Best Hikes in Banff National Park
Here is the list of the best hikes in Banff National Park for all levels of hikers. Whether you are looking for an easy walk, moderately challenging trail, or strenuous day hike in Banff, Lake Louise, and the Icefields Parkway area, our travel guide got you covered. Includes hiking and bear safety tips.
Banff National Park is the most visited national park in Canada for several reasons. Incredible mountainous scenery, abundant wildlife, easy access, great services, and superb hiking trails are among the main reasons why travelers from all over the world flock to the area every summer.
Without exaggerating, hiking trails in Banff National Park are some of the best in the world. Almost five million people visit Banff National Park each year to enjoy some of its 1600 kilometers of well-maintained trails.
The scenery of the Canadian Rockies is best appreciated on foot, and if you come prepared and know what to expect, you will have the time of your life.
No matter if you are planning your first trip to Banff National Park or coming back each summer, we have created the list of best hikes in Banff to maximize your time in the park. This guide is based on our previous visits to Banff, and you can use it as a starting point to plan your road trip perfectly.
The most intriguing part about hiking in Banff National Park is that everyone can find a suitable trail. Banff offers a range of trails for all ages and experiences, and even the shortest paths are rewarding. The trails range from easy walks along the turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, or deep forests to steep climbs among rugged peaks and exposed ridgelines.
And lastly, Banff National Park has a high population of bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, marmots, pikas, elks, but it's also home to cougars, wolverines, endangered Banff springs snail, and more than 300 bird species.
Wildlife watching is a popular activity in Banff, and hiking through the wilderness allows you to spot some of these animals more intimately.
So, regardless of whether you are a novice or a seasoned hiker, Banff is ready for you. Here is our choice of the best hiking trail in Banff National Park.
BANFF TOP HIKES
Before we dive into the list itself, there are a few things you should know about Banff National Park before you go. Banff National Park covers a vast area, and we included top hikes and trails from the entire national park. So yes, this blog post includes not only areas around Banff town but also Lake Louise village and half of the Icefields Parkway.
The township of Banff is a perfect base for exploring the area surrounding the town, while the village of Lake Louise is obviously a better choice for that particular area. And then there is the Icefields Parkway.
The famous Icefields Parkway is 233 kilometers long road between Jasper and Lake Louise, featuring one of the most beautiful sceneries in the entire Canadian Rockies.
Moreover, Banff is only an hour and a half drive by car from Calgary, making it a perfect destination for day trips.
Lastly, this guide is focused on the top hikes in Banff that you can finish within a day and doesn't include the more serious multi-day treks.
And by the way, Banff is an expensive destination, and hiking is the best way to see the best of this part of the Canadian Rockies on a budget.
To make our list more intuitive and user-friendly, we’ve sorted the hikes into three categories depending on the fitness level they require. Moreover, we also included trail alternatives and extensions to make your hiking adventure even more exciting.
EASY HIKES IN BANFF
Easy hikes are perfect for visitors who don't have enough time to spend all day hiking in the mountains or lack an adequate fitness level. Most importantly, some of the best easy hikes in Banff are family-friendly.
Some gentle hikes are easily finished in under thirty minutes, while some might take you two to three hours. The trails are mostly flat, well-marked, and well-maintained. Some might even be wheelchair accessible or stroller-friendly.
JOHNSTON CANYON
Johnston Canyon is rated as a top easy hike in Banff National Park for many reasons. It's also one of the classic Banff hikes, which is included in every guidebook and recommended to all novice hikers.
The limestone canyon was formed thousands of years ago by erosion and Johnston Creek that cut through the rock mass, and the result is spectacular.
Johnston Canyon trail is gentle and well-maintained; therefore, it's mobbed in peak season with hikers of all ages. Johnston Canyon serves as a perfect introduction to hiking in Banff, and the trail has three parts.
From the trailhead at Johnston Canyon day-use area, a gentle walk on a mostly flat trail will take you to Lower Falls (1.2 kilometers one way), though we recommend you continue for another 1.2 kilometers to 30-meter high Upper Falls to get the most of the place.
While the walk is graded as easy and mellow, come prepared. Staying hydrated is essential when hiking, so don't leave your reusable water bottle behind.
Although some places in Banff might be hard to reach in winter, Johnston Canyon is open year-round. The Canyon Ice Walk Tour is very popular and allows you to see the canyon from a different perspective.
INK POTS
While the main reason to hike in Johnston Canyon is (surprisingly) the canyon itself, you don't have to return immediately once you reach the Upper Falls.
A well-maintained trail goes through the forest to a meadow where you will find a few small natural pools with water bubbling up from the depths of the earth. The Ink Pots have slightly different colors depending on the weather, and it's the perfect place to eat your snack before heading back to the parking lot.
Moreover, once you leave the Upper Falls behind, the crowds thin out, and you will have more space on the trail for yourself. The path is 11 kilometers round trip, with a 300 meters elevation gain.
PEYTO LAKE VIEWPOINT
Peyto Lake is one of those low-effort, high-reward hikes that's accessible to hikers of all ages and levels. As a matter of fact, you won't find an easier trail on our list (together with the Moraine Lake Viewpoint Trail).
While the hike itself is not that interesting (don't forget to read the informative panels along the way that will make the hike more entertaining), the views from the lookout are absolutely breathtaking.
Furthermore, the Peyto Lake Trail is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, so everyone can enjoy the views from a wooden platform.
One of the shortest trails on our list ends with a view over the glacial-fed Peyto Lake and the entire Bow Valley. The turquoise color of Peyto Lake on a sunny day is almost unreal, but the scientific explanation is that it was created by the glacial silt (also known as rock flour) from the glacier's movement across the rocky bottom.
Even though we listed the hike in an easy section, there are a few more trails in the area for those who want to explore the area more thoroughly or wish to escape the crowds.
Although you can go to Peyto Lake year-round, July and August are the best months to appreciate the lake's color the most.
The Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail is currently closed as the area is undergoing a reconstruction that should be finished by the end of summer 2021.
MORAINE LAKE VIEWPOINT
If you are looking for one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, then Moraine Lake surely must be right at the top of the list. A glacially-fed Moraine Lake used to be on the 20 dollar bill in the 70s, and the viewpoint allows you to see it in its full glory.
The views are absolutely stunning throughout the year, but you can appreciate the insanely blue color the most in the summer when it's full of glacier rock flour.
Sometimes referred to as the Rockpile Trail, Moraine Lake Viewpoint Trail is a short and easy hike that offers one of the best effort/reward ratios in the Canadian Rockies.
The trail is packed with tourists from sunrise to sunset, so don't expect to have it just for yourself. If you plan your trip carefully, you can even watch the sunrise over the rocky peaks and the turquoise lake, but you would have to arrive super early to secure the parking spot.
Moraine Lake area is notoriously known for its small parking lot, and taking a shuttle bus from an overflow parking lot just off the Trans-Canada Highway will save you a lot of time and trouble. The shuttle is no longer free and costs $8 round trip.
The road to Moraine Lake is closed in winter for cars, though you can get there on cross-country skis.
MORAINE LAKE LAKESHORE TRAIL
If you have some spare time and looking for another easy trail, you can try the Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail. A leisure stroll along Moraine Lake is a perfect activity for families with kids or travelers who want to relax their minds and enjoy the epic scenery without too much effort.
MODERATE HIKES IN BANFF
The definition of a moderate hike is very loose, and you can find hikes that will take you anything between three to six hours to finish.
You can easily extend some of the moderate hikes to serious day hikes, and we will mention it in the text.
According to our experience, it is perfect for mixing a few short and medium hikes in your Canadian Rockies itinerary, so you can stretch your legs, hike the most prominent, but also a few off-the-beaten trails.
SULPHUR MOUNTAIN
Sulphur Mountain Trail is one of the most popular places in Banff due to its accessibility, and it's often the first trail many hikers arriving in Banff choose to do.
A moderately challenging trail or a fairly quick gondola ride (8 minutes) will take you to the summit from where you can admire the 360-degree view of Banff town and the Bow Valley.
A series of never ending switchbacks help with the incline, and even novice hikers can reach the summit in two to three hours. We listed this hike as moderately difficult and believe that our readers will want to hike from the bottom of the valley.
However, if you are looking for an easy hike, take the gondola to the top and enjoy the paths offering perfect views there.
Furthermore, day visitors can reach cosmic Ray Station and Sanson's Peak via interpretive trail. If you are not feeling like walking the same way down, you can always take the gondola to save some energy.
The mountain was named after a couple of hot springs at the foothills, Banff Upper Hot Springs and Cave and Basin National Historic Site, which you can visit later to slow down and soothe your sore muscles after a long day of hiking in the mountains.
LARCH VALLEY
Larch Valley is a popular day hike in the Lake Moraine area throughout the summer season, but it shines the most in the autumn.
In fact, the best time to hike Larch Valley is from mid-September to the end of September. The larches grow in the entire valley above Moraine Lake, and when the right time arrives, the whole area turns into golden yellow.
The yellow foliage amid the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains is a fascinating sight that attracts hundreds of hikers each day and is definitely worth visiting at this time of the year. When the autumn arrives in the Larch Valley, so do the hikers from all over Alberta.
The window to see the yellow larches is relatively short (usually two weeks), so the trail gets packed with day-trippers from Calgary.
Needless to say, Larch Valley is beautiful even at the beginning of the hiking season and early in the summer, especially when the alpine blanket of wildflowers starts to bloom.
The hike from the trailhead to the valley is 4.3 kilometers each way, with a total elevation gain of more than 500 meters.
You will find the Larch Valley trailhead at Lake Moraine, which we have already mentioned in this blog post.
SENTINEL PASS
After you've enjoyed the Larch Valley, you can either walk back to the parking lot or extend the hike with Sentinel Pass Trail.
Sentinel Pass is often rated as a difficult hike in Banff, but in our opinion, the hardest part is actually to get to the Larch Valley, and from the valley itself, it's not that bad.
The views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks from the pass are mindblowing, and we were delighted that we decided to make that extra effort to reach it.
BOURGEAU LAKE
Bourgeau Lake is one of the finest examples of the sheer amount of hiking choices you have in Banff National Park. The first part of the hike is a steady but gradual climb through a typical Canadian forest that ends at the crystal clear alpine lake surrounded by a massive rock amphitheater.
The trail is well-marked, and although there are almost no views along the way, it will take you closer to nature as you will be hiking through a dense forest.
The Bourgeau Lake is a perfect spot to have lunch and regain some strength. The lake itself is rather small but very picturesque; some hikers decide to return from this point.
We strongly recommend you to carry on to Harvey Pass, though.
HARVEY PASS
The area at Bourgeau Lake is beautiful, but if you continue to Harvey Pass, the views from the top will blow you away. If we rated the Bourgeau Lake as a moderate hike, then the Harvey Pass hike would be difficult.
From the pass, you can admire the entire valley you just hiked through or the majestic Mountain Assiniboine on the opposite side of the ridge.
If the weather is clear and you are still looking for a challenge, you can continue to Bourgeau Mountain Trail. Parks Canada does not maintain the trail, but some hikers decide to go all the way to the top for even more mesmerizing views.
The distance to the lake from the parking lot is about 7.5 kilometers one way with an elevation gain of 750 meters; the Harvey Pass lies another 3 kilometers from there, and you have to climb additional 300 meters.
The peak can be reached via 3 kilometers hike from the pass with an elevation gain of 400 meters.
The Bourgeau Lake parking area is quite small, so try to arrive there early to secure the spot.
PLAIN OF SIX GLACIERS
One of our all-time favorite hikes in the Canadian Rockies, Plain of Six Glaciers, is a moderately difficult hike that will take you around six hours to finish.
Plain of Six Glaciers trailhead starts at the busy Lake Louise shores and gradually climbs to one of the best views in the Rockies.
The classic Plain of Six Glaciers trail is 7 kilometers one way with an elevation gain of more than 400 meters. After 5.5 kilometers, you will arrive at Lake Louise Teahouse, where you can take a short break and even buy some refreshments.
Some hikers turn around at this point, but we believe that's a shame, as you have only 1.5 kilometers ahead of you, and the best views are from the end of the trail.
The Abbot Pass Viewpoint Trail ends abruptly, and it's not safe to continue further (there is no trail anyway). Even though this is an in-and-out trail, you can make a detour on the way back from the main path that will make the route a loop.
BEEHIVE TRAIL & LAKE AGNES TRAIL
Once you get back to Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, you can extend the hike and return back via the Beehive Trail or Lake Louise Highline Trail, and consequently, the Lake Agnes Trail.
This path will lead you to a lookout from where you can see Lake Louise from above, and then climb down and see two more alpine lakes along the way.
PARKER RIDGE TRAIL
Driving along the Icefields Parkway is one of the highlights of every trip around the Canadian Rockies. There are many worthwhile stops along the way, and if you are looking for a moderately difficult hike, then we would recommend the Parker Ridge Trail.
The trail is only 2.7 kilometers one way but has an elevation gain of 250 meters, so it's on the verge of an easy and moderate hike. Parker Ridge hike shouldn't take you more than two to three hours (mostly depending on how much time you spend on the ridgeline), so it's a perfect choice for active visitors traveling on a strict itinerary.
The reward once you reach the ridge with the views of the Saskatchewan Glacier is worth the effort. The glacier views from the trail offer a very different experience than the nearby Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail.
We hiked to Parker Ridge a few times already, and even though the trail is often busy, the area along the ridge allows you to lose the crowd.
If you've hiked the Parker Ridge already or you are looking just for more inspiration, there is a Wilcox Pass hike nearby, though the area is part of the Jasper National Park.
DIFFICULT HIKES IN BANFF
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a person looking more closely into serious hiking, the Banff area will not disappoint you.
The challenging hikes in Banff require six to ten hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst should be your motto when doing day hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
CORY PASS
One of the hardest day hikes in Banff, Cory Pass presents a serious challenge for all outdoorsy people looking for a way to get away from the crowds while in Banff.
The Cory Pass trailhead is located only ten minutes drive by car from Banff, and you will find there a small parking lot where you can leave your vehicle. The advantage of Cory Pass over the Aylmer Lookout we've listed below is that the trail is a loop, so you won't have to retrace your steps.
We decided to walk clockwise, and it felt like it was a slightly better choice, but the hiking direction won't make much difference at the end of the day. The pass itself sits between Mount Edith and Mount Cory; therefore, you can often find the name Cory and Edith Pass Trail.
Trekking poles will make your day much easier, don't leave them in the car for this hike.
Cory Pass is a bit different from most of the hikes on the list. While the scenery and views are breathtaking, you won't find any insanely turquoise lakes along the way that would attract crowds, so not that many people decide to hike it, and we had the trail almost for ourselves, even in the peak season.
FAIRVIEW MOUNTAIN
The Lake Louise area is known for crowds, but the Fairview Mountain hike allows you to leave them behind. Well, if you are up for a challenge.
Fairview Mountain hike is roughly 10 kilometers from the lake to the summit, and the elevation gain is approximately 1000 meters. As you can clearly see, hiking Fairview Mountain is not for the faint-hearted, but it's not that difficult if you go slow and steady.
The hike shouldn't take you more than five to six hours, depending on your pace and frequency of photo stops. And believe us, there will be a lot of them!
Once you conquer the summit, the 360 degrees views from the top will make you forget that you have to hike back via the same trail. Trekking poles and sturdy shoes are highly recommended for this hike.
You will find the Fairview Mountain trailhead at the Lake Louise parking lot. From there, use the Paradise Valley Trail until you reach the Saddleback Pass.
This part is not that exciting compared to what lies ahead, as it goes through a forested area and includes some switchbacks. From there, turn right onto Fairview Mountain Trail, where the real scramble begins. Stay on the trail; the scramble is definitely not that bad, but the incline is steep.
Fairview Mountain is an in-and-out trail, so you need to use the same path to get back.
AYLMER LOOKOUT
We are not afraid to say that the Aylmer Lookout offers one of the best views in Banff. Lake Minnewanka area is a fascinating place, and Aylmer Lookout Trail is one of the best ways to get to know it a bit better.
The challenging part about Aylmer Lookout is that it's an in-and-out trail and quite a long one. Aylmer Lookout Trail is 25 kilometers long and has an altitude gain of 600 meters.
Moderately fit hikers can easily finish this lengthy trail in one day, though you can tackle it in two days with a sleepover in one of the Lake Minnewanka backcountry campgrounds.
We loved the views from the Aylmer Lookout and would really recommend this hike to you. The first part, which leads along the Lake Minnewanka Trail via Stewart Canyon, is mostly flat with only minor ups and downs, but then the climb to the viewpoint is quite strenuous.
The upside is that you won't see many hikers past the lakeshore trail, and you might have the most beautiful part of the trail for yourself.
AYLMER PASS
Alternatively, you can hike the Aylmer Pass (30 kilometers round trip) if you are looking for another challenge.
Aylmer Pass is not a very popular day hike in Banff, and if you are looking for a way to escape the crowds, then the trail to Aylmer Pass is a perfect choice for you.
ENTRANCE FEE
There is an admission to Banff National Park. You can either buy a day pass for $10 per adult or Discovery Pass for $69.19 per adult.
The Discovery Pass is valid for a year and includes more than 80 places in Canada. If you are a family or travel in a large group (up to seven people), then consider purchasing Discovery Pass for families/groups for $139.40.
STAYING SAFE
The Canadian Rockies are a natural habitat for black bears and grizzlies, and you should know what to do in case you encounter a bear in the wilderness.
There are several general tips you should follow, and the best approach is to avoid the bear encounter entirely.
Some of the hikes require you to carry a bear spray and hike in a group of people (usually three or four hikers per group). Also, keep the bear spray close by and easy to grab, not in your backpack. If you are a solo traveler, you might want to find some fellow hikers at the hostel/hotel or join a group at the start of the trail.
Bear safety is no joke, and you could be facing a hefty fine if you don't comply with the rules. The rules apply not only to hiking but camping as well.
Banff area is home to other wild animals, and although some might seem docile at first sight, in reality, they are almost equally dangerous.
Elks, moose, or bighorn sheep can be seen in the wilderness, and you should keep a safe distance at all times. If you want to see the wildlife up-close, bring binoculars or a telephoto lens.
Banff National Park is safe for visiting, but common sense should be exercised. Don't leave anything valuable in your car - if it's not there, then it can't be stolen. Also, always lock your car and close the windows before you leave.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Banff National Park is a premier Canadian destination, and the accommodation prices reflect this fact.
If you are arriving in Banff in the peak season, you need to book your accommodation several months in advance. Hotels fill up fast, and arriving in Banff without a reservation might cost you much more.
Banff town offers a wide range of hotels, and every type of traveler will find suitable accommodation. Lake Louise is much smaller than Banff; therefore, the hotel's variety is lower.
While Canmore technically lies outside the national park, it's a perfect alternative to Banff due to its location. Calgary offers the largest selection of hotels by far, and you can find some budget choices even in the summer.
Here is our choice of the best hotels in Banff National Park.
Banff | Banff Inn - Perfectly located hotel is a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and functional facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage.
Lake Louise | Lake Louise Inn - Wonderful location with views of surrounding mountains, heated indoor pool, and modernly furnished rooms are the main reason why you should check out this hotel.
Canmore | Blackstone Mountain Lodge - This mountain resort has it all. Perfect views, it is easily accessible, and there are an outdoor pool and fitness center. In case this hotel is not available, try its sister hotel Stoneridge Mountain Resort.
Calgary | Aloft Calgary University - A modern and clean hotel close to Calgary's university is the right place for you if you like design hotels with excellent service.
Alternatively, you can stay in one of the many campgrounds in the national park. In this blog post, you will find more information on camping in the Canadian Rockies.
WHEN TO GO
The best time for hiking in Banff is from mid-June to mid-September, though every season is a bit different. Sometimes the summer arrives early; the next year, it's the winter that comes unexpectedly.
Before you go, always ask at the visitors center for the latest updates on the trail's conditions. Park rangers know the current situation, and they can help you decide on what trail is suitable for you or what gear you should have.
In summer, the trails, together with alpine passes, are snow-free and accessible for the majority of average hikers.
The temperatures are highest in the summer, though be prepared that it can snow any time in Banff (and yes, even during the summer).
Also, be prepared that the nights are cold in summer. Pack warm extra layers for sunset/sunrise hikes, and don't forget to bring a proper sleeping bag for camping adventures.
GET AROUND
The best way to get around the Canadian Rockies is by car or campervan. If you don't have your own transportation, renting a car in Canada is a smooth and easy process.
A rental car gives you the freedom to visit top attractions in Banff at your own pace without worrying about schedules and other inconveniences. Roads in Banff National Park are paved, and in good conditions, so a regular car will do just fine.
Alternatively, you can visit some places with a tour or use Roam Transit.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
