This hike to the summit of "The Onion" in Banff NP in Canada has everything that makes a top tour: a clear lake, waterfalls, climbing spots and a summit with a dream view
Onion - is it because of its shape or because it makes your eyes water when you look at it?
Above the glaciers of the Wapta Icefields
Such high mountains, so many glaciers, so many blue lakes. The hike up the "Onion" in the Rocky Mountains of Canada is spectacular. However, it should only be undertaken by experienced mountaineers. Several raging streams have to be crossed, which is not without danger, especially on warm days when the meltwater from the glaciers makes the rivers deeper. The climb from the Bow Hut to the summit at 2,660 m requires good orientation and the ability to master several climbing sections. You hike along the Wapta Icefield and look down on the Bow Glacier. Several three-thousand-meter peaks tower above you, such as Mount Thompson 3,084 m, Mount Olive 3,130 m or Mount Rhondda 3,062 m. An absolute dream tour!
Click on the first picture to start the photo gallery:
My tip: Just before the Bow Hut I found it easiest to walk for a longer time through the slightly calmer water at the widest point.
Key facts about the hike on "The Onion" in Banff NP in Canada
♡ -Factor: ♡♡♡♡♡
Walking time : 6:15 h
Altitude : 740 m up and down
Length : 17.2 km
Accessible by public transport? No
GPS data: I have uploaded the GPS data for the hike to the Outdoor Active website
Starting point: Parking lot of the Num Ti Jahre Lodge at Bow Lake
Safety note: Canada is a bear country. In my blog post " Safe hiking and camping in bear country Canada " you will find tips on how to avoid the bear and how to behave if you do encounter him.
Equipment: I recommend hiking boots for this hike. Hiking poles and trekking sandals (if you don't want your hiking boots to get wet) are helpful for crossing the rivers. Rain gear is always a good idea in Canada. Bear spray is a must.
Further information and links: On the Parcs Canada website you will find all the information you need about Banff and Lake Louise National Park.
ENTRANCE NATIONAL PARK
The national parks in Canada charge admission. Each day costs $10.50. If you want to stay longer or visit several national parks, the Parcs Canada Discovery Pass is worth it for $72.25, which is valid for one year in all Parcs Canada facilities.
Directions:
Directions: From the car park at the Num Ti Jahre Lodge on Bow Lake, follow the hiking trail that is signposted to Bow Falls. It initially runs along the north bank in a westerly direction. The trail leads up the mountain on the right-hand side along the alluvial fan. After about 3 km, the Bow Hut Trail separates from the Bow Glacier Falls Trail. You have to climb over a rock to get to the left side of the stream. From there, the trail continues uphill. In the lower part, you have to climb over larger stones. A little further on, the trail leads above a narrow gorge, partly through small forests, ever further south.
After five and a half kilometers, the first stream must be crossed, and the trail continues 800 meters further south. Orientation becomes a little more difficult here: the trail leads to the right to the Bow Hut, which can already be seen from further down. From here, the trail becomes more challenging: it leads steeply through a gravel gully, up a hill, and just below the Bow Hut, a wider glacier runoff must be crossed. From the hut, it is another 1.5 km to the round summit of "the Onion". The trail is not always easy to find and there are a few climbing sections to overcome. On the round summit plateau, you should walk to the northern edge to get a beautiful view of the lakes below. The descent follows the ascent route.
INFO
All information on the Parks Canada website is available in English and French.
GETTING THERE
There are several scheduled flights from Germany to Vancouver or Calgary every day. An electronic travel document (eTa) is required to enter Canada.
The easiest way to continue your journey is by rental car, e.g. via www.billiger-mietwagen.de
BEST TIME
The best time to hike in the Rocky Mountains is from early July to September. Depending on the altitude, however, you can expect snow even in summer.
LITERATURE
Canadian Rocky Mountains by Rother Verlag, edition 2023
ACCOMMODATION
The Lake Louise Campground by Parcs Canada is located in a young conifer forest. It's okay but doesn't offer great views. It still gets booked up quickly.
The small spot on Protection Mountain has better views. However, you can't make a reservation. It's first come, first served. It's open from June 20th to September 2nd. When I was there, there was still plenty of space.
We told other travelers that they thought Silverhorn Creek Campground was the nicest of all. It was fully booked for me. You can reserve it on the Parks Canada website. It is located 40 minutes from Lake Louise in the direction of Jasper.
CARDS
If you would like a detailed hiking map in addition to the Parks Canada maps, you can order a waterproof and tear-resistant hiking map for the region from Gem Trek or buy one locally.