Castle Lookout - Hike

A trek beside the highway that leads up and up and up until you can see some amazing views of the valley below.

Difficulty: moderate

Round trip: 7.4 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours 

Elevation Gain: 520 m

FitBit: approx. 12,000 steps and 173 flights of stairs

Location: Banff National Park

TRAIL HEAD

Marked: yes

Facilities: no

How to get there: From Calgary drive west on Hwy 1 until you pass Banff. You are heading to Hwy 93/Banff-Windermere Hwy. Turn right to cross the Bow River and drive to the end of the road where there will be a little corner station (your last chance for a washroom). At the end of the road turn left onto the Bowvalley Parkway/ Hwy 1A and drive for about 6km to the parking lot on the north side of the road.

Click for directions from Calgary.

HIKE DETAILS

Your trailhead is easy to find at the end of the parking lot. And the trail is well defined and easy to follow. Enjoy your hike through the trees with many peeks at the view beyond, but the best is to come at the final destination. You'll know you've reached the end when you see some large cairns and a piece of the old lookout foundation. Return the way you came.

Kid Friendly: yes
Dog Friendly: yes

Happy Hiking!