Stanley Glacier hike

This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Kootenay Valley with views of a spectacular hanging valley. The trail starts with switchbacks as it makes its way up to the valley. This area is part of the Vermilion Pass Burn and shows how the forest regenerates itself over time. There may be purple fireweed along the trail, which is one of the first plants to blossom after a fire, as well as arnica, ragwort, and Indian paintbrush. There are beautiful waterfalls in the valley, and on the south side, you can see the towering walls of Stanley Peak and the glacier below it. We will make our way up to the end of the maintained trail, where we will have our lunch and then return. We will take our time on the way up and down, giving ourselves the opportunity to take photographs and enjoy the beautiful landscape. (Because this is a relatively short hike, people might want to visit Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots afterwards. This is an option and is not part of the hike.)
Distance: 9 km return
Elevation gain: 380 M
Trail: mainly through forest; out and back
Difficulty: Trail 2; Intermediate hikers
Pace: Slow to moderate; not fast. Please don't sign up if you are a speedy hiker.
Time: About 4 to 5 hours in total.

Trailhead: The trailhead is on the south side of Highway 93 (Kootenay Parkway.) It is about 13.4 km west of Castle Junction. If you search "Stanley Glacier trailhead, BC “on Google Maps, it will come up.
Meeting time: 10:00 am at the trailhead. If you arrive early, please wait at the trailhead for others to arrive. Look for a Black Dodge Grand Caravan; short older lady. Please note, it is about 1 ¾ to 2 hours drive from Calgary, depending on where you start. Leaving at 7:30 or 8:00 am from Calgary, you will arrive by about 10 am. This is a short trail so the 10:00 am starting time is fine.
Passes: You will need a Parks Canada pass for this trip.
Number of hikers: Maximum 8; It’s easier to keep track of eight people than a large group, so the size is limited to eight. There is a waitlist created for this trip; please answer a few short questions if we haven’t hiked together before.
Weather: Current forecast is for sun, with a high in the mid-twenties. If the weather forecast changes to rain, the hike will be cancelled. Please check the night before to make sure the hike is still going.
References:
Stanley Glacier Hike - An easy trail with stunning views near Banff — Walk My World
Stanley Glacier Trail | Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Carpooling: This is quite a long drive, so you might want to carpool to cut down costs. You can use the comments section to arrange carpooling. As I live in Cochrane, I won’t be arranging carpooling from Calgary.
Cost for carpooling: Zone 3; $20 per passenger plus extra towards the national park pass if you don’t have one.
Suggested gear: hiking boots, pack, layers of clothing including wind and rain resistant layers; lunch, water, personal first aid kit; hiking poles if you use them; bear spray.
Waiver and Code of Conduct
I will bring a waiver to the trailhead which you must sign before going on the trip. Please provide the name and phone number of your emergency contact.
Your participation in this event means you have read the waiver and by signing up for this event you have accepted the waiver. You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides, and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear, and you are physically fit to do this hike with the group. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being.
All participants are responsible for assessing current road, weather, trail and avalanche conditions for the trip.