
Ha Ling Peak Trail Canmore
Conquer Ha Ling Peak for unparalleled panoramic views of Canmore and the majestic Canadian Rockies. A challenging yet rewarding hike.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

Ha Ling Peak Trail Canmore
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Ha Ling Peak for unparalleled panoramic views of Canmore and the majestic Canadian Rockies. A challenging yet rewarding hike.
"The views of this hike made a wonderful day extra special! 10/10 recommend!!"

🎯 Start Early to Avoid Crowds
Aim for a 7 AM start to beat the rush and secure parking.
👟 Essential Hiking Footwear
Good hiking shoes with grip are a must for the scramble.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ha Ling Peak Summit
Summit
Conquer the challenging ascent for breathtaking panoramic views of Canmore and the surrounding Rockies.

Well-Maintained Trail
Lower and mid-sections
Enjoy a rewarding climb on a well-maintained path with newly installed steps and stairs.

The Final Scramble
Upper section to summit
Experience a thrilling, albeit unmaintained, scramble with loose rocks for the final push to the top.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Start Early to Avoid Crowds
Aim for a 7 AM start to beat the rush and secure parking.
👟 Essential Hiking Footwear
Good hiking shoes with grip are a must for the scramble.
🚶♀️ Hiking Poles Recommended
Poles aid stability on inclines and loose rocks.
💧 Kananaskis Pass Needed
Ensure you have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for your vehicle.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start Early to Avoid Crowds
Aim for a 7 AM start to beat the rush and secure parking.
👟 Essential Hiking Footwear
Good hiking shoes with grip are a must for the scramble.
🚶♀️ Hiking Poles Recommended
Poles aid stability on inclines and loose rocks.
💧 Kananaskis Pass Needed
Ensure you have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for your vehicle.
⚠️ Steep Drop-offs
Be aware of steep drop-offs near the summit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ha Ling Peak is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike with breathtaking summit views. While the trail is well-maintained for most of the ascent, the final scramble requires caution and good footwear. It's a popular spot, so an early start is advised to avoid crowds and secure parking.
"Challenging hike with lots of incline and scramble at the end to get to the peak. But beautiful views throughout and an epic peak with steep drop off. This trail is usually busy, but there is a large parking lot. Good hiking shoes and poles recommended for the scramble section at the end. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow."
Taylor Zaharchuk
"Fantastic hike, I have been wanting to do this hike forever snd finally did it, we started our hike around 7am and made it to the peak at 9:40! I would recommend if you don’t love crowds start your hike early. As it was quite busy on our way down, But absolutely worth the trip! The views of this hike made a wonderful day extra special! 10/10 recommend!!"
Kira
"All trails rates this as hard and for good reason! Took us about 2 hours to make it to the summit. Last 100m is not really a scramble but is not a maintained trail. Totally worth it to make it to the top if that’s within your skill level. I definietly recommend hiking poles and good shoes, and would not recommend this as a dog friendly hike."
Alexis Jarman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ha Ling Peak Trail is located just outside of Canmore, Alberta. From the town center, head south on Highway 742 (Spray Lakes Road) for a short distance. The trailhead is well-marked and has a large parking lot.
Yes, there is a large parking lot available at the trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Yes, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle at the Ha Ling Peak Trailhead. You can purchase this pass online or at local visitor centers.
Public transportation options directly to the Ha Ling Peak trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange for a taxi/rideshare from Canmore.
Ha Ling Peak is approximately a 20-minute drive from Banff National Park, making it an accessible hike for those staying in or visiting Banff.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific entrance fee for the trail itself, you will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park your vehicle at the trailhead.
Ha Ling Peak Trail is open year-round for hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing. However, conditions can vary significantly with the seasons.
No, tickets are not required for Ha Ling Peak Trail. It's a public trail, but parking can be limited, so arriving early is advised.
Yes, Ha Ling Peak is open year-round. Winter conditions can make the trail more challenging and require specialized gear.
The Ha Ling Peak Trail is approximately 7.8 km (4.8 miles) round trip with an elevation gain of about 800 meters (2,600 feet).
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ha Ling Peak is considered a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and the final scramble to the summit. AllTrails rates it as hard.
The average time to complete the Ha Ling Peak hike is between 3 to 5 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the summit. Some experienced hikers can do it faster.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction, comfortable athletic clothing, and layers as the weather can change. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
While some people do bring dogs, it's generally not recommended due to the steep drop-offs and the scramble section, which can be difficult for dogs.
The trailhead typically has a parking lot. Restroom facilities may be available, but it's best to check current conditions or come prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views. The trail itself provides stunning vistas of Canmore and the surrounding mountains throughout the ascent.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers beautiful lighting for photography. Sunsets can be particularly spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the mountains. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
The contrast between the well-maintained trail and the rugged, natural summit provides diverse photographic opportunities. Look for unique rock formations and expansive sky views.
Drone usage may be restricted in national and provincial parks. Always check the latest regulations for Kananaskis Country before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you're looking for a family-friendly hike with stunning views near Canmore, consider the Grassi Lakes Trail instead. It's a much easier, shorter hike with beautiful turquoise lakes and is perfect for all skill levels.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save money on food. The trail offers incredible scenery without the cost of paid attractions, making it a fantastic value for those exploring the Canmore area on a budget.
🏃♀️ Experienced Hikers & Trail Runners
Be mindful of the loose scree on the upper section, which can be tricky for running. The consistent incline provides a great cardiovascular challenge. Remember to check trail conditions, especially outside of the main summer season, as snow and ice can present additional hazards.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ha Ling Peak Trail Experience
Recent improvements have made the lower and mid-sections of the trail very well-maintained, featuring installed steps and stairs that make the climb more accessible. However, the final push to the summit involves an unmaintained section with loose rocks, requiring careful footing and often the use of hands for balance. This 'scramble' adds an element of adventure but also means it's not suitable for everyone.
Despite the challenge, the panoramic views from the top are consistently described as breathtaking and absolutely worth the effort. Visitors can expect stunning vistas of Canmore, the Bow Valley, and the surrounding majestic mountain ranges. The trail is popular year-round, but conditions can vary greatly, with winter hikes requiring specialized gear and experience.
Navigating the Crowds and Timing
Even with crowds, the trail is generally well-maintained, making it manageable. However, the popularity means you'll likely encounter other hikers on your way up and down. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on a weekday. The trail is open year-round, offering different experiences in each season, but summer and fall are the most popular for hiking.
For those who love the idea of a sunset hike, it can be a magical experience, but be prepared for more people and ensure you have adequate lighting for your descent. The views during golden hour are particularly stunning, making the effort worthwhile for photographers and sunset enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit