The hike to Rae Glacier must count as one of the more spectacular rambles I have taken in the in the Canadian Rockies. My wife, a long time observer of my excursions was surprised to hear such high praise. Living in the East my trips West are a rare annual event, and any hike that takes me into the Rockies is a delight to the senses. But Rae Glacier was like a well edited compendium of all the hikes I’ve taken, bundled into a neat four hour package.

What do you like? Forest trails, easily walkable? The first leg, up to Elbow Lake is for you. A vermillion lake as pretty as Lake Louise (well, OK, almost).  There you can even get a taste of back country camping if it pleases you.

Rough cascading streams with a chance to boulder hop? Here you go.

High towering walls? Look to the right, to see Mt Rae.

A little scrambling – well not really scrambling, but a chance to work up 100m on a rocky slope.

Here’s the split Rae Glaciers.

Wildflowers? Here they are.

Wildlife? Take a look at this guy.

If you’re in reasonable shape and love the mountains, get yourself to Rae Glacier! And don’t delay, our glaciers are melting before our eyes.

Details and reviews on All Trails here 

More information on the trail and where to park here.