Canyon Creek Trail

Information

This scenic hiking trail is a four-kilometre loop that follows along the sides of Canyon Creek offering spectacular views of the canyon walls and hoodoos along the creek. The trail was built by West Fraser in 1980. From the trailhead, the trail continues all the way to the Athabasca River and the return trail goes back up the creek on the other side. There is a picnic table 100 meters from the trailhead with a fire-pit and another picnic table and fire-pit at the end of the trail beside the river. The trail is usually in good shape and is generally easy to follow. The elevation change is from 1050 metres at the trailhead to 950 metres at the river. The trail travels through mixed wood stands. This is an excellent family hike.

The Canyon Creek Trail is a hiking trail for people with moderate hiking ability. The trail descends 100 metres down one side of Canyon Creek to the Athabasca River and then ascends back up the other side. There are off highway vehicle (quad) trails in the area, however their use is discouraged on the Canyon Creek trail. There is fishing for rainbow trout, whitefish and bull trout in the Athabasca River as well as Canyon Creek.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Currently (2026), there are two footbridges on the trail that are no longer useable. There are ways to get across the creek without using the footbridges, but this is discouraged due to safety concerns. Plans are underway to replace these footbridges, but this work is not likely to be completed until 2027 at the earliest.

Trail maps

The Canyon Creek Trail is not on the popular “Trailforks” app.

There is information, including a map, available at the AllTrails webpage or by following this link - Canyon Creek Trail

Safety
This is a wilderness trail. Please be prepared and use the trail at your own risk. Remember- YOU are responsible for your own safety. As in all wilderness settings, bears and cougars may be encountered at any time. To reduce the chance of an animal encounter, make plenty of noise to alert animals to your presence and carry bear spray. NEVER feed or approach a bear.