Ha Ling Peak Trail Canmore
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Ha Ling Peak Trail Canmore

4.8
·730 reviews·Canmore, Canada

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
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Ha Ling Peak Trail Canmore

Ha Ling Peak Trail Canmore

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(730 reviews)

"The views of this hike made a wonderful day extra special! 10/10 recommend!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ha Ling Peak Summit

Ha Ling Peak Summit

Summit

Conquer the challenging ascent for breathtaking panoramic views of Canmore and the surrounding Rockies.

Instagram
Well-Maintained Trail

Well-Maintained Trail

Lower and mid-sections

Enjoy a rewarding climb on a well-maintained path with newly installed steps and stairs.

InstagramReddit
The Final Scramble

The Final Scramble

Upper section to summit

Experience a thrilling, albeit unmaintained, scramble with loose rocks for the final push to the top.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by starting your Ha Ling Peak hike early, ideally before 7 AM, especially on weekends. The trail can get busy, and an early start ensures a more peaceful ascent and better parking. InstagramReddit

Gear Up for the Summit

Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential, particularly for the final scramble to the peak. Hiking poles are highly recommended for stability on the incline and loose rocks. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better parking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Old fashions and this view #banff #lakelouise #hiketok #hikingadventures #canmore #hike
@canadianmountainboy
681.4K likes • 6M views

🎯 Start Early to Avoid Crowds

Aim for a 7 AM start to beat the rush and secure parking. InstagramReddit

👟 Essential Hiking Footwear

Good hiking shoes with grip are a must for the scramble. TikTokReddit

One of the places that fills my soul and brings me so much dang joy. I love hikes that kick your butt but rewards you with something out of a dream. This is hands down one of the most picturesque views in all of Washington. And it was a bucket list place for over five years before crossing it off this past fall. To learn more read my blog about hiking or backpacking here, find it in my b1o. Joi...
@alecoutside
559K likes • 3M views
The best view in Canmore ⛰️🇨🇦(view of Ha Ling Peak from EEOR trail) change my mind 😎 #canmore #canmorealberta #visitcanmore #halingpeak #eastendofrundle #albertaviews #alberta #albertacanada #kananaskis #banffnationalpark #banffcanada #canada #canada🇨🇦 #kanada #slovenski_turisti #turistika #góry #hory #horyapriroda #horyacestovani #idratherbeincanmore #happyplace #outdoors #hiking #hikingbangers ...
jakub_hulin
48 likes • 1.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Hiking Poles Recommended

Poles aid stability on inclines and loose rocks. Reddit

💧 Kananaskis Pass Needed

Ensure you have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for your vehicle. Instagram

📍Ha Ling Peak Track This track short and sweet summit that won’t take up the whole day on hike. This makes it ideal for visitors to the area who don’t want spend their whole day on the trail . Average time is 3 to 5 hours Kananaskis conservation pass is required to the park your vehicle . Track Length is 7.9 km 745 metres elevation This difficult to moderate level You can sunset as well if you ...
wanderlusting_chhori
68 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Start Early to Avoid Crowds

Aim for a 7 AM start to beat the rush and secure parking. InstagramReddit

👟 Essential Hiking Footwear

Good hiking shoes with grip are a must for the scramble. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Hiking Poles Recommended

Poles aid stability on inclines and loose rocks. Reddit

💧 Kananaskis Pass Needed

Ensure you have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for your vehicle. Instagram

⚠️ Steep Drop-offs

Be aware of steep drop-offs near the summit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(730 reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"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

Spectacular summit views
Well-maintained trail
Challenging workout

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded
Steep final scramble

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

Ha Ling Peak Trail is open year-round for hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing. However, conditions can vary significantly with the seasons. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, Ha Ling Peak is open year-round. Winter conditions can make the trail more challenging and require specialized gear. Instagram

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). Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction, comfortable athletic clothing, and layers as the weather can change. Bring a hat and sunscreen. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

The trailhead typically has a parking lot. Restroom facilities may be available, but it's best to check current conditions or come prepared. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views. The trail itself provides stunning vistas of Canmore and the surrounding mountains throughout the ascent. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers beautiful lighting for photography. Sunsets can be particularly spectacular. Instagram

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! TikTok

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. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted in national and provincial parks. Always check the latest regulations for Kananaskis Country before flying a drone. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ha Ling Peak is a challenging hike, and while some families with older, fit children might attempt it, it's generally not recommended for very young children or those with limited hiking experience. The significant elevation gain and the final scramble section can be difficult for little ones. Reddit

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. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Ha Ling Peak is an excellent option for budget travelers as the hike itself is free. The main cost to consider is the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, which is required for parking. This pass is relatively inexpensive and covers access to many areas within Kananaskis Country. Instagram

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. TikTok

🏃‍♀️ Experienced Hikers & Trail Runners

For experienced hikers and trail runners, Ha Ling Peak offers a solid workout with a rewarding summit. The well-maintained trail allows for a good pace, and the final scramble adds an exciting technical element. Many find they can complete the hike in under 3 hours if they're pushing the pace. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ha Ling Peak Trail Experience

The Ha Ling Peak Trail is a popular and rewarding hike near Canmore, Alberta, known for its challenging ascent and spectacular summit views. The trail is approximately 7.8 km (4.8 miles) round trip with a significant elevation gain of about 800 meters (2,600 feet). It's a rite of passage for many visiting the Canadian Rockies. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

Navigating the Crowds and Timing

Ha Ling Peak is one of the most popular hikes in the Canmore area, meaning it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. To enhance your experience and avoid the busiest times, starting your hike very early in the morning is highly recommended. Many visitors suggest aiming for a 7 AM start to secure a parking spot and enjoy a more serene ascent. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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