Description: The C Level Cirque trail is one of the more attractive hikes in the Banff-Lake Minnewanka vicinity. In less than 4 km it climbs past artifacts of the long-defunct Bankhead coal operation and a panoramic viewpoint for Lake Minnewanka to a high, rockbound pocket beneath the sheer east face of Cascade Mountain.
Cirque is a French word you will not likely find in your English dictionary—a term used by geologists to describe a semicircular, bowl-shaped depression created by an alpine glacier. C Level Cirque is a miniature example of the phenomenon. Though the glacier that produced the basin has long since disappeared, snow often lingers in the basin into midsummer. As it retreats, a carpet of yellow glacier lilies spreads across the damp, subalpine soil near its entrance. A tiny pond below the trail provides water throughout the summer, fed by the extensive snowfield on the talus slopes above.
Please bring traction aids with you just in case there is snow or ice on the trail.
• Events are subject to cancellation or change on short notice due to inclement weather or fires.
• Carpooling - Use your own discretion and what you are comfortable with.
• Washrooms may not be available - please be prepared to pack out what you bring in, such as toilet paper, etc.
• Please make yourself aware of the risks in participating in this sort of event and decide accordingly.
• Don`t forget the usual items; bear spray, proper clothing, water, food, equipment and first aid kit.
• Trip participants are asked to provide their cell contact information and emergency contact information to the trip coordinator, prior to, due to the 'meet at trail head'
requirement.
• Please do not sign up if you are experiencing any flu like, cold, or Covid-19 symptoms.
Hiking Distance: 9.4 Kilometer Return Trip
Elevation Gain: 455 Meters (1500 Feet)
Maximum Elevation Gain: 1920 Meters (6300 Feet)
Difficulty: Moderate to Intermediate
Rendezvous Point: North Edworthy Park, North Side, and look for the White Ford Explorer. Please arrive 15 minutes before so carpooling can be arranged as we will be departing at 8:00 a.m. sharp.
Travel Driving Distance: 130 Kilometers / 1 hour and 30 minutes One Way
Event Coordinator: For inquiries, please contact the event coordinator Lori at (403) 283-7386. If your plans change on the day of the event, call or text me at (403) 803-2953.
Policy on Pets: As this is a popular and busy trail, pets will not be allowed.
Guest Policy: The Club is currently discouraging guests of a member, from outside the club, attending an event at this time.
Please Note: A minimum of 4 members are required for the event to go ahead as scheduled.
Please make arrangements to purchase a Parks Canada Pass in advance.