Boom Lake Hike

Trailhead: Located at the Boom Creek Picnic Area on the north side of the Banff – Windermere #93 Highway, 7.5kms west of Castle Junction just past Storm Mountain Lodge. Banff National Park.

Description: Locate the trail at the north end of the picnic area. Cross the bridge over Boom Creek then follow the wide trail 5.5kms to Boom Lake. The trail is well maintained and is perfect for families with younger children.

Once you arrive at the lake work you’re way over and around the large boulders, kid’s will love this, until you reach the shore. Further exploring around the lake is well worth the effort. Views of Mount Quadra, Chimney Peak and Boom Mountain are stunning. The lake was named after a large natural log boom that forms at the south end drainage Boom Creek. You can also access O’Brien Lake and Taylor Lake from the Boom Lake trail however it’s a longer approach and the trail is not that well defined.

If you can catch a warm sunny day in late spring it’s well worth the hike just to see all the active ice and snow slides that rumble down the surrounding mountains. Eating lunch in sight of active snow and icefalls is an unforgettable experience.

Boom Lake offers excellent Cutthroat Trout fishing, you’ll need a fishing license to try your luck, check regulations for closures. The pictures below were taken early June. The trail is usually snow free by mid to late June but can be muddy. Boom Lake trail is also excellent for cross country skiing. A winter wonderland indeed.

This Is Bear Country.

Bow Valley Parkway Map PDF