Banff National Park
Boom Lake | Kootenay National Park | Banff Hiking
Glaciated mountains and limestone walls surround the perfectly clear water of Boom Lake, making this an ideal destination on an easy hike.
Time: Half-day hike
Distance: 5.1 km (3.2 miles) one-way
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 185 m (600 feet)
Maps: Mount Goodsir , 82 N/1 East
Lake Louise , 82 N/8 East
Starting Point: Drive west from Banff on the Trans-Canada Hwy. At Castle Junction, head south 7.1 km (4.4 miles) on the Banff-Radium Hwy (#93) to Boom Creek Picnic Area. A trail sign marks the start of Boom Lake Banff Hiking.
Summary: A wide-open trail begins after crossing a bridge over Boom Creek, and climbs through a forest of pine, fir and spruce. After a series of switchbacks, the trail becomes more gradual, and gives way to a narrow footpath for the final approach to the lake.
Set at almost 1900 m (6234 feet) above sea level and glacier-fed, one can be certain a dip in Boom Lake would be refreshing. Boom Lake earned its name from a natural log boom that formed on a shallow rock shelf at the lake’s outlet.
Other Options:
For bushwhackers and rock hoppers, views (of the boom and of dominating peaks – Boom, Quadra and Bident) open up if you walk along the shore in either direction from the end of the trail. May entail wet feet.
Keep in Mind:
Early-season hikers may get wet and muddy feet. Wear appropriate day-hiking shoes. Ankle gaitors may help. Bring a water bottle and snack. Quick water stops are important every 20-30 minutes (more often if it is hot), especially if you are not used to higher elevations. You are in the mountains – always carry an extra layer of clothing and rain gear.
Hiking sense:
Plan your trip
Stay on marked trails
Pack garbage out
Be cautious of wildlife
Be safe, be smart – hike within your limits
Click on a hike!
Tunnel Mountain
Johnston Canyon
Stanley Glacier
Boom Lake
Twin Falls
Lake Agnes Teahouse
Assumption Of Risk
Walking and hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is inherent with risk due to a number of constantly changing conditions. These conditions include (but are not limited to) unpredictable weather, rain, flash floods, falling rocks, mudslides, falling trees and more.
Other dangers include (but are not limited to) wild animals such as black and grizzly bears, elk, sheep, goats and insects, all of which can be aggressive.
These hiking descriptions are designed to provide you with a good idea of what the hike will have to offer and some general guidelines about the hike. You are responsible for your own safety and well being while hiking! While these details have been put together through research by local professionals, you may encounter conditions not mentioned in the hike descriptions. Trail heads, signage, parking, etc. are also subject to change as well.
In order to get the most recent conditions and details for any hike you undertake we strongly recommend that you contact Parks Canada at the Banff Information Centre prior to your hike and they will provide you with the most current conditions and hike details for your enjoyment and safety of your hike.
Parks Canada can be found at The Banff Information Centre at 224 Banff Avenue and is open from 9AM to 7PM in the Summer. They can be reached by calling 403.762.1550.
