How we completed 10 hikes in 7 days Jasper and Banff Itinerary
Before we get started : I should preface this with this is not necessarily a suggestion to do this much hiking - However once I posted our hiking stats for this week on my social media I received a lot of messages about what we hiked and how. I wanted to write a blog post and some helpful tips for those who want to do a big hiking trip.
With our decision to enjoy our backyard more the rest of 2020, We completed 125KM in a week exploring around Banff and Jasper. Here are some of the photos and thoughts surrounding the trip.
There are so many images and stories from this trip untold in this post- this is more of a general synopsis to give you a sense of what we did - I would love to share more in a way that is meaningful. Feel free to connect below or message me on instagram anytime.
Day 1
On the first day, it was not a full day - so we spent the time we did have setting up tent and going for a walk near Vermillion lakes. We enjoyed the sunset and quiet before an early start the next day.
Day 2
Our first big day, we indeed woke up early and walked around Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. We took a lot of photos, and on the road out we saw about 30 Elk. It was one of the most beautiful mornings - If you are in the area.. this place is beautiful summer and winter! Nothing like seeing wildlife on your first day
Our first big hike was a moderate scramble outside of Banff. This one took a lot of research and digging, and after a big day we were pretty exhausted. Finishing this one was an emotion I will not forget.
Day 3
We started off with a nice canoe ride in Lake Louise. It can be popular but I do suggest the experience, especially once you are on the water you don’t really notice all the canoes!
Our next hike was Plain of 6 glaciers in Banff. Gorgeous hike even with the rain we encountered. While it started to pour, we grabbed some tea at the tea house before retreating back to the car after another successful hike. It was incredible scenery experiencing the raw and wild.
Day 4
Off to Moraine lake at 0300 AM. Not ideal for night shooting as the sky was already starting to lift - but we enjoyed watching sunrise here and a quiet morning. A quick nap and it was time to put the hiking shoes on.
For hiking, we went past the Moraine Lake to Sentinel pass/Larch valley. Sentinel pass was covered in snow, but the hike and valley was absolutely beautiful.
We ended the day near Yoho in BC and walked around Takkakaw falls.
Day 5
Feeling ambitious, we were up for sunrise again at the beautiful Emerald lake - and went past the lake to Emerald Basin. Although with it’s steep parts, it was a relatively easy hike for the view.
We decided to stay at a cabin lodge as our feet drew more tired, but we still walked to Sunwapta falls from our cabin.
Day 6
Starting to go up to Jasper, Parker Ridge felt easy by this day (Also being rested and showered up helped). A gorgeous ridge hike with rewarding views for relatively easy work. Our capacities are fairly above-average.. but you definitely feel above-average after a warm shower! :)
Towards the end of the day, hiking to Edith Cavell was on our “must do” list so although the weather was variable - it was worth it.
Day 7
We did a quick sunrise(well, lack there of) walk around Pyramid lake before heading to Maligne Lake.
It was a nice change of pace and finally getting to see this lake in person, one can imagine why it is so popular.
Hiking around the area,Moose lake was a short hike near where we were parked, which was very pretty (but no Moose).
The very end of the day was met with walking to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier (3 walks in one day - just can’t help it with all the beauty here)
A quick rest-up for my birthday
Day 8
After all of this, we still left a semi-long hike for the last day (Wilcox pass to Wilcox Ridge)
It rewarded us with grand views, and some of our best wildlife spotting yet. Getting fairly lucky with wildlife throughout the trip.. there were still animals unseen up to this point. Right up to the end of this hike, it was thought we just weren’t going to see any sheep. My partner and I were getting ready to head back down before getting to witness wildlife enjoying their lunch with the mountains in the backround. So, we sat.
On paper it almost does not seem too daunting.. And in a way, for us at least- it wasnt. We fuelled up well, rested when we could (drag the sleeping bag and nap in the car), and prioritized.
These hikes vary in ability so if you have any questions about hiking in this area, feel free to comment below or DM me on instagram anytime.
After lunch we were around Valley of 5 lakes, so we decided “why not”. Our last big stroll around the trail network before we decided to call it a week - and amazing one at that.
Resources:
Park camping reservation https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/reserve
Camera I use: https://amzn.to/3jt5W1G
Hiking gear: Combination from MEC, online, smaller items on amazon https://amzn.to/2Ddp7gn
General Hiking Tips:
Know your limit, play within it (but don’t be too scared to push yourself a bit!)
Research routes before you go. We also use all-trails in the field.
If I can recommend one piece of gear: Good shoes.
For multiple hikes like this, we suggest taking time to rest in between (a good sleep and a shower do wonders!)
Any questions feel free to comment below.
Sara
