Floe Lake Hiking Guide
Updated: Mar 26
Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
Floe Lake is one of those amazing areas that you can enjoy as a day hike but can also be experienced as a backpacking trip. I was fortunate enough to include this on my 4-day backpacking trip on the Rockwall trail but if you find you don't have enough time or supplies to experience this entire trail, Floe Lake can be enjoyed either way and should definitely be on your list if you're hiking through British Columbia, Canada.
This trail has stunning views of beautiful streams, a ridge walk that takes you through the devastating beauty of a previous wildfire of destructive black while the lush greenery pokes through the ground reminding us of life reborn again, the steep incline as you hike your way up to the gorgeous azure coloured lake known as Floe with the towering beginning of Rockwall making you feel like you're sitting in this protective bowl of greatness. Set up your camping chair on the rocks by the lake and enjoy a coffee while you watch the sunset behind this phenomenal view of rock.
Floe Lake Trail Stats
Distance: 19.3 km / 11.9 miles
Level: Hard
Type: Out-&-BackElevation
Gain: 959 m
Time: 6 hr 45 min
Traffic: Busy/Popular
Dogs: Yes
Permits and Passes
All visitors are required to purchase a daily or annual pass when visiting Canada's national parks. Passes can be purchased from any national parks entry gate or a visitor centre.
Passes can also be purchased ahead of time at
If you're a family/group (up to 7 people in one vehicle) that plans on visiting multiple National Parks my suggestion is to purchase the annual pass to save some money and constant stopping at park entry gates. The annual pass will give you the opportunity to drive through the fast lane and avoid those extremely long line-ups.
Daily Admission:
Adult: $10.50
Senior: $9.00
Youth (17 & under): Free
Family/Group: $21.00
Annual:
$72.25/Adult
$145.25/Family
$61.75/Senior
Free admission for youth 17 and under
Trailhead Information
The highway is located between Banff, AB and Lake Louise, AB. Floe Lake trailhead is located 69 kms West of Banff, AB. It takes approximately 1 hr 53 mins to arrive at the trailhead.Follow Hwy 1 until you see the exit for Hwy 93 toward Radium. You will see a sign on your right that says Floe Lake. There is a great parking lot that is located off the highway for you to safely park your vehicle. The trailhead is located near the eastside of the parking lot.Make sure you do not leave any valuables within your vehicle. There has been a history of break-ins but you should be fine if you keep your vehicle clean.
Best Time to Hike Floe Lake
I hiked Floe Lake trail in September but this trail is best between the months of June through October. This area can get a lot of snow so I suggest making time in August/September to enjoy this beautiful area. If you decide to attempt this hike in the winter ensure you have hiking poles and crampons to assist you since some parts are steep.
Day-Hike Packing List
This hike is roughly 20 kms out-&-back which means being prepared especially in the summer heat is crucial.
Here is what I would pack for a day hike to Floe Lake in my 40L Osprey Pack:
3L Water Bladder
Lifestraw Filter and Water Purification Tablets
Lightweight rain jacket (I roll up my lightweight Arc'teryx jacket and keep it in my pack for emergencies)
1 dehydrated meal OR a packed lunch
Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, apple, yogurt, jerky are all great snacks for hiking)
Jetboil with butane fuel
First Aid Kit
Aspirin/Tylenol/Advil
Bear Spray (I bring my bear spray on hikes during summer and winter)
Bug Spray
Chapstick (there is nothing worse than getting a sun and wind burn on your lips and not having chapstick...)
Sunscree
Hat
Headlamp
Trekking Poles
Garmin Satellite Device
Lightweight Camping Chair
Extra pair of socks
GU Electrolyte Packets
Coffee Packets-
Lightweight Mugs
Powdered Creamer & Sugar
Lighter/Matches
Knife
Feel free to print out this packing list for your next adventure. Always ensure you bring enough supplies for an emergency. Things can change rapidly in the mountains and injuries can be easily avoided if you are prepared. Study the trail and be sure that you know how to safely enjoy these gorgeous places while also making it safe back home.
Gallery
I like to post a little sneak peak for my readers so they can get even more excited to explore these gorgeous areas.
Pictures are amazing but they really can't capture the feeling of being there. Hope you put Floe Lake on your list when visiting British Columbia, Canada.
Comments