Vista Lake, Arnica Lake and Twin Lakes, Banff NP, Oct 13th 2025

Trail : Vista, Arnica and Twin Lakes via Gibbon Pass
Date : Oct 13th 2025
Location : Banff National Park, AB
Trailhead location, along Hwy 93 S, 9 km South of Castle Junction
Distance : 16.9 km
Elevation gain : 1155 m
Time to Arnica Lake : 1h35
Time to Twin lower lake : 2h50
Total time to complete : 5h30
Difficulty : Hard hike / no scrambling
Trail traffic : Light to moderate

Last night, we kept a close eye on the weather, a little unsure how the road conditions would be in the morning. To our surprise, the drive was perfectly fine, and adventure was waiting.

At 6:00 a.m., Mav and I hit the road to meet Carey, and by 8:16 a.m., we were off on what turned out to be a spectacular day in the mountains. The air was crisp and biting at first, it took us a little while before warming up.
My only regret today? Bringing my sweet Maverick. Beyond Arnica Lake, the snow deepened, and it began to pack into his paws. We made several stops along the way so I could warm them up and clear the ice. Next time, his boots are coming, even if he gives me that “really, Mom?” look 🫣.

The trail from the parking lot to Vista Lake was mostly dry, with a few icy patches. From Vista to Arnica, the climb steepened and the ice thickened, spikes were a must. It was extremly slippery. Between Arnica and Upper Twin Lake, we gained and lost elevation, following in the tracks of a lone hiker through a couple of inches of soft, untouched snow. Beyond that point, toward Lower Twin Lake, the path vanished beneath a blanket of fresh powder. We then broke trail, map in hand, with loose rocks hiding under the snow, not the easiest footing! A few colorful words may have escaped along the way 😂.

But when we finally reached Lower Twin Lake, all of that effort melted away. The scenery was unreal, a silent winter paradise surrounded by tall peaks. While Maverick rested, I brushed the snow from his paws once more, realizing I probably felt worse for him than he actually did. We had a quick lunch by the shore, taking in the stillness, before making our way back.

The return hike went really well but it was very slippery. We gained about 410 meters of elevation on our return. That whole trail has no steep slopes, everything is gradual and nothing is technical.

The entire day felt like stepping into a postcard, a true winter wonderland from start to finish. I’m so thankful we didn’t cancel. It was one of those hikes that reminds you, deep down, exactly why you love the mountains so much.