Helen Lake Hike In Banff National Park.

Helen Lake is located in Banff National Park near Bow Summit approximately 37Km North of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. The hike to Helen Lake is considered moderate and is approximately 12Km return with a total elevation gain of 460m. This is one of the finest hikes you'll find in Banff National Park. Park at the Helen Lake Trail head parking lot just before Bow Lake across from the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint. The parking lot is not that big and this trail is popular so arriving before 10AM may be necessary. The first section of trail is well worn with never ending tree roots. Over the years hikers have eroded the earth around the roots exposing them to the air. The trail slowly climbs in a straight direction through a spruce and pine forest for approximately 2.2Km then works it's way up a few short switch backs before arriving at the meadow. This meadow spans over 2Km long and 1Km wide and is absolutely gorgeous. Views open up and Helen Creek glistens in the sun as it flows down the middle of the meadow towards the valley bottom. In late June and the month of July wildflowers are blooming everywhere. Stay on the trail so not to disturb their fragile growth. Keep hiking up through the meadows until you reach Helen Lake. Once you arrive at Helen Lake take the extra effort to continue up the headwall which is another 280m or so. Views from the headwall towards Dolomite Peak, Cirque Peak, Mount Hector, Wapta Icefields, Bow Valley and Helen Lake are stunning. This is an excellent spot to have your lunch before turning back. Expect to see very large Hoary Marmots on the top of the headwall. These Marmots have certainly seen thousands of hikers and I'm always surprised at how they make you feel like you're the first. If you still have more energy you can scramble to the top of nearby Cirque Peak or explore the flats towards Dolomite Pass and Lake Katherine. Cirque Peak looming behind you is another 600m in elevation, allow 2 more hours return. Pictures from Cirque Peak can be found here. Bow Falls Hike, Bow Lake Lookout, Peyto Lake Hike, Chephren Cirque Lake Hikes are all located near here. You are in Bear country.