Sunshine Meadows
We have been to Sunshine Meadows in 3 seasons. It is a good ski hill and a rewarding cross-country ski area in winter. As a section of the backpack all the way over to Assiniboine, it is a scenic and moderate section of the 52+km one-way route. And, for a summer hike, the 21 km return hike is open, has rolling terrain, and many fine views.
Sunshine is about 15 minutes from Banff. Turn south of Highway 1 at the signed exit. Climb into the side valley to the base of the mountain. The gondola does not run in the summer, but a bus shuttle runs every hour. Take the shuttle up (its worth it). There are several trails through the meadows, and most visitors do the short one around the lakes. Another trail climbs southwest through Simpson Pass over to Healy Pass, another fine hike. The Citadel Pass Trail starts in Banff National Park (Sunshine), crosses the Great Divide into Assiniboine Provincial Park, passes the tarns (Rock Isle, Larix, and Grizzly Lakes), climbs over low ridges, descends down to Howard Douglas Lake, and finally gradually ascends to Citadel Pass.
The route beyond Citadel Pass is a very steep downhill down into the Simpson River Valley and beyond a day-hike. Make Citadel Pass your stop and turn-around point. For a better view of the Assiniboine area, you can climb a little bit near the pass. We found the 21 km return trip hike to be quick since the terrain is relatively easy and the trail is in good shape. The hike is best done in the summer when the flowers are blooming, but any day where there are clear skies, the views are worth the long hike.
