C-Level Cirque
A moderately challenging hike in Banff offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Minnewanka and the surrounding valley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, good for wildlife
C-Level Cirque
Best Time
Fewer crowds, good for wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderately challenging hike in Banff offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Minnewanka and the surrounding valley.
"Steep incline but well worth the view when you get to the top!"
🥾 Trekking Poles are Key
Highly recommended for the steep descent to save your knees and improve stability.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially for the final ascent above the treeline.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Valley Views
Summit of C-Level Cirque
Breathtaking vistas of Lake Minnewanka and the Trans-Canada Highway stretching through the valley.
Alpine Meadow Exploration
The Cirque
A vast, open clearing offering a dramatic change of scenery and a chance to spot wildlife.
Historic Mine Pits
Lower section of the trail
Discover remnants of old mining operations, adding a unique historical element to your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb: C-Level Cirque Prep
Wildlife & Weather Wise
Best Times
Insider Tips
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C Level Cirque Banff Trail Report
🥾 Trekking Poles are Key
Highly recommended for the steep descent to save your knees and improve stability.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially for the final ascent above the treeline.
C-Level Cirque Hike
True difficulty of Cirque peak hike
🅿️ Parking Availability
The trailhead lot is spacious, but can fill up on weekends. Arrive early for best spots.
🦔 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for marmots, pikas, and bighorn sheep; sightings are common.
Best/safest solo hikes (for grizzlies)
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Trekking Poles are Key
Highly recommended for the steep descent to save your knees and improve stability.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially for the final ascent above the treeline.
🅿️ Parking Availability
The trailhead lot is spacious, but can fill up on weekends. Arrive early for best spots.
🦔 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for marmots, pikas, and bighorn sheep; sightings are common.
🗺️ Trail Clarity
The C-Level Cirque hiking trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The C-Level Cirque hike is praised for its breathtaking panoramic views and the rewarding experience of reaching the alpine cirque. While the final kilometer is steep and challenging, most visitors find the effort well worth the spectacular scenery. Wildlife sightings add to the appeal, though some note the trail can be eroded in places.
"Prefect for a half day hike with breathtaking views of lake Minnewanka, and C-Level Cirque. Trail is easy to follow, well maintained, and fairly steep. The last mile up is the steepest part of the climb. Trail wasn’t too busy for a Wednesday morning. Plenty of parking in the lot. Pit toilets available at trailhead.
We saw chunky marmots sunning themselves on boulders, Pikas scurrying with mouthfuls of fodder for their winter storage, BigHorn Sheep, and plenty of birds.
Came across a group of ladies from
Calgary who do Wednesday weekly organized hikes, one was celebrating her 84tb birthday. If that doesn’t inspire you, I don’t know what would! They were fabulous!
Bring plenty of water as you are above treeline when you get above the alpine."
Kristen Abt
"One of the more memorable hikes I did in banff! A steep incline but well worth the view when you get to the top!"
Spencer Q
"Despite what the trailhead signs and maps say, this is a 10 km round-trip out and back hike. Easy parking at the trailhead with bathrooms on site. Hike itself starts off easy with a constant but gradual incline through the trees in an old mine. Did not see any wildlife all day, but have heard some were seen previously on the trail. Once you get to the cirque, which is probably about an hour in, it’s a huge clearing right beside cascade mountain, providing expensive views of the valley and lake. From here on out, it’s a pretty steep and strenuous climb. Take your time, do not rush this part. Definitely worth it in the end. I would say there is not that much in the way of seat options at the summit, but you can find places to rest. Easier coming down obviously, go slow as the incline is pretty steep. We definitely recommend hiking poles as it can make your life way easier. The descent is definitely tough on the legs and knees."
Mitchell G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The C-Level Cirque trailhead is located near Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Follow signs for Lake Minnewanka and then look for the C-Level Cirque trail parking area.
Public transport options to the immediate trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or consider a taxi/rideshare service to reach the C-Level Cirque trail.
From Banff townsite, head east on Banff Avenue and turn right onto Lake Minnewanka Loop Road. Continue on this road for approximately 13 km, and the C-Level Cirque parking lot will be on your right.
The drive from Banff townsite to the C-Level Cirque trailhead typically takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Banff National Park and for parking at most trailheads, including C-Level Cirque.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no specific ticket required for the C-Level Cirque hike itself. However, you will need a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass to enter Banff National Park and park at the trailhead.
C-Level Cirque is an outdoor hiking trail and is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, winter conditions can make the trail impassable or dangerous.
While not as common as for some other Banff hikes, guided tours may be available through local Banff tour operators. It's best to check with local outfitters for availability.
The C-Level Cirque hike is free to access once you are within Banff National Park. The primary cost is the Parks Canada Discovery Pass for park entry and parking.
You can purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass online through the Parks Canada website, at park gates upon entry, or at visitor centres.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The C-Level Cirque hike is considered moderately challenging. It features a steady incline through trees, with a steep and rocky scramble for the last kilometer to the summit.
The C-Level Cirque trail is approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) round-trip, out and back. The hike to the cirque itself takes about an hour, with the steeper climb to the summit taking longer.
From the summit, you'll enjoy expansive views of the valley, including Lake Minnewanka and the Trans-Canada Highway. The cirque itself is a large, open clearing with dramatic mountain scenery.
Yes, there are pit toilets available at the C-Level Cirque trailhead parking lot.
While the initial part of the C-Level Cirque trail is gradual, the final kilometer is steep and rocky, which can be challenging for absolute beginners or those not accustomed to hiking.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most dramatic panoramic shots. The cirque itself provides a unique landscape for photos, and the old mine pits offer interesting foreground elements.
Morning light can be beautiful for the valley views, while afternoon light can illuminate the cirque and surrounding peaks. Golden hour before sunset can also be spectacular.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the stunning scenery. However, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for the panoramic vistas.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other hikers and avoid disturbing wildlife. Drone usage may be restricted in national parks, so check regulations.
You might have opportunities to photograph marmots, pikas, bighorn sheep, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendations for families: Consider hiking only to the cirque itself, which is a significant achievement and offers lovely views. Bring plenty of snacks and water, and encourage breaks. Trekking poles can be helpful for older children who can manage them. Always supervise children closely, especially on the steeper sections, and be aware of wildlife.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget hikers: Pack your own lunch and snacks to avoid expensive restaurant meals. Bring reusable water bottles and refill them at designated stations if available, or carry enough water for the entire hike. Carpooling with other travelers can also help split the cost of the Discovery Pass and fuel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The C-Level Cirque Hike: A Detailed Look
As you ascend, the trees begin to thin, and you'll reach the cirque itself – a large, open alpine meadow. This area offers a dramatic shift in scenery and provides a sense of accomplishment. However, the true challenge of the C-Level Cirque trail lies in the final kilometer. This section involves a steep, rocky scramble that requires careful footing and can be strenuous. Many hikers recommend using trekking poles for this part of the ascent and especially for the descent to ease the strain on knees and legs.
Despite the challenging final push, the panoramic views from the summit are widely considered to be well worth the effort. You'll be treated to expansive vistas of the surrounding Banff landscape, including Lake Minnewanka and the Trans-Canada Highway winding through the valley. The C-Level Cirque hiking trail is a fantastic option for a half-day adventure, offering a taste of alpine hiking with spectacular rewards.
Wildlife Encounters on the Trail
Beyond the smaller critters, there's also a good chance of spotting larger wildlife. Bighorn sheep are known to frequent the area, and their presence adds an exciting element to the hike. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to observe, with various species flitting through the trees and across the open cirque. While sightings are not guaranteed, the possibility of encountering these animals makes the C-Level Cirque hike even more memorable. Remember to always maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife.
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