A look down Lake Minnewanka
June 1st Wednesday 2016
This hike to Aylmer Lookout starts at Lake Minnewanka just outside of Banff. Park near the washrooms. Walk past the boat launch and café on the paved trail going on the north side of the lake. The trail leaves the pavement at the large signage. Follow the trail along the banks of the lake to the bridge crossing of the Cascade River. The trail leaves the lake as you gain some elevation but soon drops back down along the Lake. This trail is open to bikes in early summer but is closed later due to bears and hikers have to be in groups of four or more. Check dates before leaving. It is about 7 km to the creek and the junction of Aylmer Pass. A backcountry campsite is just up the trail. The trail now goes seriously up towards the Pass. At 2km is the junction to the Pass and the Lookout which is now only 1.5km away. There is not much left of the fire lookout station. Four concrete pillows and the foundations to an old building. But it is the views you came for and they are impressive on a clear day.
Shore line trail Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka
Going up Aylmer Pass and Lookout trail
View of LAke Minnewanka from the Aylmer Lookout trail
Close to the dam with Rundle Range in the background
Distance return 24.4 km Time return 7 hrs ( inc 30 min lunch ) Elevation Accumulated gain 955 m Elevation to Summit 955 m Summit height 2086 m
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