Aylmer Lookout Hike Guide (+ LM8 Campground Stats)
The Aylmer Lookout hike at Lake Minnewanka is one of my favourites in Banff. The trail is relatively quiet, the views are beautiful, it’s close to town, and there are opportunities for backcountry camping along the way. Aylmer Lookout at sunrise is also something that most hikers won’t want to miss.
Aylmer Lookout is generally underrated and under-appreciated. The trail is long and it’s not one of the big summits our tourists routes in the area so it’s often forgotten about.
In this post I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Aylmer Lookout hike and try to remind people that this trail is worth a top spot on your Banff summer hiking list!
Looking for more hikes at Lake Minnewanka? Here are 10+ hikes in the immediate area
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Lake Minnewanka Restrictions & Wildlife
Before I jump into telling you all about the Aylmer Lookout hike at Lake Minnewanka – I must mention local wildlife and trail closures as this may impact your trip.
Lake Minnewanka has an annual trail restriction mandated by Parks Canada which comes into effect from July 10 – September 15 – this affects the trail from the Shoreline Trail turnoff all the way to Aylmer Lookout. The purpose of the closure is for Grizzly bears as Lake Minnewanka sits on the edge of three of their core habitat areas.
During this time no dogs or bikes are permitted on the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail or to Aylmer Lookout/Pass, plus the LM8 campsite is closed entirely. If you hike past the Shoreline Trail turnoff you must be in a group of 4+.
Each person in the group must also carry bear spray and walk within close proximity to one another.
More information about the Lake Minnewanka trail restriction can be found here
How to get to the Aylmer Lookout Trailhead
The Aylmer Lookout hike is located less than 20 minutes from the town of Banff. From the Calgary International Airport the Aylmer Lookout hike is around 1hr 30mins.
The trail starts at the Lake Minnewanka parking lot which fills up very fast in the summer months – parking control often has to turn vehicles away, especially on weekends. If you plan to drive to the Aylmer Lookout trailhead ensure you arrive early to get a spot.
Alternatively you can opt to take Roam Transit line 6 to the Aylmer Lookout trailhead from the town of Banff. The bus only runs in the summer months (exact dates vary) and fees are $2 per person each way. Fees can be paid in exact change upon boarding the bus, at the pay station at the High School Transit Hub, or online via the ‘Token Transit‘ app.
Best Banff Car Rentals
Compare Rentals: I recommend using this site as it compares all the local rental shops to find you the best rate.
Poparide: peer-to-peer carpooling platform. Great for transportation between Banff-Calgary. Use my link to save $5 on your first trip.
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Taylor ♡
Where to Stay in Banff
From hostels to camping to luxury hotels – Banff has accommodations for everyone. Here are my top recommendations for where to lodge in Banff based on every budget.
I recommend giving this post a read as I’ve listed every Banff hotel worth staying at and organized them by category.
- Hostels – Samesun Banff (best location + bar/restaurant on-site), Banff International Hostel (second best), and HI Banff.
- Budget hotels – Bow View Lodge and High Country Inn.
- Mid-range stays – Banff Park Lodge, Mount Royal, Elk & Avenue, and the Banff Caribou & spa.
- Luxury stays – Fairmont Banff Springs and the Rimrock Resort.
- Cabin retreats: Johnston Canyon Bungalows, Baker Creek, and Castle Mountain Chalets.
- Camping – reservation information can be found here. Ensure you book campsites far in advance as they’re full during summer.
- For those on ski trips: lodge on-mountain at Sunshine Village, stay near Norquay, and see my Lake Louise suggestions below.
Lodging Options Near Banff
Enjoy the nature and activities of Banff National Park, but lodge away from the busy tourist town centre at any of the following:
- Lake Louise – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (luxury), Paradise Lodge & Bungalows (500m from the lake), Lake Louise Inn (value stay), HI Lake Louise (hostel).
- Canmore – Malcolm Hotel (luxury), Stoneridge Mountain Resort (condo suites with fully equipped kitchens), Mountain View Inn (budget), Canmore Downtown Hostel & the Canmore Hostel (party hostel).
- Johnston Canyon – Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, Castle Mountain Chalets, and HI Castle Mountain Hostel.
- Yoho National Park – Emerald Lake Lodge and Cathedral Mountain Lodge.
- Kootenay National Park – Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins.
- Kananaskis Country – Mount Engadine Lodge and Kananaskis Mountain Lodge (luxury), Crosswaters Resort (mid-range), and HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel (budget).
About the Aylmer Lookout Hike
- Distance: 23.2kms
- Elevation gain: 1,040m
- Estimated time: 7hrs 45mins
- Rated: difficult / backcountry
- Type of trail: out & back
- Time of year: May to September
Ticks are very common on the Aylmer Lookout hike, especially in the spring. It’s advised to wear pants and tuck them into your socks, do a full body tick check each night, and pack a tick removal tool.
The Aylmer Lookout hike is one of the prettiest hikes in Banff – especially at sunrise. The first 8kms to the LM8 backcountry campground follows the easy-peasy Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail which is often packed with people. After the first 8kms the trail jets off to a quieter valley where not too many hikers venture. This means you’ll likely have parts if not the entire trail to yourself.
Aylmer Lookout sits on a smaller “summit” overlooking all of Lake Minnewanka and faces Mount Inglismaldie, offering some of the most spectacular views in Banff.
The Aylmer Lookout trail is mostly packed with the exception of a small rocky section, well marked, and has no technical components. Aside from its long distance this trail is great for hikers of all ability levels.
If you’d like to split up the distance you can camp at LM8 or LM9 before or after summiting Aylmer Lookout. This post has detailed information regarding backcountry camping at Lake Minnewanka.
Remember – there’s plenty of wildlife in the area and a trail restriction exists in the summer months. I’ve listed information about this above.
Distance from LM8 to Aylmer Lookout
The LM8 campground to Aylmer Lookout is 4kms one-way with 621m elevation gain. It takes around 2hrs for the ascent and 1-1.5hrs for the descent back to LM8.
Here’s the Alltrails map for LM8 to Aylmer Lookout.
Is Aylmer Lookout Better at Sunrise or Sunset?
Aylmer Lookout is best at sunrise, but it’s beautiful at sunset too. Lake Minnewanka runs east to west meaning alpenglow hits Mount Inglismaldie at both times of the day.
When is Aylmer Lookout Snow Free?
The snow melts off Aylmer Lookout by mid June, but sometimes it melts as early as mid May. Keep in mind avalanche risk can still exist into spring from the terrain above.
Snow accumulates on Aylmer Lookout by mid October usually which marks the end of hiking season.
Tips for Hiking Aylmer Lookout
- Camp at LM8 or LM9 backcountry sites to break up the distance. Make your reservations in advance
- Relax along the lake at LM8 prior to hiking the last 8kms back to the trailhead if you decide to hike Aylmer Lookout in 1 day
- Sunrise is the prettiest time to hike Aylmer Lookout
- Hike prior to July 10 or after Sept 15 if you want to hike in groups smaller than 4, bring dogs, or use a bike
- Bring extra water (I always pack this 3L bag) and a filtration method – like this attachable filter OR cheese cloth + Aquatabs
- I packed 3L from LM8 to the Lookout and Pass and ran out
Top Tours & Excursions in Banff
Banff Gondola – epic views from the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Banff Hop on Hop off – explore the park at your own pace.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise – take a scenic boat ride down the largest lake in Banff.
Moraine Lake sunrise – chartered bus to see alpenglow on Canada’s most beautiful lake.
Norquay via ferrata – epic beginner friendly climbing route across iron bars on Mt Norquay.
Sunshine Meadows Gondola – find wild alpine flowers and hike around pristine alpine lakes.
Click here for a complete list of the Banff tours I recommend:
Hiking the Aylmer Lookout Trail
Below you’ll find my detailed route description for the Aylmer Lookout hike in Banff. I’ve divided the description into sections to better describe each segment of the trail.
Aylmer Lookout Trailhead to LM8
From the Lake Minnewanka parking lot walk toward the lake but stick to the road. The road eventually ends and a path opens up. Follow this and in 1.5kms you’ll find the bridge over Stewart Canyon. There are often Bighorn Sheep crossing this bridge so have your camera ready as you cross it.
Shortly after the bridge there’s a fork in the trail. Hiking left brings you to Stewart Canyon whereas hiking right brings you to Aylmer Lookout. In the summer there’s a trail restriction put in place here. More information about the restriction can be found above.
After the fork the trail gains elevation over a few switchbacks. This is the steepest section of the entire Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail (not including the route from the turnoff to Aylmer Lookout) and brings you to the spot pictured above. For the next 6ish kilometres it’s smooth sailing. Enjoy the views of Lake Minnewanka through the trees while minding your footing as some spots are rocky (proper shoes recommended for the Aylmer Lookout trail).
Once you reach the next fork you can hike left for Aylmer Lookout or right for LM8 – one of the many backcountry campgrounds along Lake Minnewanka. Since the Aylmer Lookout hike is lengthy I always recommend camping at LM8 to break up the distance. I hiked Aylmer Lookout for sunrise this way and really enjoyed it.
When the summer trail restrictions are in effect LM8 is closed entirely. You can camp at LM9 instead which is just 1km further down the trail. Ensure you make reservations in advance for these campsites.
If you need a break or the bathroom you can make use of the camp’s public picnic and toilet facilities. Bring your own toilet paper!
As the name implies LM8 is 8kms from the Lake Minnewanka trailhead, which is the same as the Aylmer Lookout trailhead. At this point you’re 1/3 into the hike.
LM8 to Aylmer Lookout Turnoff
The Aylmer Lookout turnoff will be marked by a Parks Canada sign. Turn left if you’re coming from the trailhead or continue straight if you’re coming from the LM8 campground. This section of the trail is pretty boring. There isn’t much to look at and you’ll be gaining steady, mildly strenuous elevation.
The trail is only partially shaded here so make sure you wear a hat and have sun protection.
After approx 2.5kms kilometres from LM8 you’ll hit a fork in the trail. Continuing on takes you to Aylmer Pass whereas hanging a right takes you up to Aylmer Lookout. I’ve read so many reviews online saying the final stretch to Aylmer Lookout is brutally steep, but I personally didn’t find it much different than the section prior to the turnoff.
After approx 1.5kms after the trail sign you’ll reach Aylmer Lookout. This makes it around 4kms with 600m to Aylmer Lookout from LM8 – around 2hrs one-way.
Aylmer Lookout at Sunrise
I opted to hike Aylmer Lookout for sunrise which did not disappoint. Sunrise and sunset are both great times to hike Aylmer Lookout as the lake stretches from East to West meaning alpenglow hits the impressive Mount Inglismaldie at both times of day. In the morning the positioning is just a little better when it comes to alpenglow.
Aylmer Lookout is easily one of the best places I’ve ever watched sunrise. A bonus is you’re pretty much guaranteed the lookout to yourself. I stayed up here for 5hrs enjoying the morning sun and didn’t see anyone until I was leaving.
Aylmer Lookout Return Hike
The return hike follows the same trail you ascended. If you enjoy long distance hikes you could also add Aylmer Pass to your day. To get to Aylmer Pass from the lookout, return to the turnoff and continue on. Hiking from LM8 to both Aylmer Look and Aylmer Pass the same day is around 15kms with 1,100m elevation gain (not including the 8kms back to the trailhead).
More information regarding the Aylmer Pass hike can be found in this guide
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Outdoors: 100+ hiking trails, backcountry campgrounds, ski resorts, waterfalls & lakes
Planning: lodging, restaurants, public washrooms & transit hubs
Things to do: tours, viewpoints & unique activities
I lived in Banff for years and know all the best spots!
Recommended Hiking Gear for the Rockies
Below are my personal recommendations and favourite products for Canadian Rockies specific hiking gear.
Backpack: I use the Osprey Sirrus 24L (men’s edition) for quick day hikes and the Osprey Sirrus 36L (men’s edition) for longer hikes requiring more gear.
Hydration: I use the 3L Hydrapak to carry water and always have aquatabs on-hand if I need to filter water.
Footwear: I currently use the Scarpa Kailesh (men’s version) and full cushion crew Smartwool socks.
Safety: I always carry the Garmin Inreach Mini 2 as my satellite device.
Here are my detailed posts for Canadian Rockies hiking gear
Rockies Hiking Gear: Winter
If you’re planning to hike the Rockies in winter, you’ll need to add a few more items to your gear arsenal.
The items below are what I use.
Spikes: I love Hillsound’s trail crampon which provides killer traction and long-lasting durability.
Snowshoes: I use TSL’s sustainable Symbioz Hyperflex snowshoe, however any snowshoe from TSL is top of the line. This one is their midrange model which offers similar features at a light weight and better price point.
Gaiters: this is my top pick for gaiters which are great for keeping water and snow out of your boots. If you’re on a budget, these ones are a little more cost effective and have plenty of great reviews.
Warmth: I use Aurora Heat’s reusable hand + ultra foot warmers for both hiking and skiing. They’re made of beaver pelt by Indigenous women in Canada’s Yukon.
Softshell Pants: these are my favourite pants (men’s sizing) for cold weather hiking. They’re water resistant, wind resistant, and warm. If you’re reading from the USA, these REI pants are equivalent: women’s sizing | men’s sizing.
Canadian Rockies Hiking Tips
Guides for hikes in: Banff | Jasper | Kananaskis | Kootenay | Waterton | Yoho
Approach: take a conservative approach if you’re new to hiking and ensure you have lots of daylight. Trails here are steep, long, and can have challenging terrain.
Best Time of Year: July to early September is the most reliable for weather and minimal snow. This post outlines each month in Banff.
- Hiking in winter? Stick to easy, well-trafficked trails unless you’re knowledgeable about avalanche terrain. I always check the avalanche bulletin and use both Caltopo and Google Maps satellite view to survey terrain before hiking.
Pets: leashed dogs are allowed on all trails in the Rockies unless otherwise stated.
Safety: tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. I always carry the Garmin InReach Mini for additional safety as there’s minimal cell service in the Rockies.
Wildlife: carry bear spray and know how to use it. Here are bear safety tips from Parks Canada.
Maps: I purchase the Alltrails+ membership and download my maps before hiking so I always know where I am.
Helpful Canadian Rockies Hiking Posts:
More of my detailed hiking tips can be found here
Canadian Rockies Camping Tips
Plan to go camping in Banff and the Canadian Rockies? Here are some useful things to know.
Unless you’re on some form of public land – random camping and free car camping is not permitted in the Canadian Rockies. If you do plan to “free” camp in the designated areas, you must purchase the Public Lands Camping Pass.
Camping Reservations: reservation day (when bookings go live) usually occurs in January. Most summer camping reservations must be made then as sites fill up instantly.
- National park camping reservations can be made here and Kananaskis reservations can be made here: backcountry | front country.
- Can’t get a reservation? Sign up for cancellation notifications via Schnerp. I use this resource frequently and have found cancellations at the most popular spots in the Rockies like Lake O’Hara.
When to Camp: most campgrounds close for the winter, however a few remain open year round. July-August is best for backcountry camping. Keep in mind, temperatures are typically very cold at night even during peak summer.
Hut Camping: the Alpine Club of Canada has established alpine huts scattered around the Rockies and beyond. These huts must be booked in advance and cater to backcountry skiers, hikers, and climbers.
Packing advice and my personal gear recommendations can be found in my Backcountry Gear Guide.
and that’s everything you need to know about the Aylmer Lookout hike at Lake Minnewanka. Enjoy!
Banff Google Map: 600+ Pins
Get my 600+ Banff recommendations saved to your Google Maps app
Outdoors: 100+ hiking trails, backcountry campgrounds, ski resorts, waterfalls & lakes
Planning: lodging, restaurants, public washrooms & transit hubs
Things to do: tours, viewpoints & unique activities
I lived in Banff for years and know all the best spots!
My Featured Banff Blogs
Travel Guides
Banff Activities
Quick Banff Guide
First time visiting Canada? This page outlines all my travel tips for those new to Canada.
When to visit: this post breaks down each month in Banff with average temperatures and corresponding activities.
How to get to Banff: fly into Calgary International Airport. From here, rent a car (what I recommend), RV, or take one of the following shuttles to Banff:
- Budget: On-It runs during the summer months and Pop-a-Ride is a ride-share program. You can use my Poparide link to save $5 on your first trip.
- Professional shuttles: Banff Airporter and Brewster.
- Car rental: having access to a car is the best way to travel to/from/within Banff. This site compares the best local rates.
Best Activities in Banff: here are all my recommendations for the best tours, activities, and unique experiences in Banff & beyond.
Moraine Lake or Lake Louise: read my guide for how to get there with the new road closures. If you want to see Moraine Lake at sunrise, you can book a shuttle here.
Lodging & Camping: Here’s my guide for hotels in Banff (Organized by Category). If you’re visiting during peak summer (mid June to early September), make your lodging reservations FAR in advance. Front country and backcountry camping reservations must be made on the Parks Canada reservation system. The system typically opens in January and it’s recommended you make reservations then.
Reservations: for activities and restaurants should be made well in advance during summer. Get Your Guide and Viator are popular tour booking platforms whereas OpenTable is used for restaurants.
Parks Pass: You’ll need a National Park Pass for your vehicle for each day you’re in Banff. Passes can be purchased at the East Parks Gates, the Visitor Centre, or online. If you’ll be in any of Canada’s National Parks for more than 7 days in a 365 day period, an annual Discovery Pass offers a better rate than purchasing individual day passes.
Roam Transit: once you arrive in Banff, use the local transit service as much as possible to avoid parking issues. There are bus lines within town, plus lines to popular spots like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon. The bus to Lake Louise should be reserved in advance.
Parking: the best spot to park is the free lot next to the train station. More information about parking in town can be found here and parking fees can be paid here. Bylaw is strict, so ensure you’re following parking rules exactly.
Wildlife Safety: 11 ways to stay safe from wildlife, bear safety, & bear basics.
Happy adventuring!
Taylor ♡
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About the Author
HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.
After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.
I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.
I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.
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