Marble Canyon is a scenic, slender 600-metre lengthy gorge up Tokumm Creek in Kootenay Nationwide Park, simply south of the border with Banff Nationwide Park. It’s a brief, straightforward must-do outing should you’re staying within the Banff – Lake Louise hall or should you’re in search of a fast cease as you drive south to Radium Sizzling Springs and the Columbia Valley. You possibly can knock off the simple Marble Canyon hike in as little as 20 minutes, however images lovers will need to linger.
Signage in the beginning of the Marble Canyon path explains that the canyon was shaped by water eroding a fault within the limestone and dolomite bedrock over a interval of 10,000 years. That erosion is ongoing.
As you hike up the Marble Canyon path, you’ll cross Tokumm Creek seven instances by way of a collection of bridges – with the ultimate bridge affording a view of the steepest a part of Marble Canyon. Look down 39 m or 128 ft to the turquoise waters of Tokumm Creek churning and swirling under. Do train warning and don’t attempt for Instagram fame – as there have been a couple of folks that have misplaced their lives after they fell in.
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Marble Canyon hike in Kootenay Nationwide Park abstract
Distance: 1.6 km (1.0 miles) spherical journey
Elevation achieve: Roughly 30 m or 98 ft
Stage of problem: Straightforward, however not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs.
Time wanted: half-hour to 1 hour relying on what number of photographs you cease to take.
Bears: The Marble Canyon hike is fashionable, so the probabilities of seeing a bear are slim – however I nonetheless take my bear spray.
Finest season: It’s an ideal quick hike year-round, however in winter the snow is commonly larger than the summer season fencing, so train warning.
Canines allowed: Sure, however preserve them on a decent leash, particularly on busy days. Don’t neglect the canine poop baggage which you’ll get rid of within the car parking zone.
Washrooms: There are a few outhouses within the car parking zone.
Cellphones: Don’t count on any protection in Kootenay Nationwide Park till you attain Radium Sizzling Springs.
Parks Canada crimson chairs: If you must sit down in some unspecified time in the future alongside the Marble Canyon hike, search for two crimson chairs on the appropriate about two thirds of the best way up Marble Canyon.
Marble Canyon path location
The Marble Canyon path is situated off Freeway 93 in Kootenay Nationwide Park, 18.3 km southwest of Citadel Junction and 87 km north of Radium Sizzling Springs.
Marble Canyon hike description
The Marble Canyon hike is as simple because it will get. It’s an ideal hike for households and people of you eager to stretch your legs on a straightforward path, particularly because the surroundings pops inside minutes of beginning the hike.
From the car parking zone head into the woods and head alongside a path that parallels Tokumm Creek. Then there’s a brief climb up a piece of stairs – the one “arduous” a part of the hike.
From there proceed alongside the Marble Canyon path weaving throughout the seven footbridges as they current themselves. It’s fairly the joys to look down into the raging waters of Tokumm Creek! While you look again within the path of the car parking zone, you’ll see Vermilion Peak to the appropriate and Stanley Peak to the left.
While you attain the tip of the Marble Canyon path, cease, and admire the waterfall because it drops right into a gap within the canyon. It’s mesmerizing to observe the facility of the water. Wanting forward you’ll see the calmer waters of Tokumm Creek and remnants of a burn that occurred in 2003.
Retrace your steps to return to the car parking zone. I believe the view going again, is equally as lovely because the view on the hike up Marble Canyon.
Different hikes from Marble Canyon
In case you hike a brief distance up Marble Canyon – you’ll discover a gate and a path heading to the left together with path signage, simply earlier than a brief steep set of stairs. In case you’re in search of an extended hike you’ll be able to stroll 3 km one option to the Paint Pots (orangish-red mineral deposits as soon as used as a pigment by the Indigenous Peoples within the space) or 3.4 km one option to the Ochre Creek path.
Nevertheless, you may also drive 2.6 km south to the Paint Pots trailhead and do a shorter hike. The Ochre Creek Path takes off from the Paint Pots – and is likely one of the gateways to the famed Rockwall Path.
The place to remain close to Marble Canyon
There’s a little bit of the whole lot near the Marble Canyon trailhead – from tenting to hostels, mountain inns, and the entire gamut of decisions in Banff and Lake Louise.
Marble Canyon Campground
The Marble Canyon campground is nearly straight throughout the freeway from the Marble Canyon trailhead. The campsites are unserviced so are finest suited to tents and motorhomes and trailers underneath 15 ft lengthy. The campground is usually open from the third week of June till early September. There are 36 websites that may be reserved and 24 websites out there on a primary come, first served foundation. You may make on-line reservations.
Different close by choices
Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins, again in Banff Nationwide Park, is just a 9-minute drive away. They provide cabins with wooden burning fireplaces and a eating room and lounge.
Citadel Mountain Chalets at close by Citadel Junction would even be a good selection. They’ve dog-friendly rooms.
In summer season, try Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, situated beside fashionable Johnston Canyon.
For these on a finances however not occupied with tenting, then the Citadel Mountain Hostel can be a great choice.
Extra hikes inside a 20-minute drive of Marble Canyon
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