How to Hike to Boom Lake in Banff National Park
Are you looking for an easy hike in Banff National Park with a high reward? The Boom Lake hike in Banff is your answer! This easy hike takes just a half day or less and brings you to a beautiful turquoise lake at the base of Boom Mountain and other jagged peaks. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the Boom Lake trail in Banff, including how to get there, how long it takes, and what to expect on the trail.
Banff National Park is filled with an endless collection of hiking trails that lead to famously blue lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and postcard-worthy summit views. Some of these hikes can be quite challenging, or take most of the day. But if you’re short on time, need a rest day from more strenuous hikes, or you simply aren’t up for a challenge but still want to see something cool, then check out the Boom Lake trail in Banff!
Boom Lake is a large, scenic, and brilliantly blue lake found at the base of Boom Mountain. This mountain lies along the Continental Divide separating both Alberta and British Columbia and Banff and Kootenay National Parks. The hike to Boom Lake, although a moderate distance, is very easy, making the reward to effort ratio pretty high on this Banff hike. Though the Boom Lake trail itself is mostly forested and not as epic or scenic as many other hikes in Banff, it’s easy, close to Banff and other nearby hikes and attractions, and spills you out at a quintessential Canadian Rockies lake with beautiful shades of blue and picturesque mountain views. How can you say no to that? Even on a drizzly day when we hiked to Boom Lake, we could still appreciate its color and the beautiful surroundings.
Want to hike to Boom Lake? Then read on, because in this guide we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Boom Lake trail, including how to get there, how long it takes, what to expect on the trail, and how to escape the crowds.
In this Boom Lake hiking guide:
Where is Boom Lake?
The beautiful Boom Lake in Banff National Park
Boom Lake sits on the western boundary of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The lake is backdropped by the dramatic Boom Mountain, which runs along the Continental Divide not only separating Alberta and British Columbia, but also Banff and Kootenay National Parks.
You can’t drive to Boom Lake, but it’s found at the end of an easy straightforward hike that can be done in half a day or less.
How to get to the Boom Lake trailhead
The Boom Lake trailhead is found at the Boom Lake Day Use Area along Highway 93 (Kootenay Highway). Highway 93 splits off from the TransCanada Highway at Castle Junction, about halfway between the town of Banff and Lake Louise. From this junction, it’s about 22 km (15 minutes) down Highway 93 (heading towards Kootenay National Park and Radium Hot Springs) until you see the signs for the Day Use Area on your right.
The parking lot for the Boom Lake hike
How far is Boom Lake from Banff? Boom Lake is about 40 km (a half hour) from the town of Banff.
How far is Boom Lake from Lake Louise? The lake is about 32 km, or 20 minutes, from Lake Louise.
Because of its location between Banff and Lake Louise, Boom Lake makes a convenient thing to add to your Banff to-do list as you explore all the other nearby hikes and sights!
How Long Does it Take to Hike to Boom Lake?
The Boom Lake hike is a moderate distance, but easy. Here are our stats for the Boom Lake trail in Banff:
Length: 10.4 km (6.5 mi)
Elevation gain: 230 m (760 ft)
Time: 2.5-3 hours (plus add in some time to enjoy the lake and explore)
Elevation profile:
This is our elevation profile of the Boom Lake hike in Banff. This shows the one way hike from the parking lot to the lake.
This is the satellite view of our hike to Boom Lake in Banff
Boom Lake Trail Map
This Boom Lake map is found at the Boom Lake trailhead.
This Boom Lake trail map gives a good idea of the elevation profile of the hike
The Boom Lake Hike: Trail Description and Our Experience
We arrived at the Boom Lake trailhead to a pretty full parking lot at around noon, but there were a few spaces left. Rain was in the forecast and expected to start soon, which actually worked to our benefit as most people were actually on their way out from hiking Boom Lake…they were smart and got an early start to beat the rain, unlike us! But on the positive side, despite some less-than-ideal weather, we had a pretty quiet experience overall on an otherwise popular Banff trail.
The Boom Lake trail starts by crossing a small bridge over the Boom Lake Creek. The trail is flat for just a bit before the climbing begins. Once it starts climbing, the beginning part of the hike is actually the steepest part of the entire trail, so if you’re good here, the rest of the trail is pretty much a walk in the park.
The bridge at the start of the Boom Lake hike
There’s not too much to say about the Boom Lake hike other than it’s just a very gradual climb through the forest. There are very brief and fleeting views to the mountains when there are gaps in the trees, but other than that, it’s not very scenic. The forest walk, though, was actually very peaceful, and one thing I specifically noted was how totally silent the trail was. Once you get just a little bit into the hike, you can’t even hear cars from the highway, and at one point I remember stopping just to soak in the complete silence from the trail.
Fleeting views from the Boom Lake hike
You’ll pass by one junction along the Boom Lake Trail. This goes to Taylor and O’Brien Lakes. Taylor Lake is another popular Banff hike to a scenic lake, but it’s not recommended to use this trail to get here, as it’s not well-maintained (instead, there’s a trailhead off the TransCanada Highway).
The only junction you’ll find along the Boom Lake hike
As you get further in on the Boom Lake hike, the trail does get a little rockier, and it is a bit muddy in places (especially on a rainy day!). We surprisingly actually saw a couple of groups trying to push a stroller all the way to Boom Lake…which we wouldn’t recommend! Although it is an easy hike, the trail still is not suitable for that, or at least it won’t be easy (it didn’t look like it anyway!).
The Boom Lake trail, although easy, can get quite rocky and wet
A particularly muddy section of trail on the hike to Boom Lake
After about an hour to an hour and a half of easy hiking, you’ll finally make it to Boom Lake. The Boom Lake trail ends at a field of large rocks and boulders that you’ll have to navigate to get to the lake’s shore. With the rain, they were extra slippery and difficult to walk on.
The first glimpse of Boom Lake! It was quite gloomy when we first got there.
Navigating the boulders to get to the shore of Boom Lake…even more tricky when wet!
There were only a few other groups at Boom Lake when we arrived, but I would say this isn’t normal, and don’t expect the lake to be quite so empty. Again, we just got lucky because of the weather. As we were hiking in, there were tons of people hiking out because of the impending rain, and it seemed as though there was probably a big crowd there in the morning. That said, it’s a huge area next to the shore of Boom Lake and you can spread out from others. Many people don’t go too far past where the trail comes out because of how rocky the shoreline is, so as long as you’re willing to navigate the rocks a bit more, you can walk further down the lake shore to find some solitude.
Walking along the boulders on the shore of Boom Lake and taking in the views
This is exactly what we did…we kept heading further down the shore of Boom Lake, and we eventually hit the trees a ways down where there was a small herd path running through them. We liked it down here...we thought the views of the mountain backdrop were cooler (they felt a bit closer), and the best part was that the emerald color of the lake really popped over here. There were shallow pockets along the shore where the clarity and color of the water really shined, even on a gloomy day!
The color of Boom Lake really popped, even in cloudy weather!
The beautiful blue water of Boom Lake in Banff
Boom Lake colors
Look at how clear that water is!
The little herd path follows the shore through the woods, and you can find little private spots to enjoy the views. We kept going and found that this path is not maintained and did have a bit of blowdown to navigate through, but we kept going further until we reached a large rockpile. We climbed to the top and found ourselves in our own private spot that we had to ourselves the entire time. It had a great little view, and the best part were the pikas squeaking and scurrying around us!
Walking the herd path along Boom Lake
This path was not maintained and had a few obstacles
You can find nice private spots along this trail to enjoy the views of Boom Lake
Hiking up the large rock pile to get a nice view over Boom Lake
The view of Boom Lake from our nice private spot!
A pika near Boom Lake!
We stayed at Boom Lake for about an hour or so, and while it was pretty gloomy when we got there, it ended up getting a bit clearer the longer we stayed, and we were happy with the views! When we were ready, we began the easy hike out the same way we came…even easier now that it’s mostly downhill!
Hiking out from Boom Lake
When to Hike to Boom Lake
Because it is a lower elevation trail, the snow-free hiking season on the Boom Lake trail is a bit longer than some other Banff trails and runs from about June to October (though there can always be some snow earlier and later in that range so be sure to check on trail conditions for the Boom Lake hike before heading out).
However, Boom Lake can be visited year-round, and the Boom Lake trail is actually popular for snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter because of its ease. Just make sure to check up on avalanche conditions around the lake before heading out.
Admiring Boom Lake
If it’s forecast to rain, the Boom Lake hike can become pretty muddy, and the boulders around the lake are pretty slippery and difficult to walk on. We’d say, though, that if it’s not a downpour, and just light on-and-off rain like we had, I would still go for it. The crowds will be smaller but the lake will still show its color! Just make sure to wear a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction and waterproofing, and bring rain gear!
What to Bring on the Boom Lake Hike
The rocky shoreline along Boom Lake in Banff National Park
In addition to the usual essentials for day hiking, here are some things we would specifically recommend for the hike to Boom Lake:
Good supportive shoes: They don’t necessarily have to be hiking boots as the Boom Lake trail is easy, but once you get to the lake, you’ll be boulder hopping a bit and you’ll want good support and ankle stability in your shoes.
Bear spray: Banff is home to Grizzlies and black bears, and it is always recommended to hike with bear spray, even on popular and easy trails like the Boom Lake hike. You can buy or rent bear spray in the town of Banff at various outdoor stores (we specifically checked out Ultimate Sports and Bear Street Outfitters). If you plan on being in the area for a while and doing a lot of hiking, it might be more cost-effective to just buy your own can. When you’re done, you can pass it on to someone else, leave it with your hotel or accommodation, or even give it to someone at a Parks Canada office or visitor center, and they can use it for safety demos (since you can’t fly with it).
Stuff for swimming: You can swim in Boom Lake…if you can handle the cold! Many people like to take the plunge, so if that’s you be sure to bring a suit, warm clothes and towel, and water shoes might be helpful since you’ll be navigating rocks to get in and out of the lake.
Where to Stay Near Boom Lake
There are plenty of place to stay near Boom Lake. The two most obvious are 1) in the town of Banff itself, which has plenty of accommodation options, and 2) at Lake Louise. Both are within a half hour to the Boom Lake trail.
If you want to stay closer to Boom Lake, the Storm Mountain Lodge and Cabins are just a few kilometers down the road.
There are also a few accommodation options near Castle Junction in Banff, including the Castle Mountain Chalets and Wilderness Hostel and the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows.
Camping near Boom Lake
There are several frontcountry campgrounds in the area, both in Kootenay National Park and Banff National Park.
The closest campgrounds to Boom Lake are:
Marble Canyon Campground: Located in Kootenay National Park just ten minutes west of the Boom Lake trailhead on Highway 93. It’s open June 20th- Sept 2nd, with reservations opening on January 23rd.
Protection Mountain Campground: A first come first served site along the TransCanada Highway in Banff just north of Castle Junction.
Johnston Canyon Campground: Found along the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff near the popular Johnston Canyon trail and requires reservations.
Castle Mountain Campground: This is near Castle Junction but is currently closed until further notice.
There are many other camping options around Banff, particularly near the town of Banff, but also at Lake Louise and up the Icefields Parkway. Check the Banff camping website for more information on options, costs, reservation information, operating dates, and amenities at each!
Other Tips for Hiking to Boom Lake in Banff
View of Boom Lake!
Bear/wildlife safety: Banff is home to bears, so whenever you’re in the area, know how to hike safely in bear country, make sure to always have bear spray, and practice strict Leave No Trace principles.
While it’s always amazing to see new and different types of wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and pikas, make sure to give any animal their space and watch from a distance. Having binoculars or a camera with a good zoom lens will help you get a better look without disturbing them!
Boom Lake trail conditions: Before your Boom Lake hike, make sure to check trail conditions and recent trail reports (we like AllTrails for this) for any important information, and also for trail and/or road closures. This is especially important in the early and late season when the weather can be variable and unpredictable. With wildfires becoming more commonplace in the summer, it’s also important to check air quality to make sure it’s safe to hike.
Cost to visit Banff National Park: To hike in Banff, you’ll need to purchase a park pass. There are a few options:
Daily park pass: This is per person for the day (but valid up until 4 pm the next day) and good at any of the nearby National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, Revelstoke, Glacier, Elk Island and Waterton Lakes). You can buy it online or at the park gates, info/visitor centers, and campgrounds for $11 CAD per adult.
Parks Canada Discovery Pass: This is an annual pass to all of the Canadian National Parks and is good for a full year! This is more than worth it if you plan on being in the area for a while and/or visiting multiple National Parks. You can buy this pass online or in person at park gates and visitor centers for $75.25 CAD per person (but there are family rates as well).
Things to Do Near the Boom Lake Hike and More Canadian Rockies Guides
To help you plan out your Canadian Rockies itinerary, here are even more of the most amazing spots to add to your list!
YOHO NATIONAL PARK
WAPTA FALLS: Learn how to hike to Wapta Falls, a scenic and powerful waterfall in Yoho National Park.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
HERMIT TRAIL: The Hermit Trail is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park of Canada. It’s the steepest hike in the park, but it leads to breathtaking views over alpine meadows and the jagged mountains and glaciers of Rogers Pass.
GLACIER CREST TRAIL: This Glacier National Park trail is another steep climb to an up-close view of the Illecillewaet Glacier!
MOUNT REVELSTOKE NATIONAL PARK
EVA AND MILLER LAKES: The Eva and Miller Lakes Trail is the best hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park. This nearly 10 mile hike leads through wildflower-filled meadows and peaceful forest to two beautiful alpine lakes in the heart of Mount Revelstoke.
MOUNT ASSINIBOINE PROVINCIAL PARK
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Mount Assiniboine is one of our favorite spots in the Canadian Rockies, but it can be a challenge to get to, as there are no roads into the park! But trust us, it’s worth the effort to get to. Learn all about how to get to Mount Assiniboine and how to plan your visit in our ultimate guide.
HIKING TO MOUNT ASSINIBOINE: A great way to get to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is by hiking! Learn all about the hike from Sunshine Village in Banff to Mount Assiniboine.
THE NUBLET: The Niblet and Nublet hike is the best hike in Mount Assiniboine, and one of our favorites in all of the Canadian Rockies!
KANANASKIS
TENT RIDGE: The Tent Ridge hike is in Kananaskis, an alpine area just southeast of Banff. It’s a challenging hike involving scrambling and ridge walking, but your reward is epic views over Spray Lake and the mountains of Kananaskis!
Interested in the Boom Lake hike? Let us know your questions! As always, happy hiking!