Parker Ridge Trail
Parker Ridge Trail
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
569 reviews
Excellent
478
Very good
77
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Henry L
6 contributions
Jul. 2023
I started this hike at around 10 AM. The parking lot was not full, although there were a little over 10 cars, so I found a parking spot pretty easily. For the first 15 minutes or so, the trail is surrounded by trees. Once you go up a bit, the views open up and you can see the panoramic view of the Icefields Parkway, Mount Athabasca, and Hilda Peak.
The trail gains its height with several switchbacks but it gets steeper fairly gradually, so even if you haven't done many hikes before, take several breaks and use hiking poles if needed, and you will eventually reach the top of the hill.
The trails gets fairly flat on top of the hill, and soon you will be encountered with the amazing view of the Saskatchewan Glacier in the far distance, which is the largest outflow glacier in the Columbia Icefields.
When you encounter an intersection, do NOT go right, as you will lose the view of the glacier. Instead, keep going straight or if you want a better view of the glacier, go left by following the yellow markers. In less than 10 minutes, you will see the complete view of the glacier with nothing blocking the view.
I personally think this trail can be classified as "family friendly." My parents who are 65+ years old also did this hike with me. They had to take several breaks but even with those breaks, it took 1 hour for us to reach the top of the hill and see the glacier and nearly 2 hours to finish the entire hike (including stops for photos). Anyone who has done lots of hiking should find this trail very easy and should be able to finish the hike way less than 2 hours. FYI, my parents used hiking poles but I didn't find any need to use them, although you may want to use them when there is snow on the trail.
This hike is a MUST if you are visiting Banff/Jasper because the trail is short and not steep but you can enjoy an amazing view (You cannot see the Saskatchewan Glacier on any road). You can also combine this hike with another if you are able and time permits. I did this hike in the morning and then Big Beehive hike at Lake Louise in the afternoon on the same day, and it was totally doable.
Highly recommend!
P.S. When I came down to the parking lot at around noon after hike, there were TONS of cars. Arrive well before noon if you want to get a good parking spot.
The trail gains its height with several switchbacks but it gets steeper fairly gradually, so even if you haven't done many hikes before, take several breaks and use hiking poles if needed, and you will eventually reach the top of the hill.
The trails gets fairly flat on top of the hill, and soon you will be encountered with the amazing view of the Saskatchewan Glacier in the far distance, which is the largest outflow glacier in the Columbia Icefields.
When you encounter an intersection, do NOT go right, as you will lose the view of the glacier. Instead, keep going straight or if you want a better view of the glacier, go left by following the yellow markers. In less than 10 minutes, you will see the complete view of the glacier with nothing blocking the view.
I personally think this trail can be classified as "family friendly." My parents who are 65+ years old also did this hike with me. They had to take several breaks but even with those breaks, it took 1 hour for us to reach the top of the hill and see the glacier and nearly 2 hours to finish the entire hike (including stops for photos). Anyone who has done lots of hiking should find this trail very easy and should be able to finish the hike way less than 2 hours. FYI, my parents used hiking poles but I didn't find any need to use them, although you may want to use them when there is snow on the trail.
This hike is a MUST if you are visiting Banff/Jasper because the trail is short and not steep but you can enjoy an amazing view (You cannot see the Saskatchewan Glacier on any road). You can also combine this hike with another if you are able and time permits. I did this hike in the morning and then Big Beehive hike at Lake Louise in the afternoon on the same day, and it was totally doable.
Highly recommend!
P.S. When I came down to the parking lot at around noon after hike, there were TONS of cars. Arrive well before noon if you want to get a good parking spot.
Written August 12, 2023
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.
Sarah M
Summit, NJ17 contributions
Aug. 2022
Much of the trail you will see and hear the icefields parkway. Reason for 4 stars instead of 5. Once you are on the ridge you find the views and the trail is much nicer.
Written August 31, 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.
frenchie123
Ottawa, Canada5 contributions
Aug. 2022
Even though you may not be going to Jasper, a day to drive up to Parker Ridge Trail is a MUST! This was our best family hike of our trip - not too much of a work-out to get amazing views! The beginning of the trail is steep, but it's so beautiful that you don't think about it. Don't wait or debate, just do it!
Written August 25, 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
Munich, Germany278 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.
CanuckAlberta
Alberta605 contributions
Aug. 2022
I am not a hard core hiker but have covered quite a few trails in Kananaskis, Banff, Icefield Parkway and Jasper but Parker Ridge Trail is my new favorite. Even though it is rated green the first 2km are quite tough as it is all switchbacks and root covered trails. You then emerge above the treeline in a wide open alpine with numerous trails and vistas to choose from. You can even continue up the ridge toward the Saskatchewan glacier for several thousand more feet if you want. Amazing views of Saskatchewan glacier and several other valleys. Only downside was there we lots of mosquitos until you get above 7000ft.
Written August 17, 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.
Traveler29TT29
Cypress, CA89 contributions
Jul. 2022
We loved this trail. Somewhat easy switches up to the top with beautiful new trees and flowers along the trail. Beautiful stunning glacier at the top and we saw a big herd of bighorn sheep. Only downfall was it was full of mosiqutoes but we just put some bug spray on and continued. Well worth the hike to the top!
Written August 8, 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.
JFLeBlanc
Moncton, Canada3,408 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.
RMandboys
Hampshire, UK91 contributions
Jul. 2022
The Icefields Parkway was suddenly closed ahead of us due to an accident which was expected to take several hours to clear. We took the opportunity to climb the Parker Ridge Trail. This was a great 2 hours! The views from the top are stunning. Highly recommended.
Written July 6, 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.
Sarah
Halifax, Canada21 contributions
Aug. 2021
Decent, short hike with great views! This trail is family friendly with switchbacks, ~2 hours there and back, and high traffic. Super windy on the top of the ridge so dress warm. The signage isn't great at the top and got a little lost but nothing too bad. If you are in the area for a while or are looking for glacier views I would recommend.
If you are short on time, I think there are other trails in the area that are less work for a better view, and would skip out on this. You can see a breathtaking glacier from the road just 10 minute drive up the road.
If you are short on time, I think there are other trails in the area that are less work for a better view, and would skip out on this. You can see a breathtaking glacier from the road just 10 minute drive up the road.
Written November 13, 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.
PaulaDDuck
Toronto, Canada191 contributions
Sep. 2021
It had snowed overnight, so the surrounding trees and some of the trail were snow covered, so it was handy to have proper hiking boots and poles. It is a steady upward climb. As we neared the top, the wind and snow increased; however, we were lucky that shortly thereafter, the wind dropped, the snow stopped and a glimmer of sun appeared on the Saskatchewan glacier, the valley, the waterfall and surrounding peaks. Soon the wind and snow picked up again. It took us about 2 hours round trip including stopping for pictures. Well worth the effort!
Written September 21, 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.
Helen V
Toronto, Canada48 contributions
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
4bk1
Cincinnati, OH70 contributions
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.
TheHappyFlutist
Owasso, OK154 contributions
What time would we need to get there in the morning to be able to get a parking spot? Thanks!
sasha98
Manchester, UK40 contributions
Suggest an early start to make the most of the day? Hope this helps?
Flyguyngirl
Gulf Breeze, FL5 contributions
We are staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs and want to Hike the Parker Ridge Trail. How would we get there?
Kristie G
Sebring, FL245 contributions
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.
Flyguyngirl
Gulf Breeze, FL5 contributions
We are stating at the Fairmont Banff Springs and want to Hike the Parker Ridge Trail. How would we get there?
er_katrina
San Francisco, CA65 contributions
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.
flying2011
New York City, NY1 contribution
Hi there, when did you go hiking? We plan to go this Memorial Day weekend - is the condition ok? Thank you!
Henri B
Houston, TX111 contributions
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.
JBRetired
Apple Valley, CA472 contributions
Do you recommend hiking with bear spray. Do you see any wildlife
Shawnda M
1 contribution
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.
Butt0n28
Franz Josef, New Zealand38 contributions
Can this hike be done end on May?
Henri B
Houston, TX111 contributions
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.
Butt0n28
Franz Josef, New Zealand38 contributions
Can this hike be done end on May?
Nemo1921
Alexandria, VA70 contributions
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!
laurie6174
Estevan, Canada21 contributions
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.
Chaitanya
Cambridge, Canada1,236 contributions
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.
Travelingsteph123
12 contributions
Do you guys know if you can do this hike in December or January? Or is there too much snow?
runsuerun60
Salt Lake City, UT226 contributions
It would be covered with snow. I️ believe they even close the road so it’s inaccessible.
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