The snow is finally melting, which means we can all come out of hibernation and enjoy Alberta's beauty again. Spring is the perfect time to get out and explore without being nearly frozen or getting heat stroke. And how do Albertans get out and explore? Well, we go hiking, of course!
READ ALSO: 13 Surreal Waterfalls In Alberta You Must Visit In 2017
Winter hiking is totally great, but it definitely isn't for everyone. While it's nice to not have to worry about bears and mosquitoes, feeling like a human icicle isn't always quite worth it. That's why spring hikes are everyone's favourite. You get to experience Alberta's nature being reborn after a cold winter and you won't need to wear as many layers. ...Just watch out for bears.
If you're having trouble on deciding on where to hike or which hikes to go on, that's where we come in. Alberta has an endless amount of hike trails and mountains, but there are a few that are considered "must-trys" in the spring and of course, we can't let you miss out! Here are a few hikes that you need to add to your bucket list this spring!
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Johnston Canyon // Banff National Park
Beginner
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Distance: 4.8 km
Elevation Gain: 120 m
Vimy Peak // Waterton Lakes National Park
Difficult
Estimated Time: 7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation Gain: 1220 m
Cavell Meadows // Jasper, Alberta
Difficult
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Distance: 8 km
Elevation Gain: 370 m
Plain of Six Glaciers // Banff National Park
Moderate
Estimated Time: 7 hours
Distance: 14 km
Elevation Gain: 420 m
Bears Hump // Waterton Lakes National Park
Moderate
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Distance: 2.8 km
Elevation Gain: 225 m
Grotto Canyon // Canmore, Alberta
Moderate
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Distance: 4 km
Elevation Gain: 50 m
Tonquin Valley // Jasper National Park
Moderate
Estimated Time: 3 - 7 days
Distance: 70 km
Elevation Gain: 700 m
Valley of Five Lakes // Jasper, Alberta
Beginner/Moderate
Estimated Time: 2 - 3 hours
Distance: 11 km
Elevation Gain: 20 m
Crowsnest Mountain Summit // Blairmore, Alberta
Moderate
Estimated Time: 6 hours
Distance: 10.6 km
Elevation Gain: 1100 m
Sulphur Mountain // Banff National Park
Moderate
Estimated Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Distance: 5.5 km
Elevation Gain: 655 m
Sulphur Skyline // Jasper National Park
Moderate
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Distance: 8 km
Elevation Gain: 650 m
Crypt Lake // Waterton Lakes National Park
Moderate
Estimated Time: 6 hours
Distance: 18 km
Elevation Gain: 675 m
Badlands Trail // Dinosaur Provincial Park
Beginner
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 1.3 km
Elevation Gain: N/A
Hoodoo Trail // Writing On Stone Provincial Park
Moderate
Estimated Time: 4 hours
Distance: 4.4 km
Elevation Gain: 60 m
