16 Best Banff Hikes To Discover in 2023

With near 1000 miles of well-maintained trails, turquoise waters, alpine meadows, and luxurious forests, Banff National Park is likely one of the most lovely locations to hike in Canada.

We have been to Banff National Park a lot of instances in each completely different season and think about it one in all our favourite locations in Canada it doesn’t matter what time of 12 months. But to actually take in all that this park has to supply you must get out and hike. From the simpler trails like Sulpher Mountain to extra strenuous hikes in Banff like Corey Pass this information will enable you to select that are the perfect mountaineering trails in Banff so as to add to your subsequent go to.

Our Best Banff Hikes

When placing this Banff mountaineering information collectively we wished to ensure so as to add hikes for all ranges of bodily health. Most of those listed below are doable with a median stage of health however some require extra stamina and expertise. We wished to supply all the small print vital so that you can select the hike that’s finest for you. The fantastic thing about mountaineering in Banff National Park is that a lot of them are accessible inside a brief drive from the city of Banff or Lake Louise Village. 

Whichever method you resolve to go, the towering mountains of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta encompass you, making for picture-perfect surroundings at each flip.

Up subsequent we’re going to let you know in regards to the 16 Best Banff hikes you gained’t need to miss. To go to Banff National Park you want a Parks Pass and you should purchase it right here.

Traveling to Alberta? Read extra: The 52 Best Things to do in Alberta, Canada – The Ultimate Guide

1. Tunnel Mountain Trail

Although Tunnel Mountain has no tunnel, it does have hanging views of the Banff space from its summit. The trailhead is positioned near Banff metropolis heart and you’ll simply stroll to it. Whether you’re strolling to it or taking a automobile, you’ll need to get to St. Julien Road, which is simply off Grizzly Street in Banff downtown. There is a car parking zone out there for these utilizing autos.

The path begins with properly graded switchbacks and it could get just a little steep in locations so mountaineering boots are a good suggestion. Once you get nearer to the highest, you get a gentle climb. You’ll see views of Vermillion Lakes, the city of Banff, the Banff Golf Course, and the imposing Mount Rundle.

Despite the steep sections, the Tunnel Mountain path hike is taken into account simple and is feasible to do with the entire household. It can also be an ideal hike for dawn or sundown because it doesn’t take too lengthy and the views are unbelievable.

2. Lake Agnes Trail and Beehive Circuit (Little and Big Beehive)

This hike is likely one of the high issues to do in Banff and top-of-the-line Banff hikes as nicely. The hike itself isn’t too strenuous and is well accessible from the small city of Lake Louise. The Lake Agnes Trail begins out on a paved path that takes you alongside the north shore of Lake Lousise with beautiful views of the Victoria Glacier. You will then climb up into the spruce forest alongside some switchbacks earlier than you attain the glistening Mirror Lake, alpine meadows, the falls, and the favored rock face known as the Big Beehive.

As you allow Mirror Lake keep to the best for the perfect views. I’m not going to lie, there’s one thing fairly particular about discovering your self in an old style teahouse whereas surrounded by the long-lasting Rocky Mountains, turquoise blue lakes and bears, and deer as well. Lake Agnes Tea House has been serving tea since 1905 and is the proper place to seize a snack earlier than persevering with on to Little Beehive and Big Beehive the place the views are much more spectacular.

The Lake Agnes Tea House itself was constructed by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 as a spot the place hikers might cease and relaxation. In 1905 it began serving tea and hasn’t stopped since. 

This hike is extraordinarily in style and could be actually busy in the excessive season. This is as a result of it is likely one of the best Banff hikes that may be accomplished in below 2 hours. We suggest doing it in October, earlier than the snow to keep away from all of the crowds. Regardless, of if you go to although, it’s positively price it.

3. Sulpher Mountain

Sulphur Mountain is likely one of the hottest hikes in Banff National Park. Not solely as a result of it has spectacular views and is near the city Center of Banff but in addition as a result of you possibly can take a Gondola up or down in the event you like. If you resolve to hike up (or down) you’ll be handled to panoramic views of the encircling mountains and valleys.

The hike up is taken into account strenuous because the elevation achieve comes shortly by means of a sequence of switchbacks which ends on the high of the gondola for Sulphur Mountain. The trailhead is positioned on the Upper Hot Springs car parking zone, and when you attain the summit, you’ll be capable to see spectacular views of Banff, the Bow River Valley, and the encircling peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Because that is so near the city of Banff it is likely one of the hottest issues to do. That means in the summer season will probably be extremely busy. But we predict the views are price it particularly in the event you staying in Banff.

4. Helen Lake Trail

The Helen Lake Trail makes for an idyllic hike the place you’ll be crossing rivers and streams and going by means of wildflower meadows and fir forests. There is quite a lot of journey and enjoyable available on this hike, however ensure you’re carrying the best footwear and clothes to have the ability to expertise it in consolation. 

You ought to positively climb as much as the ridge above Helen Lake by way of Dolomite Pass in the event you can, from there you get pretty views of the less-known and due to this fact undisturbed and purely blue Lake Katherine cupped in the mountain peaks.

The Helen Lake Trail hike is positioned off the Icefields Parkway on the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint and is a good various to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise if these hikes are too busy.

5. Bourgeau Lake Trail

It is taken into account a average path that can take you thru forests of lodgepole pine and spruce all the way in which to Bourgeau Lake.

The lake itself sits in a glacially carved amphitheater and it’s a good suggestion to pack alongside a picnic so you possibly can take pleasure in it if you get there. You may additionally be joined by chipmunks, squirrels, and pikas in the event you’re fortunate.

The starting of the path is fairly regular till you hit Wolverine Creek. The creek is quaint, however the waterfall that pours down from it’s completely beautiful. Enjoy these views as a result of after that you simply’re going to be entering into steep switchbacks, some poles could possibly be extremely useful. 

After all of the huffing and puffing you’re going to succeed in the blue-green brilliance of Bourgeau Lake and have views of Sunshine Meadows and Rock Isle Lake. It’s the proper place to cease, have a snack, and nod to your self that the huffing and puffing have been price it. If you feel adventurous you too can mix this with a summit bid to Mount Bourgeau which is a 2,931-metre (9,616 ft) tall peak. This would make it a full-day hike so be sure to organize accordingly.

You can get to the path by taking the exit for Sunshine Village Ski Resort off of the Trans Canada Highway. You can park in the car parking zone and there are restroom amenities. 

6. Lake Louise Plain of the Six Glaciers Trail

This is likely one of the most good regularly elevated trails in the nationwide park that permits for a leisurely hike. You get pretty views of Lake Louise alongside the way in which in addition to Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. You ought to observe this path can get a bit muddy as you’re alongside the water quite a lot of the time so put on acceptable sneakers.

You may also deliver your canine alongside this path so that you and your four-legged pal can benefit from the greenery and mountain flowers alongside your stroll. The Plain of the Six Glaciers Teahouse is a stunning place to cease and take in the character that surrounds you whereas having fun with some tea and treats.

Note: you too can get to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House by mountaineering from Big Beehive right down to the teahouse. The downhill hike is fairly simple from Big Beehive.

This is a 13.8 KM round-trip hike that begins across the Lake Louise shoreline. To get to the path you have to to go to the Chateau Lake Louise car parking zone. Do observe that this explicit parking space fills up quick because it leads guests to many trails in addition to the Chateau. 

7. Cascade Amphitheatre Trail

Cascade Mountain is called as such as a result of waterfall that cascades down one aspect of it. Looking at Cascade Mountain from afar paints an intimidating image and the considered climbing it appears unimaginable.

It is certainly a troublesome and tough climb, and that’s why mountaineering to the Cascade Amphitheatre is an effective various to get near the mountain with out having to summit it.

You’ll be mountaineering by means of the dense forest in the beginning which isn’t all that attention-grabbing, however when you get nearer to the amphitheater the timber begin opening up and the sky seems. And you really do really feel such as you’re in an amphitheater due to the looming mountain peaks surrounding you.

Before you get to the attractive meadow of the amphitheater be ready for all types of wildlife sightings. There have been studies of bears and elk and even cougars in the world. 

This is a 13 KM hike with an elevation change of 3000 toes and is taken into account a average hike. You can get to the Cascade Amphitheatre Snowshoe Trail from the Mt. Norquay ski space. From the car parking zone, you’re going to go in direction of the Spirit chairlift which is able to get you onto the path.

8. Johnston Canyon Hike off Bow Valley Parkway

One of the preferred Banff Hikes, the Johnston Canyon Trail will take you right into a dramatic journey film sort of panorama. Let’s simply begin off with the truth that if you get on the path you’re going to be getting on some sturdy iron walkways that dangle over the canyon (not for the faint of coronary heart).

We have finished this hike in each the winter and the summer season and really cherished it extra in the winter. The causes for this are that there are far fewer folks, the waterfalls are frozen, which makes for a unique viewing expertise, and we obtained to see ice climbers on a lot of the falls. If you do the hike in the winter be sure to seize some Ice Cleats from city as the paths have been fairly icy.

If you might be there in the summer season it’s nonetheless very spectacular. Make positive to climb as much as the higher falls for nice views of the falls pouring down right into a pool surrounded by canyon partitions. Then, if you wish to make extra of a day of it head out to the Ink Pots. You can entry them from the highest of the higher falls the place it’s one other 2 KM out to the Ink Pots.

From the Bow Valley Parkway, you’ll be driving to the Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows. You can park there and entry the trailhead close to the lodge.  Alternatively, you possibly can take the Johnston Valley shuttle to get there from the city of Banff. 

9. Cory Pass and Edith Pass Trail

If you need to problem your self however restrict that problem to a day hike, the Cory Pass and Edith Pass Trail is likely one of the finest trails in Banff National Park for you. Right off the highest, you’re going to expertise some main inclines and also you’re going to need to undergo a river, nevertheless, when you hit the summit the grading turns into extra even and the hike turns into simpler. 

There have been bear sightings in the world so deliver alongside your bear spray. In reality, you need to be bringing your bear spray alongside no matter what a part of the Canadian Rockies you’re mountaineering.

Overall it’s a troublesome hike, however actually offers you a beautiful style of the true rugged nature of the park. The Cory Pass trailhead is on the Fireside Picnic Area which is positioned off 1A Bow Valley Parkway. It is a 13 KM hike and one of many highest elevation trails in the park with a achieve of 1168 meters.  

10. Saddleback Pass Trail

For a enjoyable hike that’s not going to depart you breathless and scrambling over rocks, you’ll need to take a look at the Saddleback Pass Trail.

Unlike quite a lot of different experiences in Banff National Park, this hike goes to cover quite a lot of the views as you hike by means of dense forests. But that’s okay, you’ll breathe in the scrumptious recent air and get an opportunity to see cute wildlife like ptarmigans and marmots alongside the way in which. 

The climax of all of it is if you get to the precise saddle and end up flanked by Saddle Mountain and Mount Fairview. You have the choice of taking the straightforward method up or a steeper method up after which coming again down the other method to make for a little bit of a loop. There are indicators alongside the way in which so you possibly can resolve which method you’re going to go.

You ought to observe that it may be snowy alongside the path nicely into April and May so getting over the rocks could be slippery, particularly if you’re attempting to get to the highest.

This is a 7.4 KM hike and can have you making an elevation achieve of 603 meters. It is taken into account a straightforward hike. You’ll get views of Mount Temple in addition to Lake Louise.

To get to the Saddleback Pass Hike you’ll need to get off the TransCanada Highway on the exit for Lake Louise village after which drive on to Chateau Lake Louise and park in their extraordinarily busy car parking zone. You can entry the path from right here, simply be sure to be careful for the indicators to get on the best path as there are a lot of hikes you possibly can entry from right here. 

11. Larch Valley Trail / Sentinel Pass

Although all of Banff National Park looks as if a distant and rugged a part of Alberta, in the event you actually need to get a style of a backcountry path then the Larch Valley Trail is it.

This path is likely one of the finest Banff hikes for magnificent views of the Canadian Rockies from Banff National Park. At first, you’ll be going by means of dense larch forest however as you get larger up you’ll get views of Moraine Lake after which additional up a view of these Rocky Mountains.

The path brings you to Sentinel Pass the place you get views of Paradise Valley. Hiking into Paradise Valley is a visit by itself; the path ascends 3750 toes. So proceed in your method with the Larch Valley Trail and save that for one more day.

One of probably the most beautiful views you’ll see is in the event you go on this path in the autumn as larch timber do look loads like pine timber, however they really change colour in the autumn. So you’ll see Christmas timber which can be doused in yellow in September, October, and November.

Although it may be tempting to go off-trail in some components, keep on with the designated trails as it’s harmful for you and for the wildlife in the event you don’t. This is an 11 KM hike with an elevation achieve of 792 meters. It is taken into account a troublesome hike so that you’ll want your mountaineering sneakers and poles.

You can get to the path from the Moraine Lake car parking zone however as of Summer 2023, you possibly can solely entry Moraine Lake by way of the shuttle service from the Lake Louise Area, Roam Transit, or different industrial transportation. This will value $8, seniors $4, and children aged six and below are free. Parking on the Lake Louise Lodge is really useful or there are additionally shuttles out there from the Lake Louise space. 

No non-public autos are allowed on the street to Moraine Lake or the Parking Lot except you’ve a disabled tag.

12. Moraine Lake Shoreline Hike

You’ll really be mountaineering on the Rockpile and Lakeshore Trail if you do the Moraine Lake Shoreline Hike. This hike is for everybody in the household and could be finished in below two hours.

You’ll be doing a 3 KM trek that’s flat across the lake. There is the famed Rock Pile in fact you can select to hike over, however for a flatter family-friendly hike, you possibly can simply go round it. 

Along the way in which, you’ll see views of Fay Glacier and the Ten Peaks. The Ten Peaks Valley offers you a shot of ten towering mountain peaks side-by-side, together with Mount Tuzo, Mount Bowlen, and Wenkchemna Peak. This is the well-known “Twenty Dollar View” as this viewpoint was featured on the previous Canadian twenty-dollar invoice. One of the perfect views in the world in our opinion 🙂 You’ll find yourself near a flowing and peaceable stream that’s the good place for a storybook picnic.

You may even hire a canoe ($130 CAD/canoe/hour) and benefit from the surroundings from the center of the lake. In winter (observe that the street to Moraine lake is closed to site visitors throughout the winter)and even throughout the spring and fall the water ranges do get excessive so the pathway can get overfilled with water so make sure you’re carrying waterproof sneakers.

There is nothing like paddling whereas having fun with the fantastic thing about the encircling mountain peaks.

Please pay attention to the entry limitations and guidelines above as they’ve modified as of Summer 2023.

13. Bow Glacier Falls

This is a comparatively simple hike for all ages. The Bow Glacier falls hike begins at Num-Ti-Jah lodge and runs alongside the attractive Bow Lake, by means of a gorge, and eventually onto a scenic waterfall cascading down a rugged cliff.

Most of the path alongside the beautiful Bow lake is flat with just a little uphill climb in direction of the tip. The hike is nicely price it only for the spectacular views of the attractive blue waters. The waterfall on the finish of the hike can also be fairly spectacular and a fantastic reward for considerably little effort.

The hike solely takes a few hours which makes it a fantastic cease alongside the Icefields Parkway. We be sure to cease right here each time we go to.

14. Sunshine Meadows

Sunshine Meadows is likely one of the hottest Banff mountaineering trails with picturesque views of the Canadian Rockies, pristine views of the alpine lakes, blooming wildflowers, and alpine meadows.

It’s simply probably the most lovely mountaineering trails in the world and seems like you might be strolling in a storybook or film.

The trailhead begins at Sunshine village resort on a rugged street that takes you thru an instantaneous elevation achieve that provides a fantastic view of the encircling areas. You will comply with the shoreline of Grizzly and Larix lakes, cross a larch forest, and cease at Simpson Viewpoint for an unbelievable view over Kootenay National Park. To get to the trailhead you possibly can take a 20-minute gondola experience from Sunshine Village that provides scenic mountain views earlier than you begin your hike or take a shuttle bus.

15. Healy Pass

Healy Pass is one other hike that begins from Sunshine Village and autumn is the perfect time to go to the Healy cross as you get to expertise the larch timber in full bloom with lovely golden-yellow colours.

The cross isn’t thought of a straightforward hike because it’s lengthy and difficult with a gentle manageable incline. However, you’re rewarded with spectacular views of the close by mountains, lush larch forests, and, blooming wildflowers. The major downfall of this hike is that you’re in the forest for mainly the primary 8 km so there may be not an excessive amount of to see. But when you emerge you might be handled to breathtaking views of Egypt Lake and the encircling peaks.

As we mentioned above, the hike begins on a dust street after which onto a dense forest filled with fir, spruce, and larch timber with occasional views of the mountain. This can also be one of many solely Banff hikes on this record that offer you a great view of Mount Assiniboine, the best peak in the park.

16. Sawback Backpacking Trail

If you need to backpack and spend a couple of nights below the celebrities, the Sawback Trail is ideal. It is a 71.3 KM path and comes with an elevation achieve of 2122 meters. You might want to e book your journey on the Parks Canada web site to order your tenting spots.

This path can have you enjoying in all types of nature from cruising by means of alpine meadows to scrambling over boulders and negotiating tight switchbacks. You’ll even be crossing main wildlife corridors so be ready for that and hold your bear spray helpful.

You can get to the path by way of one in all two trailheads. One of the trailheads you possibly can entry by getting off the TransCanada Highway on the Lake Louise Village exit and driving in direction of Lake Louise Ski Resort. You’ll want to show proper onto Fish Creek Road going in direction of Skoki Lodge and the trailhead is positioned on the Fish Creek Parking Lot.

The different trailhead is positioned on the Mt. Norquay Parking Lot on Mt. Norquay Road which is a brief drive from the city of Banff.  Since it is a point-to-point path, you’ll must park at one finish and take a shuttle to get to the opposite finish.

Our Recommendations

What is the perfect hike in Banff?

That is a really troublesome query to reply as Canada’s oldest nationwide park has wonderful hikes throughout. One of the perfect could possibly be the Tunnel Mountain hike because it offers you an expansive view of the entire park. For one thing that’s historic, rugged, and heart-warming, it is best to head out on the Lake Agnes Trail and go to the Lake Agnes Tea House.

How many mountaineering trails are in Banff National Park?

There are a whole lot of trails in the park however the established ones complete 160.

Is it secure to hike alone in Banff?

It is at all times higher to hike in teams, particularly in case of animal encounters. You must also at all times let somebody know the place you’re going earlier than you head out on the paths. If you occur to reach in Banff alone, you possibly can at all times rent a information to take you on the paths. 

How lengthy are the hikes in Banff?

The hikes in Banff can vary anyplace from 2 KM to nearly 100 KM. The shortest of hikes will take you lower than an hour however the lengthy hikes just like the 72 KM Sawback Backpacking Trail can take you 3-5 days relying in your tempo. Of course, there are comfortable mediums between the shortest and longest trails as there are many day hikes out there that vary from 10 to fifteen KM.

Tips for Banff National Park Hiking

Be ready for the climate: Banff can have sudden modifications in climate, so it’s necessary to return ready with acceptable clothes and kit. Plan forward: Before you go, analysis the path you intend to hike and ensure you have a map or GPS gadget, in addition to sufficient water and meals. Stay on the designated path: To shield the pure setting and keep away from getting misplaced, it’s necessary to remain on the designated path and keep away from shortcuts. Be bear conscious: Keep a secure distance from bears and different wildlife, and carry bear spray if it’s out there. Respect the park’s guidelines and rules: Follow all posted guidelines and rules, together with these concerning tenting and fires. Leave no hint: Pack out all trash and go away the park as you discovered it, so future generations can take pleasure in it as nicely. Get the best data: Always test the park web site or customer heart for probably the most up-to-date data on path situations and closures, in addition to data on permits, campsite reservations, and bear exercise.

Conclusion

There is little question that Banff National Park has among the finest mountaineering in the world. If you might be on the lookout for pure magnificence, backcountry, or only a place to flee all of it then we all know that at the very least one in all these Banff Hikes will attraction to you.

After numerous journeys to this a part of Canada, we will simply say that it doesn’t matter what your mountaineering expertise one can find a house you’ll keep in mind in Banff National Park.