Elevation: 9633 ft / 2936 m
Degree of Difficulty:
Moderate
Time to Complete Round Trip:6 to 8 hours
The approach to the summit of the Big Sister is on the opposite side from the side viewed from the TransCanada and Canmore.
This summit is dangerous in snowy conditions, as you can slip and slide off into oblivion quite easily in a few spots. Save the attempt for later in the summer. Even in dry conditions, the path to the summit has occasional exposure. But this mountain is worth the effort and it feels great seeing the town of Canmore come into view after you emerge onto the summit.
Where to Park:
Leave Canmore and travel down the Spray Lakes gravel road until you get to the Three Sisters dam, just a few yards beyond the Spray Lake Ranger Station. Park here. The route begins on the East side of the road. You'll see a rough, steep path heading straight up into the woods.
The Route (see photo below):
Make your way up the obvious path and eventually the forest will thin out. The path goes further than you really need to go. At some point you'll have to head right and climb down the rocky ridge which swoops up the mountain.
Once you've climbed down the ridge, keep heading up, keeping the ridge to the left of you. Eventually you'll have to make your way up some smooth slabs until you'll find a brief downclimb. At about this point you'll see how easy or difficult the rest of the ascent will be, depending on the amount of snow.
If you feel safe, the summit is yours for the taking and the views of Canmore and the two smaller sisters is fantastic. From now on, every time you drive by Canmore you'll look up at this summit and know you once stood there!
Return the same way.
