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Helen Lake
Brief Description:
The trail makes a moderate climb up through loose forest that continues to open up. It levels out in a large open meadow, then there is another short climb to a small lake below a headwall. The trail may be made longer by continuing on to Dolomite Pass (a short, steep climb beyond the lake).
Trail Access:
The trailhead is located 33 km or 20 miles north of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway (Highway #93N).
Detailed Trail Information
| Duration | Distance | Level of Difficulty | Elevation Gain |
| full day hike | 12 km / 7.5 mi return | moderate | 457 m / 1500 ft |
The Helen Lake trail, off the Icefields Parkway, crosses through some of the most extensive alpine meadows in Banff. Wildflowers cover the meadows from mid-July to mid-August. The way up provides some lovely views of the Crowfoot Glacier.
Once in the meadows begin looking for marmots (large ground squirrels) and the golden eagles that may be hunting them.
This area is also great grizzly bear habitat and may have a warning posted. A warning means that a bear has been frequenting the area regularly. Be sure to hike bear aware and take precautions to prevent encounters on the trail.
Trail Information Courtesy Of: Great Divide Nature Interpretation
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