Alberta’s rugged landscape makes it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts craving hiking and trekking adventures. With soaring peaks, pristine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows, it’s a region that offers both breathtaking scenery and authentic experiences. We’re especially fond of the private helicopter tour and hike in the Canadian Rockies because it combines the thrill of a bird’s-eye view with a peaceful trek through untouched wilderness. Plus, the small group size ensures a personal touch—and incredible photo ops. If you’re after a classic day out, the Lake Louise Day Hike offers some of the most postcard-perfect scenery in the country. For those wanting something more remote, Waterton’s alpine lakes, wildflowers, and border-crossing history make for memorable trekking.
In this guide, we’ve ranked the top six hiking and trekking tours in Alberta, balancing unique experiences, value, and traveler reviews. These options range from helicopter rides and glacier hikes to multi-hour wilderness adventures—something for every taste, fitness level, and budget.
1. Canadian Rockies: Private Helicopter Tour and Hike for Two
At number 1, this luxurious combination of helicopter flight and guided hike is perfect for couples or small groups seeking something extraordinary. The tour kicks off with a 20-minute romantic helicopter ride over the iconic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, providing panoramic views impossible to match from the ground. After this aerial adventure, you’ll land in a remote wilderness area for a leisurely 1-hour hike—a chance to stretch your legs and take in the raw beauty of the mountains.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of adventure and intimacy. Imagine soaring above snow-capped summits, then walking through forests and alpine meadows, all with your loved one. The helicopter is a small group experience, ensuring plenty of time for photos and personal attention from your pilot. It’s a pricey option at $734 per group, but the exclusive access and stunning vistas justify the cost.
Good for: Couples celebrating special occasions, those with limited time but a big desire for once-in-a-lifetime views.
Bottom line: An unforgettable mix of aerial and ground exploration that’s perfect for romance and adventure alike.
2. Day Hike in Lake Louise
The Day Hike in Lake Louise is a classic for good reason. This approximately six-hour small-group trek offers a chance to walk amidst the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies with a knowledgeable guide []. The hike varies seasonally, with options to see majestic snow-capped peaks, wildflowers, or fall colors, depending on when you go.
Your guide will point out local geology, flora, and fauna, making the experience educational as well as scenic. You’ll start near the famous Lake Louise, known for its turquoise waters, then venture onto trails leading toward the Glacier Trail or other scenic overlooks. Guests have praised the guide Shauna for her enthusiasm and expertise, with some saying she made the experience “very enjoyable” and “very informative.” The small group size means you’ll get personalized attention.
For $278.36 per person, this tour offers a great balance of scenery, education, and company. It’s ideal if you want a full, immersive day in the Rockies with plenty of time for questions and photos.
Bottom line: This guided hike is perfect for those who want to explore Lake Louise’s surroundings with a local, making every step both scenic and informative.
3. Waterton Bertha Lake Hike
At number 3, the Bertha Lake hike in Waterton offers a rewarding alpine experience. For around $103.67, you’ll spend about six hours exploring a trail that leads to a stunning mountain lake. Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible wildflowers, with some of the most vibrant in Waterton, plus views of Upper Waterton Lake.
What makes this trail special is its variety: mountain vistas, waterfalls, fossils, and wildflower meadows all in one trip. The lake itself is a peaceful spot for a break and photos. The guide will point out interesting flora and geological features, enhancing the experience. It’s suitable for moderate hikers with a good level of fitness.
Guests rave about the scenery, though the review score is 4/5 due to limited reviews. Still, the diverse landscape and alpine atmosphere make this hike a must for those seeking a full day immersed in nature.
Bottom line: The Bertha Lake hike combines mountain views, wildflowers, and tranquility, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor photographers.
$103.67 per person
4. Waterton Boundary Bay Hike
Number 4 on our list, the Boundary Bay hike is a special trek because it crosses from Canada into the U.S., symbolizing peace between the two nations []. It takes about seven hours and offers continuous mountain views along Upper Waterton Lake.
This hike is perfect for travelers interested in both natural beauty and history. It’s a longer trek, suitable for hardy hikers, and offers a unique perspective on the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The trail showcases the park’s rugged terrain and provides excellent photo opportunities. While there are no reviews yet, the potential for scenic vistas combined with a touch of international significance makes it appealing.
The hike is best suited for experienced hikers with good stamina who want a full-day adventure in a setting rich in both beauty and meaning.
Bottom line: If you’re into scenic mountain vistas with a dash of history, this international boundary trek offers both in a single day.
$102.68 per person
5. Waterton Upper Rowe Lakes Hike
The Upper Rowe Lakes hike showcases Waterton’s famous larch trees, which turn golden in fall. For about $102.90, this seven-hour trek takes you to one of the park’s most photogenic spots, especially in late summer to early fall.
Starting at the Wildflower Meadow after Lower Rowe Lakes, the route passes through areas rich in flora and fauna. The guides are passionate and knowledgeable, often sharing facts about the park’s plant and animal life. Visitors love the chance to see the golden larches, which are a rare sight outside of fall.
This hike suits those who appreciate flora and want to see the change of seasons in the mountains. It’s a longer trek that requires a reasonable level of fitness but rewards hikers with stunning views and colorful trees.
Bottom line: The Upper Rowe Lakes trail is perfect for nature lovers wanting a flora-rich experience and the chance to see Waterton’s iconic larches.
$102.90 per person
6. 5 Hours Winter Wonderland Guided Hike to Fullerton Loop
Last on our list is the Winter Wonderland Guided Hike in Fullerton Loop, a five-hour adventure for those who don’t mind cold weather. Priced at $190.37, this tour offers a different perspective: snow-covered landscapes and the stories they hold.
The guide shares local history and land stories as you trek through snowy forests and open meadows. The scenery is transformed into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for stunning photos and peaceful solitude. The tour suits travelers prepared for winter conditions and looking for a more contemplative nature experience.
While reviews are not yet available, the combination of storytelling and winter scenery appeals to those seeking a quieter, seasonally different hike.
Bottom line: This winter hike is ideal for adventurous spirits eager to explore Alberta’s snowy landscapes with a knowledgeable guide.
$190.37 per person
How to Choose the Right Hiking and Trekking Tour in Alberta
When selecting your ideal adventure, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For instance, if you want a luxury experience with spectacular aerial views, the helicopter tour is unmatched. If you’d rather learn about scenic trails and wildlife, the Lake Louise Day Hike offers a fantastic guided day out. Those interested in wildflowers and alpine lakes will find the Waterton Upper Rowe Lakes a perfect option, especially in summer.
Think about the season—some tours, like the winter hike, are season-specific, while others operate year-round. Also, check the duration—from a couple of hours to full-day adventures—and match it to your available time and energy.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons like summer and fall, to secure spots and plan around the best weather. Whether you prefer a romantic helicopter flight, a challenging mountain hike, or a peaceful winter walk, Alberta’s landscape offers something unforgettable.
Alberta’s diverse terrain and spectacular scenery make it a top destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. The options above highlight some of the best ways to experience its natural beauty, from high-altitude lakes and wildflower meadows to mountain summits and international borders. Whether you choose the luxury of a helicopter adventure or the solitude of a mountain trail, these tours promise memorable encounters with some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes. Book early, pack your sense of adventure, and enjoy every step in Alberta’s wild heart.