Talc Lake Trail (7.1 km, Moderate) – Banff National Park

Overview

About Talc Lake Trail

Why go

A shallow lakeshore with Natalko Peak behind it
A worthwhile add-on if you’re already in the Egypt Lake area

Heads up

There is no road access at the spur; the approach from Sunshine is long
The creekside tread can be muddy before a steeper climb

Talc Lake Trail is a remote out-and-back spur from the Egypt Lake/Healy Pass network to a shallow lake below Natalko Peak. From the creek crossing near Egypt Lake Shelter, the mapped spur is about 2.2 miles one way, or 4.4 miles round trip; allow about three hours for the spur itself. That distance doesn’t include the long approach from Sunshine Village: Parks Canada lists the main route to Egypt Lake at 12.4 km one way via Healy Pass. This makes more sense if you’re already in the Egypt Lake area than as a casual day hike from the road. Some route listings show 2.6 miles one way; the added stretch isn’t clear, so use 4.4 miles round trip for the spur from this junction.

Parkwolf’s verdictIs this the side trip for you?

Map & elevation

The route

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Full map

Elevation2,007–2,169 m

TrailheadTalc Lake branch at the Egypt Lake Trail creek crossing51.10835, -115.89791

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Plan your hike

Before you go

Parking

Use the Sunshine Village ski area parking lot for the Egypt Lake/Healy Pass approach. The Talc Lake spur branches near Egypt Lake Shelter and the warden’s cabin; there is no road-accessible lot at the junction. The 4.4-mile spur distance starts in the backcountry and excludes the approach from Sunshine.

Safety

This is a remote high-country spur with no nearby road access. The creekside tread can be muddy, then the climb steepens near the lake. The listed distance begins at the backcountry junction, not at the Sunshine parking lot. Overnight stays require a Parks Canada backcountry reservation and permit.

8 active Banff alerts

ClosureJohnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area closedJohnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area are closed to all traffic and travel through December 11, 2026, because construction work requires protecting public and workers’ safety.Official details
ClosureBaker Lake and Hidden Lake campgrounds closed to campingCamping is prohibited at Baker Lake and Hidden Lake campgrounds through December 1, 2026, because a grizzly bear entered campsites and investigated tents and gear; the closures reduce risk to…Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Banff Tour Guide

Your drive to Talc Lake Trail, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Banff National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

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Hiking Talc Lake Trail

Creek to lakeTake the left branch at the creek crossing just beyond the warden’s cabin near the west base of…

Take the left branch at the creek crossing just beyond the warden’s cabin near the west base of Healy Pass. The lower stretch follows the creek on a mild grade and can be muddy; it steepens as you climb toward Talc Lake. The junction is deep in the backcountry, with no road access.

At the shorelineTalc Lake is shallow, with a good spot to sit along the shore and Natalko Peak behind it.

Talc Lake is shallow, with a good spot to sit along the shore and Natalko Peak behind it. For a photo, keep some of the rocky shoreline in the foreground with the peak beyond the water. High passes can hold snow into late June, and snow can return in fall. Dogs are allowed on leash on summer trails unless a restriction is posted. Overnight camping requires a Parks Canada backcountry reservation and permit.