I had a friend in town visiting from Ontario who hadn’t done any Banff hikes for 25 plus years. She was overdue for a dose of the Rocky Mountains but in early June it can be hard to find a good snow-free trail. We debated where to go. We nixed the rigorous 23.4 km Aylmer Lookout hike – too tough for the first real hike of the season. We thought about doing the hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers but I’d already done it and was looking for something new. We decided on the Castle Mountain Lookout hike.
This is one of the great early season hikes in Banff though you can really do it year-round. The Castle Mountain Lookout hike is only 7.4 km return with an elevation gain of 520 m (1,705 feet), enough to give you a workout – but it doesn’t kill you – an especially good compromise for an early season hike.
And at the end of the trail, you enjoy a panoramic view of the Bow Valley. On clear days you can see as far east as the Three Sisters in Canmore!
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Trailhead for the Castle Mountain Lookout hike
The trailhead is easy to find for the Castle Mountain Lookout hike. It’s just 5 km west of Castle Junction on the north side of Highway 1A.
Make sure you’ve bought a national parks pass beforehand. If you’re planning on spending more than a week in any one of Canada’s national parks or national historic sites, opt for the Discovery Pass.
Castle Mountain Lookout hike summary
Distance: 7.4 km (4.6 miles) round trip
Elevation gain: 520 metres or 1,705 feet
Time needed: 3 – 4 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Map: Gem Trek Banff & Mt. Assiniboine
Highlight: Panoramic viewpoint at the end of the hike
Best time to hike: The hike to the Castle Mountain Lookout is one of the first to be snow free in Banff – sometimes as early as mid-April. It’s a great way to kick off the Rocky Mountain hiking season. I have also hiked it in the middle of winter. One slope near the top can be dodgy, so be hyper-avalanche aware and take personal responsibility.
Don’t forget: Pack the 10 hiking essentials.
Ticks: Check for wood ticks after any hike up Castle Lookout before mid-July.
Trail reports: Check trail conditions before you start the hike.
Bears: Carry quick to access bear spray in all but the depths of winter. I recommend a bear spray holster so you don’t accidentally set it off. (And it’s surprisingly easy to do.)
Dogs: Yes on a leash. Don’t forget the dog poop bags.
Castle Mountain Lookout hike description
The climb to Castle Lookout is initially tough and uninspiring as it follows an old road for the first 2 km through dense pine and spruce forest. There are a few flowers worth stopping to photograph – though really it’s just an excuse to catch your breath.
After 40 minutes of steady hiking you emerge from the woods and with every step the views open up.
Continue switch backing on the Castle Lookout hike as you climb up through scattered forest and open meadows with good views of the Bow Valley.
Eventually you’ll be able to see the whole of the Bow Valley through to Vermilion Pass and into Kootenay National Park.
And then you reach the Castle Lookout (called Eisenhower Lookout when it was built in the 1940’s) – still well below the crest of gorgeous Castle Mountain – with its stupendous views. Spend some time up here enjoying lunch with a view.
The descent is all downhill so you’ll be back at your car in short order.
Castle Mountain Lookout hike in winter
John and I hiked up to the Castle Mountain Lookout early in March one year. The trail was well-trodden and obviously heavily used.
However, I would still recommend exercising caution near the top where there are a couple of short slopes that could in theory slide under heavy snow conditions. You’ll need to make that call.
In winter, I would recommend a pair of traction devices and hiking poles.
Trail map for Castle Lookout
As you can see from the map, it’s a very straightforward hike to Castle Lookout.
Location map of Castle Mountain Lookout hike
Where to stay in the Banff – Lake Louise corridor
If you want to spend a night before the Castle Mountain Lookout hike, you’ll find lots of choices, but if it’s summer, you might be shocked at the prices and how fast they fill. Here are some accommodation options for you.
The Bow Valley Parkway
There are three resorts along the Bow Valley Parkway – Baker Creek by Basecamp (open year round), Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows (May till October only), and Castle Mountain Chalets (year-round).
Banff area
There’s a massive range of hotels across all price points in Banff. I have always enjoyed stays at Moose Hotel & Suites. It’s within walking distance of everywhere.
There is a backpackers hostel if you’re on a budget – and you want to meet people.
The Dorothy Motel offers simple rooms but is rated highly.
Lake Louise area
At the budget end of the spectrum, there is the Lake Louise hostel.
At the other end is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with its premier view overlooking the lake.
Further reading on hiking in Alberta
- The Heart Mountain Hike near Canmore
- The Lake Minnewanka Hike Near Banff, Alberta
- Canyon Creek Ice Cave Hike Near Bragg Creek
- Sulphur Mountain hike in Banff National Park
- 10 Breathtaking Lake Louise Hikes, Banff National Park
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