns can
blow in almost instantly and foul up the best laid forecast.