Howse Pass

Near Saskatchewan River Crossing · Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 57 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Howse Pass is a 50.9 km out and back trail near Saskatchewan River Crossing in Banff National Park. It runs 25.5 km each way. The route gains 909 m in total and tops out at 1,552 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard, and Parks Canada rates it difficult. Allow about 15 hours 15 minutes of moving time. Along the way you pass Howse Pass. Also used for horseback riding and backpacking.

Length: 50.9km; 25.5 km each way
Elevation gain: 909m
Estimated time: 15h15min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,552m
Lowest point: 1,394m

Elevation profile

1,394 m to 1,552 m

Highest point 1,552 m, lowest 1,394 m, 909 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 20% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 0% of route

0% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 25.5 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

25.5 kmHowse PassHistoric site · 1,539 m

Good for

Hiking, Horseback riding, Backpacking
Dog friendly (on leash)
Views, Historic site

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.9434° N, 116.7219° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 588 trails in Banff National Park

Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30