The Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit
Canmore, the Bow Valley and the Rockies offer some of the best terrain in the world for trail running. From alpine ultra-distance runs to colourful meadows and technical ridges, there is something for beginners and experts alike.
Here are some of our favourite running trails around Canmore and in the Bow Valley.
Around Canmore
- Bow River Trails
- Backyard Loop Trails (10 km)
- Canmore to Three Sisters (9km)
- Canmore Nordic Centre - "Get In to Green Orchid" Loop (5 km)
- Canmore Nordic Centre - "EKG" Loop (8 km)
- Highline Trail and Loki Trail (6 to 20 km)
- Horseshoe Loop + G8 Loop + G9 Loop (6 to 12 km)
- "Goats of Grotto" Loop (10 km)
- Montane Traverse (6 to 17 km)
- Guy Lafleur Trail - Three Sisters to Dead Man's Flat (10 km)
- Trans-Canada Trail - Deam Man's Flat to Heart Creek (15 km)
- Wind Ridge (13 to 15 km)
- Rundle Riverside from Canmore to Banff (20 km)
- Mount Allan via North Centennial Trail (20 to 25 km)
- Mount Collembola to Mount Allan Loop (25 km)
- 'Round Rundle - Mt Rundle Circumnavigation (41 km)
Kananaskis
- Quaite Valley - Prairievew - Jewell Pass Loop (21 to 27 km)
- Midnight to Tiara Peak to Porcupine Ridge Traverse (22 km)
- Galatea Creek to Ribbon Creek Traverse (21 km)
- North and South Buller Pass Loop (16 km)
- Tent Ridge (11 km)
- Northover Ridge (35 to 40 km)
Banff to Castle Junction
- Lake Minnewanka and Aylmer Lookout (Any distance)
- Healy Pass and Egypt Lake (18 to 30 km)
- Cory Pass to Edith Pass Loop (13 km)
- Rockbound Lake and Castle Mountain (18 to 28 km)
- Armor Peak to Castle Mountain Traverse (30-32 km)
Lake Louise to Field
- Lake Louise Teahouse Circuit
- Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass and Eiffel Lakes
- Paradise Valley to Moraine Highline - Mt Temple Circumnavigation (26 km)
- Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit (25 to 45 km)
- Iceline Trail (15 to 21 km)
- Emerald Lake Triangle (21 km)
Icefields Parkway
- Molar Pass
- Cirque Peak
- Bow Hut and The Onion
- Wilcox Pass
Highway 93 South
- Stanley Glacier
- Floe Lake
- Rockwall Trail (39 to 56 km)
Classic Long Runs in the Rockies
- Iceline Trail (15 to 21 km)
- Rockwall Trail (39 to 56 km)
- Banff to Assiniboine to Mt. Shark (60 km)
- Skyline Trail (45 km)
- Northover Ridge (35 to 40 km)
- Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit (26 to 45 km)
- Plan that it will take you longer than the same distance on roads or somewhere where the trails are flatter
- Bear Spray: people do encounter bears on trails from time to time. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is a habit you should have if you are going to run in the mountains. Being loud, avoiding using headphones and running in groups is also a great way of reduce wildlife encounters. More details here
- Water/hydration: From bladders and soft flasks to pocket filters (like a Katadyn BeFree), you will want to bring water on runs longer than 60 to 75 minutes. Light running vests like Nathan or Ultimate Direction allow you to carry you phone, water, some food and extra clothes. Keep in mind that you will need more water if you run in the sun on a very hot Summer day.
- Phone or Emergency Satellite Device: Most areas around Canmore get cell reception and telling someone where you’re running and some sort of ETA for return times can make sure someone is looking for you if something goes wrong. In the backcountry, carrying an emergency satellite messenger like an InReach is recommended.
- Respecting the trails: the trails run through sensitive ecological areas. Please stay on the marked trails and respect trail closures.
See you on the trails!