Hike Alberta
Lake Merlin 500 m N
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Merlin Lake Route

Near Lake Louise · Banff National Park

Moderate · Out and back

Trail score 75 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

Lake Merlin 500 m Open the map

About this trail

Merlin Lake Route is a 6.8 km out and back trail near Lake Louise in Banff National Park. It runs 3.4 km each way. The route gains 335 m in total and tops out at 2,369 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate. Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes of moving time. It meets Skoki Trails at 2.5 km. At 2.4 km the trail forks. This route keeps right; the left fork is a 50 m side branch with the same name. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass Lake Merlin. Also used for trail running.

Length
6.8km
3.4 km each way
Elevation gain
335m
Estimated time
2h45min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
2,369m
Lowest point
2,138m

Elevation profile

2,138 m to 2,369 m
2,3692,138 0 km3.4 km

Highest point 2,369 m, lowest 2,138 m, 335 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 39% 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

  1. 2.3 kmLake MerlinLake

Good for

  • Hiking, Trail running
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Lake, Views, Alpine

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.5220° N, 116.0801° 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

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30