Cascade Amphitheatre

Banff National Park

A dramatic alpine valley tucked high in the mountains near Banff.

Hiking Difficult

Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 782 m
Descent: 782 m
Duration: 4-5 hrs

Low Point: 1.6 km
High Point: 2.2 km
Gradient: 13˚

Beginning from Mount Norquay Ski Resort, this hike is very convenient to the town of Banff, but you’ll quickly forget the proximity of civilization once on the trail. After a short distance among ski runs and lifts at the resort, the trail dives into dense forest and later crosses a stream on a footbridge. Then the uphill begins. The gradient is sustained for quite some time, as the trail takes switchbacks up the slope of Cascade Mountain. The scenery is mostly forest, but you’ll catch glimpses of surrounding mountains through the trees.

Cascade Amphitheatre Photo: HandsLive, edited from original

Beginning the hike at Mount Norquay Ski Resort Photo: HandsLive

Crossing the river in the forest Photo: HandsLive

Entering the amphitheatre Photo: HandsLive

Trail proceeding through the amphitheatre Photo: HandsLive

Description

Eventually, the forest thins and the incline lessens as the trail enters the Amphitheatre––formed by the arcing cliff face on a soaring ridge of Cascade Mountain. Within this narrow cirque are trickling streams, verdant meadows, and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom in July and August. The trail typically remains snowy well into June, but by late June might be melted enough to go without snowshoes.

Sources: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/banff#Cascade https://banff.ca/640/Cascade-Amphitheatre

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.