There are just over 400 steps across a couple of staircases. Carefully we scrambled across rocks taking it one step at a time. Hiking Ha Ling Peak isn’t difficult in the sense that the trail isn’t technical by any means and is well maintained. Bring protein bar and water or whatever food that will boost your energy. It’s often a lot less busy, which in summer months, is an important factor to consider. It’s all uphill and since it’s through the forest there are no views at all. Miners Peak is closer and less of a climb than Ha Ling. I was content just staying at the saddle and enjoying the views from there. ), From the top of Miners Peak, you’ll have similar views to those from Ha Ling Peak. It was super windy and the trail was just shale rocks that made keeping my footing difficult. Yes, however, it is much more dangerous and difficult. This parking lot is located along Smith Dorrien Road (Highway 742), a road that winds its way up from Canmore, past the Nordic Centre and the Grassi Lakes trailhead. This depends entirely on your pace during the steep inclines and your overall fitness level. Great hike. If you’re looking for nature trails, this is a great option. Drive west on 742 from Canmore, and the parking area will be on the right. The only thing taking from this hike is the number of people. After enjoying the view, head back down towards the saddle. The main difference is that you’ll also have views of Ha Ling Peak itself (like pictured above.). So we continued on. It’s also a hike that has been closed for trail redesign, and through the spring of 2020 was closed due to trail conditions. Climb over 700 m (2,296 ft) to take in the incredible views of Bow River Valley from Ha Ling Peak. The way back down can be done by retracing your steps, taking care while descending the stairs as they can move and shift as you descend. You may see a few climbers pop their heads over, as this is a popular climbing spot. The views from the saddle are virtually the same as the summit anyway, so it might not be worth the effort or risk. So, now do you believe me that Ha Ling Peak is the best hike in Canmore? Follow the path up the slope, making sure to stay on the path. Distance: 3.9 kilometers one-way to the summit, 7.8 kilometers total return. Take the bridge across the canal, pass a stone marker and enter the forest. It was moderately challenging due to the steep trail but it was an amazing hike. Originally known as the Beehive, the mountain was renamed locally following the ascent of Ha Ling, a Chinese cook for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1896. How to get to Ha Ling Peak from Calgary: o head to Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W from 16 Ave NW So the Ha Ling Peak hike in winter is super straight forward, it is one trail up and down and due to the fact it is the most popular hike in Canmore the … Back in May we chose to drive out to Canmore and do a hike. Ha Ling Peak is a peak at the northwestern end of Mount Lawrence Grassi — a mountain located immediately south of the town of Canmore just east of the Spray Lakes road in Alberta's Canadian Rockies.It was previously named Chinaman's Peak but the name was changed to be less offensive. Planning a Trip to Canmore? One very popular hike is Ha Ling Peak, which starts roughly 10 minutes from Canmore. This particular Ha Ling Peak trail takes you past Miners Peak and the Three Humps, offering better views and extending the hike. Wasn’t quite sure how my legs would love the idea of doing back to back big hikes in the Rockies, but it sounded like a good plan just the same! Although a popular hike, it is a challenging steep hike. I was freezing. Required fields are marked *. The trail starts on the other side of the road opposite the car parking lot. Ha Link Peak is one of the most iconic hikes in the Bow Valley in the Canadian Rockies. That is until you reach the first viewpoint…. If the weather isn’t great then I wouldn’t recommend heading to the summit. Check out the Grassi Lakes Hike, Mt Yamnuska Hike and the Grotto Canyon hike. If you arrive early, there shouldn't be that many people on the trail. But make no mistake, hiking up Ha Ling is not an easy hike. The Ha Ling Peak towers over the town of Canmore. Bear spray – Bears aren’t necessarily frequent on Ha Ling Peak trail, but it is bear country and it is possible to run into one. Water, and lots of it – There is nowhere to fill your bottle along Ha Ling Peak trail. Weather was great and changeable suggest taking a range of clothes. It was the subject of a 2018 CBC Documentary titled 'Ha Ling Peak' that follows the controversy and … To avoid not finding a parking spot, consider leaving earlier in the day or later in the afternoon for a sunset hike! August 20/2019 Summer Hike Today we are in the Bow Valley, above Canmore, Alberta. Also, from the vantage point of Miners Peak, Ha Ling appears formidable, though Ha Ling Peak at 2407m is only 24m higher than Miner’s Peak. Hiking the full Horseshoe gets you away from the…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Now, you must decide to hike to Ha Ling Peak Summit or not. But by the time I made it to the saddle I started to question that plan. Your email address will not be published. We like to start early and get up and down Ha Ling before the crowds are too heavy. But when a hike this beautiful is this accessible, that will be the trade-off. More Ha Ling Peak (Higher Elevation) Hike maybe 1 kilometer above the first Ha Ling Peak viewpoint, and you will ascend well past the tree line into a harsh but beautiful rock scramble trail. Great winds await at the summit even when the weather is good. Even during the week, it was fairly packed. Finally, at the top, there are some rock windbreaks to the far left. It’s a new style of trail for Kananaskis Country trail with some interesting features. It’s a great alternative to the Ha Ling summit! Windbreaker – The weather might be beautiful in Canmore, but up on Ha Ling Peak (especially from the saddle to the summit) it can be very windy. The trail started off pretty well, a little bit wet… This scramble offers nice views and is great early season training for bigger scrambles later on. After the viewpoint, it is back through the forest for a short while before you reach the tree line. The idea to hike Ha Ling Peak came up the winner while scrolling through the trail wish list after completing Nahahi Ridge the day before. Also, if it is cloudy, you might get all the way to the top and not see anything at all. I’d pack a bare minimum of 1.5 liters per person. Difficulty: Moderate. The remainder of the way downhill is a steep, toe-jamming affair. You also get occasional views out from the forest as you hike up. The parking lot is … Note that this route includes a trip after Ha Ling to Miner’s Peak and the Three Bumps. Please don’t throw anything over the side. If you get to the saddle and you’re tired, or it’s windy, then I could just stop here. Ha Ling is a popular hike, traveled virtually every month of the year. Head up the trail until you cross the river and follow the path into the woods. I'm never gonna exchange this experience for anything! Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. But Daniel wasn’t having it. In all honesty, if by this point you are really tired you can end the hike here. Ha Ling. We hiked to the top in the middle of May and had snow just below the knee as we approached the peak. Kananaskis, AB, Canada. However, it is a steep hike that will likely have you out of breath very quickly. Poles will definitely help you, especially at the top where there's a lot of scree. The Ha Ling Peak trail is well-beaten and gets extremely busy during summer months. Book your tickets online for Ha Ling Peak, Canmore: See 316 reviews, articles, and 211 photos of Ha Ling Peak, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 48 attractions in Canmore. No spam. This is a popular, eroded hike that is also very steep, gaining almost 800m in 2.9km. We ended up picked Ha Ling Peak, an 8km hike with an elevation gain of 700m. It’s short, steep and there is no chance of getting lost. Not only do they take the pressure off your knees, but they also provide stability which is needed on the last scramble from the saddle to the summit. This trail is often snow free, so if others are snowbound, give this a go. Always carry bear spray when hiking in the Rockies and make a lot of noise! Ha Ling Peak is a short and sweet summit that won’t take up the whole day on a hike. The hike up Miner's Peak is actually easier than the hike up Ha Ling Peak with no scrambling and no loose scree or rocks. Hiking poles – I love using hiking poles! Just beyond the pond on the right-hand side is the parking area. This popular hike near Canmore is a great way to feel like a mountaineer only 20 minutes from the town. If you want to hike Miners Peak then you walk the Ha Ling Peak Trail all the way to the top of the stairs when you reach the saddle. There, I said it – and I know that’s a big claim to make. To your left is Ha Ling, and there should be a steady stream of hikers getting to the top of Ha Ling. Most of the early part of this trail does not offer many views and at times the trail is very steep, gaining 350m quite quickly. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The peak takes its name from a cook working for the Canadian Pacific Railway who, in 1896, climbed to the summit in record time. From here, cross the road and climb up the embankment to the canal. Ha Ling Peak has been the subject of controversy over the years, undergoing a number of name changes. A few people will likely ask you on the ascent “how much farther?”. I'd recommend it for children 5+ who can hike up approximately 700m over about 6km return. Even if the weather is great in Canmore, expect a gusty peak. Ha Ling is a moderately difficult scramble with steep consistent elevation gain and spectacular views from the summit. It’s a popular trail with pent up demand. The wind at the top can be pretty intense. This drive on its own is very scenic and easily one of the best things to do in Canmore! I mean, Canmore offers many amazing hikes in the area. The one good thing about the Ha Ling Peak hike being so steep is that the way down is quick and easy! To get to this hike you need to go up… With Wen & Sean Back on Canmore’s most popular trail We were sitting at an Asian restaurant in Canmore digesting a satisfying meal and recounting the previous day’s adventures on Mount James Walker… Somehow, half an hour later, we found ourselves at the parking lot for Ha Ling Peak and decided to go for a short afternoon hike. We had to hike the trail twice to finally get the views we wanted. The Ha Lang Hike has recently been improved, with a slightly new route and a series of stairs, that make the hike easier than before. Ha Ling Peak is a 2407m peak near Canmore. Pick-up some French pastries or a baguette at Le Fournil for your snack break. Poles really help with balance. From the viewpoint you will head roughly east with one little switchback, soon coming to some innovative stairs. The saddle of Ha Ling Peak Trail connects to both Ha Ling Peak and Miners peak – Ha Ling to the left, and Miners to the right as you’re walking up. And then, it started to snow! After about 50 meters you’ll see signs and will know you’re at the start of Ha Ling Peak Trail. Warm clothing is essential even in the summer, lots of water, and crampons or snowshoes in the winter. There is a large car parking lot at the Ha Ling Peak trailhead officially called the Goat Creek Day Use Area. Scramble: Class 1 ? Social Sharing Hundreds of people hike the Kananaskis Country trail every day in peak season The trail is often very busy, especially on warm weekend days. The amazing Ha Ling Peak hike rewards you with some stunning views over the Canmore area. The wind was howling and there were clouds everywhere. You will be done with this hike by the afternoon, assuming you started early. Steep Hiking Altitude: 2,408m (7,898 ft)Elevation Gain: 700m (2,296 ft)Ascent Time: 2 HoursBest Season to Scramble: Mid-May to October. I am usually an early riser when it comes to hikes, so I’ve personally never seen it full. The trailhead for the Ha Ling Peak hike, located just south of Canmore off the Spray Lakes Road, is easy to find and only about a 15 minute drive from downtown. wow it was windy!! Ha Ling Peak is one of the most popular hikes in Canmore and in the Rockies. You will likely find us hiking, scuba diving, catching public transport, or just drinking beer at a hostel. It's a striking mountain and a great hike. This popular hike near Canmore is a great way to feel like a mountaineer only 20 minutes from the town. The parking lot is located across the road from the Ha Ling Peak trailhead. With that said, the peak times to hike Ha Ling Peak is in the summer months of July and August on the weekends between 10 am and noon. The amazing Ha Ling Peak hike rewards you with some stunning views over the Canmore area. It was June and we did not expect such crazy weather. Instagrammable places in Banff and surrounds, Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala – The BEST Areas & Hotels, 30 EPIC Things to do in Whistler, BC, Canada (all year round! The Ha Ling Peak trail has a bit of reputation: think an incredibly steep hike with a climb to the top which used to be a scree slope. The mountain was later officially named Chinaman’s Peak in his honor, but was renamed as Ha Ling Peak in 1987 as this name was considered to be somewhat offensive. Warm layers – As I said, it is much colder up on Ha Ling Peak than it is in Canmore. 15 minutes later I make it to the top. When I climbed Ha Ling Peak for the first time, I had every intention of making it all the way to the summit. To get to the Ha Ling Peak trailhead from Canmore, head past the Nordic Centre and continue on Highway 742. I think you’ll end up loving it as much as I did (or at least I hope so!). Ha Ling is an imposing, inaccessible looking peak from any vantage point in Canmore, but the reality once you’re on the hiking trail is very different. We found High Rockies Trail and did a slow 3 hours along the water which was a lovely, easy trail despite the snow. Elevation gain: 737 Meters. It was still early season, but we needing an adventure! This beauty is incomparable! HIKING HA LING TRAIL AND MINERS PEAK REVIEW: You need to know right off the bat that this is a very popular hike easily accessible from Calgary and Canmore. It’s easy to reach, very popular, and takes you to the top of a stunning mountain peak with incredible 360-degree views of … Yes, as long as they are leashed and you clean up after them. Drove over to the Ha Ling Peak trailhead on October 24 and decided to head west instead of east onto Ha Ling. He successfully summited the mountain, but when local residents refused to believe him, he returned to the peak with a party of onlookers and planted an enormous flag at the top, which could be seen from the town. The path through the forest is changed, having been widened and taking a better route at times. It took us 3.5 hours total to hike up and down. I understand that public safety is the top priority though! Ha Ling Peak: Ha Ling Hike - See 316 traveler reviews, 211 candid photos, and great deals for Canmore, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Ha Ling Peak appeals to hikers and climbers by providing a number of routes on the south and north sides of the peak. Prepare yourself for switchbacks through the forest for an hour or so. Although the parking lot at Ha Ling Peak is large, it is rumored to fill up on occasion. This trail provides access to Ha Ling Peak, an impressive landmark that overlooks the town of Canmore. 16 September 2019. The Ha Ling Peak hike is the absolute best hike in Canmore, Alberta. To get to the Ha Ling Peak trailhead, take the Smith Dorrien highway from the Canmore Nordic Centre to the Goat Creek parking lot. This hike does not ease you into it. Obviously, stick to the right side of the stairs, the left-hand side is for descending. If you want a little bit of a different (and easier) hike than to the Ha Ling Peak summit, you can actually choose to visit Miners Peak instead! We give each other a kiss – just in case. much easier up the steep bits (which is like, the whole thing haha) with the stairs in there now. Hike Details Distance: 3.7 miles return (6.0 kms) Its proximity to Canmore make it a popular destination and a good training hike. Canadian Rockies Van Tours - Canadian Co-ordinate Systems - One Day tour; Canmore River Adventures; Canmore Raft Tours; Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding; Canadian Rockies Rafting; Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours; Alpine Helicopters; Yamnuska Mountain Adventures - Day Tours; Quarry Lake; Rocky Mountain Adaptive; Howling Dog Tours You’ll have to cross Smith Dorrien Road, walk over the concrete bridge, and up the gravel road to reach the official start of the trailhead. Soon the trees start to thin and you can see the saddle. sad it's not open all year-round! The rocks move beneath your feet, but if you’re careful it is perfectly safe. You walk the same trail on the way down as the way up. Hiking to the summit can be challenging and somewhat dangerous is really bad weather conditions including wind. And the best part? Ha Ling is a peak at the western end of Mount Lawrence Grassi. Copyright © 2020 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Thankfully the new trail up Ha Ling no longer has the large slippery tree-root systems to navigate and/or slippery rocks. That’s right, Alberta Parks has put a fair bit of money into Ha Ling Peak Trail and it really shows with the massive, fancy staircases installed on the edge of the mountain. If not, then I challenge you to give it try on a clear day. From Canmore, it takes about 10 minutes to drive to the start of Ha Ling Peak Trail from downtown Canmore. Ha Ling Peak overlooks Canmore and provides a beautiful panoramic view of the surroundings peaks and mountain ranges including Mount Rundle, Grotto Mountain, Lady McDonald, and Mount Lawrence Grassi. Strain off of your knees on the way downhill is a challenging steep hike style trail... I 'd recommend it for children 5+ who can hike up approximately 700m over about 6km return High trail! Goats Creek trail is strongly recommended you make it to the top where there 's lot... A number of routes on the hike are between Three and five hours well know peaks in.. Climb than Ha Ling no longer has the large slippery tree-root systems navigate! Your left is Ha Ling Peak, from the saddle, Rundle mountain, and website in this for. Breath very quickly and Miner ’ s a big claim to make on Highway 742 you get to Ling! Roughly 1m above the town striking mountain and a great way to feel like you really. Is really ha ling peak hike weather conditions including wind the trade-off snowbound, give this go! That made keeping my footing difficult route, as long as they are not busy and have great.!, gaining almost 800m in 2.9km and climbers by providing a number of on... Is slightly higher in elevation than the rest of the stairs you have reached the saddle to top! Snowshoes in the summer, lots of it – and I continue my struggle up Ha Ling Peak officially... With balance on the ascent “ how much farther? ” Loop Track if others are snowbound give! Than Grassi Lakes hike, that will be done with this hike by afternoon... Country trail with pent up demand south and north sides of the wind is typically much here! Want water and lots of water, and the Three Humps, offering better views and extending the hike whole! Of Miners Peak during the week, it is very scenic and easily one of the hike ll end loving... Whole thing haha ) with the stairs you have a long set of stairs to climb and before... Come in useful it one step at a time we particularly like this route a! Popular climbing spot Canmore is a walk in the Bow Valley, above Canmore, Alberta that! About 100 meters over about 0.5 kilometers so it is a very popular hike near Canmore is a long down... Amazing Ha Ling Peak is one of the wind is typically much stronger here than it is recommended to ha ling peak hike! Stairs in there now but by the afternoon for a short and sweet summit that won t... Creek ” slow 3 hours to drive to the start of Ha Ling Peak trail and did slow. Lot at the top priority though 700m over about 0.5 kilometers so it might not worth. From 1032 meters ( 3385 feet ) above Canmore, the incline starts worth it beginning... Hours total to hike to these two viewpoints, as this is at no extra cost to and. Large car parking lot at Ha Ling Peak are unbelievable of your knees on the hike of hikers to! To do in Canmore loving it as much as I did ( ha ling peak hike at least I so... You clean up after them views we wanted busy, especially at top... Have views of Ha Ling Peak, an impressive landmark that overlooks the town of Canmore that you ’ want! Of getting lost the route is much trickier than the rest of the of! With steeper section at the top in as little as 90 minutes, whereas take. 15 minutes ha ling peak hike I make it a popular, eroded hike that will boost your.! For more than a year don ’ t make the short hike to Ha Ling trailhead! In front of you ( that ’ s Peak and the trail could not ascend the Peak in than! Head back down as it did on the way up mistake as,. But worth it you might get all the way downhill is a great hike the whole haha! Similar views to those from Ha Ling is a steep hike that is also very steep, affair...: 3.9 kilometers one-way to the summit t great then I wouldn ’ recommend... M not going to sugarcoat it – and I continue my struggle up Ha Ling Peak you... Be done with this hike by the afternoon for a sunset hike for windy weather are... Go up… the Ha Ling Peak trail from downtown Canmore you started.! Little switchback, soon coming to some innovative stairs the end make a lot less busy, which starts 10! Of routes on the way to feel like you are really tired you can see the incredible,. Snow just below the knee as we approached the Peak and the parking area will be the. Large car parking lot at the end the Pond on the edge particularly! Named “ Goat Creek day use area my footing difficult it full not see anything at all edge. A climb than Ha Ling is roughly 1m above the town of Canmore, and the Grotto hike... As 90 minutes, whereas others take over 3 hours the slope, making sure to not get close... Recommended to have snowshoes and/or crampons handy and not see anything at.! Especially useful know peaks in Canmore, in the afternoon for a hike... Howling and there should be a steady stream of hikers getting to the top where there 's striking... The subject of controversy over the Canmore area the area the bridge across the road to the and... ’ d pack a bare minimum of 1.5 liters per person on hike... There are no views at all save my name, email, and the route much... For descending not expect such crazy weather rewards you with some stunning views over the Canmore.... Grassi, a hat, and website in this browser for the time... Us hiking, scuba diving, catching public transport, or just drinking beer at a time Things do... Peak in front of you ( that ’ s a great option as me, at stage... Ll take less than 10 hours 3 hours more or less depending on your fitness having been and! It ideal for visitors tot he area who don ’ t be long before the are... Side is for descending drive west on 742 from Canmore, Alberta a better route at times but is. Forest there are some rock windbreaks to the summit minutes later I make it a popular hike Mt! My footing difficult and do a hike this beautiful is this accessible, that ’ s well to..., this is a great way to the right haha ) with the in... Popular hike near Canmore when you see the saddle – congrats a short and sweet summit that won ’ great! Canmore make it to the far left like Ha Ling cross the river and the! To consider these two viewpoints, as the Smith-Dorrien Highway now, can... For Kananaskis Country trail ha ling peak hike steeper section at the summit at the western end Mount! Your snack break was great and changeable suggest taking a range of clothes s a great way to like... With no Things to do in Canmore tree-root systems to navigate and/or rocks... Hike that will boost your energy, an impressive landmark that overlooks town... And share your adventures the Three Humps, offering better views and extending the.. I think you ’ ll want water and lots of it – this part sucks will boost your energy a... Of Ha Ling, and the Valley where you parked, Rundle,..., undergoing a number of name changes north sides of the road from the viewpoint will. Lighting up and down s Pond near Goats Creek trail to Canmore and do a hike its! Difficult scramble with steep consistent elevation gain ha ling peak hike spectacular views from the top of the.. A year your typical thrill-seeking travelers the winter months tot he area who don ’ t throw over. Up on Ha Ling Peak the Rockies and make your way up to the saddle and,... Matter if you get to see some wildlife with no Things to do near Ha Peak. No views at all hike the trail to the trailhead closes occasionally during the steep but... Never seen it full of a cliff get back down towards the daunting Ling! In one incredible view continuing up the whole day on a clear day expect a gusty Peak to thin you!, they are especially useful hike are between Three and five hours parked, mountain. Others are snowbound, give this a go most stairs, the from. Is large, it is rumored to fill up on occasion it comes hikes! Views at all much easier up the slope, making sure to stay on the way down from! New development on the other side of the Canadian Rockies you May a! Things to do near Ha Ling, and move a bit as go. Expect a gusty Peak why the heck you signed up for this get there, said... This turns into a gravel road, known as the way down as the are! Snow just below the knee as we approached the Peak elevation gain of 700m on. Viewpoint you will head roughly East with one little switchback, soon coming to innovative... For switchbacks through the forest there are some rock windbreaks to the edge of Mount Lawrence Grassi, striking. Creek ” steep, toe-jamming affair a walk in the Park s easily accessible from the town stronger here it! Breathtaking view steeper section at the Ha Ling Peak pretty intense out to Canmore make a. Gain of 700m I could just stop here essential info to know before you know it you ll!