Alberta is full of jaw-dropping landscapes, but with so many options and so little time, how can you pick the best one? We’ve scoured countless trails, explored hidden valleys, and climbed peaks some people don’t even know exist. After years of wandering, we know the best day hikes in Alberta that deliver the views, the thrills, the stories you’ll never forget, and the off-the-beaten path adventures in Alberta’s true wilderness.
Keep reading to see and learn about some Alberta’s most epic hikes!
Our top picks for some of the best day hikes in Alberta
Here are some of our top picks for the best hikes in Southern Alberta that showcase the region’s stunning landscapes, expansive forests, and epic mountain views. These are some of the best Alberta hikes we personally guide our clients on, making each adventure a carefully crafted and unforgettable experience.
- Ptolemy Valley, Crowsnest Pass
Ptolemy Valley is a karst wonderland, sculpted over millennia by glaciers and flowing water cutting through limestone. As you wind through this dramatic landscape, you’ll encounter unique rock formations, crystal-clear creeks, and sweeping views of nearby mountains. We even explore a small cave along the way. It’s a long day, but the views and the geological tidbits from your guide make every step worth it.
This hike is part of our Adventure Club. Our next hike to the Ptolemy Valley is on Sept. 20, 2025.
- Mystery location #1: In the shadows of the iconic Crowsnest Mountain
Everyone wants to know where the best Alberta hikes are, but some trails are worth keeping secret. On this mystery hike around the iconic Crowsnest Mountain, expect off-trail travel, some steep and punchy climbs at times, and epic views that feel untouched.
Uplift Adventures Founder, Heather Davis, handcrafted this route over many years of examining topographical maps, applying her navigation expertise, and exploring multiple routes below Crowsnest Mountain to get it just right. It’s a labour of love and took three years before she finally felt it was just right to share with clients who book with Uplift Adventures.
Now, it’s turned into one of the most scenic hikes along Crowsnest Mountain, without the scary climb up Crowsnest Mountain.
Our next mystery hike is on Sept. 21, 2025.
- Mystery hike #2: Golden larch galore in Crowsnest Pass
This hike is your front-row seat to see the larches at their golden peak, with epic golden-coloured landscapes! It’s designed as a thru-hike, which means we shuttle vehicles before and after the hike and you don’t see the same views twice. Along the way, you’ll hike a mix of ATV trails and off-trail terrain made of sweeping valleys and quiet pockets of untouched forest.
This hike is fun any time of year, but it truly comes alive in the fall during larch season. Every turn brings a new perspective of the larch-studded landscape, making it one of the most breathtaking hikes in Southern Alberta.
Our larch hikes are on Sept. 28, 2025.
- Turtle Mountain, Crowsnest Pass
This is a classic hike with sweeping summit views that just never gets old—and being the first year we offer this hike as part of our Adventure Club, we have special pricing for 2025. The mountain is famously known for its 1903 landslide, one of Canada’s deadliest, and hiking here gives a unique perspective on the rugged landscape shaped by that historic event.
This is designed to be a slow, leisurely hike, perfect for cheering each other on and capping off the summer season with a memorable high point. Everyone is encouraged to bring a celebratory charcuterie item to share for a group picnic.
Our next hike up Turtle Mountain is Oct. 4, 2025.
Why don’t we share the location of our mystery hikes?
We don’t reveal the exact locations of our mystery hikes, and there’s a reason for that. Our team spends months—sometimes years!—crafting the perfect route, combining expert knowledge, careful planning, and countless hours in the backcountry. These hikes are designed to be truly special for our clients, offering unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.
By keeping the locations exclusive, we preserve the sense of discovery, protect the trails from overuse, and ensure each adventure feels like a rare, unforgettable journey.
Interested in doing one of these hikes?
Limited spots, unlimited adventure. These hikes showcase the very best of Alberta’s backcountry, from hidden valleys and golden larch forests to secret peaks and panoramic views. Don’t wait—grab your place on one of these fall 2025 hikes and see Alberta in a way most people only dream about.
Do you have any questions or want something tailored just for you or your group? Reach out to our team. We offer private hikes and can help craft an unforgettable backcountry experience.