Merlin Highline

Near Lake Louise · Banff National Park

Moderate · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 58 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Merlin Highline is a 4.2 km out and back trail near Lake Louise in Banff National Park. It runs 2.1 km each way. The route gains 347 m in total and tops out at 2,371 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate, and Parks Canada rates it moderate. Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes of moving time. Along the way you pass Lake Merlin. Also used for horseback riding.

Length: 4.2km; 2.1 km each way
Elevation gain: 347m
Estimated time: 2h30min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 2,371m
Lowest point: 2,208m

Elevation profile

2,208 m to 2,371 m

Highest point 2,371 m, lowest 2,208 m, 347 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 66% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

100% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.0 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

0.8 kmLake MerlinLake

Good for

Hiking, Horseback riding
Dog friendly (on leash)
Lake, Views, Alpine

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.5168° N, 116.0955° 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