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The Helen Lake hike with the optional scramble up Cirque Peak in Banff National Park is one of the premier day hikes in Banff National Park. Plan to hike to the ridge above Helen Lake for some of the best views in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll feel like you can reach out and touch the Wapta Icefield.
While you enjoy fabulous Crowfoot Glacier views early on in the hike, if you get up to the ridge on the Helen Lake hike and scramble even part of the way to Cirque Peak you’re rewarded with a stellar view of Bow Lake and the Wapta Icefields. In the summer the meadows around Helen Lake are also notable for their wildflowers including purple fleabane, valerian, ragwort, and paintbrush.
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Helen Lake hike and Cirque Peak scramble summary
Don’t forget: You will need a day pass to hike in Banff National Park. If you’re planning to visit many national parks in Canada over a year, the Discovery Pass is your best bet.
Distance: It’s 12 km return to Helen Lake and 14 km return to reach the ridge above Helen Lake. The vertical to the ridge is 550 metres (1,800 feet). The total vertical to climb Cirque Peak is 1,043 metres (3,417 feet). Count on at least another hour to hike one way from the ridge to the summit of Cirque Peak. The hike to Cirque Peak is called a challenging hike or an easy scramble.
Time needed: Approximately 4 hours return to the ridge and 6 – 7 hours return for the peak.
Map: Gem Trek Bow Lake & Saskatchewan Crossing
Book: This is a fantastic wildflower hike in the summer. A wildflower guide can come in handy.
- Visit the Banff National Park website for information on any trail closures.
- Dogs on a leash are permitted on the hike.
- Be sure to carry easy to access bear spray. I highly recommend carrying it in a bear spray holster so you don’t set it off accidentally.
- Always pack the 10 hiking essentials.
- Don’t forget a water filter or purification tablets if it’s a hot summer’s day. You’ll need a lot to drink on the climb up to Cirque Peak.
The Helen Lake hike is a snap to follow
From the signpost in the parking lot, head through woods filled with fantastic smelling fir and spruce. After only 45 minutes of hiking, you’ll be rewarded with superlative views of the Crowsnest Glacier. And when you turn left (north) Dolomite Peak shows up to the east.
Continue up the valley on a mostly gentle grade. Cross Helen Creek and continue on to Helen Lake after approximately 6.0 km. You’ll have gained 380 m (1,247 feet) to this point. You can see the route up Cirque Peak from the lake.
It’s an easy walk around Helen Lake but the scramble up to the ridge might leave you short of breath. Many people stop here – or continue on to Dolomite Pass. We elected to go for Cirque Peak. From Helen Lake it’s another 493 metres (1,617 feet) of hiking…and scrambling to reach the peak.
The hike/scramble up Cirque Peak
The first part of the climb to Cirque Peak is easy as it’s up a sandy slope. Gain the ridge before it gets too steep or you’ll be in for more unpleasant scrambling. Trust me – I followed my husband and he did not take the easy route.
Even if you don’t climb to the Cirque Peak summit, I recommend gaining the ridge for the in-your-face views of the Wapta Icefield.
Climb steeply up scree slopes. Be prepared for fierce winds. Don’t forget to include a warm coat and a hat in your pack. Put them on before you get really cold. Continue up the scree to the rockband. Head right as you face it and continue scrambling to reach the Cirque Peak summit.
The summit itself is small and airy – with steep cliffs – but sensational views according to John. I didn’t go the last few hundred feet up. I figured I was pushing my luck with our dog. John said it was a wise move not to take her the last bit.
The descent is relatively easy. Plunge stepping in the scree returns you to Helen Lake in no time. Then it’s another 90 minutes of scenic hiking to return to your vehicle.
Finding the trailhead for the Helen Lake hike
The trailhead for the Helen Lake hike is just 32 km (20 miles) northwest of Lake Louise. It’s right across the highway from the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint, a popular pullover for drivers.
- Click on the three dots in the right hand corner to email a copy of the map.
Interested in more great Rocky Mountain hikes?
- Stunning Hikes You’ll Want to do along the Icefields Parkway
- Cascade Amphitheatre Hike, Banff National Park
- A Hike to Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass
- Banff Hikes: The Aylmer Lookout Trail
- 10 Breathtaking Lake Louise Hikes, Banff National Park
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