Photo: WingedMoss, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
📍 Banff Moderate
TODAY'S STATUS (OFFICIAL SOURCE)
Open
✅ Fair · 2026-10-16: Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Wet and muddy sections Parks Canada ↗
5.4 km
Distance
+305 m
Elevation gain
2.5 h
Time
Moderate
Difficulty
✓
Dogs on leash
A popular trail that switchbacks up a moderate grade to a tundra-clad ridge above treeline. Go over the top and slightly down the other side for an eagle's-eye view of the Saskatchewan Glacier, headwaters of the Saskatchewan River.
It's 2.7 km each way with 305 m of elevation gain, about 2.5 hours round trip according to Parks Canada. The alpine vegetation is fragile: stay on the trail.
Parker Ridge parking lot on the Icefields Parkway, 40 km north of Saskatchewan River Crossing or 9 km south of the Columbia Icefield Centre. It's at the northern end of Banff National Park, near Sunwapta Pass.
📍 Parker Ridge parking lot, Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93N), 9 km south of the Columbia Icefield Centre
July to September. It's high up: snow arrives early, and in October 2026 there's already snow and icy sections. Bring warm layers even if it's hot in the valley.
The whole Icefields Parkway is wildlife habitat. Keep at least 30 m from mountain goats, sheep and deer, and 100 m from bears, wolves and cougars.
User experiences, not official information. Always check the official status before you go.
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