Canada · July 2018
Hike Summary
Distance:
12 miles out and back
Total Elevation Gain:
2,760 ft
Starting Elevation:
4,417 ft
Highest Point:
6,640 ft
Hike Time:
6 - 8 hrs
Difficulty:
Moderate
Season:
July - September
Dogs:
Allowed on Leash
If you're looking for a great alpine lake hike or backpacking trip with solitude in the Canadian Rockies, then I would recommend going to Floe Lake, located in Kootenay National Park.
This is one of the best kept secrets of the Canadian Rockies, with much fewer visitors than the usual trails in nearby Banff and Lake Louise.
Floe Lake is one of the stops along the multi-day Rockwall Trail, but it can also be completed as a simple day hike.
Although the trail is well built and easy to follow, a few things should be noted if you are hiking or camping here.
There are frequent reports of Grizzly bears in the area, so although dogs are allowed, caution should be exercised, and you should bring bear spray.
The first two-thirds of the hike ascends gradually, then becomes very steep and narrow as you approach the headwall leading up to Floe Lake.
If you're hiking in the late fall or winter, then microspikes will be helpful.
Also, there are no toilets in the parking area or campground, but there are picnic tables at Floe Lake.
Approaching the headwall near Floe Lake
Close to the Floe Lake campground
Directions
Parking for the Floe Lake hike is adjacent to the Kootenay Highway (Canada HWY 93), about 45 minutes driving from either Banff or Lake Louise.
Road alerts can be found on the 511 Alberta website.
1
Parking: 51.08127, -116.05419
2
Floe Lake Campground: 51.05367, -116.13634
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