Mount Townsend Route

Near Canmore · Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park

Hard · Out and back

Trail score 37 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Mount Townsend Route is a 10.8 km out and back trail near Canmore in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. It runs 5.4 km each way. The route gains 1,302 m in total and tops out at 2,812 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 8 hours 15 minutes of moving time. It meets Epic Tower to Townsend Route at 4.6 km.

Length: 10.8km; 5.4 km each way
Elevation gain: 1,302m
Estimated time: 8h15min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 2,812m
Lowest point: 1,696m

Elevation profile

1,696 m to 2,812 m

Highest point 2,812 m, lowest 1,696 m, 1,302 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 70% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 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

4.9 kmMount TownsendSummit · 2,820 m

Good for

Hiking
Dog friendly (on leash)
Views, Alpine

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.1298° N, 115.2827° W.

Driving directions

Kananaskis Conservation Pass

Vehicle pass required when parking

Buy pass

Pass details

Vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley need this pass. It is registered to the licence plate. People arriving without a vehicle do not need one, and official exemptions and free days may apply.

$15 daily for one vehicle · $90 yearly for up to three vehicles

Information and prices 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 149 trails in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park

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