September 2, 2024
In
Outdoor Edventures
Sunshine Meadows Hike
Where:
- Sunshine Meadows
When:
- September 1, 2024
Who:
- Ed, Marilyn
Trailhead:
- the trailhead is accessed from the Sunshine Village ski hill parking lot which is about a 20-minute drive from Banff
- 15-minute gondola ride from the parking lot to the base of the ski hill
- 5-minute walk to the Standish chair lift
- 10-minute ride up the Standish chair lift
- the trail network starts straight ahead after you embark from the chair lift
- there are numerous trail choices in the area
Degree of difficulty:
- it’s about 200 meters of elevation climbing but also a lot more downhill overall
- 6.2 km for the Grizzly and Laryx Lake loop and returning on the Rock Isle Road, which is the trail route we chose
- the trails are all very well marked, and there are ambassadors at the lodge and along the trail who are all very helpful
- the trail is very well maintained, including numerous viewpoints around the lakes and to take in the incredible mountain ranges
- the hike took us three hours at a leisurely pace, taking in the spectacular views
Interesting notes:
- this area is a hidden gem that I had never discovered before despite skiing at Sunshine Village since the 1970s
- they hand out maps at the base lodge, which are very helpful to pick a trail and know the distances
- there were tons of larch trees in the area, so I plan to return during the 2nd half of September larch season
- at the end of the hike, we sat outside at Mad Trappers Saloon, enjoying our lunch and the panoramic 360-degree views
- the ambassadors along the trail are tracking any wildlife movement, including a grizzly who was on a different trail from us
- Sunshine Meadows was a popular hiking spot back in the 1920s, and the first ski pioneers started exploring the surrounding slopes in the late 1920’s
