Ball Pass

Ball Pass is an 8.9 km one-way hike from the Floe Lake parking lot to a high alpine saddle, so the usual day hike is 17.8 km out and back on the same corridor. Allow about seven hours. The official trail listing calls it difficult and gives 1,065 m of climbing with 150 m of descent; some route profiles calculate less, so plan around the higher figure. A wildflower meadow and a wide view of Ball Glacier and the surrounding peaks reward a long uphill day. This is not a quick stop from Highway 93.

The Ball Pass route shares its starting parking lot with the Floe Lake hike. Cross Highway 93 South to the path on the opposite side, follow it left, then take the Ball Pass branch to the right. The routes separate soon after the crossing, so pay attention at the fork. The mapped route ends at the pass; retrace it to return to the car.

The trail climbs through regenerating forest before contouring along a steep hillside. Early on, views begin opening back toward the valley that leads to Floe Lake. The forest takes time to leave behind, and the route then crosses several avalanche paths on its way into more open country. Parks Canada describes the climb as gradual through the regrowth, but the full ascent is sustained over a long distance.

A larger stream with small waterfalls makes a natural pause before the upper climb. Beyond it, the path travels below Isabelle Peak, passing smaller stream channels and opening onto broad slopes beneath a rock wall. The scenery changes from enclosed forest to a high, exposed mountain basin; the pass is still ahead, so keep enough time and energy for the final climb.

Near the top, the route reaches a small meadow beside a stream. Wildflowers have been reported there in July, though the display varies by season. Continue uphill to the pass, then consider walking a short distance beyond the marker for a clearer panorama. Mount Ball, Ball Glacier and Isabelle Peak frame the view, with Shadow Lake and Haiduk Peak farther across the divide. For a photograph, include the rocky ground or meadow in the foreground with the glacier and peaks beyond.

The day hike turns around at Ball Pass. Trails continue across the divide toward Shadow Lake and Banff, but that is a separate backcountry through-route with different distance and overnight logistics. Do not add that continuation to the return-hike mileage or follow it unless you have planned for the longer trip.

Floe Lake parking lot is on Highway 93 South, about 72 km east of Radium Hot Springs. Keep dogs leashed, and stay on designated trails and viewpoints. There is no cell service in Kootenay National Park. The official route description identifies avalanche paths, and the exposed pass makes this a serious mountain day; check current trail information before setting out.