Easy hikes and walks in White Goat Wilderness Area

Sunwapta Pass sits in the saddle between Mount Athabasca and Nigel Peak and is part of a rare hydrographic apex, where the snow and glacial melt water flows into three different oceans. The pass is also on the boundary between Banff & Jasper National Parks and is the second highest point (2,023m) on the Icefields Parkway, just behind Bow Pass (2,069m).

This beautiful alpine lake, ringed by towering mountain peaks is accessible from a short trail that start at the Sunwapta Pass parking area. The lake gets its name from the fact that it sits on the boundary between Banff Na Jasper National Parks. With so many stunning sights along the Icefields Parkway this one is easy to miss, however the idyllic setting and short access trail mean you should find the time to hike up to the shoreline.

A valid Parks Canada pass is required to stop anywhere in the park, including roadside viewpoints and trailheads. Parking for Panther Falls is available at a small roadside pullout along the parkway. Dogs are permitted on the trail but must remain on a leash at all times. As with most hikes in Banff, visitors should be aware of wildlife in the area and carry bear spray when exploring trails.

This short trail descends in a few switchbacks along the rock face, leading closer to Panther Falls. As you make your way down, several openings along the path offer views of the surrounding valley, including glimpses of the river below and nearby Bridal Veil Falls. Though brief, the trail is a rewarding detour from the Icefields Parkway, with dramatic mountain scenery and multiple vantage points along the way.

Panther Falls is a small but scenic waterfall along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. A short trail leads from the roadside down toward the base of the falls, where water spills over rocky ledges into a narrow creek below. The quick walk makes this an easy stop while travelling the Icefields Parkway, and the surrounding mountain scenery adds to the dramatic setting. It’s a nice place to stretch your legs and enjoy one of the many waterfalls found along this famous route.

The Kiska/Willson Public Land Use Zone sits west of Nordegg in Alberta’s David Thompson Country and offers a mix of rugged backcountry terrain, forested valleys, and open ridgelines. It’s a multi-use area popular for hiking, camping, and off-highway exploring, with plenty of unmarked routes and wild viewpoints. Hikers can follow old forestry roads and game trails to reach quiet creeks, waterfalls, and alpine meadows, making it a good destination for those looking for a more remote and less developed wilderness experience.

Cline River Canyon is a striking natural feature in David Thompson Country, Alberta, where turquoise water cuts deep through layers of limestone. The short trail to the canyon offers dramatic views from the rim, with safe access points to look down into the narrow gorge below. The surrounding area is quiet and lightly trafficked, making it a great stop for hikers looking to explore the rugged scenery around Cline River and nearby Whitegoat Falls.

Cline River in Alberta winds through the David Thompson Country region, surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, dense forest, and glacier-fed creeks. The area is popular with hikers exploring nearby trails such as Whitegoat Falls and Vision Quest Ridge. Its clear turquoise water and rugged landscape make it one of the most scenic river valleys in the province, offering plenty of quiet spots to stop and take in the mountain views.