If you're looking for a trail slightly longer than the nearby Hemlock Grove Boardwalk, consider the Meeting of the Waters Trail.

Starting at the Illecillewaet Campground trailhead, this 1.3km forested hike passes the confluence of Asulkan Brook and the Illecillewaet River and also the remains of the historic Glacier House. There are mountain views to be seen along the way.

Glacier House was built as a dining lodge to cater to railway passengers. It was later developed into a hotel and CPR employed guides from Switzerland to build hiking trails and tour visitors around the surrounding mountains.

The downsides of this trail? The Illecillewaet Campground road is only accessible from Highway 1 when driving eastbound. When driving westbound (from Golden, Banff), you must pass the turnoff and continue another 1.5km to a marked U-turn route. If you miss that, don't panic. There is another opportunity to turn around 1.3km later.

It can also be tricky to park. The Illecillewaet Campground trailhead is the starting point for more than half a dozen other trails.

A Parks Canada parks pass is required to hike this trail ($22/day for vehicle with up to 7 people).