10 Amazing & Easy Local Hikes in the Crowsnest Pass
Discover these 10 AMAZING & EASY local hikes in the Crowsnest Pass that will take your breath away and leave you wanting more. Located right in “the Pass”, these trails offer convenient access to nature’s wonders, making trip-planning a breeze for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
I’ve created this list to introduce you to my TOP 10 easy hikes located DIRECTLY in the Crowsnest Pass. I’ve made this list with beginners and families in mind, so if you are up for adventure there is definitely something here for you!
As you explore these trails, remember to respect nature and the local community by leaving no trace and following designated paths.
Table of Contents
How To Prepare For Your Day Hike
Preparing for a short day-hike is essential so you can stay safe on the trail and enjoy your outdoor experience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get ready:
Choose the right trail: select a trail that is suitable for your fitness level and experience
Check the weather: before heading out, review the weather forecast for the area in which you’ll be hiking. Dress accordingly and be prepared for any changes in weather conditions
Wear proper clothing: dress in comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing. Choose sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction to prevent slips and falls. Check out What To Wear For a Day Hike
Pack essential gear: bring along necessary gear so you can hike comfortably and safely. Check out my Day-Hike Packing List
Leave a trip plan: let someone know about your hiking plans including your intended route and expected return time. This is crucial for safety in case of emergencies.
Stay on marked trails: stick to designated trails and follow trail markers to avoid getting lost or damaging fragile ecosystems
Leave no trace: pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife
Be prepared for emergencies: familiarize yourself with basic wilderness first aid and know how to respond to common hiking emergencies such as injuries, getting lost, or encountering wildlife.
Top 10 Easy & Local Hikes in Crowsnest Pass
When I first moved to the Crowsnest Pass, I wished I had a list like this one! I made this list to kick off my favourite hiking series with the best local trails located directly in “the Pass”.
The list below will be listed in order of difficulty and I’ll start with what I think are the easier hikes to gradually lead up to harder trails. I truly believe the views on these hikes are all worth adding to your Southern Alberta hiking list. Keep reading for my list of the 10 Easy & Local Hikes in the Crowsnest Pass
Frank Slide Interpretive Trail
Starting this list with one of my Crowsnest Pass’ most iconic trails. You can step into history and explore the aftermath of one of Canada’s most tragic events on this trail.
The trail begins at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, where immersive exhibits and displays offer a glimpse into the town’s history and the events leading up to the slide. As you follow the short and easy loop trail, you’ll traverse the stark moonscape of rubble, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains serving as a backdrop. Keep an eye out for the unexpected sight of animals (like Pika’s).
Be sure to pick up an interpretive guidebook from the center to enhance your experience and gain a deeper understanding of the tragedy that unfolded here. Suitable for families and hikers of all fitness levels, the Frank Slide Interpretive Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Alberta’s history and the power of the natural world.
Miner's Path
My top pick for an easy hike in Crowsnest Pass is this trail. It meanders along a babbling creek, with a bridge crossing rewards you with a view of Rainbow Falls.
The entire out-and-back trail is 2-kilometers and can be completed in 30 minutes.
If you’re up for more adventure, there’s an optional extension waiting for you: ascend the nearby stairs beside Rainbow Falls to embark on the canyon loop. Keep your eye out for a trail leading to the left, where you will cross a bridge over the creek. As you walk along the ledge, you can peer over into the canyon depths below, capturing a top-down view of the cascading falls.
Emerald Lake Loop
The hike around Emerald Lake is super enjoyable and rewards you with fantastic views of Crowsnest Mountain. This is a short 1.8-kilometer loop that should take you less than an hour to complete. You’ll start your hike at the Emerald Lake parking lot and you’ll start walking down the old highway 3 before it was rerouted.
From there you will traverse down the trail to the lakeshore. You will follow the trail around the lake. Keep in mind that this trail is not very well maintained, so watch your footing.
Chinook Lake Loop
A classic spot to visit in Chinook Provincial Recreation Area, Chinook Lake is well known for fishing and paddling. The trail loops around the lake and is 2.3-kilometers long and takes about an hour to complete.
I love to recommend Chinook Lake Loop because you can lounge on the benches or on the beaches and enjoy yourself by the water. Or after the hike, you could take a quick dip in this gorgeous alpine lake.
Allison Creek Falls
Allison Creek Falls is a fun hike on a hot day with lakeside views and waterfalls. The trail is 2.6-kilometers round trip from the day use area and can be completed in 1 hour. This hike is the best in early May, right after the snow melts and the waterfall is roaring.
This hike requires a handful of creek crossing, though recent improvements have been made and there have been bridges installed to facilitate the crossings. The bridges are tall and narrow, and they only have rails on one side, so mind your footing.
If you would like to make this a longer hike, you can do Chinook Lake Loop on the way back to the day use area.
Dinosaur Trail
This lesser-known trail in upper Coleman may be tricky to locate at first. You can park nearby HERE to access it. Look out for a sign and some toy dinosaurs marking the trailhead as you enter the forest on the left hand side.
Once you start walking, keep an eye out for hidden dinosaurs among the trees and shrubs. It’s a delightful adventure suitable for everyone. When you reach the end, take a right uphill, then the first trail on your right to loop back to the starting point marked by the sign.
Star Creek Falls & Star Creek Loop
This is one of my FAVOURITES. This trail is best done on a hot summer day because you are guaranteed to get wet. The trail leads you to a bridge, which you will walk by. You will follow the creek along until you are in a canyon. From here, you will continue on in the creek until you see the lower falls.
You can stop here or you can scale the rock face to the left using the chains to make it to the upper falls. Getting to the upper falls takes about 15 minutes from the bridge.
If you aren’t super keen on getting your feet wet, you have the option to cross the bridge and go up the trail to get a top down view of Star Creek Falls. The loop is 2.5-kilometers long and takes less than an hour to complete.
Old Wagon Trail
This trail is an out-and-back adventure that is about 6-kilometers round-trip and can be easily completed in 2 hours. This trail starts at the Frank Slide Interpretive Center and can be a little difficult to spot. Ascend the hill before the Interpretive Trail; if you see a gate right away, you are on the right track.
Since the trail links the Frank Slide Interpretive Center to Fireman’s Park in Bellevue, this trail presents the opportunity to halve the hike by strategically parking two cars—one at each end—if hiking with a group.
Bald Hill Loop
Bald Hill Loop is another one of my FAVOURITE easy hikes in the Crowsnest Pass. It offers some of the best views of Tecumseh, Crowsnest Mountain, Crowsnest Lake, and Emerald Lake. This trail begins from the Emerald Lake Parking Lot. It’s a 2.2-kilometer loop that is going to take you less than an hour to complete. While it falls in the easy-medium difficulty range, it’s entirely manageable and SO WORTH IT.
You will be following a powerline service road up the hill, which may get a little confusing. There are some orange markers marking the trail, but it can be a little difficult to spot.
Lille Ghost Town
If you are up for a spooky hike, this is the one to do! This trail leads you to the remains of Lille, an abandoned mining town. The trail is a very rocky 6.3- kilometer out-and-back trail that falls in the easy-medium difficulty range, and it will take you around 2 hours to complete.
While the main attractions on this trail include the old coke ovens, building foundations, coal waste, and a small cemetery, you’ll also traverse a picturesque creek, catch a glimpse of a waterfall, and perhaps even spot some wildlife along the way.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to the Crowsnest Pass, you’re visiting or just passing through, I’ve included multiple options for Easy & Local Hikes in the Crowsnest Pass for everybody! You do not have to travel very far to find some incredible trails with great views and I hope my list has inspired you to get outside this season.
As always, it’s important to respect the local community and maintain these trails for the enjoyment of all. Let’s ensure these trails remain accessible and beautiful for everyone. We can each contribute by practicing Leave No Trace principles, including packing out our trash, cleaning up after our pets, and staying on designated paths to preserve wildlife and their habitats.
@CROWSNESTHIKES
I’m a coastal girl from Vancouver, BC moved to the Canadian Rockies in Southern Alberta. I have a passion for the outdoors, hiking, kayaking and backpacking. I have been exploring my new backyard and I’m here to share the best trails, adventures and activities along the way.
