Hiking Cascade Mountain Banff National Park

I recently arrived home from travelling Canada for nearly three years. I arrived in Canada in 2018 with no intention of becoming a hiker, but being in the country evoked a sense of adventure I couldn’t soon forget. I moved to Banff in late 2018 and I instantly fell in love with its rugged landscape and the lifestyle that came with living in the mountains.

Banff is a small town nestled in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Located about 125kms west of Calgary, Banff is a wondrous place teeming with wildlife, lakes, mountains, a multitude of hikes and in the winter, many ski resorts close by for snowboarding or skiing. The town is built in the middle of a national park. So if you are looking for a place to explore and get in touch with nature, Banff is definitely the place for you. The town was settled in the 1880’s as the countries first transcontinental railway was structured through the town. The area was named Banff by George Stephen, who was the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway company at the time. The main strip of the town where all of the shops, hotels and pubs were built is situated to highlight the picturesque mountain called Cascade. Mount Rundle is also is one of the towns biggest surrounding mountains. Introducing Banff's Icon Cascade Mountain is about 2998m (9836f) above sea level. Cascade was named by a man called James Hector in 1858. The mountain is known as Stony Chief by Canadian natives. During winter it could be possible to ski down it, but that is for the more avid adventurer. There are no ski lifts, the closest would be Mount Norquay, which is actually where the main trail head is located to hike Cascade during the warmer summer months.

About the hike The hike is a 20.1km out and back hike. On ‘all trails’ (a fantastic app for hikers) it is rated hard, but most people who do it report it as being more so moderate. It isn’t that technical, just timely and exhausting. I wouldn’t consider myself an experienced hiker by any means but I managed to do it. I’d say I am also moderately fit. It took my friend and I roughly ten hours to complete. I feel like you could do it in a shorter amount of time though, as we were really taking our time in some parts. The first part of the hike was through a forest with about two hours worth of switchbacks. Then you arrive at the Cascade Amphitheatre, a wonderful spot to have a break and eat some lunch. We then went through some more forest, with a definite higher incline. After that you arrive to a scramble rock part, with huge rocks that you zip around on like a mountain goat. That is followed by a bit of ridge scrambling, then onto the last ascent. Best time of year to the do this hike I would suggest in the summer time, or late summer when it isn’t as hot. We went on a slightly overcast day, which made the views of Banff from the top not as thrilling as a clear hot day would be, but it was still worth every step. Basically, you have to wait for the snow to melt from the top peak, then its game on. A list of what to take: 1: Backpack 2: Food: two cliff bars, two boiled eggs, apple, banana, sandwich, sweets 3: Two litre water pack, plus another litre water bottle 4: Hiking poles 5: Hiking boots, with good socks 6: Camera

7: Extra down jacket in case conditions changed 8: A pair of metaphoric testicles, to get over the fear of falling off a ridge

9: Phone: (on air plane mode so it wouldn’t die) with all trails downloaded trail map This hike was a challenge- but well worth the effort. I lived in Banff for nearly 2 years before I hiked Cascade, every day I looked at the mountain. It made me feel small, but in the best way possible. I am glad I hiked it towards the end of my journey in Canada. I’ll always be proud of that day.