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Helen Lake/Cirque Peak

Hikers walk along Helen Lake trail in a lush green valley, surrounded by rocky mountains with patches of snow under a clear blue sky.
Helen Creek rapids

* Dayhike, in and out. Sign and outhouse at trailhead only. Dogs must be leashed.

* Distance:  12 kms return (roughly 4-5 hrs)

* Elevation gain:  Roughly 530 m

* Difficulty:  Intermediate

* Trailhead: Helen Lake parking lot, on Hwy 93 North (Icefields Parkway), 33 kms north of Lake Louise junction (across from Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint). 


This is easily one of my Top 5 Canadian day hikes. My first time here, the sky was a sharp blue, the lake was a deep turquoise, wildflowers were popping out everywhere and the scenery was lush and green. The views are lovely here on any decent day (absolutely horrendous in bad temps, though - avoid at all costs), but in perfect weather, day hikes don’t get much better than Helen Lake.


I always see hoary marmots here and they’re uncharacteristically unafraid of hikers (don’t approach them, though). This is also grizzly territory; in fact, this trail is often closed due to grizzly activity. Bring bear spray, keep it in easy reach (not inside your backpack!) and know how to use it.


TRAIL DESCRIPTION

The first hour or so of elevation gain is the toughest, but I like these types of hikes — you get most of the elevation done in the first third. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful forest for 3 kms; most of your attention will be on the tree roots threatening your footing.

Sunlit forest path with tree roots exposed. Tall trees surround the trail, casting dappled light. Peaceful, natural setting.

You’ll jump over a few streams throughout. After about 40-45 minutes, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Crowfoot Glacier, and a sliver of Bow Lake appears through the trees.

Snow-capped mountains and Crowfoot Glacier under blue sky, green trees in foreground, and a turquoise Bow Lake in the Bow Valley, creating a serene landscape.
Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake

Wildflowers start to pop up as you near an open patch of woodland. I am always surprised at how early these wildflowers appear, even as the trail is still dotted with snow. Keep heading uphill in the forest and watch out for white mountain avens and Indian paintbrushes.



After about 75 minutes, you’ll reach a leftward curve in the trail; the scenery will open up and the elevation will level out. This is the beautiful valley you’ll be following for the next hour until you reach the rapids. 

Mountain landscape with trail winding through vibrant wildflowers. Snow-capped peaks and pine trees under a clear blue sky.
Meander down this stunning valley for about 35-45 minutes or so until you reach Helen Creek.
An unassuming - and unafraid - marmot goes about his/her business.

Thump along on a forested, narrow meadow - ascending slightly for about 30 minutes. You’ll cross small streams and step onto boulders until you reach Helen Creek, with its beautiful cascading rapids surrounded by mossy green hills. The water here is pristine and cold; if you have a filtering system, it’s worth filling up at this sweet spot. 

Hikers walk along a lush green trail beside a cascading stream in a mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky. Snow-capped peaks in view.
Helen Creek rapids, a great spot for some fresh water (if you have a filter) and a quick snack. Keep an eye out for bears though, as you won't hear them coming over the noise of the rapids.

After the creek/rapids, ascend gently onto large, braided trails in a large, open subalpine meadow. Turn around occasionally for some sweeping views of the Icefields Parkway and its glacier-mantled peaks behind you, but keep in mind you will also get to enjoy these views on your return trip. From these rapids, you’re about 30 minutes from Helen Lake. 

Two people hiking on a grassy hill with a flowing stream. Rugged mountain and pine trees in background under a clear blue sky.

We reached Helen Lake after about 2 hrs and 20 minutes from the time we left the car. This is a beautiful spot to enjoy some of that delicious, sophisticated food you packed (we like bringing some ramen noodles and our Jetboil - just relax and enjoy the scenery. If you’re up for it, take your shoes off and dip your feet into the freezing glacier waters. 

A beautiful Helen Lake under a blue sky.
Helen Lake, Cirque Peak (at left) and Cirque Ridge (at right).

Cirque Ridge lies just beyond reach, up a switchback trail on the scree slope across the lake. It’s a relatively short, 1 km hike up the swithbacks to the col of the ridge. Enjoy fantastic views from here; you’re about 50 m above the lake and it’s a relatively easy climb (the climb up those switchbacks looks harder when you’re staring at it from the lake). 

Mountain landscape with a blue Helen Lake surrounded by green valleys, rocky terrain, and distant snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.
Helen Lake, viewed from Cirque ridge

Cirque Peak, which lies just to the north, is a steep but technically easy scramble. Regardless of how high you go, the views are amazing; ascend as far as you are comfortable, then head back down. Cirque Peak is about as accessible as scrambles can possibly get in the Canadian Rockies.


When you’ve had enough (actually, don't wait until then), call it a day and walk back the way you came. Enjoy the grandeur unfolding in front of you. Jay told me that this descent (back toward the rapids) was his favourite part of the whole hike. 

Helen Lake trail leading through green meadow with rocky mountains under a clear blue sky. Snow patches on peaks, serene and picturesque landscape.

From the lake, allow at least 1.5-2 hours for the descent back to your car. And that’s it, folks!


See ya on the trails!

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