Hike Alberta
Shadow LakeShadow Lake Lodge 1 km N
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Shadow Lake

Near Banff · Banff National Park

Moderate · Out and back · Official trail

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

Shadow Lake 1 km Open the map

About this trail

Shadow Lake is a 10.7 km out and back trail near Banff in Banff National Park. It runs 5.4 km each way. The route gains 344 m in total and tops out at 1,879 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate, and Parks Canada rates it moderate. Allow about 3 hours 30 minutes of moving time. It meets Redearth Creek Trail at 3.5 km. Along the way you pass Shadow Lake, a backcountry campground and Shadow Lake Lodge. Also used for trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Length
10.7km
5.4 km each way
Elevation gain
344m
Estimated time
3h30min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
1,879m
Lowest point
1,738m

Elevation profile

1,738 m to 1,879 m
1,8791,738 0 km5.4 km

Highest point 1,879 m, lowest 1,738 m, 344 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 30% 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. 2.5 kmShadow Lake Backcountry CampgroundBackcountry campground
  2. 2.7 kmShadow Lake LodgeHut
  3. 3.6 kmShadow LakeLake

Good for

  • Hiking, Trail running, Mountain biking, Horseback riding, Backpacking
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Lake, Camping, Hut or tea house

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.1781° N, 115.9180° 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