During our Labour Day weekend trip to Canmore, we were looking for an easy hike to warm up for our more intense hike the next morning (that didn’t actually happen, check out why here). Across the highway from our campground was a trailhead for Heart Creek Trail so we decided to walk over and check it out.
This is an easy and heavily trafficked hiking trail. It winds through a gorgeous canyon with high rock walls making it a great destination for amateur rock climbers. It was fun to watch them climb and admire their technique and bravery. I’ve never tried rock climbing, but it sure doesn’t look easy.
The trail is well maintained and meanders back and forth over Heart Creek via narrow but sturdy log bridges. The water runs clear and although it’s only a trickle in some places, it’s a great place to cool off. The trail is an out-and-back totalling 4.2 km. There are no steep inclines. For the first half-kilometre, the highway noises are pretty obvious, but after a little while, that’s drowned out by the babbling creek.
Pack a little picnic to enjoy at the end of the trail or at the trailhead, where there is a small day-use area. At the end of the trail, there is a waterfall that can be heard but not seen as the canyon narrows and takes a sharp turn– a great place for a break. I highly recommend this trail for a leisurely hike; get some fresh air, enjoy the company of friends, take in the energy of the mountains.
Let us know what you think!