The Cascade Amphitheatre Trail is a beautiful and often underrated hike that leads you into a stunning natural bowl tucked behind the towering slopes of Cascade Mountain. The hike begins at the Mt. Norquay ski area, just a short drive from Banff townsite. From the parking lot, the trail winds steadily uphill through the forest. After crossing a few switchbacks and gaining some elevation (about 960 metres over ~14.5 km round trip), the trees open up and you’re greeted with the amphitheatre — a vast alpine cirque surrounded by crock faces and steep mountain walls. It’s the perfect spot to rest, eat lunch, and soak in the views. On a sunny day, the silence here is only broken by chirping marmots or distant birds.

The trail is fairly wide and the terrain is straightforward The incline is consistent the whole way up with the switchbacks making it more manageable. It is best hiked late spring through early fall; snow can linger in the shoulder seasons. There are No water sources, so bring enough for the round trip.