Mount Niblock

Thousands of tourists flock to Lake Louise and Lake Agnes every year (maybe even every month) and by scrambling Mount Niblock you'll see the same magnificent sites while leaving the crowd behind and seeing so much more!

Mount Niblock offers a bit of a challenge in that there are some rock ribs that need to be climbed, mixed with some very faint trails that need to be navigated, but it's an excellent step up from Class 1 into Class 2 scrambles.

To start the trail, follow the trail leading to Lake Agnes (teahouse included!) around the north side of Lake Louise - it's a nice 3.5 km warm-up with a few spots that are definitely worth taking some time to enjoy, including Lake Agnes itself. Luckily for anybody with a fear of crowds (enchlophobia, apparently) you'll find some solitude as you continue west on the trail around Lake Agnes. The trail will take you up the scree slope and you'll come to a waterfall you get to scramble up. As you hike towards it, it may seem a bit daunting - impenetrable even - but there's a clear weakness in the rock that makes for a good route up. Just be mindful that it's going to be slippery!

Once past the waterfall the trail continues west up the valley to another scree slope which bypasses some of the rock ribs on the way up. It's a good idea to make note of the location of the trail you take up this slope as it was very difficult for my group to find it on the way down. Pick your way up the slope until you get to the base of the summit block and skirt around the base of the the cliff face to get to the ridge between Mount Niblock and Mount Whyte (the mountain to the south). Once at that col the trail is well defined the rest of the way to the summit.

From the summit you'll have excellent views of the peaks around Lake Louise. Take a map with you so you'll be able to add those inspiring peaks to your list of things to do!