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Arnica Lake Trail is a beautifully varied hike that rewards effort with ever-changing scenery and classic alpine views. The route climbs and dips through forested terrain, passing beneath stands of larch trees and open meadows dotted with wildflowers, all while the peaks of the Continental Divide quietly steer you toward Arnica and Twin Lakes. Covering roughly 10 km round trip with about 600 m of elevation gain, this moderate hike typically takes 4–5 hours. It’s a great option for hikers looking for a little challenge without the chaos — balanced, scenic, and just demanding enough to make the lakes at the end feel well earned in Banff National Park.

Mount Hunter Lower Lookout offers a challenging yet approachable taste of big alpine terrain without the full commitment of the upper route. The trail climbs steadily through forest and open slopes, gradually opening up to impressive views over the Kicking Horse and Beaverfoot valleys — a rewarding payoff that arrives sooner than you might expect. At approximately 7 km round trip with about 700 m of elevation gain, this hike typically takes 3–5 hours and is well suited for hikers with good fitness looking to push themselves without going all-in. It’s a strong middle ground: demanding enough to feel earned, scenic enough to linger, and a standout half-day adventure in Yoho National Park.

Numa Creek Trail is a steady, quietly scenic hike that trades big crowds for forest calm and creekside atmosphere. The route follows a shaded corridor alongside Numa Creek before opening into broad avalanche paths, offering changing terrain and a glimpse into the raw forces that shape this valley. Covering roughly 12.6 km round trip with about 700 m of elevation gain, this hike typically takes 4–6 hours and is well suited for hikers comfortable with moderate, sustained climbs. It also serves as a key access point to the Numa Creek backcountry campground and the renowned Rockwall Route, giving the trail a distinctly backcountry feel even on a day hike.

Experience two of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic lakes at their quietest and most atmospheric. Continental-style breakfast is included. This guided sunrise tour begins early in the morning with a visit to Moraine Lake, where guests will have time to explore, photograph, and take in the changing light as the day begins. From there, we continue to Lake Louise, allowing ample time to enjoy the lakeshore, surrounding viewpoints, and the calm that comes with arriving before the crowds. Guests will spend approximately two hours at each location, with a relaxed pace designed for unhurried viewing, photography, and interpretation along the way. Coffee and a continental-style breakfast are included, giving you time to warm up and settle into the morning while taking in the scenery. Please note that while this tour is timed for sunrise, sunrise views cannot be guaranteed due to weather and cloud conditions. Trip start times will vary throughout the season depending on sunrise hours and daylight changes. This experience is designed to be calm, scenic, and thoughtfully guided—an early start that rewards you with some of the most memorable moments the Rockies have to offer.

Paget Lookout is a short but punchy hike that wastes no time getting your attention. The trail climbs steeply through rocky terrain toward a historic fire lookout, with effort rewarded by sweeping views over the Bow Valley, Cataract Brook, and the dramatic expanse of the Kicking Horse Valley. At approximately 7 km round trip with 550 m of elevation gain, this hike delivers a serious sense of accomplishment in a relatively compact outing. It’s ideal for hikers who enjoy a challenge and want big, uninterrupted views without committing to a full-day epic in Banff National Park.

Emerald Basin & Lakeshore Trail is a gently immersive hike that pairs iconic scenery with a peaceful, unhurried pace. Beginning along the brilliant shoreline of Emerald Lake, the route slips into ancient stands of cedar and hemlock before opening into a natural alpine amphitheatre that feels both sheltered and expansive. Covering roughly 10 km round trip with about 300 m of elevation gain, this easy-to-moderate hike takes around 4 hours and is ideal for those who appreciate scenery over speed. It’s a calm, beautifully balanced outing , proof that you don’t need steep climbs to experience something truly memorable in Yoho National Park.

Looking for something a little more personal? Whether you’re after a peaceful forest walk, a big summit day, or something in between, our Custom Private Tours let you choose your own adventure, with a Tait’s Trails guide tailoring every step to your interests, ability level, and goals. From scenic lakes and wildflower meadows to challenging ridgelines and hidden gems, we’ll help you craft the perfect day in the Canadian Rockies. Great for couples, families, small groups, or solo hikers looking for a deeper connection to the landscape (and more time for questions, stories, or photo stops!). We’ll provide: ✔️ Personalized hike planning ✔️ Professional guide and bear safety ✔️ Trail snacks ✔️ Flexible start times ✔️ Option to include sunrise hikes, full-day routes, or interpretive themes (wildlife, geology, etc.) Up to 10 people per private booking. Let us know what kind of hike you’re dreaming of, and we’ll make it happen. To discuss dates and prices, email us at Madison@Taitstrails.ca

Stanley Glacier Trail is a classic Rockies hike that packs a lot of scenery into a very reasonable outing. The trail climbs gradually through regenerating forest before opening into a dramatic alpine basin, where glacier meltwater spills down towering rock walls and cliffs shaped by ice and time — and yes, this is one of the rare places where keeping an eye out for fossils actually makes sense. Stretching roughly 10 km round trip with about 400 m of elevation gain, this hike typically takes 4-6 hours and is suitable for hikers with a moderate fitness level. Popular for good reason, it’s an engaging mix of geology, wildlife habitat, and big mountain visuals — a standout half-day adventure in Kootenay National Park that manages to be both accessible and quietly impressive. Important information: - The timeline can vary based off the groups skill level and the distance to the trail. - Includes pickup from set location in the morning prior to the hike and transportation to the trail - Depending on the group size your tour will include 1-2 friendly and knowledgeable guides - Hiking poles are available for rental upon request - This tour is not recommended to those who have issues in mobility, past injuries that have had long lasting affects, medical conditions that are enhanced during lots of physical activity and kids under the age of 13

Sundance Canyon is a relaxed yet rewarding loop that eases you from Banff’s historic heart into a quieter pocket of the mountains. Starting just beyond the Cave and Basin area, the trail follows a paved path with early views across the Bow River before gently climbing into forested terrain, where the route transitions to a natural trail winding through a narrow, water-carved canyon. At roughly 9 km, this easy loop takes 2–4 hours depending on pace and pause-for-photos enthusiasm. It’s an ideal introduction to hiking in Banff, approachable, scenic, and just adventurous enough to feel like you’ve earned the views without breaking a sweat (unless you want to).

Boom Lake Trail is a classic Banff hike that delivers steadily, then shows off at the end. The trail climbs gradually through a peaceful forest, making the elevation gain feel manageable as anticipation builds with every step. At 10.2 km round trip with roughly 350 m of elevation gain, this hike typically takes 3-4 hours and is best suited for confident beginners or those looking for a satisfying, unhurried adventure. The payoff is a stunning alpine lake framed by rugged peaks, the kind of place that quietly convinces you to stay a little longer and maybe “accidentally” forget what time it is.

Set out for a relaxed, small-group day exploring two of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic lakes, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, without the stress of parking or planning. We offer convenient pickups in both Canmore and Banff before making our way into the heart of Banff National Park. Once there, you’ll have two full hours at each lake to take it in at your own pace, whether that’s walking the shoreline, paddling out on the water, hiking up for a classic viewpoint, or simply soaking in the scenery. For those who want to keep things easy, we offer an optional lunch so you can spend less time organizing and more time enjoying the day. With flexible time at each stop and a laid-back pace, this tour is designed to give you the space to experience Moraine Lake and Lake Louise properly, not rushed, not crowded, just the way they should be.

Floe Lake is a demanding, bucket-list hike that earns its reputation step by step. The trail climbs steadily through open forest and sun-exposed slopes, offering sweeping mountain views along the way before culminating at a stunning alpine lake tucked beneath towering peaks — the kind of destination that makes the long approach instantly worthwhile. Spanning roughly 21 km round trip with about 1,100 m of elevation gain, this difficult hike typically takes 7–8 hours and is best suited for strong, experienced hikers with good endurance. Popular for very good reason, Floe Lake delivers a full-day mountain experience and a lakeside finish that feels nothing short of spectacular in Kootenay National Park.