Boom Lake Hike in Banff National Park

Experience the Boom Lake hike

Boom Lake is a lovely day trip from Calgary. I love to explore the Alberta wilderness but I am not the strongest of hikers. When an easy hike comes along, I jump at the chance to take part because it suits my physical strengths the best. This is just that hike as my family and I took to this trail on a beautiful summer day. This is a great hike to take when in a group of people with varying hiking skills.

The hike is about a 10 km round-trip to the lake and back on an in-and-out trail. It should take you about 3-4 hours to complete depending on how long a break you want to take once you get to Boom Lake. The trailhead is located off Highway 93 with parking access at the Boom Creek picnic area. There is not too much elevation gain (only 175 metres) on this path and most of it is at the beginning before settling into a nice, well-worn path to follow down to the lake.

The end result is a view that is well worth the hike: a beautiful water scene with majestic mountains straight ahead. The mountains are covered in snow even in the summer, and results in snow and ice slides down the mountain side. When you see and hear the rumble of an avalanche of snow go down, you will know why the area is called Boom Lake.

Make sure to check the Parks Canada website to check on trail conditions, bear sightings, weather and more before you leave.