Are you looking for a dog-friendly and easy winter hike to do in Alberta with your furry friend? Look no further than Boom Lake in Banff National Park!
I repeat this hike almost every winter season, and I never grow tired of the views. Don’t let the moderate distance scare you off, it’s an easy hike to do in the winter months, with not much elevation gain and a great payoff. This is a great choice for winter hikes with children, pets, and the whole family!! Undoubtedly one of the best winter hikes for all skill levels, and it ends with great views of Boom Lake and its surrounding peaks.
Distance:
10.7 km (6.6 mi)
Elevation Gain:
265 m (870 feet)
Duration:
3.5 hours
The trailhead for Boom Lake is located on highway 93 south, just North-East of the border between Alberta and BC. If you’re coming from Calgary it’s around a 2 hour drive to the trailhead, or if you’re coming from the town of Banff it’s around 30 minutes. There is no cell reception in the area, so plan ahead accordingly.
The parking lot is relatively small, with enough room for around 10-15 cars. There is a vault toilet at the trailhead. Arrive early (around sunrise) to avoid crowds and guarantee a parking spot at this popular winter hiking destination.
This area of the national park can get a lot of deep snow. Some days snowshoes will be required to do this hike, while other days ice cleats will be enough. All Trails is a great resource to check for recent reviews of trail conditions to help you prepare. When in doubt, bring more gear than you think you will need. I have never regretted having my snowshoes and extra layers with me in the car, just in case I need them!
Most of the main trail up to Boom Lake is through the trees. While this may not sound exciting, it’s remarkably pretty and enjoyable in the winter. Especially if you can get out there after a fresh dumping of snow, and early in the morning while it is still pillowy fresh. On our last hike up to Boom Lake I found myself reaching for my camera over and over to capture photos of the beautiful snow-covered forest. Or maybe I was just making excuses to stop and catch my breath…
Once you reach the lake, the views open up on a winter paradise. In early winter, you might be lucky enough to catch open water before the lake completely freezes over. By mid-winter the lake is normally frozen and snow-covered. For safety reasons, it is highly recommended to stick to the shore. Venturing out onto the lake puts you into challenging avalanche terrain, so ensure you have the necessary training and equipment if you decide to explore onto the lake itself!
Dog owners should be aware that their furry friends must be kept on leash at all times on this trail. This is standard for most hikes within Banff National Park.
Are you looking for other ideas for pet-friendly winter activities in Alberta? Check out these posts about Gap Lake and Edworthy Falls. And make sure to follow us on Instagram for more dog-friendly hikes in the Canadian Rockies!!
