Cascade Mountain, Mountain peak in Banff National Park, Canada
Cascade Mountain is a peak in Banff National Park, Alberta, that rises on the eastern side of the town of Banff and dominates the valley around it. The mountain has a broad, layered shape with rocky faces and is visible from almost every part of the surrounding area.
The geologist James Hector named the peak in 1858 after the waterfall on its slope, during the Palliser Expedition across western Canada. The first known ascent to the summit took place in the late 19th century.
The name of the mountain comes from the waterfall that runs down its southern face, and this feature still shapes how visitors relate to the peak today. Many people stop to look at the falls from below before deciding whether to attempt the climb.
The route to the summit is long and demanding, so starting early in the morning gives hikers the best chance of completing it safely. Sturdy footwear, warm layers, and enough food and water for a full day are all necessary.
Cascade Mountain is one of the few peaks in Banff National Park that can be reached on foot directly from the town center without needing a car. The trailhead sits close enough to the main street that many hikers walk there straight from where they are staying.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
