Sunshine Meadows
easy Banff trail βœ• Closed

Sunshine Meadows

Expansive alpine meadows along the Continental Divide, accessed by gondola from Sunshine Village ski resort.

πŸ“ Distance 10 km of trails
⬆️ Elevation Gain 200 m
⬇️ Elevation Loss 200 m
⏱️ Time 4-5 hrs
πŸ“… Season summer
πŸ”οΈ Difficulty Easy
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Trail Conditions Snow covered, access road closed Updated 2026-06-14
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Parking 200 vehicles
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Typical Crowds Summer: high Β· Winter: low

About This Trail

Riding the Sunshine Village gondola above the treeline opens the door to some of the finest alpine meadow hiking in the Canadian Rockies. Trails crisscross the Continental Divide, connecting pristine lakes like Rock Isle, Grizzly, and Larix while carpets of wildflowers bloom in every direction during July and August. Standing on the divide, hikers straddle the border between Alberta and British Columbia with panoramic views stretching to the horizon.

Highlights

Continental Divide crossingRock Isle, Grizzly & Larix LakesExplosive summer wildflower blooms

Trailhead Information

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Starting Point

Sunshine Village gondola

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Vehicle Required

This trail is not accessible by public transit. A personal vehicle or taxi is required.

Trail Location

Safety Tips

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Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bears are active throughout Banff National Park.

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Check trail conditions on the Parks Canada website before heading out.

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Tell someone your hiking plan β€” where you're going and when you expect to return.

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Bring layers. Mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer.

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Carry at least 1 litre of water per person. There are no water stations on most trails.

Check Latest Trail Conditions

Always check the official Parks Canada page for current conditions, closures, and advisories before heading out.

View on Parks Canada β†’