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  • Sawback, Alberta

    Top Spots in and near Sawback

    • Sawback, Alberta

      Climb Mt. Cory

      3.0
      Park at the viewpoint parking lot on the left side of the highway, approximately 2.8 km (1.7 mi) after turning off of the Trans Canada Highway. The trailhead is easily located on the north side of the highway. The approach is short but steep and sustained. It starts as a trail and finishes as a s...
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    • Sawback, Alberta

      Climb Aftonroe

      Route on Mount CoryThe spectacular view of the river and forest below is called Backswamp- in the past it was referred to as Aftonroe by a local writer Jon Whyte- The naming of this route was made in his memory5.7 Sport Route- 9 Pitches Approach: Park on the left side of the Bow Valley Parkway, H...
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    • Sawback, Alberta

      Hike Mount Bourgeau

      5.0
      12 mi / 2460 ft gain
      Taking Hwy 1 West of Banff for approximately 8 miles you'll come to the Bourgeau Lake Trailhead. This trail starts with a 4.5 mile, 2460ft elevation through the forest to the beautiful Bourgeau Lake. This glacial tarn signals the start of the alpine and a wonderful morning hike on it's own. From ...
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    • Sawback, Alberta

      Hike to Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass

      5.0
      12.5 mi / 3360 ft gain
      The trailhead for Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass is on the west side of Trans-Canada Highway approximately 5 miles west of Banff.  The turn-off is approximately 0.9 miles past the Sunshine Village Ski Resort exit.  There is a small parking lot and a restroom at the trailhead. Enter through the gate to...
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    • Sawback, Alberta

      Hike to Bourgeau Lake

      9.3 mi / 2329.4 ft gain
      The Bourgeau Lake trailhead offers easy parking and bathrooms before departing. The hike begins with approximately an hour and a half of fairly easy walking through forest with several glimpses of the surrounding mountains and Wolverine Creek. This first stretch ends with a gorgeous waterfall, ...
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    • Sawback, Alberta

      Ice Climbing at Bear Spirit

      From the parking lot head East for about 200m, to find the trail that heads North. The trail follows the riverbed for about 45 minutes and in parts is washed out. A piece of flagging tape and a downed tree that is used as a bench marks the point where the trail gets tougher. At this point you wil...
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    • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

      Hike the Cory & Edith Pass Trail

      4.0
      9.3 mi / 3002 ft gain
      Going west from Banff, take the first exit for Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway). Take the first right up to the fireside picnic area and begin your hike here.  The first 5kms of the hike climb uphill through the forest, making up most of the 915m elevation gain. Watch for trail markers over the ro...
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    • Banff, Alberta

      Rock Climb Escargot Corner

      6 Pitches5.6-5.8 Climbing Sustained climbing for the grade. You follow up 2 right facing corners with some face climbing.I really enjoyed this route and found it worth the long approach. Approach requires a few hours of consistent elevation gain and fair bit of scrambling. If you don’t know where...
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    • Edgewater, Alberta

      Ski Sunshine Village

      5.0
      Do you like skiing wide open slopes of light, fluffy powder? How about staring off at massive, jagged peaks while you do it? Then do I have the resort for you… Sunshine Village in the heart of Banff National Park offers something for everyone on the slopes. There are ample wide open groomers for ...
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    • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

      Hike to Healy Pass

      7.5 mi / 2198.2 ft gain
      Head up to Healy Pass in late September or early October to check out the beautiful larch trees in their golden glory. Sunshine Meadows, Assiniboine, and other amazing views can be seen from the top of this easy trail. Start your adventure in the Sunshine Village ski resort parking lot. Head behi...
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    • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

      Sunshine Village Gondola and Standish Quad Chairlift Hike

      6.2 mi / 902.2 ft gain
      If you're looking for an adventure in the Banff area that's not as crowded as the main tourist attractions but offers as spectacular of views, check this gem out.  Make sure to check hours of operation before going, gondola/ ski lift are not always running.  Ride the gondola all the way to the to...
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    • Banff, Alberta

      Mount Assiniboine: Sunshine Village to Mount Shark

      5.0
      36.37 mi / 5869 ft gain
      This trek specifically covers the distance from Sunshine Village to Mount Shark. You will need a car at Mt. Shark, as there are no shuttles from that location to Canomre or any local areas. Otherwise, you can try to hitch a ride back – your best bet is to talk with some locals or visit the Canmor...
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    • Banff, Alberta

      Rock Climb Plutonian Shores in Banff

      1.0
      To get to the base of the climb, you must brave the (hordes of) tourists at the Cave and Basin Historical Site in Banff. This requires a park pass and calloused elbows fit for pushing your way through crowds. Or an alarm clock to get up early - the visitor centre is only open after 9 AM and this ...
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    • Banff, Alberta

      Explore Vermillion Lakes in Banff National Park

      4.7
      Vermillion Lakes is one of the best spot's in Banff to catch a sunrise or sunset depending on the season. Although it's one of the most popular locations for photographers, there are so many different areas around the lakes that you'll never feel like it's too crowded. Mount Rundle can be photogr...
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    • Banff, Alberta

      Ski at Mount Norquay

      5.0
      Oh, small but mighty Norquay! You might not hear as much about this gem as you do its larger siblings in the area, but don’t underestimate its charm or gnarly terrain. While we couldn’t quite access all of the nooks and crannies at the beginning of the season, old-timers regaled us with tales com...
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    • Banff, Alberta

      Snowshoe Mt. Norquay

      2.2 mi / 1000 ft gain
      From Banff:Take the shuttle from the town lot to Mt. Norquay Ski Lodge, it is $10 CAD one way or $15 roundtrip, but you may want to walk back. If you decide to walk back there are two options; the road or the beautiful mountain trail. The trail head can be easily picked up in the parking lot, hik...
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    Guides, Insights and Stories from Sawback

    A Winter Photography Tour in the Canadian Rockies

    A Winter Photography Tour in the Canadian Rockies

    Nick Palastro

    An Early June Photography Tour of the Canadian Rockies

    An Early June Photography Tour of the Canadian Rockies

    Nick Palastro

    It's Time to Plan Your Ski Trip to the Canadian Rockies

    It's Time to Plan Your Ski Trip to the Canadian Rockies

    Kyle Frost

    When Crowds Are Well Worth the View: Exploring Banff National Park

    When Crowds Are Well Worth the View: Exploring Banff National Park

    Karissa Frye

    Here’s How to Avoid the Summer Crowds in Banff and Jasper National Parks

    Here’s How to Avoid the Summer Crowds in Banff and Jasper National Parks

    Matt Van Swol

    5 Adventures for One Epic Day in Banff National Park

    5 Adventures for One Epic Day in Banff National Park

    Alyssa + Hannah ODYSEA