Near Helen Lake Trail
Panoramic photo of Lake Helen

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Helen Lake Trail

5.0 (2 Ratings)
A strenuous but popular hike with fantastic views of Banff National Park.
3.6
mi
Distance
1,575
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingLakeRiver/CreekSpringViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.63mi
Distance
1,575ft
Elevation Gain
163ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
7,841ft
High Point
6,428ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
A pretty strenuous start yields to fantastic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The trail begins with a hike through the forest over streams and exposed roots before transitioning to a rocky trail. About halfway through, the trail leads along a ridge line which provides excellent views of the valley below and surrounding mountains. After that, cross a large stream and hike across a meadow to reach the lake.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Find more hikes near:
Peyto Lake and Payto Glacier Viewpoint

Hike Route

Peyto Lake and Payto Glacier Viewpoint

Birding
moderate
1.3 mi
+481 ft
Yoho Valley Loop

Hike Route

Yoho Valley Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
15.6 mi
+3,249 ft
Emerald Lake and Emerald Basin Loop

Hike Route

Emerald Lake and Emerald Basin Loop

Lake
moderate
6.73 mi
+890 ft
Emerald Triangle: Emerald Lake Lodge/Yoho Pass/Burgess Pass

Hike Route

Emerald Triangle: Emerald Lake Lodge/Yoho Pass/Burgess Pass

Geologically Significant
strenuous
11.57 mi
+3,386 ft
Lake Louise to Mount St. Piran

Hike Route

Lake Louise to Mount St. Piran

Lake
strenuous
7.3 mi
+3,449 ft
Lake Agnes and Big Beehive

Hike Route

Lake Agnes and Big Beehive

Fall Colors
moderate
5.97 mi
+2,220 ft
Contributors
N H