Last updated on August 30th, 2024 at 03:07 pm
If you are looking for a fantastic year round hike close to the town of Banff, you have to check out the Stoney Lookout hike. This fairly easy hike can be completed as a loop, which goes through the forest and has a great view of the Bow Valley and Cascade Mountain from the summit.
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The Stoney Lookout Hike
Distance: 5.1km loop
Elevation: 205m
The Stoney Lookout hike is an easy to moderate hike, it is a loop which can be hiked in any direction. I’ve done it in both directions and don’t feel like there is any benefit in hiking it in one direction over another. If it’s your first time hiking the Stoney Lookout hike, start just inside the parking lot where there is a large Parks Canada trail sign as there isn’t a sign at the other end.
The trails climbs quite steeply at times through the forest from the trailhead sign. It’s an uneven trail with lots of roots and dense trees. It can get very slippery here in winter due to being a high trafficked trail.
After a short time the trail has a small opening which looks down over the Bow Valley and the Vermillion Lakes, before it heads back into the forest. Shortly after you get a glorious view of Cascade Mountain. There is an opening in the trees and a view looking along the Bow Valley, you can just see the end of Lake MInnewanka poking out behind Cascade Mountain as well.
This is the perfect spot to stop, have a break and a snack. It was a little windy when we were up there but with good layers it’s fine. This is the best view of the trail, so take your time and enjoy them.
From the summit the Stoney Lookout hike continues straight on, back into the forest, it descends quite steeply to begin with but soon levels off and becomes a peaceful walk filled with sun shining through the forest. In the early afternoon it’s quite magical. Enjoy the peace and quiet of being surrounded by the forest.
Don’t miss the peekaboo views of Cascade Mountain through the trees and views of the Mount Norquay ski hill which can be seen at varying times through the descent.
Eventually the trees open up and you descend towards the parking lot. The trail comes out right behind the main lodge of the ski resort. Walk back up the parking lot to get back to wherever you parked your vehicle.
You can grab food and a beer after your hike in the ski lodge in winter or if you are doing the Stoney Lookout hike in summer, head up the Mount Norquay sightseeing chairlift afterwards and enjoy a feast at the Cliffhouse Bistro which offers some of the best views in Banff.
Highlights Of The Stoney Lookout Hike
- Stunning views of Cascade Mountain
- Perfect trail for Forest Bathing
- Plenty of shade on a hot day
- Only takes a few hours if you are short on time
Where Is The Trailhead
The trailhead for the Stoney Lookout hike is easy to find. A short drive from downtown Banff up the Mount Norquay Road, you’ll find the large ski resort parking lot on the right. Just inside of this parking lot the trailhead is signposted on the right hand side. Park sensibly, especially in winter when the lot may fill up.
Things You Might Need For The Hike
We did the Stoney Lookout hike in April when there was a lot of freeze thaw and the trail was both icy and muddy depending on how much sun each part had got. For that reason we wore good hiking boots to keep our feet dry and warm, my go to is the La Sportiva Raptor 2 hiking boots.
Ice spikes were also needed when we hiked the trail and I recommend packing them if you intend on hiking this trail at any point during the winter. I used my Yaktrax and they were the perfect amount of grip while also not being overly heavy and bulky.
Layers were an absolute must on the Stoney Lookout hike, it was chilly to start, but then we got warm gaining the elevation and then at the summit it was rather windy and we soon chilled off. Packing a great jacket like the Arc’teryx Atom Lt is perfect for these kinds of adventures and I wore this on top of a thermal long sleeve.
The Stoney Lookout hike is in a prime bear country so make sure you pack bear spray and know how to use it. While hiking the trail in summer make sure to make plenty of noise.
Other Easy Hikes Near Banff
Places To Stay In Banff
There are a lot of places to stay in Banff. If you are looking for an outdoor break and want to camp, my favorite campground close to Banff is the Two Jack Lakeside campground, if you are looking for a year round campground, check out Tunnel Mountain.
Those looking for a little more luxury should check out one of the many hotels in town, The Fox Hotel is one of my favorite spots, mostly for its cute decoration and the cave themed hot tub pool!
There are also a number of hostels in Banff, the best all round hostel for anyone from singles to families is the HI Alpine Hostel up on Tunnel Mountain.
