Parker Ridge Trail
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐
Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mileage: 4.5 mi
Region: Banff NP
Elev. Gain: 1,145 ft
When to Go: Jun—Oct
Avg. Time: 2 hr
Parking: Small paved lot
Type: Out + Back
Pass: Discovery or $11CAD day-use fee
Know Before You Go:
This is a great shorter hike right off the Icefields Parkway that is easy to fit into a day that has other activities planned.
The trailhead sits on the border of Jasper and Banff National Parks.
The hike begins with a switchback climb but evens out once you get to the views at the top.
It can be quite windy on the ridge so bring layers.
When you reach the fork in the trail continue to the left for the best views of Saskatchewan Glacier. The offshoot to the right is also worth seeing, you’ll get 360 views from the top of this rise.
Please stay on the trail and refrain from taking short cuts between the switchbacks, this alpine environment is fragile and they are attempting to do preservation work in this area.