Searching for the top hikes in Banff? We offer our top Banff hikes along with all the information you need in this guide to make the most of the park. These hikes in Banff will take you through high alpine passes carpeted with wildflowers, craggy peaks capped by glaciers, and plenty of turquoise blue lakes.
All hikers of a reasonable level of fitness can tackle the variety of Banff hiking trails that I have tried to include. While there are many more difficult hikes, scrambles, climbs, and mountaineering goals in Banff National Park that provide breathtaking views, not everyone can complete them and they do require more mountaineering experience.
This compilation of the top Banff hikes aims to please everyone by offering a balance between the amount of effort and the reward! Naturally, Banff is a sizable park with a ton of additional hiking trails and exploration opportunities. There are plenty of amazing wilderness vistas to be found on any of these Banff hikes.
See our picks for the best scrambles in Banff at the bottom as well! The hiking trails in Banff are listed below, not in any specific order.
What Time of Year Is Best for Hiking in Banff?
The summer months of July and August are the ideal times to go hiking in Banff. On hikes at high elevations, this is when the majority of the snow disappears. particularly in August. Wait until late July or early August if you have any major hiking routes in Banff where there’s a chance snow will be sticking around at the top.
Having said that, the hiking season in Banff officially begins in mid-May (at least for us), as this is when the ski season concludes and we mentally transition to hiking.
You won’t have to worry about snow when hiking at lower elevations like Kananaskis’ Prairie View Trail in mid-May. You can progress to the hikes at higher elevations as the year goes on, and your selection of hikes will grow. By early June, it’s a great idea to hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House, or even further, to Mount Saint Piran. Depending on the year, great hiking in Banff usually lasts into September (larch season!) and the first few weeks of October.
This is not to argue that there aren’t any enjoyable hiking trails in Banff during the winter. All you have to do is hike keeping in mind the winter weather and conditions. Check out a few of our top winter hiking routes in Banff here.
Our Favorite Banff Hikes!
Mount Bourgeau & Harvey Pass
One of the best hikes in Banff is the first one on my list. Located in the center of Banff National Park, Mount Bourgeau is a 2,931-meter (9,616-foot) mountain that offers some breathtaking views. The parking area can be reached in just ten to fifteen minutes by car from the town of Banff, making it easily accessible from there.
For those who are staying on Banff Avenue, this makes the hike fantastic. Although the terrain is not difficult, endurance and strong legs are needed due to the sheer length and elevation gain.
It takes approximately 22 km and 1,700 meters, or 5,600 feet, of climbing in a single day to reach Bourgeau Peak. Despite this, it’s one of the easiest peaks in the Rockies to reach the top because there isn’t any climbing or scrambling involved. Bourgeau may therefore be the place to go if your main reason for visiting Banff is to climb a mountain.
Traveling uphill, you cross the picturesque Bourgeau Lake, take in the breathtaking views from Harvey Pass, and then from the summit, the entire park opens up. It’s a broad vista that never lets you down.
You can choose to shorten the hike by going only to Harvey Pass or Bourgeau Lake, which would remove a significant portion of the trail. Because of its adjustability, this hike in Banff is fantastic for hikers of all skill levels.
After spending more than 45 minutes at the summit, our six-hour journey to the top was completed. As the average time is about eight hours, don’t expect to finish it much sooner unless you’re trail running. Since this is a full-day hike, pack a lunch, some water, and some snacks.
Tunnel Mountain
Since Tunnel Mountain is located in the center of Banff, it ranks as our second choice. The town center doesn’t offer many hiking opportunities, but Banff Avenue is only a short stroll from Tunnel Mountain.
Because of its accessibility and year-round hiking, it is adored by the locals. Despite being one of the park’s smaller mountains, it nevertheless provides breathtaking views of the valleys below.
Sunshine Meadows
With the Sunshine Village gondola doing all of the leg work, this is an excellent hike in Banff with amazing views that requires none of the effort. Hikers have plenty of options from the convenient base, right from the village. The trails are surrounded by a sea of wildflowers and are located in an alpine meadow.
The well-known hike to Rock Isle Lake traverses an alpine larch forest, follows the shorelines of two lakes, and ends at a breathtaking viewpoint with views over Kootenay National Park. It is sublime to stroll through these alpine meadows; it feels like something from a fairytale.
Healy Pass
Most definitely one of the best drives you can do anywhere in Ireland. You drive through the heart of the Beara Peninsula, with it’s distinctive mountainous landscape all around you as the road winds it’s way around crags and passes, emerging to a dramatic view from the top which ever direction you travel in.
Everyone who embarks on the journey is sure to enjoy the fantastic Banff day hike, Healy Pass. It reaches its peak twice a year: once in the early summer when millions of wildflowers flood the valley, and again in the fall when thousands of larch trees turn gold in Banff. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and Egypt Lake below once they reach the pass.
Since Parks Canada maintains the trail so well, it continues to be one of the most well-liked hikes in Banff National Park. The trailhead is situated behind the main building at the Sunshine Village parking lot, where the trail starts.
The trail begins with a gradual ascent through a lush, shaded forest. The forest ends after 8 km, giving way to a stunning alpine meadow and an abundance of wildflowers that are probably the best to see in the park. The peak of the Healy Pass trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, is located beyond the meadow. Mount Assiniboine, one of the most picturesque peaks in the Rockies, is visible in the distance.
If this hike has a drawback, it’s the lengthy route. It can seem like a slog as you make your way through the forest for almost seven kilometers. Wear high-ankle boots because the forest can get very muddy in wet weather. However, as the trail opens up, you’ll soon forget about those seven kilometers. Easily one of the best hikes in Banff is this one!
Egypt Lake
Since Egypt Lake is an extension of Healy Pass, I’m mentioning it as a fantastic Banff hike next. It would take a long day to see Egypt Lake, but if you are a quick hiker, it might be feasible. But most people stay overnight at Egypt Lake because there’s a campground there, and they might hike up Pharaoh Peak the following day.
Starting at the top of Healy Pass is the trail that descends to Egypt Lake. After climbing Healy Pass, you’ll actually descend about 400 meters to reach the lake, which may seem easy, but you’ll need to climb it back out, making the day quite exhausting.
In any case, completing the entire circuit in a single day is feasible, particularly for those who are quick hikers or trail runners (who frequently summit Pharaoh Peak during the day). We spent about seven and a half hours hiking to and from Egypt Lake in one day, but I would strongly recommend camping to avoid having to rush and to fully take in the scenery.
Parker Ridge
After finishing Parker Ridge this past summer, it led directly to one of my favorite hikes in Banff. There are few trails that compare to Parker Ridge Trail for breathtaking vistas and comparatively little exertion.
I was blown away by this hike, which we finished in late June while traveling the Icefields Parkway. This is without a doubt one of the best hikes in Banff, and I usually hike much harder and for much longer views.
The only drawback is that it takes roughly two hours to get there from Banff town, so if you are planning to travel to Jasper or are already climbing the Icefields Parkway, I would suggest doing this hike instead. It’s brief and sweet, and it fits right into the schedule of a road trip along the Icefields Parkway.
Park at the trailhead on Alltrails to start this hike. Since it’s a popular hike, there will likely be a lot of traffic and people on weekends. You won’t miss the vehicles parked on your left before you get to the Columbia Icefields center if you’re traveling from Banff to Jasper.
The entire ascent is a fairly easy and well-traveled trail. The entire 269 meters of the Parker Ridge hike is on a gradual incline. This hike in Banff is an excellent choice for novice hikers because it’s not difficult or technical, and it doesn’t require any scrambling. It’s perfect for everyone in the family, people with mobility challenges, or anyone looking for a relaxing day out! On this hike, we saw dogs, small children, and elderly people.
The views of the stunning bright blue lake and the massive Saskatchewan Glacier as you approach the ridge will astound you. It doesn’t get much better! If you hike this trail outside of July and August, be prepared to get your feet a little wet or bring gaiters because it has a lot of snow on it. We spent less than two hours total on this Banff hike, including numerous photo stops.
Sentinel Pass/Larch Valley
This hike is the embodiment of the Canadian Rockies. Sentinel Pass offers some of Canada’s most breathtaking natural scenery, is very popular, and is fairly challenging.
During the late September larch season, the pass is highly popular with photographers and hikers in the park, drawing hundreds of visitors. The trees in the valley turn a vibrant golden hue during this time, and the mountains are capped with the first snowfall of the upcoming season.
It’s an inspiring sight and undoubtedly among the world’s greatest day hikes. The pass ends with access to Mount Temple, but climbing that peak is far more difficult and should only be attempted by those who are well-prepared; it’s a very serious mountain, and having prior rock climbing experience in the Rockies is ideal.
At Sentinel Pass’s summit, the majority of people halt and return to Moraine Lake. On the other hand, if you want to extend your day out, you can enter Paradise Valley by dropping off the back side of Sentinel Pass. An amazing point-to-point hike around Moraine Lake connects you to Lake Louise via the Paradise Valley trail.
Helen Lake (+ Cirque Peak Scramble)
One of Banff’s greatest hiking trails leads past the picturesque lake Helen Lake on the Icefields Parkway. Compared to Lake Louise or nearby Moraine Lake, it is far less well-known. The water is still gorgeous even though it isn’t the vivid blue of a glacier. Furthermore, Helen Lake is comparatively quiet compared to Moraine or Lake Louise.
You have to hike 6 km (one way) on a moderate trail to reach Helen Lake. There are gorgeous views of the mountains and blooming wildflowers all along the well-maintained trail! Enjoy the scenery and bring a picnic lunch.
The hike can attract a crowd because of the breathtaking views of the alpine meadow leading to Mount Hector, so plan for limited parking. You can ascend to the Dolomite Pass, which offers views of Lake Katherine, from Helen Lake.
If you want to add even more, the ascent to Cirque Peak is an excellent choice for your first Rockies scramble.
Lake Agnes + Beehive Circuit (Little and Big Beehive)
One of the most well-liked activities in Banff for guests visiting Lake Louise is the Lake Agnes Tea House trek. For all visitors to Banff, this hike above Lake Louise is an easy to moderate hike. At the summit of the heavily trafficked 7.6 km (round trip) out and back trail, there’s a teahouse and breathtaking Lake Agnes.
One of the simplest hikes in Banff, this one takes less than two hours to complete. But be advised—it’s a busy one! Continue climbing to the Little Beehive and then to the Big Beehive for a better view and to get away from the crowds.
Check out Devils Thumb Scramble or Mount Saint Piran if you’re looking for a greater challenge. For a seasoned climber or scrambler, the next challenge would be to summit Mount Whyte or Mount Niblock (both challenging!).
Mount St. Piran
Consider hiking up Mount St. Piran if you’ve already ascended the Little Beehive and have time for a longer hike in Banff. Despite the lack of actual hands-on scrambling, it is categorized as an easy scramble. Though steep, the views make the climb worthwhile.
The Mount St. Piran route is a combination of hike and scramble. Since there is no exposure on the route, it’s a good early-season objective once the snow melts off the avalanche slopes.
Finding parking in the morning is one of the most difficult tasks of the day because the route starts at Lake Louise. There are several routes to the summit of Mount St. Piran, but the Little Beehive is the easiest.
Cory Pass – Mt Edith Circuit
Although it is one of the hikes in Banff that requires more physical exertion, it is also one of the most rewarding. The climb to Cory Pass is a bit of a grind up with a quick elevation gain, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit. Once you’re in the pass, the enormity of the mountains envelops you, making you feel small.
It is possible to hike around Mount Edith and back down after climbing to the summit. All in all, this hike just outside of Banff town offers some promising views along with a strenuous hike.
Wilcox Pass
Wilcox Pass provides breathtaking views of the towering mountains and the Columbia Icefields through glaciers. Amazing views can be had from the hike, which gains a pass across from two of the tallest mountains in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Athabasca and Andromeda.
It is ideal if you are traveling between Jasper and Banff or staying close to the Columbia Icefield because it is located on the boundary between Banff and Jasper National Parks.
In addition, there may be some wildflowers in the area and a chance to see bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Additionally, there are absolutely breathtaking views of some of the park’s biggest peaks and the Athabasca Glacier. This is an astounding scale.
Plain of Six Glaciers
This amazing hike ends in an open plain of glaciers after a strenuous walk along Lake Louise. Hikers can enjoy a cup of tea or a freshly baked goodie from the historic Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse, which is a great way to sweeten the pot. This hike is incredible in terms of both reward and effort.
This vast valley was once the meeting point of six glaciers, all of which have since receded as a result of global warming. Now all that’s left is the massive debris field that will allow hikers to completely reshape the earth. For an amazing day in the mountains, you can also combine this hike with the Lake Agnes / Big Beehive hike.
Bow Glacier Falls
For breathtaking views and a stunning Banff waterfall, hike to Bow Glacier Falls. The majority of this leisurely hike is spent following Bow Lake’s shoreline.
Hiking around Bow Lake offers breathtaking views. But hikers witness the birth of an important river in Alberta and a potent waterfall from the Wapta Icefield high above once they ascend the stairs and see Bow Glacier Falls. For those who are driving the Icefields Parkway, this hike is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise after a long day of driving. It only takes a few hours.
Johnston Canyon / Ink Pots
The best winter activity in Banff is the Johnston Canyon walk. It’s much more magical in the winter and has less (though still plenty of) tourists than in the summer. Ever find yourself standing atop a frozen waterfall? Up until the hike in Johnston Canyon, neither had we. The waterfalls of Johnston Canyon freeze over time because of the area’s altitude and the winter’s below-freezing temperatures. It’s a really strange experience that anyone can participate in.
If you visit Banff in the winter, we recommend purchasing some ice cleats in town for your hikes. Even though the trail is well-maintained, it can get icy at times, so it’s best to wear slippers everywhere you go—ours were very helpful! You’ll probably run into some ice climbers when you get to the trail’s end and the most spectacular frozen fall. Make your own reservations for an ice climbing tour if you’re feeling daring.
It’s nice to watch the waterfalls in action during the summer, when the experience is entirely different. This well-maintained trail is appropriate for hikers of all ages, making it one of the easiest hikes in the Banff area. This means that July and August are busy months; if you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early or in the evening.
Make sure to continue on to the Ink Pots if you would like to extend your hike by a few hours.
Consolation Lakes Trail
This is a well-liked family trail close to Moraine Lake that can be combined with the Moraine Lake Rockpile. Although it requires some elevation gain, it is quite manageable. It’s a pleasant change of pace from the Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail because of the more challenging terrain, higher elevation gain, and brief boulder field crossing.
You can see the Tower of Babel’s scree slopes while hiking around Moraine Lake. The hike begins in an old-growth forest and ends in wetlands and an alpine field with the consolation lakes nearby. Magnificent views of Mount Babel, Mount Fay, and the backside of the Ten Peaks, topped by glaciers, are available from the lakes.
Rockbound Lake
One of our favorite hikes in Banff is to Rockbound Lake because it’s simple to find some solitude if you climb up past the lake. The views also keep getting better, offering some breathtaking vistas of the Bow Valley.
The trail passes through a lot of forest, but the views really start to open up when you reach Tower Lake and climb a series of steep switchbacks. You reach Rockbound Lake, surrounded by sheer cliffs, after traveling through yet another set of switchbacks, where you can take in breathtaking views.
You can continue past the lake or Helena Peak to the summit of Castle Mountain for an absolutely epic day. Nevertheless, with 27 kilometers and 1,540 meters of elevation gain, it’s a challenging day. It’s also a simple scramble and one of my favorite day trips in the Rockies.
Moraine Lakeshore/ Rockpile
The appropriately named “Twenty Dollar View,” which is the scene featured on the former Canadian $20 bill and was captured by nearly all photographers, can be reached via the Rockpile trail. We like to think of it as one of the world’s best views. The renowned Ten Peaks, ten lofty snow-capped peaks, border the deep blue Moraine Lake. Still, there isn’t much of a hike on the Lakeshore Trail or the Rockpile.
The top of the Rockpile, a natural dam, is reachable after a brief hike. Along the backside of the rocky moraine, the trail switchbacks. Most physically fit people can access it through a series of stone and log steps. Look out for the often spotted pikas and chipmunks darting in and out of the rocks.
The Banff walking trail known as the Lakeshore Trail starts at the Canoe docks and travels flat along the lake’s shoreline before returning. The trail is fantastic, winding through and out of the forest with breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes.
You’ll be surprised to learn how few people who visit Moraine Lake hike a little bit farther and along one of the area’s easiest Banff trails, which means there will be moments when you have the trail to yourself. There is a boardwalk close to the waters that flow from Wenkchemna Pass at the end of the hike.
C Level Cirque
C Level Cirque is a short hike near Banff that is quite rewarding. The C Level Cirque begins close to Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. From there, it’s a gradual climb to the amphitheater that should take about 45 minutes.
You can turn around here, but as you go higher, you’ll get views over Lake Minnewanka. Continue on the trail for approximately 45 minutes after it circles the amphitheater and climbs up to the rock wall.
Since this hike can be completed in less than three hours and is close to town, we love to do it when we’re pressed for time. Going here is the ideal way to cap off a summer workday. It’s excellent for older tourists and families visiting Banff as well. Try visiting on a weekday as this 9 km out-and-back trail can get very crowded on weekends during the summer.
Banff Bow River Trail
This well-known Banff trail in the town showcases the unspoiled wilderness and breathtaking scenery that surround Banff. It’s ideal to do in the park during a downpour, in the morning with coffee, or after supper. It’s ideal for novices or people with limited mobility; you could even push a wheelchair or stroller along the paved paths.
Our version of it begins in the town center, circles through the Cascade of Time Gardens, and then goes down the river to Bow Falls before coming to an end at the Banff Springs Hotel!
Any time of year is a great time to take a walk along the stunning Bow River. Because they prefer to hang around town, the river provides an ideal habitat for elk during the early summer, when there is less snow and more grass.
Chephren Lake
Chephren Lake is one of the best easy hikes in Banff that not many people do or know about. Situated above the Waterfowl Lakes along the Icefields Parkway, Chephren Lake is one of Banff’s most exquisite lakes and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciated peaks. Here, the lakes have that renowned glacier blue color as well as the absence of Peyto, Louise, or Moraine crowds.
A couple of hundred meters of climbing through the woods and the breathtaking glacier lake are revealed as the trail opens up. The whole family can enjoy this easy-going goal, but wear appropriate footwear as the trail can get quite muddy!
Lake Minnewanka Lakeside
Walk beside one of the biggest lakes in Banff. It’s one of our most beloved spots to hang out. This hike stays low along Lake Minnewanka’s lakeside, making it ideal for at least three seasons.
This trail is great because it follows along a lake, so you can make it as easy or as challenging as you’d like. It makes sense that the lake gets quieter the farther you hike along it.
Sulphur Mountain
Without a doubt, one of the most well-liked hikes in Banff National Park is up Sulphur Mountain. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views over Spray Valley and Bow Valley from this lovely hike.
After starting from the Banff Gondola or Hot Springs parking lots, the trail climbs Sulphur Mountain via a series of switchbacks until it reaches the Gondola Station. To reach the summit and take in the breathtaking views over the valley and Banff, follow the boardwalk that hugs the ridge.
The Gondola is a fantastic way to get some exercise in the winter without having to walk back out because it is free to take down. Sulphur Mountain gets very busy, especially at the peak, because of its closeness to Banff town and the option to take the Banff Gondola up to the summit rather than exerting yourself on the trail.
Taylor Lake
At the foot of Mount Bell, Taylor Lake offers breathtaking views. For visitors who are active, Banff offers an excellent mountain day trip that is truly serene. Up until you reach the lake, the hike is fairly monotonous, but once you do, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views. The larch season, when the entire region turns yellow, is fantastic.
Stay on the trail and take in the views of the valley below at Panorama Meadows, which is close by. The elevation and widely spaced trees make for some fantastic views.
There may not be as much parking available on weekends, so finding a spot may be difficult. As previously indicated, another drawback of this hike is that it spends most of its time in the forest, meaning there aren’t many views until the very end. Still, the payoff is fantastic! It’s a great hike all year round at Taylor Lake. The aforementioned images were captured in October and March!
Arnica Lake
Arnica Lake impressed us greatly, and we checked it off our list since we knew it was an excellent larch hike in Alberta. The trailhead offers fantastic views of Vista Lake, making this hike ideal for families a great place to start. Take in the views from above as you make your way to Arnica Lake, which will pass by Vista Lake.
There aren’t many views after Vista Lake until you reach Arnica Lake. Although this Banff trail is 750 meters long and somewhat steep, there are plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the scenery among the trees.
You will be in awe of the scenery once you arrive at Arnica Lake, especially if you go in late September when the larches have turned golden.
I adore this hike in Banff because there are lots of opportunities to continue and explore further. Proceed to Twin Lakes if you have a little more energy. There, you can camp at Twin Lakes Campground or make a big hike in a single day. You can hike up to Gibbon Pass, which is regarded as one of the most breathtaking hikes in the Rockies, for a genuinely epic circuit!
