Mount Rundle Trailhead — Attraction in Alberta

Make sure you wear very comfortable walking boots and durable trousers and a long sleeved top. A hat is a must if it's sunny. Mosquitoes will swarm you everytime you stop for a drink until you clear the tree line. If it's very hot set off with at least four ltrs of water. A good pair of leather gloves will save your hands from the sharp rocks, pine needles and tree trunks. On your way down you will be sliding over a lot of loose scree and rocks, your hands will suffer without gloves.

There is no discernable path leading up from behind the golf course. I saw some orange markers tied to trees after an hour hiking up on deer paths. The markers were a very steep gradient, about 45 degrees. Unfortunately the markers ended half way up through the trees. Why not spray paint trees indicating a discernable path all the way up to the top of the left hand end of the saddle, that then leads up to the higher part? I hit rock faces now and then and had to retrace my steps down to find a climbable way up.

Spectacular views of Banff, vally and surrounding mountains especially once you reach the moonscape of loose rock on top. Try to remember the route up, once on top it's easy to forget the exact place to get back down again. On the way down from the top be prepared to scree slide quite a bit.

It took me 6 hrs to get to the top and three back down again. I'm an unfit 57 year old and climbed it alone. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't reasonably fit and/or young-(ish). :) Saying that I'm really glad I did it. Know your limitations, if you are struggling on the way up it will be twice as bad on the way down.

I was told Banff mountain rescue were very frustrated with having to rescue ill prepared tourists all too often, however, if you are really stuck and can't get down make the call. Know your limits. Keep away from the...

For experienced hikers only—my first (and hopefully only) 5-star hike. Starts at Fairmont Golf Course and took 9 hours round trip. The first half is a mellow, shaded mud trail, but the real challenge kicks in later: steep elevation, narrow paths with drop-offs on both sides, and a class 4 scramble (just below technical climbing). Trail is poorly marked—watch videos and read online comments before you go. Phone signal is available the whole way. Bring poles and maybe gloves—the rocks are sharp and can cut if you slip. If you’ve got knee issues, definitely...

Unimaginably challenging and tiring in early season. 2hrs to first gully, 1 hr down, at least 8 to the summit for intermediate hiker. Ridiculously steep with deep snow, enjoy postholing for hours. Somehow worth it to conquer one of the most iconic peaks in the world. A true hike, no scrambling experience or extreme risk present other than avalanches at the two gully crossings. Truly worthwhile even if you do not...