Degree of Difficulty:
Moderate
Time to Complete Round Trip:8 to 10 hours
First, it doesn't hurt to have a look at Cascade Mountain from the Banff townsite. Be sure that the route isn't clogged with snow, especially below the false summit, where a slip could result in a fatal accident. This mountain has been the sight of too many fatalities almost every year, on both the front (townview) and back. The scramble described here begins on the backside and eventually rounds to the frontside below the false summit.
UPDATE: Yet another person has died here. A young man fell to his death in late August, 2003.
Where to Park:
From the TransCanada Highway #1, look for the exit to the Mount Norquay ski area that overlooks the Banff townsite. Follow the winding road up to the Mount Norquay parking lot. Park as close to the ski lodge as possible.
The Route (see photo below):
Make your way northward past the lodge and chairlifts and look to your right for the marked hiking trail "Cascade Amphitheatre", which you should follow. The trail will take you down and across Forty Mile Creek, and on to upward switchbacks. Some feel the most tiring part of the day is the long plod up to the Amphitheatre.
After awhile the trail will flatten out and open up into the Cascade Amphitheatre, a natural amphitheatre-shaped bowl. Be careful to pick your route carefully here. You will want to turn right and follow one of the several trails that follow up to the right-hand ridge of the amphitheatre. Someone died in 1998 by mistakenly going straight into the amphitheatre and heading up at the "X" marked in the photo below. I've seen people going up here too. This is the wrong way! The correct route indicated in the photo is a fairly safe way to the summit in dry conditions.
Eventually you must veer right to go around the false summit ("F" in photo), which will take you around to the other side of the mountain and to views of the Banff townsite. If you happen to go the edge of the false summit, you will see a frightening drop off, so retrace your steps until you find the correct path.
Once you make your way around to below the false summit, be careful. A narrow trail hugs the false summit (see "R" in photo), and if covered in snow will be fatally dangerous. Avoid this section and head back if snow is present.
Once beyond this section, the rest of the way up is straightforward, but avoid walking out onto any snow cornice which frequently remains all year long (see "C" in photo).
At the true summit, you will have incredible views of Lake Minnewanka, the Bow Valley corridor, and Banff townsite. I personally could spend hours lounging at the top in good weather. Don't forget binoculars! Someone spray-painted a slab in the 1950's. Also, someone once supposedly set up a large mirror at the summit and aimed the sun down into Banff.
Return the same way.
Some History:
Cascade was first summited in 1887 by Tom Wilson. The name comes from the waterfall on the Southeast side, easily seen from the TransCanada highway when travelling from the East towards the town of Banff.
Cascade is one my personal favourites. I've been on it six times, and stood at the summit four times.
