Facts
| Distance: | 24 km (15 miles) round trip |
| Start Elevation: | 1,705 m (5,594 ft) |
| Max Elevation: | 2,998 m (9,836 ft) |
| Elevation Gain: | 1,293 m (4,242 ft) |
| Time Required: | *2-4 hours up, *1-3 hours down |
| Season: | Late June to Early September |
* Note: These are running times not hiking times. The fastest times are for someone with a 10km road pace of under 6:30/mile or 4:00/km.
Details
| 0-3 km | Dirt trail, flat or downhill. |
| 3-4 km | Rocky/dirt trail, steady uphill. |
| 4-7 km | Rocky/dirt trail, increasingly steep switchbacks. |
| 7-8 km | Rocky/dirt trail through the treeline, steep. |
| 8-12 km | Large loose rocks and loose scree, some less steep sections, very steep final summit. |
Overview
Cascade Mountain is one of Banff's most spectacular mountains. At a height of almost 10,000 feet it dominates the landscape and is probably one of the most photographed peaks in the Canadian Rockies. It is personally one of my favourite mountains and the run to the top is both demanding and rewarding.
If you stand on Banff Avenue and look towards Cascade you can see the summit, however the route to the top approaches from behind the mountain.
Trailhead
The trail starts 4.9km from the centre of town at the Norquay parking lot. (Directional Map)
Drive out of Banff on Lynx Street over the railroad tracks towards the Trans Canada Highway. When you reach the highway, keep driving straight and follow the switchbacks to the Norquay Ski Area. Take the right hand parking lot and drive all the way to the end to park.
You could theoretically run or bike to the trailhead but given the strenuous run ahead, it would be much smarter to drive or get a ride. The car will be a welcome site when you are done.
Cascade Mountain
*Click and drag map, zoom in and out or switch modes.
Trail
The first part of the run is very easy, it's actually downhill (remember this because in a few hours it will be uphill..).
Starting from the parking lot you run along the base of Norquay, past all of the ski-lift stations. Once you reach the Mystic chair, the trail continues on and away from the ski hill. You run gently downhill towards the next intersection where you will turn right and cross over the river. Once you cross the river you will start to climb and once you take the turn off for Cascade Amphitheatre you will start to climb increasingly steeply. As soon as the steep climb ends you will take the trail on your right which climbs the ridge out of the Amphitheatre and towards the summit.
The run from Norquay to the amphitheatre is completely runnable but once you start to climb from there it is an intermittent run/power walk. Some sections are just too steep to run but there are still a lot of places where you can pick up the pace. The final summit is really steep and you'll need your hands to help (I recommend a pair of light gloves after slashing the top of my finger off).
Elevation (Round Trip)
Classic Rockies ascent/descent. After a small drop in elevation it's up,up,up and then down, down, down. The last few kms back to the car can feel tough as you have to regain the elevation that you lost at the start.
Photo Gallery
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Safety
There have been a number of accidents and injuries on this mountain over the years.
- Trailhead to Amphitheatre: Watch for wildlife
- Amphitheatre to Summit: Follow correct route, beware of loose rock/scree, beware of steep cliffs and dropoffs.
Tips
- Before you even start this run, go to the Parks Information Centre at 224 Banff Avenue and pick up their excellent (free) guide for Cascade Mountain. It provides a very detailed route map as well as all kinds of tips and advice on completing this hike/run safely.
- A light pair of gloves will prove invaluable.
- Take lots of water, after you cross the river it is dry.
- Make sure you have a windbreaker for the summit.
Fastest Times
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