Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
563 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.0 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Be the first to add a review!
Directions to Trailhead

Three Sisters Pass Trail

Three Sisters Pass Trail
Measurement:

Download an interactive map and guide on your phone today!

Table of contents

The Three Sisters Pass is a steep trail that leads to a memorable viewpoint of the incredible Three Sisters peaks in Canmore. The trail leads up some rough rock up to a bench below the peaks. This trail sees very little traffic, but is worth a visit.

Route Description for Three Sisters Pass Trail

Three Sisters Pass is a fun excursion- if you can find the trailhead. Remember to clock your odometer at the Nordic Centre for 11.9km to find the pullout for the trail. The trailhead is essentially just a rocky spot, so take your time picking it out. The trail itself is not well-maintained and crosses some rough and rocky sections. This trail is best reserved for experienced hikers as there is some considerable route finding involved.

The trail itself offers one of the best viewpoints in the area. It skips the common views that look down into the town of Canmore and offers simply stunning views of the Three Sisters. For such incredible views, this trail is relatively short, and will leave hikers impressed upon reaching the pass.

To begin the Three Sisters Pass trail, you will find the trail that leads clearly up towards the pass beside an open creek bed. The creek bed offers surprisingly nice scenery. The trail here is not clearly marked, however following the creekbed up to the pass is very straightforward. Keep an eye out for inukshuks as the trail crosses the river.

As you make your way up towards the treeline, the momentous cliffs of both Big Sister and Mount Lawrence Grassi surround you. This hike does a great job of making you feel like a small fraction of the natural space you are in. Note that the trail will get lost in parts, so you may end up bushwhacking. Once you’re in the final pus through the trees, you should be able to find a trail curving to the left to follow.

Some scramblers will choose to make their way up the surrounding peaks, but making it to the pass is an accomplishment in itself. The objective is extremely rewarding and makes a great place for a rest to take in the monumental rocky mountains around you.

Insider Hints for Three Sisters Pass Trail

  • Clock your odometer at the Nordic Centre to ensure you find the correct trailhead near Goat Pond.
  • Plan a picnic at the top if you head out in a good weather window.
  • Plan to spend some time at the Spray Lakes day-use area nearby. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and great views.

Getting to the Three Sisters Pass Trail Trailhead

To get to the Three Sisters Pass trailhead, make your way from downtown Canmore towards the Nordic Centre. Follow the road beyond the Nordic Centre entrance for 7.4mi on the Smith Dorrien/Spray Lakes Road to Goat Pond. The trail begins on the opposite side of the road from Goat Pond up the visible creek.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    May-October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    None

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Three Sisters Pass Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews

0.0
No reviews
Write a review
×

Add a review

You must be logged in to post a comment.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

10Adventures Trail App

Take your trails online! Keep track of your route along the way.

Download for free today.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter