The best walks and hikes in Heart Creek Provincial Recreation Area

Exshaw Creek has a short, but dramatic run from its headwaters near Mount Townsend to the Bow River. The creek is hemmed in tight valleys from start to finish and the Exshaw Creek Trail gives hikers access to many of the mountains that surround it.

Mount Fable isn't the sort of peak you wake up and decide to summit that day. It's remote location and rough, rugged approach mean you need to carefully prepare for your attempt at the summit. Many people choose to approach the mountain from Gap Peak, but you can also access the summit from the Exshaw Creek Trail. However you decide to approach the mountain you need to be experienced with class 3-4 scrambling and be comfortable with exposed sections with high drops on either side. Due to the proliferation of loose rock climbing helmets are advised for the final scramble to the top.

Calling this a trail might be a bit of a stretch as you're basically just tracing the creek as it makes its way from the mountains to the Bow River. Be prepared for multiple creek crossings, loose rock underfoot, and plenty of boulders to scramble over. You can hike it as an out and back or combine it with other trails for a nice loop.

The Exshaw Mountain Trail begins just outside the town of Exshaw and quickly climbs through dense forest before opening onto rocky slopes with expanding valley views. The route is steep and often faint, requiring some route-finding as you gain elevation toward the summit ridge. Though demanding, the climb rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Mount Lougheed, and the rugged peaks surrounding Canmore.

Exshaw Mountain rises above the Bow Valley near the town of Exshaw, Alberta, offering a steep but rewarding hike with sweeping views of the surrounding Rockies. The route climbs through forested slopes before breaking into open scree and grassy ridges that look out toward Mount Yamnuska, Grotto Mountain, and the Bow River below. It’s a challenging, lightly trafficked ascent best suited for experienced hikers comfortable with off-trail navigation and steep terrain.

Flowing through a narrow limestone canyon, Heart Creek is the centrepiece of Heart Creek Provincial Recreation Area. It was named after the nearby Heart Mountain, which features a distinctive heart-shaped layer of limestone visible near its summit.

A steep and demanding route leading to the summit of Heart Mountain, this trail climbs quickly from the Heart Creek area through forest and rocky slopes. The path transitions into a scramble near the upper ridge, where hands-on climbing is required in spots. It’s a popular but challenging hike — bring plenty of water, start early, and be prepared for loose rock and strong winds near the top.

Rising above Heart Creek Provincial Recreation Area, Heart Mountain (2,135 metres) offers a steep but rewarding climb with panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks. The route includes sections of hands-on scrambling near the summit and is best suited for experienced hikers with good footing. Clear weather brings stunning vistas across to Mount Yamnuska and the front ranges of the Rockies.