Forget Sunshine Meadows. If you’re willing to hike 19K(return), the wildflowers at Healy Pass in Banff National Park will delight and amaze you. Most will be gone by the middle of August, however, so get out your hiking boots and go now.
The elevation gain to the top of the pass is 700m. The trail was in good shape.
I would venture to guess that most people overlook Healy Pass, and opt to spend $26 and take the easy bus ride up to Sunshine meadows. The wildflowers at Healy Pass are as good if not better.
