Goat Creek Trail

Goat Creek Trail is an 18.7 km (11.6 mi) point-to-point route from Spray River West trailhead behind the Fairmont Banff Springs to Goat Creek parking on Spray Lakes Road, about 8 km south of Canmore. It combines the Spray River route with the Goat Creek connector. The first 10 km follows rolling gravel double track beside the river; after the bridge, the trail rises gradually along Mount Rundle’s lower slopes. It starts easy and finishes moderate.

Choose this for a long valley crossing, not a quick viewpoint walk. On foot, allow about six hours plus stops; the one-way route needs a pickup or a separate return plan. If you’re cycling, arranging a shuttle to Goat Creek sets up the long, gentle ride toward Banff.

After roughly 10 km from Spray River West, the route drops briefly. Turn left at its base for the Goat Creek connector, then cross the bridge. That turn is easy to miss if you keep following the Spray River track. From the crossing, expect a gradual climb as the route curves toward Goat Creek parking.

The outing traverses the valley between Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. Its payoff is the long change of scenery from river-side double track to the lower mountain slopes, linking Banff with the Goat Creek end south of Canmore. It is part of the Trans Canada Trail, with links toward the Canmore Nordic Centre via Banff Trail and toward Rundle Riverside Trail and Golf Course Road.

This is one way. Start at Spray River West behind Banff Springs and finish at Goat Creek parking on Smith-Dorrien (Spray Lakes) Road. No on-route food, drinking water or toilets were established, so plan to carry what you need. The clay in the Goat Creek section is a poor choice in wet conditions.

In summer, dogs must be leashed and under physical control. The corridor is also a track-set ski trail in winter, when dogs are prohibited on ski trails and bikes are prohibited on Spray River West. Check seasonal access before setting out.