The 10 Most Amazing Peaks around Area A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake)

Many prominent peaks around Kicking Horse Mountain Resort are made accessible by the Golden Eagle Express gondola. Peaks like Terminator Peak, T2 Peak, Terminator Ridge, Dogtooth Ridge, and CPR Ridge offer diverse experiences, from easy walks to more challenging scrambles, all with stunning views.

The peaks offer unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky, Purcell, and Selkirk Mountains, the Columbia Valley, the town of Golden, and the vast Columbia wetlands. On a clear day from Terminator Peak, you can potentially see up to five national parks, including Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, and Kootenay National Parks.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the hike to Devil's Thumb requires surefootedness and scrambling. Within Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the ascent to Terminator Peak involves a brief scramble along the ridge, and T2 Peak, located beyond the Super Bowl Saddle, also includes a light scramble section. The Via Ferrata on Terminator Peak offers a guided climbing experience for an extra thrill.

Yes, the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers several options. CPR Ridge is an easy and relatively short hike (20-30 minutes return) from the gondola top, offering views of the Blaeberry and Columbia River Valleys. Terminator Ridge is also considered an easy hike from the gondola top, leading to the Super Bowl Saddle with spectacular views. The gondola itself provides easy access to alpine environments for all ages.

The summer months, typically from late June to early September, are ideal for hiking and exploring the mountain peaks when trails are clear of snow and the gondola at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is operational. Even in July, some higher elevations like Wilcox Pass can still have snow, so be prepared for varying conditions.

Beyond exploring the peaks, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain hikes, such as the Lake Agnes Teahouse loop or the Lake Helen loop, as well as easy hikes like the Wapta Falls Trail. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the Moraine Lake Road loop. For more details, explore the Mountain Hikes and Cycling guides for the area.

Kinbasket Lake offers a more remote and rugged mountain experience compared to the developed resort area. It's a vast reservoir surrounded by towering, less-traveled 3,000-meter peaks, providing a sense of wilderness. While specific named peaks for hiking are not as readily documented, it's ideal for those seeking camping, boating, and ATV trails, with fluctuating water levels revealing a wide-open lakebed during the dry season.

Visitors frequently highlight the breathtaking views and the accessibility to alpine environments. For instance, the View of Lake Louise from the Big Beehive is praised for offering the best perspective of Lake Louise's turquoise color. The View from Little Beehive is appreciated for its scenic and expansive panoramas, making the detour worthwhile. The wild landscape and clear views of glaciers from Wilcox Pass are also highly rated.

Yes, Wilcox Pass is known for its wild landscape and offers a clear view of opposite glaciers. From Wilcox Ridge, you can get breathtaking views of the glaciers. Additionally, Crowfoot Mountain, visible from the Icefields Parkway, features the Crowfoot Glacier on its northeastern flank.

At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the Eagle's Eye Restaurant is located at 7,700 feet (2,346 meters) at the top of the gondola. It is Canada's most elevated restaurant, offering fine dining with incredible views, making it a perfect reward after a hike.

Yes, within Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the trail to Terminator Peak is a popular out-and-back route. Dogtooth Ridge offers a ridgeline exploration with wildflowers and mountain vistas. For a more remote experience, the broader Kinbasket Lake area has less-documented trails but offers opportunities for wilderness exploration. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the Mountain Hikes guide.