Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles
This is the cool Canadian Rockies hike these days. BUT it’s more of a route than a trail.
As evidence, I bumped into two of the top hiking YouTubers below the ridge — Eric Hanson and Justin Outdoors. We were heading opposite directions. Surprised and excited, I got a bit tongue twisted while chatting with them.
Slightly dangerous, Northover is not promoted by the Parks people.
I followed the route on AllTrails offline. No navigation problems.
My first tip is to WAIT for good weather. You don’t want to be on this narrow ridge in high wind and poor visibility.
Northover Ridge Loop Trail is 34km, 2290m in elevation gain. Most people do it in 2 or 3 days.
Foolishly, I did it in a day and a half. 😀
On the drive up to the trailhead in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, I had a good look at momma bear and 2 young ones. I saw another juvenile bear on the drive out. None on the trail.
I booked at Aster Lake Campground before driving up. By doing this I’d decided to hike it clockwise looking down at the map. But you can do the loop in either direction.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park NOW requires a Conservation Pass if you have a vehicle. In 2025:
- Daily Pass: $15 per vehicle
- Yearly Pass: $90 per vehicle
My campsite pass was checked by Rangers. They do a great job here.
Click PLAY or watch my Northover on YouTube.
A great adventure. I highly recommend Northover IF you have good weather.
Here’s how the same 2 days went for Eric Hanson and Justin Outdoors. Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Related – trip report by HikeBikeTravel
