A Guide to Parker Ridge Trail
Tackle one of the best shorter hikes along the Icefields Parkway. Parker Ridge Trail in Banff National Park is a moderately difficult hike that features breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta. This Parker Ridge Trail hiking guide includes tips on getting there, trailhead, trail description, packing tips, and what to expect.
Parker Ridge Trail is one of the best hikes along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. If you haven't yet heard about this legendary road in west Canada, chances are, that you’ve been living under rock.
Icefields Parkway is a legendary scenic drive that stretches for 268 kilometers between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, and we are not afraid to say, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
A road trip across Icefields Parkway is a must-do while visiting Alberta's province as it features the finest scenery the Canadian Rockies has to offer.
With so many stunning places to choose from, it might seem like a daunting task to plan your Icefields Parkway itinerary properly, visit all the best places, hike to the top viewpoints, not feel rushed and not miss anything important at the same time.
This epic road offers many amazing natural sights and hikes, but the majority of the visitors don't have unlimited time and have to plan their day on the Icefields Parkway very carefully.
For outdoorsy people, hiking is the best way to really explore the area.
Due to its accessibility and astounding scenery, Parker Ridge Trail quickly became one of our favorite hikes along the Icefields Parkway.
The snow-capped mountains, glacier-carved valleys, and the view of the largest outflow glacier from the Columbia Icefield, that for sure sounds like a place every adventure traveler would like to see.
We are talking about the breathtaking (and sadly retreating) Saskatchewan Glacier, a 13 kilometers long sheer mass of ice and snow.
Even though the epic view of Saskatchewan Glacier is the icing on the cake, the alpine landscape on this hike is truly beautiful and worth seeing.
We have to mention that we hiked to the Parker Ridge twice already and hopefully will return someday in the future.
We think that this argument might be pretty convincing for you to walk to the ridge yourself, as we normally do not visit the same places more than once when short on time.
Are you planning to hike the Parker Ridge Trail?
You have come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll share our experience with the Parker Ridge hike, tips on where to find the trail, what to pack, and much more.
TRAILHEAD
Parker Ridge hike trailhead is along the Icefields Parkway near the border of Banff and Jasper National Park. It is well-signed and easy to find.
From Jasper, it takes about an hour and a half to get to the trailhead, and Banff is about two hours away (however, this estimated time is without any stops along the way).
As you can see, the trailhead is almost halfway between Jasper and Banff; therefore, it is a welcoming stop to stretch legs and see the scenery around from a different perspective.
Columbia Icefields Discovery Center and the famous Athabasca Glacier are less than a 10-minute drive from the trailhead.
Pass the trailhead to Parker Ridge Trail, continue further down south, and you will arrive in 30 minutes at Saskatchewan River Crossing. Lake Louise is located about 119 kilometers from the trailhead.
Calgary lies 300 kilometers on the east of the trailhead.
Parker Ridge Parking Lot is visible from the main road, tends to be very busy in the high season, and there are basic washrooms.
HOW TO GET
The best way to get around the Canadian Rockies is if you have your own transport. Unless you are based in this area and own a car, a rental car will offer you the best flexibility and most efficient use of your time.
Either consider renting a car and sleep in the motels or rent a campervan and stay at the designated campgrounds.
Unfortunately, there is no public transportation that can get you to Parker Ridge trailhead.
If you don't want to rent a car but still looking for a way to see the best place along the Icefields Parkway, then consider a tour from Banff, Jasper, or Calgary if available.
LENGTH AND ELEVATION
For everyone who wants to explore the Canadian Rockies, not just through a car window, the Parker Ridge hike is a perfect choice.
Parker Ridge Trail is 2.7 kilometers in-and-out trail (5.4 kilometers roundtrip) with an elevation gain of 250 meters and will require anything between 2-3 hours to finish.
DIFFICULTY
Parker Ridge is a moderately challenging hike, not that strenuous as you can often find on the internet.
We heard and read a lot about the Parker Ridge Trail difficulty from other visitors we met along the way but didn't find this information that accurate.
It may be a bit harder to scramble up to the top for someone who is out of shape or not very used to hiking, but for active travelers, a trip to Parker Ridge should be a pretty gentle walk.
There are much more challenging day hikes in the Canadian Rockies, such as Cory Pass, Alpine Circuit or Aylmer Lookout, which we would describe as strenuous or long.
We would not be afraid to call this hike even family-friendly. Yes, you will have to walk uphill to the top to get the best views, but if you walk slowly and steadily, you will for sure get there.
In fact, Parker Ridge is not even a proper half-day hike, as it takes about two and a half hours to get to the top and back to the parking lot.
In our opinion, any moderately fit person should be able to hike to Parker Ridge without many difficulties.
If you are looking for something even more accessible, there are still plenty of short hikes along the Icefields Parkway to choose from.
For example, the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail is very short and easy, or a hike along Sunwapta Falls is not difficult at all.
Parker Ridge trail is well-marked, and the path is clearly visible until you reach the top that has the best views. It's almost impossible to get lost here.
However, in case there is a thick fog lying on the ridge, stay on the trail, and know where you are as you walk around.
PARKER RIDGE TRAIL HIKE
The trail starts very gently, and it's pretty wide; however, you will almost immediately enter the forest, and from here, the trail leads uphill the entire way. Be prepared for the steady climb, though it's not that difficult.
First, you need to climb through the forest and get above the tree line. Some sections are steeper than others, but you will gradually gain elevation. The trail has many switchbacks, walk slowly and don't rush it.
The trail starts at approximately 2000 meters, and you might feel (very slightly) short of breath.
As you climb up, you will notice a stunning mountain on the right side. With its 3060 meters, Hilda Peak looks more like a giant wolf tusk than a real mountain. As you leave the forest, the trail keeps zig-zagging, but the scenery abruptly changes to a wide and barren, almost tundra-like landscape.
Keep walking; you are nearly there.
At last, you emerge on a wide alpine meadow that offers the best views of magnificent Saskatchewan Glacier, the U-shaped valley, and the glacier lakes. Now is the time to enjoy this epic scenery and savor the moment.
Admire the views of Big Bend Peak, Cirrus Mountain, Mount Athabasca, Castleguard Mountain, or Nigel Peak. If the weather allows, eat your snack, take pictures.
It's quite windy and chilly up there most of the time, so now is the best time to put your dry and warm layer on. You can wander around this place; make sure you also follow the trail to the left, which offers more superb views.
Eventually, start slowly retracing your steps to the parking lot. You have to walk the same way back, though this time it's much faster.
You may see some hikers climb even further towards the rocky hill on the right, though we think it's really not worth it, as the glacier's best views are from the ridge where you are standing right now.
It's probably worth it only if you want to get away from the crowds and have an abundance of time.
However, we would save time and effort and explore some other places on Icefields Parkway.
If you are feeling really adventurous today and still have enough energy, you will find only five minutes north of the Parker Ridge parking lot, a trailhead to another superb hike, the Wilcox Pass that offers great views of the Athabasca Mountain.
TRAIL
There is just one more thing, though, that we would like to get off our chest.
Parker Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in the area, and there are hundreds of people along the trail every day in high season. You really should stay on the designated trail.
Even though it looks really tempting to take shortcuts to avoid those boring zig-zags, don't do it. They've been built with a purpose.
You will be hiking through a fragile alpine environment, and if damaged, it takes years to recover from the impact fully.
Plus, the zig-zags keep the trail itself in a good state and prevent erosion of the hill. We all would like to enjoy the immense beauty of the Canadian Rockies and leave it in the same state for future generations, and the only way to do it is to travel responsibly.
Sorry guys for the patronizing, and enjoy the hike!
WHEN TO HIKE PARKER RIDGE TRAIL
For most visitors, the best time to hike Parker Ridge Trail is during the summer, but the shoulder seasons are great, too (depending on when the snow arrives).
Be prepared for the crowds, though it wasn't that bad on both of our visits (June and August). Come in the late spring and early summer to see the alpine plants in bloom.
Winter is a rough time, but if Icefields Parkway is not blocked by snow and you'll be able to reach the parking lot, the trail should be accessible, only arrive well-prepared.
Snowshoes are essential for hiking Parker Ridge Trail in winter.
Is there a way to beat the crowds that head to Parker Ridge every day in high season? Actually, there is, and it's the good old 'start early' way.
However, it's not the best thing to do, as Parker Ridge is located roughly between Lake Louise and Jasper.
There are many stops, attractions, and things to do along the Icefields Parkway, which you surely don't want to miss out on because of the driving after dusk or before dawn.
WHAT TO PACK
We have already mentioned that Parker Ridge Trail is not the hardest hike in the Canadian Rockies.
However, don't make any mistakes here. You are still in the mountains, and the weather can change abruptly. Even on a warm sunny day with clear skies, the nice weather is not something you can take for granted.
It happened to us more than once that the weather completely changed in 15 minutes, and we were glad that we had packed at least a proper rain jacket.
Rule number one, always pack an extra warm layer. The ridge itself is exposed, and you won't find there many places to hide from the bad weather if any.
Hypothermia is no joke. Leave your jeans in the car and wear proper hiking pants and a waterproof jacket.
Also, hiking boots are essential, especially when the trail is muddy. Stay hydrated (even when it's cold), and pack some energy bars in case you need to replenish your energy on the way up.
We don't want you to bring your 40L heavy backpack as we like to hike as light as possible ourselves; a small comfortable daypack is more than enough.
The important part is the gear you bring with you. Sometimes even a basic rain poncho can be a true lifesaver.
Also, keep in mind that the trail gets muddy and will be covered with snow in early spring and late fall.
Although the trekking poles are not essential for this hike, you might want to consider bringing them with you anyway.
They might help you to tackle more difficult hikes in the Canadian Rockies, such as Harvey Pass, Sulphur Mountain, or Sentinel Pass.
SAFETY
Should I bring bear spray for Parker Ridge Trail? Well, that's hard to say.
This is a heavily trafficked and quite short trail, and the chance to spot a bear is probably not that high at this time of the year with so many people around.
Being said that, we brought the bear spray anyway, but that's something you need to figure for yourself.
Read this article if you are looking for some tips to stay safe in a bear country.
When hiking in the Canadian Rockies, your safety (and the safety of people in your groups) should be your priority.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY ALONG THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Accommodation on Icefields Parkway is very limited, and in most cases, you will pay extra for staying in this unique environment. It's better to stay overnight in popular towns such as Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, although don't expect the prices to be that much lower.
Said that these towns offer a wide range of accommodation and the hotels offer better service for your hard-earned dollars.
Demand is heaviest from June to September, and regardless of your lodging choice, all accommodations need to be reserved several months in advance. Even the campgrounds in Banff and Jasper.
The Canadian Rockies is one of the most premier destinations in the world, and that's something you will soon realize by looking at the prices when searching for accommodation.
Believe us; you don't want to arrive in Banff or Jasper in high season without a reservation.
For us, booking hotels or campsites this well in advance was one of the most annoying things to do when planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, but it was worth the effort.
Here are our top picks for accommodation along the Icefields Parkway in the mid-range category.
Icefields Parkway | The Crossing - Located in Saskatchewan River Crossing on the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff, The Crossing is one of the few hotels along this stunning road. The hotel offers an excellent location, basic rooms, and facilities. The rooms are adequate. However, this is one of the finest examples of paying extra for the location. Is it worth it? Only you can answer this question.
Jasper | Jasper Inn and Suites - When traveling north, Jasper is the best place to end your Icefields Parkway road trip. Jasper Inn & Suites offers good value for money. The hotel has a convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms that should convince you to stay here.
Banff | Banff Inn - Banff is a little bit further from Icefields Parkway. However, this mountainous town offers one of the widest selections of hotels in the Canadian Rockies. Banff Inn is a perfectly located hotel and a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, and sauna, and useful facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage.
Lake Louise | Lake Louise Inn - Newly renovated rooms, on-site restaurants, fitness center, and a heated indoor pool, this hotel is a perfect place to stay either during the summer and in the winter as well (they even provide a free shuttle service to the Lake Louise Ski Resort). Free WiFi is provided.
CAMPGROUNDS
There are quite a few campsites along the Icefields Parkway; however, don't get excited too soon. These campsites are all available on a first-come, first-served basis, pretty basic (some have washrooms, some only pit toilets), and fill up pretty fast too.
You should make a reservation for the big campgrounds in Banff or Jasper well in advance or arrive there very early and hope that they will have availability.
For more information, read our Canadian Rockies Camping Guide.
We hope you've enjoyed this blog post and hope you will have a great time in the Canadian Rockies. Don't forget to let us know how was your hiking experience of the Parker Ridge in the comments down below, and stay safe!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
