Hiking Parker Ridge in the Canadian Rockies

Looking for more adventures along the Icefields Parkway?
Try a guided glacier walk on the Athabasca Glacier, camp overnight at Silverhorn Creek Campground, or hike to Stanley Falls along lovely Beauty Creek.

CURRENT INFO

You can find a map and reviews for the Parker Ridge Trail on the AllTrails website. Planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies? I recommend the Moon Canadian Rockies guidebook by Andrew Hempstead. For the most current information, be sure to visit the Banff National Park website with Parks Canada.

GOOD TO KNOW

• The parking lot for the Parker Ridge Trailhead is located right off the Icefields Parkway at the northern end of Banff National Park, just 8.5 kilometers south of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre in Jasper National Park.
• All visitors must pay the national park entrance fee or have a valid annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass to drive the Icefields Parkway. Check the Banff National Park website for current information.
• Vault toilets are available at the trailhead.
• The trail starts off with a long series of switchbacks that lead to Parker Ridge. The final stretch along the ridge is rough, rocky, and exposed with a steep drop-off.
• Wear shoes or hiking boots with good traction.
• Wear layers, including rain, wind, and sun protection, depending on the weather. Remember that weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
• Hiking poles are not required, but may be helpful, especially along the final stretch of the trail.
• Bring water and snacks. No water is available at the trailhead or along the trail.
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

HIGHLIGHTS

The views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and river valley from Parker Ridge are stupendous! Even on an overcast day, I was awestruck. And those Rocky Mountain peaks piercing through the clouds only added to the allure. Sure, you have to work a bit to get the best views, but the payoff is magnificent.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

As you may imagine, the kids weren’t exactly thrilled to leave the warm car behind for a chilly slog up a mountainside. Ultimately, I think they appreciated the experience, but you may find this works best as a family hike on a sunny day. While steep, the Parker Ridge Trail isn’t too long, and the views of the Saskatchewan Glacier are incredible. Plus, fossils! Be on the lookout for the remains of ancient sea creatures, such as coral, clearly visible in rocks along the trail.

For kids who have some hiking experience and who can handle the climb, Parker Ridge is a great option for an impressive hike right off the Icefields Parkway near the border between Banff and Jasper National Parks. Feel free to skip the last part of the trail as it follows the ridge along a rocky and sometimes slippery exposed path. Just hiking to the initial viewpoint overlooking the Saskatchewan Glacier is enough.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Less than 10 kilometers north of the Parker Ridge trailhead along the Icefields Parkway, a short trail leads to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier for the chance to see one of these mighty rivers of ice up close. For a real thrill, book a guided glacier walk with IceWalks. This was one of the highlights of our two-week trip to the Canadian Rockies.

Back at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, check out the informative exhibits and take advantage of washrooms with flush toilets. The Centre also includes a Starbucks, restaurant, gift shop, and is the departure point for the Columbia Icefield Adventure tours that drive large groups of tourists onto the glacier in a giant ice explorer bus.

Further north along the Icefields Parkway, the hike along Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls is a real stunner. Back in Banff National Park, Silverhorn Creek Campground is a great home base for campers. We spent three nights at this lovely spot. Midway between Silverhorn Creek Campground and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, Saskatchewan Crossing, home to a vacation resort, sells gas (expensive gas, but it’s the only option in this neck of the woods), basic supplies, ice cream, and allowed us to fill up our water jugs for free.

In the mountains, the weather turns quickly. One day may be sunny and warm, the next blanketed in heavy clouds. In the mountains, you take what you get, and you go for a hike.

At least, that’s what we decided to do on a blustery August day in the Canadian Rockies. After postponing our guided glacier walk with IceWalks (a glacier walk was simply too much to ask in these circumstances), we took refuge in the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. A few hours later, the menacing darkness had lightened considerably. Why not take that hike to Parker Ridge after all?

We pulled alongside a few other cars in at the Parker Ridge Trailhead. The trail starts off wide and easy, then quickly turns steep as it delves into the woods. Before long, the path leaves the woods behind as it rises above the tree line, climbing ever higher.

Michael and our older son pulled ahead, while I hung behind with seven-year-old T. This trail was not his happy place, and it took a lot of encouragement to keep him moving. Fortunately, the trail offered a variety of unusual rocks, which piqued his interest. We discovered a few fascinating fossil specimens, including this one studded with ancient coral.

As we neared the top of Parker Ridge, stairs built into the trail helped ease the way. A well-timed snack also played a vital role.

When we first started off, I was hopeful the clouds might continue to clear, parting to reveal the glory of the Canadian Rockies as the mist gently lifted above Parker Ridge. Alas, this was not exactly the case. If anything, the fog was thickening as a cold wind welcomed us.

A side short side trail leads to a higher vantage point, but considering the current conditions we decided to skip it. J and Michael once again hurried ahead, eager to reach the end of the trail before the weather took a turn for the worse. I lingered for a few moments before following. There, deep in the valley below, the Saskatchewan Glacier tumbled through a cleft in the mountains. A delicate band of silver traced the valley floor, met by slender waterfalls streaming down the craggy slopes. The fog had not obscured the view after all.

The weather was indeed turning, however. Michael and J made it to the pole that marks the end of the trail, then hustled back, afraid of an impending thunderstorm. T joined them in their hurry to leave the ridge. I, meanwhile, was determined to make it to the end point before turning back. This last stretch along the trail is quite rough, and once or twice I nearly fell as the rocks slipped beneath my feet. Needless to say I didn’t linger this time, but quickly turned around, pulling my hood over my head as raindrops began to fall.

The rest of the family was well ahead of me as I began the descent from Parker Ridge. Although he lagged behind on the hike out, T was leading the way on the return trip. Luckily, the rain and wind subsided, and I was able to appreciate the vibrant colors of the alpine foliage as I made my way down.

The boys collapsed in the car as soon as we made it back to the parking lot, cocooning themselves in its warmth. I think, however, they still appreciated the hike to Parker Ridge, at least a little bit. I know I did. There’s something magical about a mist-shrouded hike in the mountains, and nothing could dampen the beauty of those glorious views. Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to hike Parker Ridge under clear skies someday, but this first foggy glimpse will alway have a special place in my heart.