Hidden Lake, Glacial lake in Alberta, Canada

Hidden Lake is a glacial lake at high elevation, surrounded by mountains and forests that define its shoreline. The clear water sits within a remote alpine basin between steep slopes.

Hidden Lake lies in the Skoki Valley of Banff National Park, in the Slate Range of the Canadian Rockies. Its glacial waters drain through Corral Creek into the Bow River. The lake is reached by an 8.4 km trail from Fish Creek, at the base of the Lake Louise Ski Area, and serves as a starting point for ascents of Mount Richardson, Pika Peak and Ptarmigan Peak.

The lake supports specialized plants and animals adapted to harsh alpine conditions. Observing these species shows visitors how life persists at high elevations.

The trail to the lake is steep and demands good fitness and proper gear, especially in bad weather or snow. Visitors should start early to have enough daylight and to assess conditions on the ground.

Hidden Lake is the trailhead for climbs of Mount Richardson, Pika Peak and Ptarmigan Peak, and its outflow runs through Corral Creek into the Bow River. A backcountry campground sits about one kilometre before the lake, at the end of an 8.4 km trail from Fish Creek at the base of the Lake Louise Ski Area.