Parker Ridge Trail
Parker Ridge Trail
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Liz M
6 contributions
Oct 2020
The day we hiked Parker Ridge, it was very windy. The hike started off in a wooded area so we had plenty of protection; however, at the top, the wind was incredible. The view of the Saskatchewan Glacier was breath taking and worth the hike. The trail is very well laid out and anyone travelling the Icefield Parkway should allow a few hours to take advantage of this hiking trail. My husband is much less active than I am and he was able to do this hike by taking his time. I would highly recommend this hike for all levels of abilities.
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luv4phood
Marietta, GA858 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This is a quick hike with fantastic views. We arrived a little bit later in the afternoon so it was not terribly crowded. The trail makes a quick elevation gain for beautiful views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. The trail is mostly loose rock so hiking boots are a must. Also, this trail has no shade. In the summer, a hat and sunblock would be recommended.
Written February 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WinnipegSteve
Winnipeg, Canada105 contributions
Aug 2021
We hadn't planned on spending time here - stopping just to look at the flowers on the lower part of the trail. However, we kept climbing and eventually reached the top. We were blown away. This is the closest thing to the Swiss Alps that we've seen anywhere outside Switzerland. Spectacular views of the glacier, river, and surrounding mountains.
Note that when you reach the crest, you can either go right (which appears to be higher) or left. Take the left trail - although it doesn't go quite as high, you have much better views of the glacier, valley, and river.
Note that when you reach the crest, you can either go right (which appears to be higher) or left. Take the left trail - although it doesn't go quite as high, you have much better views of the glacier, valley, and river.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark K
Edmonton, Canada385 contributions
Jul 2021
I did this hike by moonlight many years ago, and I was so trilled to do it again in summer time. Last time we were "Lost on Parker's Ridge" LOL, but not this time. It's a wonderful hike about 5.1 km round trip, it's a bit of elevation 260m, but lots of places to rest and watch the over the ridge you are climbing. Such a beautiful area, and you get to see the Saskatewan Glacier.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JFWhite
Moncton, Canada7,434 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Recently did this trail! Such a beauty! Not an easy one and is not wheelchair accessible. Beginning is a bit tougher as you need to walk up hill. Once you’re up there, the views are fabulous and well worth it!
You wont regret it making it as once you’re there, you see another glacier that you cannot see from the road.
Many thanks to Parks Canada for a wonderful trail!
You wont regret it making it as once you’re there, you see another glacier that you cannot see from the road.
Many thanks to Parks Canada for a wonderful trail!
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
World-travel-MS
Sydney, Australia548 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Beautiful hike! It starts with some steep switchbacks, but not steeper than larch valley @ moraine lake or big beehive @ lake Louise. It was a bit tough to get up there but we’ll worth it. There’s beautiful views of the glacier as well as countless mountain ranges. It’s really serene up there and plenty of space to move around. You can keep hiking as long as you like
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can-USA-Fan
Bad Ischl, Austria49 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
This is a rather easy trail that switchbacks from a parking lot on Icefields Parkway just 8km south of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre up to Parker Ridge. Hikers amble through a quickly thinning forest that soon only leaves isolated stands of trees that give way to alpine tundra flora. After just about 2.5km you are on top of the ridge and here the only tricky part begins. If you want to take in the magnificent vistas of Saskatchewan Glacier flowing off the Columbia Icefield forming the beginning of the later-on mighty North Saskatchewan River, you are well advised to keep to the left once you have topped the ridge. The main trail somewhat seems to lose itself in a dozen or so little paths and you see people wandering cross-country. Of course all the little paths lead to nice vistas and from virtually any place you can take in the ragged pinnacles of Mt. Athabasca, Hilda and Boundary Peaks to the west rising wonderfully from the sloping alpine meadow-and-rubble landscape, Nigel Peak across the valley to the north, Cirrus Mountain to the east and the jagged range extending from it, and finally Big Bend Peak and its plateau to the south, where a waterfall bisects the rock face. However, for the view of Saskatchewan Glacier you must head left on the ridge, slightly downhill, until you reach several informal viewpoints after a mere few hundred metres. From there you can look and marvel directly at the flowing glacier, which is otherwise at least halfway hidden behind the flanks sloping off Mt. Athabasca.
Two more things: Although the parking lot is quite large, it fills on busy summer days. When I did the hike on Aug 13, 2015, around noon, I was lucky to find a small spot to press my vehicle into even though the weather wasn't bright and sunny! Secondly, you might preceive it as a nuisance that you hear the traffic on Icefields Parkway (which isn't all that light in the summer) droning on while you switchback your way up and down the ridge, giving you the impresion you'd hike somewhere next to an Interstate Highway. Anyway, once you top the ridge the view and noise of the highway are gone and the pure pleasure starts!
Time: I'm a fit young man ans did the entire hike in under 2 hours (including about half an hour at the top taking photos), but I jogged my way up and down. For visitors in normal shape I'd recommend to reserve around 4 hours, which can be extended to more, of course, as there is much to marvel at!
Two more things: Although the parking lot is quite large, it fills on busy summer days. When I did the hike on Aug 13, 2015, around noon, I was lucky to find a small spot to press my vehicle into even though the weather wasn't bright and sunny! Secondly, you might preceive it as a nuisance that you hear the traffic on Icefields Parkway (which isn't all that light in the summer) droning on while you switchback your way up and down the ridge, giving you the impresion you'd hike somewhere next to an Interstate Highway. Anyway, once you top the ridge the view and noise of the highway are gone and the pure pleasure starts!
Time: I'm a fit young man ans did the entire hike in under 2 hours (including about half an hour at the top taking photos), but I jogged my way up and down. For visitors in normal shape I'd recommend to reserve around 4 hours, which can be extended to more, of course, as there is much to marvel at!
Written November 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnAnnColumbia_MD
Columbia, MD1,864 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
Stopped along the 3.75 hr.drive from Banff to Jasper to do this hike on Tues. 13 Sept. The trail was moderately steep and muddy on the day we hiked. It goes up the north facing slope of a very big ridge that runs parallel to the Icefields Parkway you can see below. Once you get to the first level stretch near the top, to get to the best vistas of the hike walk toward the rock cairn and follow the trail to the left about 0.2 miles. You can see the nearby peaks to your right, the Saskatchewan Glacier and the peaks across the valley that lead towards the east.
Don’t bother hiking up the steep trail to the right of the cairn as we did; it took a lot of effort and the views are not nearly as good. The hike took us about 2.75 hours to complete with short stops, photos and extra walking up the ridge to the north. Did this review earn a “helpful vote”?
Don’t bother hiking up the steep trail to the right of the cairn as we did; it took a lot of effort and the views are not nearly as good. The hike took us about 2.75 hours to complete with short stops, photos and extra walking up the ridge to the north. Did this review earn a “helpful vote”?
Written October 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam M
Banff, Canada8 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
This has got to be one of the best short hikes in the Rockies. Within one hour you are on top of a mountain looking down on a glacier! The walk is a moderate climb, taking you from the subalpine up into the Alpine Meadows at the top of the ridge. In July the Alpine flowers form a carpet as far as the eye can see! There is also the possibility to see wildlife both large and small. Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, or if you are really lucky, a Grizzly Bear!
Written November 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johanna V
Rimbey, Canada27 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
The Parker rRdge is a short hike overlooking the glacier. It is easy to do with young children. Be prepared for different weather conditions at the top. We had to hold on to our offspring!
Written March 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi all,
We are considering going along the Parker Ridge Trail tomorrow (July 25th).
I'd highly appreciate if anyone can tell more about the drop-offs sections on the trail. Where are they? I mean if they are at the top or along the trail...How challenging
are they?
It would be very kind to respond.
Thank you
Written July 24, 2019
I would say there really aren’t any “drop-offs”. By that term, I assume you mean places where it would be easy to fall off. This is a perfectly safe trail in my opinion, and I have a fear of heights. After walking up the switchbacks for 45-60 minutes, you end up atop a very broad ridge. My healthy fear never kicked in. Once on top, follow the yellow markers to the left and the views of the valley on the other side are revealed. You can hike quite a while up there before the trail narrows and becomes rocky. This hike was a highlight of our trip.
Written July 25, 2019
What time would we need to get there in the morning to be able to get a parking spot? Thanks!
Written July 2, 2019
Suggest an early start to make the most of the day? Hope this helps?
Written July 3, 2019
We are staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs and want to Hike the Parker Ridge Trail. How would we get there?
Written August 2, 2018
I would think you would need to rent a car and drive the Icefields Parkway. Or you may be able to call around to different tour companies to see if anyone would take you there. But it's an easy drive to do yourself.
Written August 3, 2018
We are stating at the Fairmont Banff Springs and want to Hike the Parker Ridge Trail. How would we get there?
Written August 2, 2018
Renting a car will be the best option, the drive from Banff to the little town of Jasper is very scenic. You can stop on plenty of viewpoints. Download the Icefields Parkway Gypsy Tour, this will you give all of the possible stops and even the history of Icefields parkway.
Written August 3, 2018
Hi there, when did you go hiking? We plan to go this Memorial Day weekend - is the condition ok? Thank you!
Written May 24, 2018
There will be snow there most likely. Our most recent trip was early June. You should have a great time, but expect the trail to be covered with snow, and plan accordingly.
Written May 24, 2018
Do you recommend hiking with bear spray. Do you see any wildlife
Written March 14, 2018
Always wise to carry bear spray on any trail... You just never know. Bells don't work. Bears are regularly seen near highways... Unfortunately humans feed them to get photos. Idiots.
Written May 8, 2018
Can this hike be done end on May?
Written February 10, 2018
We hiked it in early June in waist deep snow. The other "interesting" note is that in this area they use explosives during the winter to manage avalanches. There is a sign that warns of the possibility of unexploded shells in certain areas. This is no joke and must be regarded very seriously. Signs at the trailhead will provide current information.
Written April 4, 2018
Can this hike be done end on May?
Written February 10, 2018
Hi - I would end of May would be safe as far as snow goes, but you'd have to keep an eye on the weather before you get there. It would make sense to check in with park officials in the days before you travel. Hope your trip goes well!
Written February 17, 2018
I am planning on visiting Banff national park in late August early September and will be travelling with a disabled person using a wheelchair and limited walking with cane. What are sites and activities that they would be able to do.
Written January 30, 2018
Hi, Some of the lakes would be easily accessible - Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, Peyto Lake viewpoint would be a great place to go as they have a closer parking spot to the top. Another good lake spot is Vermillion Lake (for sunsets - be wary of mosquitoes), Pyramid Lake (close to jasper) and Bow Lake.
The Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls (closer to Jasper) are quite accessible and would provide great views.
The Banff Gondola would be an option, for Banff views, but getting to the summit involves a hike for 20 mins.
Johnston Canyon and Maligne Canyon are possible options.
Written February 4, 2018
Do you guys know if you can do this hike in December or January? Or is there too much snow?
Written November 5, 2017
It would be covered with snow. I️ believe they even close the road so it’s inaccessible.
Written November 5, 2017
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