Parker Ridge - Icefields Parkway
Parker Ridge is a fantastic, short trail about half way down the Icefields Parkway. It’s a great way to break up the drive whilst also taking in some picture worthy views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.
The stats
Time: 2 Hours
Distance: 5 km return (Out and back)
Elevation Gain: 250 metres
How To Get To Parker Ridge Trail Head
Situated along the Icefields Parkway this short hike is around 2 Hours and 15 Minutes from Banff and 1 Hours 30 Minutes from Jasper making it the perfect stop off if traveling between the two.
There’s a large pull over with a good amount of parking and a couple of toilet blocks at the trailhead. All though there is a fair amount of parking if traveling later in the day you might find all the spaces are taken. Don’t worry though as most travellers are just here for a fleeting photo stop or rest break. If you wait a little a space should open up pretty quickly!
The Hike
Parker Ridge is a short but worthy hike, I mean where else in the world can you walk for under an hour and feel like you're on top of the world? The main reason to venture up this route is to get an unspoilt view of Saskatchewan Glacier and the valley below. The trail is wide, well maintained and obvious making the approach to the ridge line from the car park nice and easy, I'd be impressed if you went wrong!
We set out on this hike for the views but the low clouds had other ideas, although they blocked the view at first they did add an extra layer of mood and mystery.
AJ walks above the clouds on the Parker Ridge Trail.
However the clouds did eventually clear and we got the view we were after, if you aren't so lucky you can always enjoy spotting the wildlife instead!
This trail is heavily trafficked by families and tourists, so I recommend heading out early, we arrived at 9am and happened to be the first car there so it is worth starting that road trip to Jasper just a little earlier to enjoy the serenity to yourself.
For another easy but amazing hike option whilst in Jasper check out Sulphur Skyline.
Parker Ridge is one of many locations in my downloadable, offline Canadian Rockies Photography Location Guide. Over 100 locations with GPS coordinates!
Things to know before you go
Parks and Conservation Passes: Whether you’re hiking in a national park in Canada or certain provincial parks you’ll most likely need some kind of conservation pass. A Discovery Passwill cover you for the year for all national parks in Canada whilst the Kananaskis Conservation Passcovers the provincial and wildland parks in the Kananaskis region.
Check Trail Conditions Before You Go: Trail conditions in the Rockies can change month to month and year to year. Trails close for wildlife, weather and avalanche hazards. Be sure to double check trail conditions before heading out to avoid any disappointment. You can do so here!
Leave No Trace: When hiking anywhere in the world it’s important that you practice a leave no trace philosophy. This means whatever you hike in to a trail or campground you have to be able to hike out too. There won’t be trash cans or waste disposal in the backcountry and you should never throw trash in any out houses or pit toilets. In recent years, as trails and parks become busier, litter is becoming more of a problem. Don’t add to that problem!
Bears and Wildlife! Wild life is everywhere in the Canadian Rockies, even on trails that are close to town. People and animals have been attacked by bears and other wild life on popular trails in the past so don’t take it for granted.
Most wildlife is looking to avoid human contact so no matter what type of wildlife you see be sure to keep your distance. 30 metres is the minimum recommendation for most species but under any circumstance don’t approach wildlife. Even the cuddliest of critters can be dangerous!
So as always be bear aware, make noise, hike in groups, carry bear spray and, if they’re allowed on trail, keep your dog on a leash!
Offline maps knowing where you’re going is super important as to not get lost. I recommend All Trails Plusfor finding routes and offline mapping allowing you to safely find your way home.
Interested in other multi-day hikesin the Canadian Rockies or maybe day hikes?
