You are here

Home » Guided Conservation Hikes On Tap For Banff's Hidden Lake

Guided Conservation Hikes On Tap For Banff's Hidden Lake

Share
By NPT Staff - April 29th, 2022

Wildflowers in Banff National Park.

Wildflowers in Banff National Park/Government of Alberta

Reservations are now open for guided conservation hikes to Hidden Lake, a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park.

The day hike runs Sundays and Mondays from July 10 to Aug. 29 and then every weekend from Sept. 3 to Sept. 25. It starts with a shuttle ride that cuts the 18-kilometre (11-mile) trail down to a “family-friendly” 10 kilometres (6 miles).

“Head gently up the valley through wildflowers and larch trees,” Parks Canada writes on its website. “Discover the smaller pieces that make up the grand mosaic of this distinct landscape and its ecosystem and why every piece matters. Learn what unique methods Park’s Canada scientists are using towards protection and recovery of westslope cutthroat trout, a species at risk.”

In September, there may be fall colours as the larches through the valley turn golden, but that depends on the weather and timing.

The hike is rated moderate and everyone must arrive at 8 a.m. with a national park pass. The hike cost is $73 ($58 USD) for adults, $62 ($49) for seniors and $36.50 ($29 USD) for youth. Children under four aren’t allowed and the hike isn’t recommended for kids between the ages of five and eight. Children and youth up to 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. A parent or guardian of participants aged 17 to 19 must sign a waiver at the trailhead.

Hikers will learn about Banff’s efforts to restore westslope cutthroat trout populations found in streams flowing into the Bow River. Many are hybrids due to cross breeding with introduced rainbow trout. In the early 1900’s Parks Canada began stocking its mountain lakes to satisfy visitors who wanted to fish. A number of non-native species, including brook and rainbow trout, were introduced and flourished. Parks Canada no longer stocks its lakes with non-native fish, but their genes live on in the DNA of wild fish.

The park is conducting stream surveys to locate westslope cutthroat trout, collecting DNA from cutthroat trout to find out if they are hybrids or wild stock, and restoring fish passages by fixing and replacing highway culverts.

In December, Canada announced $14.7 million ($11.6 million USD) over five years to fight aquatic invasive species in five mountain national parks in Alberta and British Columbia in Banff, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park and Yoho National Park. The money is to be used for both prevention and education programs.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.