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Walk the paved service road generally east-northeast past the boat dock and through the picnic area. After passing three cooking shelters, pavement ends and the signed trail begins at 0.6 kilometres. Proceed north on the wide, level, forest-enclosed path. In about 20 minutes, at 1.5 kilometres, cross a bridge over Stewart Canyon. The Cascade River enters the lake via this fault in the limestone bedrock. Above the river’s far (east) bank, turn left. Pass a left spur leading up-canyon (northwest). Bear right and begin ascending. Soon curve right (south-southeast). Cascade Mountain is visible right (west-southwest) through a forest of lodgepole and limber pine, Douglas fir, birch, and aspen. Look for lavender clematis here. Ahead, the trees are scorched from a controlled burn during the summer of 2003, but you’ll quickly exit the blackened area. At 2.5 kilometres, 1527 metres, reach a highpoint overlooking the lake. Mt. Rundle, across the Bow Valley, dominates the southern horizon. The trail now traverses rocky ground, curving northeast up the lake. A gentle descent ensues. For the next 20 minutes, the lake is constantly in sight. So is rugged Mt. Inglismaldie, above the south shore. As you continue through open forest, the trail is mostly level,
except for brief ups and downs. Cross a series of streambeds (usually dry). About two hours from the parking lot, cross a footlog spanning Aylmer Creek. Just beyond, in a small, grassy clearing, reach signed Aylmer Pass junction at 7.8 kilometres, 1490 metres. Straight (east-northeast) continues paralleling the lakeshore. Left (north) climbs to Aylmer lookout and pass. Right (southeast) soon enters LM8 campground and ends at the lakeshore in 0.4 kilometres. The campground has platform tables, a fire pit, firewood, and bearproof food storage. Aiming for the lookout? Go north from Aylmer Pass junction. Ascend beside a deep gorge. In about 40 minutes, at 10.1 kilometres, 1921 metres, reach a fork in a tiny clearing. Straight (north) continues to Aylmer Pass. Turn right (northeast) to reach the lookout in another 35 minutes. The lookout trail initially climbs, generally contours, then switchbacks to crest a bluff at 11.7 kilometres, 2052 metres. The lookout was dismantled in 1985, but the tremendous view remains. Banff townsite and Tunnel Mountain are visible southwest. The north end of Mt. Rundle is south-southwest. South, across the lake, are 2693-metre Mt. Inglismaldie and 2994-metre Mt. Girouard. A 10-kilometre stretch of the lake is visible southeast before it bends out of sight.
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