What makes the summit of Mount Allan an attractive goal for day hikers? Wildflowers! There's an extended ridge walk with great views of the surrounding landscape. The Rock Garden at the 5.5 km mark is unlike anything we've seen in the Canadian Rockies. While it's steep, there's no vertigo-inducing exposure. Centennial Ridge to Mount Allan …
Cirque Peak via Helen Lake trail is a challenging day hike along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. It's not for everyone: there are a couple of scrambly bits, there is a bit of exposure to stree drop-offs and it's very steep. But for those with the experience and skills to summit the views of Bow Lake, Bow Glacier and Dolomite Peak are absolutely stunning. The summit is small and the hike is popular, so leave early to beat the crowds.
The summit stretch of HIghwood Pass is closed to vehicle traffic from Dec 15 through June 14 each year. Depending on snow pack and spring temperatures, that means there's a short window each spring when it's possible to ride from the locked winter gates to the summit of HIghwood Pass. We made our first attempt in 2016 (successful) on mountain bikes and have returned each spring since, usually on our cyclocross wheels which make for an easier ride. Highlights from our 2020 ride include spotting a couple of white-tailed deer, riding into strong and gusting headwinds on the descent and seeing a grizzly bear on the drive out. At the date of publication, there are two more weekends to ride Highwood Pass before it re-opens to vehicle traffic on June 15, 2020.