Parker Ridge 
Distance: 2.8 miles (round trip)
Banff National Park, near Banff in The Canadian Rockies
Close-up of Saskatchewan Glacier and Castleguard Mountain
This terrific short hike ascends to the treeless tundra atop windswept Park Ridge where you will enjoy exceptional views of the Saskatchewan Glacier flowing out from the Columbia Icefield.
See Trail Detail/Full Description
- Distance: 2.8 miles (round trip) to Parker Ridge
- Elevation: 6,560-ft. at Trailhead
7,464-ft. at Parker Ridge - Elevation Gain: 904-ft. to Parker Ridge
- Difficulty: easy-moderate
- More Hikes in:
Banff / Lake Louise / The Canadian Rockies
Why Hike Parker Ridge
This short hike, starting off the Icefield Parkway at the northern end of Banff National Park, leads to a scenic, windswept ridge with extraordinary views of the Saskatchewan Glacier, the longest outflow glacier from the Columbia Icefield.
The hike gives you a good excuse to get out of the car and stretch your legs while sightseeing along the parkway without a huge expenditure of time or energy. A nice set of well-engineered switchbacks eases the 900-ft. ascent to the ridge. Along the way enjoy fine views of Hilda Peak, Hilda Glacier, Nigel Peak and the Nigel Valley.
Elevation Profile
Trail Resources
Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map
Basecamp(s) Information:
Banff / Lake Louise
Region Information:
The Canadian Rockies
Other Hiking Regions in:
Alberta / British Columbia