Aylmer Pass Hike Guide (+ LM8 Campground Stats)
The Aylmer Pass hike in Banff is one of the best trails to see wildflowers. From July to August Aylmer Pass is brimming with wildflowers of all sizes and colours making this an epic trail to add to your summer hiking list. In this guide I’ll tell you everything you need to know regarding the Aylmer Pass hiking including a route description, trail stats, camping possibilities, and more.
Last summer I finally completed the Aylmer Pass hike in conjunction with Aylmer Lookout and a night camping at LM8. This little overnight getaway had been on my bucket list for a while so I’m stoked to have finally completed it.
Looking for more hikes at Lake Minnewanka? Here are 10+ hikes in the immediate area
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Outdoors: 100+ hiking trails, backcountry campgrounds, ski resorts, waterfalls & lakes
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Things to do: tours, viewpoints & unique activities
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Lake Minnewanka Restrictions & Wildlife
Before I jump into telling you all about the Aylmer Pass 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 Pass. 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 and 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 Pass Trailhead
The Aylmer Pass hike is located less than 20 minutes from the town of Banff. From the Calgary International Airport the Aylmer Pass 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 Pass trailhead ensure you arrive early to get a spot.
Alternatively you can opt to take Roam Transit line 6 to the Aylmer Pass 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 Pass Hike
- Distance: 26.6kms
- Elevation gain: 1,247m
- Estimated time: 9hrs
- Rated: difficult / backcountry
- Type of trail: out & back
- Time of year: July to September
Ticks are very common on the Aylmer Pass hike, especially in the spring. It’s advised to wear pants and tuck them into your socks, do a full body tick check after the hike, and pack a tick removal tool.
The Aylmer Pass hike is easy in the sense that there’s no technical terrain involved, way finding is fairly straightforward, the path is well defined, etc. The Aylmer Pass hike is difficult though for its long distance. There’s also the trail restriction and an increase in bear activity during the summer months to take into account.
The Aylmer Pass trail starts at Lake Minnewanka and follows the shoreline for the first 8kms to the turnoff. After this the trail ventures deeper back into a valley which is a very quiet area. You’ll likely have the trail to yourself after the turnoff.
The Aylmer Pass hike is packed with the odd downed tree until the actual pass where the terrain becomes wet and muddy. During this section it can be a bit hard to find any sign of the trail, but it’s impossible to get lost as you’re up on the pass in between two tall mountains with no trees obstructing your view. If you wait until the end up July or early August to hike Aylmer Pass the terrain shouldn’t be as wet, however I’d still advise wearing sturdy, Goretex shoes for the Aylmer Pass hike.
Since Aylmer Pass is such long hike many people opt to camp at the LM8 or LM9 backcountry campgrounds before or after their hike. They also commonly add Aylmer Lookout to their route since it’s in the same area – no doubling back on the same lengthy trail to do both hikes on different occasions.
Distance From LM8 to Aylmer Pass
If you opt to camp at LM8 prior to hiking Aylmer Pass the trail from the campground is 10.6kms roundtrip with 828m elevation gain. This should take anywhere from 4-6hrs depending on your hiking pace and how long you want to spend at Aylmer Pass enjoying the wildflowers.
If you hike Aylmer Pass between July 10 and Sept 15 you can camp at LM9 – the next closest backcountry campground. Plan to add an extra 1km both ways plus a touch more elevation gain.
Best Time of Year to see Wildflowers at Aylmer Pass
The best time to see wildflowers at Aylmer Pass is mid July to mid August. The peak bloom varies slightly year to year, but generally this is the best timeframe.
Aylmer Pass is literally overflowing with wildflowers during the summer so if you’re looking for an epic display, I’d definitely recommend this trail over many others in Banff.
When is Aylmer Pass Snow Free?
Aylmer Pass is usually snow free by early July. Some years this date is earlier, but early July is typically always a safe bet. Keep in mind that although the pass may be navigable earlier in the season, avalanche risk from overhead terrain still exists. You can check Parks Canada for updated trail conditions.
The snow starts to accumulate on Aylmer Pass by mid October which marks the end of hiking season.
Tips for Hiking Aylmer Pass
- Camp at the 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 Pass in 1 day
- Mid July to mid August is the best time to see wildflowers at Aylmer Pass
- 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
- Wear sturdy, Goretex shoes as Aylmer Pass can be wet and muddy
- Bring extra water (I always pack this 3L bag) and a filtration method – like this attachable filter OR cheese cloth + Aquatabs
- I packed 3L when I hiked both the lookout and the pass from LM8 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 Pass Trail
Below you’ll find my detailed route description for the Aylmer Pass hike in Banff. I’ve divided the description into sections to better describe each segment of the trail.
Aylmer Pass 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 Pass. 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 Pass) 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 Pass trail).
Once you reach the next fork you can hike left for Aylmer Pass or right for LM8 – one of the many backcountry campgrounds along Lake Minnewanka. Since the Aylmer Pass hike is lengthy I always recommend camping at LM8 to break up the distance. I hiked Aylmer Pass and Aylmer Lookout in this fashion 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 Pass trailhead. At this point you’re just about 1/3 into the hike.
LM8 to Aylmer Pass
The section connecting LM8 to Aylmer Pass is honestly quite boring. You’ll have just over 5kms one-way through a forested area with nothing to look at and continuous, mildly strenuous elevation gain. Around 2.5kms in you’ll see the turnoff for Aylmer Lookout. You can definitely complete both trails the same day (I did) or continue on directly to Aylmer Pass.
The trail from LM8 to Aylmer Pass is only partially shaded so make sure you have a hat and sun protection.
Closer to the pass you’ll cross the bottom of a few avalanche chutes and the trail will start opening up to more mountain views. Earlier in the season you’ll also see a handful of small waterfalls running off the mountain.
Keep in mind there are a lot of bears in this area and not many people. Make lots of noise on the trail so you don’t accidentally spook any bears wandering nearby. It’s also advised to have bear spray handy in case.
Aylmer Pass
The path will eventually exit the trees where you’ll start making your final ascent up Aylmer Pass. This section is rocky and there’s often patches of snow until mid July, but it’s easily navigable
Once you reach the top of Aylmer Pass you’ll find a huge, flat area tucked between two mountains (Mount Aylmer on your right, Mount Astley on your left). This area is wet and muddy. Try to stick to the “trail,” but when you can’t find it just be mindful that you’re not stepping on all the beautiful wildflowers!
If you’re a serious hiker looking for more advanced trails you can access Mount Aylmer from Aylmer Pass. This is a difficult scrambling route recommended only to those with extensive scrambling experience.
Aylmer Pass Return Hike
The return hike for Aylmer Pass follows the same trail. I found finding the entry back into the trees was a bit difficult. I actually ended up walking past it further down the creek and had to backtrack. As long as you keep your eyes peeled and have the Alltrails map downloaded as a backup you should have no issues.
On the return hike you’ll pass the fork for Aylmer Lookout again. If you didn’t summit Aylmer Lookout on the way to Aylmer Pass I’d recommend doing it on the way back. It’s easily one of my favourite hikes in Banff.
More information regarding the Aylmer Lookout 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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