While many mountain buffs have closets of gear to help them reach new heights, depths, and personal bests,
stand-up paddleboarding may be the next best way for the beginner adventurer to explore new pockets and corners of the great outdoors.
Sweat = serenity with these hikes to lesser-known lakes for your SUP in and around Banff National Park. Lighten your load by taking a buddy or two to tag in hauling the board, pump, and paddle - a little effort goes a long way!
Here’s our list of our 5 fave hike and paddle spots, followed by 4 tips to make the most of your adventure time this summer.
Elevation Gain: 165m
Distance/Difficulty/Time: 6.2k return, easy/moderate, 3-4.5hrs
Cradled by the steep slopes of Mount Odgen, Paget Peak, and Mount Niles, Sherbrooke Lake can be accessed right off the Trans Canada Highway, just past the Banff National Park/Yoho National Park border, behind the Great Divide Lodge. If you happen to have your fishing license, this is also a popular spot to squat with a line or two!
If you haven’t quite gotten your SUP fill by the end of your hike, hop straight across the road for a paddle on Wapta Lake, wedged between the highway and railroad tracks - you can’t miss it!
Make a day of it by heading 10 minutes further West on Hwy1 for a mountain town meander and dinner at the
Truffle Pigs restaurant in Field, BC.
Elevation Gain: 175m
Distance/Difficulty/Time: 10.2km return, moderate, 3-4.5hrs
A wide and soft-forested trail with gradual inclines and declines make this a great beginner SUP trip. You’ll find the trailhead by heading from Castle Mountain Junction down Highway 93 south about 7km. Keep an eye out for the parking lot on the right hand side.
This trail is home to some of the largest subalpine trees in Banff National Park, with the lake itself set behind a scene of the majestic summits of Boom Mountain and Chimney Peaks.
Elevation Gain: 245m
Distance/Difficulty/Time: 11.4k return/moderate/4-5hrs
Lake Annette will take you halfway along the more difficult and lengthy Paradise Valley hike. There’s often a hiking requirement to hike in groups of at least 4 due to Grizzlies in the area, which means more power to transport your SUP through the subalpine forest. Once there, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful blues of the lake with Mount Temple in the background.
Reach the trailhead 2.5k down the Moraine Lake road at the Paradise Valley parking lot.
Elevation gain: 65m
Distance/Difficulty/Time: 5.8k return/easy/2-3hrs
Starting at the bridge near the rock pile at Moraine Lake, the trail to Consolation Lakes is a great short beginner trip with little elevation gain. With meadows, creeks, wildflowers, and a glacier this hike has great payoff for little effort, making it a great family-friendly trail.
Elevation gain: 385m
Distance/Difficulty/Time: 6.8k return/moderate/3-4hrs
While this isn’t exactly a “lesser-known lake,” the effort-to-reward payoff is high with this trip! Plus, you can break up the hike
teahouse-style with a post-SUP cup of refreshment once you reach Lake Agnes. On your return, stop at the quaint Mirror Lake, and finish with a paddle on ole Louise herself.
The trailhead can be found by heading along the Lake Louise shoreline path to the right (facing the glacier behind the lake), and up the well-maintained trail.
4 Key Tips for a Successful Hike & Paddle
1. If you’re not a seasoned SUP-er, bring a wetsuit - you’ll likely get firsthand experience in the glacial water earning your paddleboard legs! Or get in a practice sesh or two on a hot day at Spray Lakes and Johnson Lake. Both are great beginner spots near Banff and Canmore, easily accessible from parking lot to shore. Start out on your paddleboard kneeling, and slowly work your way up!
2. If you’re renting and haven’t used an inflatable SUP before, go through the steps with a staff member beforehand - do them yourself, and have them watch to make sure you’re getting it right! You can rent one from the Banff Canoe Club – they provide 24-hour rentals.
Check ‘em out here.
3. While these hikes may be a breeze with a backpack, they’re a lot more challenging with the extra equipment. Make sure your fitness level is appropriate for the activity, and up to the challenge.
Happy trails mountain lovers!
