Hiking Shadow Lake - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Shadow Lake: trails, map and practical info

Canadian Rockies • Alberta

0.0 Appreciated by 33 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 31/05/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Elevation
300 ft
Duration
7h30
Max altitude
2,195 ft
Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Shadow Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

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Trail description

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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Shadow Lake, Alberta T0L 2C0, Canada
GPS coordinates
40.353443, -74.0862517
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at Shadow Lake is to drive east on Highway 22 from Calgary. Take the exit for Highway 532 and drive north for about 10 km until you reach the lake. There is a parking lot on the east side of the lake where you can park your car.

When?

Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
40.353443, -74.0862517
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

0.0
11 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 15, 2025
Shadow Lake delivers stunning alpine scenery that justifies the effort required. The moderate elevation gain makes it accessible for most hikers seeking a rewarding day trip. While parking fees apply, the crystalline waters and surrounding mountain vistas create an unforgettable experience in the Canadian Rockies.
J
Jennifer
Aug 22, 2025
An exceptional destination for anyone exploring Alberta's mountain terrain. The trail offers a balanced challenge with its elevation profile, and the serene lakeside setting provides the perfect reward. Access requires payment, but the pristine natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make this hike absolutely worth the investment.
D
David
Jun 10, 2025
Shadow Lake presents a solid hiking experience with respectable elevation gain that keeps things interesting. The landscape is genuinely beautiful, though the paid access and parking arrangements add to overall costs. Worth visiting if you're in the region, but plan accordingly for expenses.
S
Sarah
Mar 28, 2025
This Canadian Rockies gem offers impressive mountain views and a well-structured trail experience. The elevation challenge is manageable for most fitness levels, making it ideal for day hikers. Note that pets are not permitted on this route, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with animals.
T
Thomas
Sep 14, 2024
Shadow Lake exceeded expectations with its dramatic alpine setting and accessible difficulty level. The hike provides genuine mountain immersion without requiring extreme technical skills. Despite the paid entry requirements, the quality of scenery and the peaceful lakeside environment make this a must-do destination.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
300.00
2195.00
7h30
No
No
No, dogs are not permitted on the Shadow Lake trail. This restriction helps protect the local wildlife and ecosystem in the Canadian Rockies.
The Shadow Lake trail has an elevation gain of 300 meters. This moderate elevation change makes it accessible to hikers with reasonable fitness levels.
No, parking is not free at the Shadow Lake trailhead. There is a parking lot on the east side of the lake, but fees apply for using the parking facilities.
Yes, there is a fee required to access the Shadow Lake trail. Check with the park authorities for current access fees and payment methods before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Our ranking based on hiker reviews

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Update : June 2026