Castle Lookout
This trail leads you to a point where a fire lookout tower once stood
Plan Around Castle Lookout
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Castle Lookout Details
Follow the Castle Lookout trail to the point where a fire lookout tower once stood. Built in the mid-20th century, Banff National Park erected these towers so spotters could, well, spot fires from afar. The Castle Lookout tower has long been removed, but the views of the middle Bow Valley remain for eternity. More detailed trail descriptions and maps are available at Banff National Park and Parks Canada Visitor Centres, and remember when out on the trails that cell phone service is not reliable. The trailhead for this out and back hike is found off of the Bow Valley Parkway, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) west of Castle Junction.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
7.4 km
Estimated time
3.5 hrs
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Castle Lookout
Compare nearby parks around Castle Lookout when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Castle Lookout
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Castle Lookout while the map context is still fresh.
1.8 mi away
Bow Valley Parkway
Bicyclists will join motorists on the Bow Valley Parkway for this ride, so use caution.
1.8 mi away
The Toe
Whether you're looking for a ride with climbs, descents, or challenges of all sorts, The Toe is for you.
1.8 mi away
Bow Valley Parkway
A solid 120-kilometer (75-mile) ride awaits on this route.
2.4 mi away
Internment Camp
An internment camp, known as Castle Camp, was build in 1915 at the base of Castle Mountain in Banff National Park.
2.4 mi away
Castle Cliffs
Be inspired by Castle Cliffs, just as artists from around the world are. North of Storm Mountain, the views from Castle Cliffs of Castle Mountain are incredible
