Castle Mountain Lookout Hike Near Banff
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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This looks like a wonderful hike. I’m coming to Banff in September this year. Can’t wait and I’m researching my options for good hikes and places to eat.
I’ll continue looking at your site for more ‘goodies’.
Julie
@Julie One of the best hikes of all times is any hike in the Lake O’Hara area – 15 minutes from Lake Louise. Sentinel Pass near Lake Louise is also amazing as a day hike.
Looks like a great early season hike. I’ve never been to Banff but might remedy that later this year in September – still planning the trip but hoping to make it that far!
What a spectacular hike Leigh! I would totally love to do this. We’ve done hiking in places like the Catskills, Minnewaska State Park, and other parts of the base of the Shawangunk mountains in upstate NY but Banff a part of the world I would LOVE to visit one day.
@Charu And to me New York seems exotic and I’d love to do the hikes you’ve been on.
I really like those views of the Bow Valley. What a great reward for your hike! I need to show my daughter your photo of the animal bridge. She read a little classroom leveled-reader pamphlet about it and has been fascinated ever since.
@Michele They have put millions of dollars into the animal bridges to great effect. It’s the first time I’ve seen one from the top. I wish some elk – who use them most – were crossing at the time.
I really wish that my body was suitable for upward hiking. All the beautiful vistas I am missing!!!!
@Denise Sometimes it’s just the very simple act of putting one foot in front of the other and slowly going up. It certainly doesn’t have to be a race.
Oh boy that was some hiking i am not sure i can even do! How many hours all in all did it take you guys to hike the whole distance? I mean from the first steps to the peak. Coz im my view you were like walking into some mountain from Lord of the Rings. LOL!
@Adam We were up and down in four hours and had a long lunch break on top.
Wow, that was a proper hike with a proper view. I just love the last photo. You should print it off, add some famous travel quote and frame it, seriously. By the way, you are so right, you just can’t miss Castle Mountain on the Trans-Canada Highway, beautiful!
@Agness I love your enthusiasm and your idea. It would make a great gift for my friend!
Beautiful! We haven’t been to Banff yet – it’s been on our list for a long time, so a little inspiration to get us moving is great.
@Cindy You will not be disappointed though it’s the park – off the beaten path – and not the town that speaks to me.
You know how much I badly want to go to Banff and I’m hoping it’s this year. Absolutely gorgeous hike and beautiful pictures, Leigh. Love those backdrops. I think I’d need more than a walking stick to catch my breath here though 🙂 It was so great to meet you too at TBEX. So glad you are as wonderful (if not more) in person as your online persona. Wish we had more time to chat but will definitely meet up with you again soon.
@Mary Your whole family would love the experience and it’s well worth doing the full drive between Banff and Jasper.
Just spectacular, Leigh! The leaning on the poles and end of hike celebration photos reminded me of my last hike.
@Marcia Jo was very pleased with herself at the top and as someone from Ontario she certainly reveled in the Rocky Mountain views.
Love that first photo of Castle Mountain, looks so mysterious and majestic. Intrigued by the animal tunnel, so off to check if we have those here. What a great (and humane) idea!
@Sophie It felt like Castle Mountain was appearing out of nowhere with that photo. The animal tunnels are humane and prevent a lot of human loss of life do from car collisions prevented.
I absolutely love the Banff National Park. The views there are just so amazing, and you have captured them well as always 🙂
amazing views! I wish I could come and do some of those hikes. What a great idea the animal crossing over the highway is. LOL I use stopping to take photos of wildflowers as an excuse to stop too.
Love that last photo of Jo and the view – magnificent view – what a great shot!
Have a wonderful week and thank you for stopping by my blog this week.
This would be my favorite. I love the animal tunnel. Really great idea. I wonder how effective it is.
@Ted The tunnels are hugely effective. I saw a film at the Banff Film Festival detailing the benefits. The car-animal collisions are way down. The first animals to use the overhead pass were the elk – even before they had finished building it. The bears took about 5 years to catch on. In the past year a video has captured a wolverine.
I love the celebration in the last photo! I keep hearing about Banff. It seems like everyone is going there. Maybe I should go too…
@Jessica Let me tell you Jo was happy to have arrived on top and that view was cause for celebration.
Wow, so that’s what the great Banff is about. What a spectacular hike. The Bow Valley view is just breathtaking. I’d love to hike it one day.
@Marisol There are more picturesque hikes in Banff NP later in the season but for an early season hike that got your heart rate up an rewarded with views – it was a keeper.
The Rocky Mountains in Canada are one of my favourite destinations. For scenic grandeur they are No. 1. I know we will return one day. What a view!
@Jan So glad you like the Rockies so much. Sounds like we’ll get you back in Alberta and BC again one day.
Now this is a keeper! I would love to do this hike!!! Loved the photos – as always. Have a great weekend!!
@Jackie What I liked about the hike was that it didn’t take that much time but you still got a great combo of a workout with a view.
I remember doing that hike when I lived in Banff back in the 1970’s! Your photos are beautiful. I am hobbling around this week with a stiff knee. Hiking for me doesn’t look good again this spring/summer.
@Nancie I hope my knees are good for several more decades. So far I’ve been OK but I do think of using poles more to lessen the force on them. Big bummer for you.
Had a great time hiking to the Lake Agnes Teahouse above Lake Louise last fall.
@Dick I did that hike last July – on a very busy day – but it was still extremely beautiful I just wish you could buy snacks versus a whole meal up there. My link for that post should you be interested – https://hikebiketravel.com/the-lake-agnes-tea-house-hike-near-lake-louise/.