The Onion (Long Day, Light Scramble, Keep Microspikes Handy)

Trail Name: The Onion (Click the link for the AllTrails route)
Difficulty: Hard
Trailhead meet-up time: Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 8:30 am
Location: Bow Lake Parking Lot A (Click the link for the parking lot location)

NOTE: *Attendance* - A waitlist will be created. I may add or remove any attendee at my own discretion. Since this is a long/strenuous hike, preference will be given based on your answer to the RSVP Question

NOTE: *Keep Microspikes Handy* - Due to recent snowfall, we may encounter patches of snow/ice on the trail.

NOTE: Difficulty - Nothing technical but this is a long hike. Some people report around 20k round-trip distance. We need to keep moderate pace to finish it comfortably within daylight hours and allow for some buffer.

NOTE: Weather and Hike Day - All hike days are subject to change depending on the weather conditions

Trail Details
Distance: Approx. 17.5 km (Out and Back)
Elevation gain: Approx. 883 meters
Time: Approx. 8-10 hours (including breaks)

Trail Description: The first section of the trail is the same as the trail to Bow Glacier Falls. The trail pretty much hugs the lakeshore in this section, intermittently passing through evergreen forests before arriving at some rocky creek flats.

Just over 3 km from the lodge, the trail splits from the Bow Glacier Falls Route, which is where we turn left and climb over the massive chokstone on a narrow section of the canyon. We continue on for the next 3-4 km parallel to the canyon/creek and cross over a couple of boulder fields eventually opening up to an alpine basin. We will be a short scree path up to the bow hut. From bow hut, it's about a 2 km hike/scramble to the summit.

RECOMMENDED GEAR & SUPPLIES

• microspikes (in case we run into patches of snow/ice)
• hiking poles - useful on steep slopes while ascending and descending
• hat/cap
• sunscreen
• light gloves - cooler temperatures this June, especially in the morning
• Gaiters- expecting the grass and ground to be wet - useful to keep your socks dry
• Clothing - Early Summer - Dressing in layers is key so you can adjust to avoid overheating. Lighter wool/polyester clothing is still recommended along with a light jacket/windbreaker.
• personal first aid kit
• snacks/lunch
• water (2-3 litres recommended)

Ride Sharing:
No recommended ride sharing spot. I will leave it to attendees' discretion to decide ride sharing spots.

Please post in the discussion if you need a ride share. Typical rideshare fee for this hike: $20

If you have any questions, please message below in the discussion. If it is urgent call or text Dhaval at 647-607-6270.

Join us on this epic hike to one of the best spots on the icefields parkway!