CANADA TRAVEL TIME: Sunshine Meadows Hike, Banff National Park

By Karen McDowell

If you haven’t booked up your summer already, treat yourself to a magical day of wildflowers and mountain hiking at Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park. The spectacular peak alpine flowering season in Banff is from mid-July to mid-August. 

From the lookout at Standish Viewing Deck, a carpet of wildflowers greets you in every direction with a network of trails weaving through the Meadows. The trail options may seem overwhelming at first, but the Park Ranger at Standish was helpful in recommending trails to match our time and energy. Choose anything from short and sweet to longer and more rigorous loops. You can even straddle the Great Divide - with one foot in the province of Alberta and another in British Columbia! If you are feeling up for big adventures, you can use Sunshine Meadows as the launching pad for bigger day hikes like Citadel Pass and Healy Pass (18km+) that allow you to wander for miles through alpine bliss. 

We chose the popular lake walk as we heard those had the best wildflower views. Our loop took us about 3 hours, including frequent stops for photos! It was fun to walk the same trails we’ve skied so many times in the winter.

My sister and I brought along my teenagers who enjoyed the adventure with minimal complaint. Lots of Instagram-worthy photo ops helped! We did see many other families with small children as well as older hikers with walking sticks. Check the website for accessibility if you have concerns. 

If you want to stay overnight on the mountain to enjoy the views for longer, stay at Sunshine Mountain Lodge at the base of Standish chair lift - the ONLY high-alpine hotel in beautiful Banff National Park. The luxurious rooms, fine dining, and hot tub with spectacular mountain views will ease your sore muscles and energize you for another gorgeous day of mountain walking. We have stayed here before during ski season and loved it. 

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