Day hikes in the Castle Junction area
Banff National Park
Along the spine of the North American continent, the Rocky Mountains poke high into the clouds and blue glaciers cling to their slopes. Green forested valleys provide a vital food source for grizzly bears and other species. This is the Castle Junction area of Banff National Park, a landscape of wonder which has been dubbed the “hiking capital of Canada”. Use the trail descriptions to choose a hike suitable for everyone in your party.
For maps, detailed route finding and trail descriptions, visit a Parks Canada Visitor Centre or purchase a hiking guide book and topographical map. Cell service is not reliable.
Important information:
Hikes in the Castle Junction area:
| Trail | Distance | Time (Round Trip) |
|---|---|---|
 Castle Lookout |
3.7 km one way | 3 to 4 hours |
| Boom Lake |
5.1 km one way | 3 to 4 hours |
| Stanley Glacier |
4.2 km one way | 3 hours |
| Arnica Lake |
5.1 km one way | 5 hours |
| Twin Lakes |
8 km one way | 6 to 7 hours |
 Taylor Lake |
6.3 km one way | 4 to 5 hours |
Moderate trails
Castle Lookout
In the mid-20th century, Banff erected numerous fire towers where spotters could detect flames from afar. The Castle Lookout tower has long since been removed, but the expansive views of the middle Bow Valley remain.
Length: 3.7 km one way
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hour round trip
Elevation gain: 520 m
Trailhead:5 km west of Castle Junction on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).
Boom Lake
Travel on a heavily forested trail featuring some of the largest subalpine trees in Banff National Park. Your ultimate destination is a pristine lake backed by an impressive mountain rampart.
Length: 5.1 km one way
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hour round trip
Elevation gain: 175 m
Trailhead:7 km southwest of Castle Junction on Highway 93 South.
Stanley Glacier
The hike to Stanley Glacier features fire and ice in equal measures. The lower trail, which burned in 1968 and 2003, is re-growing with lodgepole pines, willows, and colourful wildflowers. Along the upper trail, you’ll get clear views of Stanley Glacier, and its numerous meltwater falls.
Length: 4.2 km one way
Hiking time: 3 hour round trip
Elevation gain: 395 m
Trailhead: in Kootenay National Park, 13 km southwest of Castle Junction on Highway 93 South.
Arnica Lake
Lose elevation before you gain it en route to Arnica Lake; the views and variety make this destination worth the ups and downs.
Length: 5.1 km one way
Hiking time: 5 hour round trip
Elevation gain: 580 m
Trailhead: Vista Lake Viewpoint on Highway 93 South, 8 km southwest of Castle Junction, on the east side of the road.
Twin Lakes
Hike under a canopy of larch trees while the continental divide guides you to Arnica and Twin Lakes.
Length: 8.0 km one way
Hiking time:6 to 7 hour round trip
Elevation gain:715 m
Trailhead: Vista Lake Viewpoint on Highway 93 South, 8 km southwest of Castle Junction.
Difficult trails
Taylor Lake
Thick forest gives way to subalpine meadows as you climb steadily to this classic glacial lake. This trail holds its snow through the early part of the hiking season, so it’s best from July on.
Length:6.3 km
Hiking time:4 to 5 hour round trip
Elevation gain:585 m
Trailhead: Taylor Creek day use area 8 km west of Castle Junction, or 17 km east of Lake Louise, on the south side of the Trans-Canada highway.
Side trip to O’Brien Lake: 2.1 km one way; 55 m elevation gain from Taylor Lake. Extend your Taylor Lake hike by visiting this charming tarn
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