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Marvel Lake

Near Canmore · Banff National Park

Moderate · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 53 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

1 km Open the map

About this trail

Marvel Lake is a 11.3 km out and back trail near Canmore in Banff National Park. It runs 5.7 km each way. The route gains 286 m in total and tops out at 1,979 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate, and Parks Canada rates it moderate. Allow about 3 hours 30 minutes of moving time. It meets Wonder Pass · Marvel Lake at 0.3 km and Wonder Pass / Marvel Lake Trail at 1.2 km. Also used for trail running and horseback riding.

Length
11.3km
5.7 km each way
Elevation gain
286m
Estimated time
3h30min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
1,979m
Lowest point
1,845m

Elevation profile

1,845 m to 1,979 m
1,9791,845 0 km5.7 km

Highest point 1,979 m, lowest 1,845 m, 286 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 19% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 0% of route

0% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap
5.7 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.

Good for

  • Hiking, Trail running, Horseback riding
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Lake

Trailhead

The trail starts at 50.9018° N, 115.5223° 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