Top 5 Mountain Hikes for Families this Summer

Discovering nature together as a family is one of the most enriching and memorable experiences you can have. As the summer sun warms up our city and the beautiful mountainous landscapes nearby, it’s the perfect time to embark on some fun outdoor adventures!

Below, we explore the top five hikes near Calgary that are perfectly safe for families and a great activity for spending quality time with your loved ones this summer. Please note that depending on the source used, the distance and time for these hikes may vary slightly.

#1 - Grassi Lakes

• Distance: 4 kilometres
• Time (approx.): 1-2 hours

Grassi Lakes, located near Canmore and less than an hour’s drive from Calgary, is a family-friendly hike renowned for its picturesque turquoise water and striking rock formations. The trail offers two routes: an easy-mode path great for people of all ages, and a more challenging route with steeper elevations but more rewarding views of a nearby waterfall. The hike is approximately 4 km round trip and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Ideal for all ages.

#2 - Troll Falls

• Distance: 3.7 kilometres
• Time (approx.):1-2 hours

In beautiful Kananaskis Country you’ll find Troll Falls, a popular family-friendly hike known for its enchanting waterfall. The trail is well-marked and relatively flat, making it suitable for people of all ages. The hike to Troll Falls is approximately 3.7 km round trip and generally takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. It is a super easy, beginner-level hike.

#3 - Johnston Canyon

• Distance: 5.5 km
• Time (approx.): 1.5-2 hours

A bit further out into the mountains, about two hours from Calgary, the Johnston Canyon hike offers a captivating journey through Banff National Park’s stunning landscapes filled with beautiful canyons, waterfalls, and lush vegetation along man-made pathways anchored into the canyon wall. Suitable for all ages, this hike is just shy of 6 km round-trip to the upper falls and takes about two hours to complete

#4 - Ptarmigan Cirque

• Distance: 3.5 km
• Time (approx.): 1-2 hours

Ptarmigan Cirque provides a scenic and accessible alpine hiking experience in Kananaskis Country, about an hour and a half drive from Calgary’s city limits.

This hike is perfect for families and offers spectacular views of wildflowers, mountain peaks, and alpine meadows, making it a rewarding adventure for all ages.

#5 - Elbow Lake

• Distance: 4.3 km
• Time (approx.): 1-2 hours

Nestled in Kananaskis Country about an hour’s drive from Calgary is the Elbow Lake hike, a picturesque destination perfect for a family outing. This short yet rewarding hike leads you to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by majestic peaks.

Happy Hiking!

Perfect for nearly all ages, these top five family hikes in the mountains are super easy and fun for everyone. As always, be sure to prepare yourself thoroughly – but most of all, enjoy!

The Calgaryism Real Estate Team wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful rest of summer!