Once you leave Banff, you’ll find one of the most breathtaking canyon hikes in the Rockies in Kootenay National Park. If you are looking for a shorter, more manageable experience that is still accessible and quiet, Marble Canyon is a great choice because it is located far away from the throngs of people that frequent Johnston Canyon.
Since Marble Canyon is only a short detour from Trans Canada, it’s a great addition to a day at Lake Louise or for those who drove part of the Bow Valley Parkway. I love to take family there when they visit. We have visited Marble Canyon in both the summer and the winter, and even though the scenery varies with the seasons, it is always breathtaking.
Concerning the Hike in Marble Canyon
The Marble Canyon trail crosses several small bridges to meander through a magnificent canyon, providing awe-inspiring views of the long, precipitous drops (approximately 40 meters) formed by the erosion of limestone along Tokumm Creek. Below, you can see a few naturally occurring stone bridges in addition to the seven bridges.
You’ll progressively ascend as you proceed along the bridges, enjoying a plethora of sights along the route. Reaching the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and the grey stumps left over from the 2003 massive forest fire that destroyed much of this area. Bright green trees have sprouted up amid the regrowth, making the scenery look even more lovely.
The fenced trail ends at a beautiful waterfall where you can stand just above it and watch the water tumbling into a huge rock crevice. The water disappears from view, but its reverberating sounds resound far below.
Due to the trail’s circular layout, you can see the roaring water from every direction. Remember to look for the iconic red Adirondack chairs from Parks Canada!
How Difficult is the Marble Canyon Hike?
One of the easier hikes in the Canadian Rockies is the Marble Canyon trail. The views here are suitable for almost any age and ability, though it is not wheelchair accessible. I took my dad hiking on our most recent visit. Despite not being a hiker, he was enthralled with this trail. The elevated boardwalks offer breathtaking views in every direction and make a walking area accessible to guests.
The views can be seen from the parking lot in as little as ten minutes on this hike with very little elevation gain. You don’t have to feel satisfied if you decide not to travel to the trail’s end!
How Much Time Is Needed to Plan for Marble Canyon?
In the winter, we’ve traveled to Marble Canyon in as little as thirty minutes. We strolled Marble Canyon for approximately an hour during the summer, giving ourselves plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the stops. After visiting Marble Canyon for an hour, I would proceed to some of the other top Kootenay activities.
Marble Canyon’s Parking Lot
Across the highway from the Marble Canyon Campground is the Marble Canyon Trailhead, which has a sizable parking area. Even on a bright summer weekend day, we’ve never had an issue finding parking at Marble Canyon.
Marble Canyon’s Throng
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by Marble Canyon if you were expecting it to be crowded like Johnston Canyon in Banff. We visited Marble Canyon on a busy, gorgeous summer weekend day and there were hardly any crowds. It’s a well-known excursion in Kootenay, but not a very well-liked one. You’ll probably be the only visitors to Marble Canyon if you go there in the winter, at dawn, and at dusk.
Wintertime in Marble Canyon
Year-round accessibility makes Marble Canyon a well-liked winter hiking destination. It’s easy to walk in the snow thanks to the raised platforms. The Kootenay River frozen in time is a breathtaking sight. In the winter, microspikes can be useful when visiting, though snowshoes are not necessary.
How to Travel to Marble Canyon
It will take about 45 minutes to get to Marble Canyon from Downtown Banff. Follow the Trans Canada westward until you reach Castle Junction. As you get closer to the magnificent Castle Mountain on your right, you will know you are getting close to Castle Junction.
Proceed on AB-93 S, which becomes BC-93 S upon entering British Columbia. Once you cross into British Columbia, you will see Marble Canyon on your right after traveling for about fifteen minutes.
Excursions To The Marble Canyon
There isn’t much justification for visiting Marble Canyon in a tour group unless you are traveling to Banff without a car. For individuals without access to a vehicle, the following combo tours are offered:
[Day Tour] Half-Day Marble and Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Combo Tour in Winter, Lake Louise and Kootenay Marble Canyon
Remain Close By
There aren’t many lodging options close to Marble Canyon. You’re in luck if you’re looking for a place to camp because Marble Canyon Campground is located directly across the street from Marble Canyon.
One of my favorite nearby Banff accommodations is the other one. The most adorable cabin in Banff, Storm Mountain provides a private getaway in the heart of the Rockies. They are located close to Boom Lake, ten minutes from Marble Canyon.
At Marble Canyon, Camping
The front-country Marble Canyon Campground is open from (approximately) June 22 to September 4. These are reservable, unserviced campsites best suited for tent camping as well as small motorhomes and trailers no longer than fifteen feet.
Advice for Hiking the Marble Canyon
Remember to wear sunscreen because the majority of the Marble Canyon hike is outdoors in the sun. The trail frequently has ice and snow in the winter, spring, and fall seasons. Hiking poles and microspikes are also very useful to have. In town, you can purchase them or rent them. Bringing water and a snack with you on hikes in Banff never hurts. If you’re heading to the Paint Pots, think about bringing a picnic lunch and setting up shop in the meadows. There are bear-safe bins at various locations along the trail, so be sure to always pack out what you bring in and dispose of any trash there.
When hiking, abide by bear safety precautions. When hiking in the Rockies, bear spray should always be carried. Dogs are permitted on the trail in Kootenay National Park, but they have to be leashed at all times. It would be challenging to push a stroller on the trail, so we advise parents who wish to go on quick hikes with their infant to pack a baby backpack instead. Coins should not be thrown into the water.
Additional Activities Close to Marble Canyon
Though Lake Louise and Moraine Lake frequently overshadow it, there is a lot to do along the Banff-Windermere Highway. But you could certainly explore for two or three full days! Set aside some time for the following activities, whether you choose to drive to Radium Hot Springs or Invermere from Banff:
Boom Lake: A pleasant, level 10-kilometer hike that returns to an amazing lake. It’s a fantastic winter hike as well as one of the easiest in the Rockies!
Vista Lake Viewpoint: Although this is just a viewpoint, you can hike down to Vista Lake from the viewpoint as you drive by it on the highway!
Arnica Lake: Hiking to Arnica Lake will not let you down if you’re searching for a fantastic larch hike in late September.
Stanley Glacier: This well-liked hiking destination allows casual hikers to get up close and personal with a glacier.
Numa Falls is a 40-meter-tall waterfall encircled by towering mountains and verdant forests. Numa Falls, which feeds into the Kootenay River system, gets its breathtaking beauty from glacial meltwater. The falls and their environs are renowned for their rich wildlife and varied flora, and they are classified as protected wilderness areas.
Floe Lake: Consider going there for an enjoyable backcountry excursion or a longer day. The goal is more than 20 km in total, but it will be worthwhile once you arrive at Floe Lake!
Press the Paint Pots
Given how close the Paint Pots are to Marble Canyon, it would be a crime to skip them. Therefore, they merit their own selection. They are only a 5-minute drive from Marble Canyon, or you can hike there from the Marble Canyon trailhead. The Paint Pots are a group of mineral hot springs rich in iron that have caused the surrounding water and earth to take on a variety of red, orange, yellow, and green hues, giving the impression of paint pots. They are a well-liked tourist destination for those who enjoy hiking, geology, and beautiful scenery.
At only 2.1 km in length, this hike is manageable for all levels of experience. Since it’s one of the most well-liked activities in Kootenay National Park, you should get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon to have the trail to yourself.
