Boom Lake: An Easy Hike in Banff That is Perfect for All

Boom Lake is an astounding lake in Banff National Park that can only be reached by hiking. Those willing to put in the effort will be rewarded with a serene atmosphere away from Banff’s madding crowds. It’s often remarked that only 10% of visitors to the park venture more than a kilometre from the road.

Even if you’re not an intrepid hiker, the route is a great starter hike. The trail up to Boom Lake is very easy to navigate, and the wide trail makes for reliable conditions. It’s largely defined by a wide rocky surface that gently gains elevation through the forest before reaching Boom Lake. For this reason, we think it’s a great hike for families and casual hikers who want a relatively low-effort hike.

Boom Lake Trail Description

Boom Lake is a classic trail in Banff thanks to its approachability and the stunning lake at its end. The trail has a dedicated car park just off the 93S after Storm Mountain Lodge and before the border with B.C. At the trailhead, hikers can find a bulletin board, long drop toilets, and trash cans.

Starting at the Boom Lake day use area, the trail is wide and relatively flat. It is well defined and maintained, which makes navigating several small creek crossings easy, thanks to the bridges. Over time, it gradually climbs through the subalpine forest, with a few sections that would be classified as steep over the five kilometres to Boom Lake.

Around halfway to the lake, the trail conditions change slightly to more rolling terrain. It’s also around here that you can start to catch glimpses of the surrounding peaks. However, we wouldn’t expect too much as forest still dominates.

At its final kilometre, the trail offers its roughest terrain, although we still classify it as easy. You’ll cross a final wooden bridge over Boom Creek before the final push to the lakeshore. While most of the trail is uneventful, albeit peaceful, the final reward is worth the effort.

Boom Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Canadian Rockies, and its grandeur does not disappoint. Towering rock walls and the peaks of Boom Mountain and Mount Bell surround the alpine lake. Snowfields and glaciers high above the lake contribute to its natural beauty, giving the lake’s waters a brilliant color.

The trail largely ends at the lakeshore, but a large talus field offers plenty of spots to sit and take in the views. If you’re sure-footed, we recommend exploring a bit more around the lake to see the different views. After you’re finished, you return via the same trail to the car park.

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When is the Best Time to Hike This Trail?

You can hike Boom Lake year-round. In the winter, it might be wise to bring snowshoes if there has been fresh snowfall.

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Trail Difficulty

This trail is considered an easy hike in Banff, suitable for all family members able to hike 10km. There is very little elevation gain, and it’s gradual throughout the hike. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow! It’s a fantastic starter hike to a lake in the Canadian Rockies!

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Trail Duration

Most people hike 5km on average in one hour. Considering this trail is 10km long return, you should allocate 3 to 3.5 hours to hike it and, of course, enjoy your time at Boom Lake.

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Things to Do Near Boom Lake

Since Boom Lake is an easy trail that will only take a few hours of your time, we recommend combining the Boom Lake hike with a few other things to do nearby. Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots are both in nearby Kootenay National Park and are fantastic short hikes you could easily enjoy before or after your hike to Boom Lake.