Castle Mountain is a mountain located within Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, approximately halfway between Banff and Lake Louise. This area is so absolutely stunning that it made our list of Canadian Bucket List Destinations.

A crisp winter morning in Banff National Park.

“Seeming to stand out in the centre of the valley is a very remarkable mountain…which looks exactly like a giant castle!” -Sir James Hector

Getting There

Drive to Castle Junction 31 km west of Banff via either the Trans-Canada Highway or Bow Valley Parkway.

From Trans-Canada, take the Castle Junction exit and proceed east under a bridge and turn right at the stop sign and pull into the Rockbound Lake trailhead on your left.

From Bow Valley Parkway, Rockbound Lake trail head will be on your right before the Castle Junction gas station. Go to the route section for the variable approaches.

When To Climb

Castle can be challenged any time of year. You can attach crampons and take on the rock routes in winter if you so chose.

What To See

The Castle Mountain Lookout hike in Banff National Park is one of the best panoramic viewpoint hikes and it should be on everyone’s bucket list.

As you snake your way up the lower slopes, your views of the Rocky Mountains get better and better as near the lookout.

Once you arrive at the Lookout point, you’ll not only be treated to an up-close view of the huge rock slabs that make Castle Mountain so compelling, but a complete panorama of the Bow Valley.

From the Castle Lookout, you can see as far as the Three Sisters in Canmore (60 km away) and all the Rocky Mountains in between.