EXPERIENCE NORQUAY IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
There’s more to Norquay than skiing, riding, and tubing. We also have great snowshoeing trails that offer amazing views and a relaxing change of pace. Want to see a different side of Norquay? Rent some snowshoes from the North American Lodge or our rental office and explore our three trails. All trails are marked but are not patrolled.
Stoney Squaw Loop Trail
The easiest trail is the Stoney Squaw Loop trail. Follow signs as they lead you up gentle slopes behind Cascade Lodge and Ski Patrol office to great views of the Norquay alpine skiing center. The broad cleared trail gently descends through spruce and fir forest offering great views of Mt Brewster to the north. Eventually the trail narrows and winds down through the forest to a wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and head back to the Cascade Lodge to warm up.
Time: About 1 hour.
Difficulty: Easy
Stoney Squaw Summit Trail
The Stoney Squaw Summit Trail snowshoe route follows the very popular summer trail from the Mt Norquay parking lot to the summit of Stoney Squaw Mountain. The well-marked Parks Canada trail climbs gently through pine and spruce forest. It takes about one hour to get to one of Banff’s best viewpoints, offering exceptional views of the town of Banff nestled at the confluence of the Bow and Spray Rivers. Mt Rundle, rising a vertical mile (1600 m) above the valley, provides an impressive backdrop. Retrace your steps to Mt. Norquay’s Lone Pine Restaurant and Pub in our Cascade Lodge.
Time: 2 ½ hours.
Difficulty: Moderate
Prune Pickers Trail
The Prune Pickers circuit starts at the Mt. Norquay Snow Tubing centre. This snowshoe trail is marked with signs and climbs up from the base of the Norquay chairlift, crossing open slopes below the snow-tubing lanes before it enters the forest. After about 30 minutes the trail emerges from the forest into a glade, offering teasing glimpses of Banff in the valley below. Another 15 minutes or so, the views open up to reveal the quintessential signature view of Banff. After snapping a few pictures, retrace your steps, or continue to follow the trail up for another 15 minutes as the views just keep getting better. Retrace your steps back to the Snow Tubing Center Lodge for a hot chocolate and snacks.
Time: About 2 hours.
Difficult: Moderate with one 40-metre steep section.
Snowshoe Rental Prices
Adult Sizes: $15 Full Day
Junior Sizes: $10 Full Day