It’s the weekend, which means it’s time for urban warriors to leave the city behind in search of greener (and rockier) pursuits. If you’re looking for a hike near Calgary and you’re up for a challenge, you can’t go wrong with this iconic Alberta trail.
Not only will it give you a run for your money, but the summit made the list as one of the top 10 views in Canada!
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
What to expect
This Alberta trail is just over an hour from Calgary and, like most famous places – is popular. While the temperamental spring season might mean fewer visitors, we recommend heading out bright and early for the best experience.
The out-and-back trail comes in at a total of 7.4 km and is considered to be pretty challenging. So take your time and enjoy the view on your breaks.
It’s 3.5 km to get to the saddle, after which you’ll have a tough 400 m climb with a 103 m elevation gain. You’ll be scrambling over rocks, uneven terrain, and finally a set of stairs – so prepare for your legs to get pretty tired.
The summit can be chilly no matter the season, so wear lots of layers and bring microspikes for the journey. We also highly suggest planning your hike on a clear day for the best view at the top,
Ha Ling Peak
When you get to the summit of this Alberta trail, you’ll be treated to an unbeatable view. It’s no wonder it was named one of the top 10 most beautiful lookouts in Canada.
Ha Ling Peak is a famous landmark that overlooks the entire town of Canmore. You’ll be treated to a sky-high perspective of the surrounding mountains, the town below, and Rundle Forebay Reservoir. It’s enough to convince you the view goes on forever.
If you plan on hitting the tracks soon, keep in mind that the mountains are still snowy. So dress appropriately and come prepared. Otherwise, you can’t miss if you visit Ha Ling Peak in the summertime.
As always, make sure to check the Alberta Parks website for the most up-to-date trail conditions and advisories.
Happy trails friends!
Where: Goat Creek Parking Lot, AB-742, Canmore, Alta.
Distance: 7.2 km
Difficulty: Hard
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