Hiking in Banff National Park: A Guide for First Timers

Looking for a guide to hiking in Banff National Park? We have some good (great?) news for you – you’re in the right place!

If this is your first visit to this site, welcome! The very first thing you should know about us is that we’re very much alpine people. Which means that Banff, Jasper, and the rest of the Canadian Rockies are essentially paradise for us with all of the lofty rocky peaks, stunning turquoise mountain lakes, and sweeping views from various hiking routes.

Before we delve into the guide below, let us briefly depart on what Banff means to us and our lives.

Over the past several years, we’ve now made multiple trips to Banff, and our initial trip was very much a milestone in our travel careers. Growing up, Matt was NOT a hiker at all. He grew up playing soccer and living in the suburbs, while Alysha grew up with a backpacking pack fastened to her back.

A year before our trip to Banff we went to Chile to hike the “W” in Torres del Paine National Park (a bold choice for a first international trip together), which is where Matt became an avid hiker.

Unknown to us at the time, that initial trek to Banff, which involved days covering more than 10 miles, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and enjoyable wildlife encounters, solidified Matt`s passion for hiking and the outdoors.

It established us on a journey that eventually led to us residing in a minivan for two years (Homer the Honda Odyssey – RIP) exploring all the national parks in the western United States, relinquishing our corporate jobs, and leaping into establishing this site full time.

Anyway, enough about us! You’re here to discover the best hiking trails in Banff, and we’re here to use our experiences on the paths to help you figure out which walks make the most sense for you, your hiking skill level, and your fitness.

In this guide, we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about hiking in Banff National Park. We’ll start with some logistics, like the best time to go and some things to keep in mind before you hit the trail.

Next, we will explore sixteen excellent hikes within Banff National Park that would complement your itinerary for a road trip through the Canadian Rockies, most of which we have personally experienced and enjoyed over multiple visits to Banff in recent years.

By the end, we hope you’ll have discovered a few hikes to add to your list and have the information needed to enter the trail confidently and safely.

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Please note that as Americans, myself and most of our readers describe distances using feet and miles within the guide below. We have experimented including both metrics before but it becomes convoluted and confusing, so we have opted to stick with miles and feet which we are most accustomed to. It is simple enough to convert using an online calculator to kilometers and meters if needed.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Things to Know Before You Go Hiking in Banff

Here are some other important things to know before you hit the trail.

To enter the park, you will need a Parks Canada Pass. There are two options for this pass – you can purchase a daily pass for the number of days required, or choose a Discovery Pass providing access to all Canadian national parks for a full year. At a high level, the Discovery Pass works out to be better value if spending 7 days or more in the parks, though family pass arrangements may alter the math in some situations. Passes can be obtained at entrance stations within the park or purchased online beforehand.

You embark at an altitude, even at the start of a hike. This landscape does comprise the Rocky Mountains after all. Banff sits at 4,500 feet above sea level, and many of the finest Banff routes commence at 5,000 feet or higher, scaling several thousand feet further. There exist a pair of important considerations here. Firstly, ensuring adequate hydration and sun protection for all excursions. Secondly, for those arriving from sea level (such as ourselves), planning to reserve the more taxing routes for later in the visit provides more time to acclimate to the elevation. For example, we undertook Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots on the initial day, tackling more strenuous routes on subsequent days.

Hikes here feature lots of ups/downs and rocky tracks.Once again, it`s the Rocky Mountains! You definitely want to come prepared for uneven surfaces and slippery stones, which suggests durable hiking boots. One person has hiked hundreds of miles around North America in their Columbia Newton Ridge boots, which could be the best beginner pair of hiking boots out there. We`d also propose trekking poles to preserve your knees on the steep downhill parts (we used to mock trekking poles, now you won`t find us on the track without them #thisis30).

Layering allows adaptability when visiting Banff! Being prepared for varying conditions across a single day is prudent in Banff, and layering clothing offers flexibility. We find a long sleeve shirt protects from sun, a lightweight fleece such as the Trail Mix pullover from Outdoor Research keeps warmth, and a lightweight puffer jacket such as our beloved Patagonia NanoPuff jackets suits varying temperatures.

You’re entering territory inhabited by bears. Both black and brown bears live in Banff National Park, and while we never encountered any up close during our hikes, thankfully we did see them from a distance. Our biggest recommendation is to make noise on the trails – Matt is known to sing freely as we hike – so as to avoid any unexpected meetings. You`ll also want to carry deterrent spray, which can be obtained in town if flying in (bear spray can`t be brought on planes). Be certain to check with your hotel or lodge as many of the top places to lodge in Banff will loan it out.

Thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons. As if another motive was needed to begin hikes early, we encountered thunderstorms nearly daily between noon and 4pm. Hiking above the tree line, you`ll want to start descending by the time they arrive.

Trail closures are quite common within Banff National Park. Mostly due to bear activity or weather conditions. Check here for current statuses.

16 Incredible Day Hikes in Banff National Park (Our Favorites)

And now, onto the Banff hikes that we believe are worth your time.

Does this list encompass every astounding hiking trail possibility in Banff? Certainly not. To traverse every walking path in Banff would require years of daily trekking.

What this list will provide is a place to start planning some great hikes in Banff, with links to longer, more in-depth trail guides containing all the necessary information to prepare safely and confidently before hitting the trail.

As we make more trips back to the scenic Canadian Rockies – and we do plan to add more trips, because it’s one of our most loved places on Earth – we’ll include additional hikes (or contribute our expertise on hikes we’ve covered but have yet to personally experience) in the future.

In regards to organization, we’re going to organize this list by region, which makes the most sense to us.

The regions we’ve made up for this guide are: 

• Lake Louise
• Moraine Lake
• Around Banff
• Icefields Parkway

Another thing to note here is that there were five hikes that were on our list for our most recent trip, but we didn’t quite get to for one reason or another (mostly because we had a canine and couldn’t make it out to Moraine Lake because transporting canines on the shuttle is complicated).

We’ve included them, along with a brief description and an asterisk in the title to let you know which hikes we’ve personally done, and which we haven’t gotten to yet.

We figured we’d mention them since they may match the trail attributes you’re seeking.

There are two classic routes in the Lake Louise area – the Plain of Six Glaciers trail and Lake Agnes and the Beehives (along with some variants that we will cover below), both of which we have traversed multiple times now.

On the way down on our last adventure, where we covered both in one extensive loop (again, see below for more on that particular rendition), I asked Alysha the ever-important inquiry.

“If you only had time for one of these hikes, which one is it?”

However, we only had to pay 8.5 € / person total in advance. The remainder was paid during the trip.

It’s a more original hike compared to what we’re used to, with a pleasant stroll around Lake Louise, superb views of Mount Lefroy (that’s the big one on the left) and one of the glaciers, a backcountry teahouse, and an up-close-and-personal encounter with the glacier at the end.

The hike starts from the shores of Lake Louise, which can be somewhat challenging to access.

You have two main options: drive yourself and arrive before 7am (even earlier on some peak summer weekends), or take the shuttle from Banff (via ROAM Transit) or Lake Louise (via Parks Canada). Parking also costs $21 between May and October, which is something to consider.

Once you’ve figured out getting there, you’ve basically accomplished the difficult part!

The hike is difficult, but it’s achievable as long as you’re prepared with ample water, sun protection (this hike is exposed, with very little shade along the last half of the trail), and snacks.

The hike begins (and concludes) with a relaxing 1.5 mile walk along the northern shore of Lake Louise that is basically flat. Proceed around the lake and enjoy some nice views of Fairview Mountain as you go.

At the far end of the lake, the trail enters the forest and begins climbing relatively gently at first, then starts to get more intense around the 2 mile mark.

You will exit the treeline and immediately notice the changing landscape, as trees are replaced by rocks. This is where the sun can begin to feel intense because no shade is available for extended stretches.

It’s also the section of the hike where the views start to significantly improve, looking back towards Lake Louise and up towards the glaciers.

There’s one stretch where it’s a narrow ascent along a ridge, so watch your footing and give way to oncoming hikers (although they should really give way to you if you’re heading uphill).

You’ll know you’re nearing the teahouse, which sits at the 3.8 mile mark, when you climb up a small, rocky ridge and hit a set of switchbacks.

The teahouse is one of our favorite parts about hiking near Lake Louise, and it’s worth stopping for a cup of tea and a handcrafted snack (they receive one food shipment at the start of the season delivered by helicopter, and staff hike up the same way you did to stay up there for five days at a time). Cream of Earl Grey is our favorite tea here.” “

After taking a break and boosting one`s caffeine levels with a snack, finishing the climb to the viewpoint required gaining 500 feet of elevation over 0.8 miles of rocky terrain. However, the views at the end were absolutely stunning.

Good to know: there are bathrooms with pit toilets at the teahouse.

Hotel Website • Check prices for Perianth

This hike is the easiest of the hikes at Lake Louise (not including the lakeshore walk), and as a result it is extremely busy throughout the summer and early fall.

Everything stated previously regarding self-driving or shuttle transportation to Lake Louise and parking nightmares (arrive no later than 7:00 am or be prepared to pay $21 between May and October) holds true here. Figuring out how to reach the trailhead is arguably the most difficult part of this hike.

If we’re entirely straightforward, it’s not a notably fascinating ascent up to Lake Agnes from Lake Louise, but both Lake Agnes and the teahouse are rather cool, and the perspective from Little Beehive is decent (but not as great as the Big Beehive, which involves significantly more effort to arrive at).

The hike begins from the eastern end of Lake Louise, near the Fairmont, where you’ll head around the northern side of the lake (if facing the lake from the parking lot, it`s to the right).

Shortly after beginning, you’ll notice a sign for the Lake Agnes Trail where the climb starts nearly immediately.

It`s a forested series of switchbacks all the way up, with occasional breaks in the foliage allowing glimpses of Lake Louise. The path is broad and reasonably maintained, making it fairly accessible for most hikers in good physical condition provided taking breaks and having plenty of water and snacks.

After walking about a mile and a half, you’ll arrive at Mirror Lake with a nice perspective of the towering Big Beehive behind it. Then, half a mile more brings you to the shores of Lake Agnes and its teahouse.

You can either get tea now, or head out to Little Beehive for a perspective out over Lake Louise and the Bow River Valley, which adds about a mile round trip and approximately 500 feet of elevation gain.

Be advised: this hike is highly popular, and everyone wants a table at the teahouse. Beginning early allows advantages, or prepare for a short queue for a table. You can always take away your tea and snacks to enjoy on the lakeshore, as we did last time.

Good to know: there are restrooms with pit toilets just uphill from the teahouse.

This slightly more extended version of the previous hike follows the same course to the Lake Agnes Teahouse but then continues past to the far end of the lake. Here, hikers must tackle a steep series of switchbacks to reach a trail junction located at the high point of the hike.

The reward for those grueling switchbacks? After a brief descent, arrival at a pergola situated atop Big Beehive offers some of Banff`s finest views. Stretched out before is the cerulean and viridian waters of Lake Louise, the stately Fairmont Chateau, and the scenic Bow River Valley.

There are a couple ways you could expand upon this hike to make it even better, if you have extra energy.

The first suggestion is to tack on Devil’s Thumb, a brief 0.5 mile hike (with an additional 500 feet of altitude gain) from the Big Beehive Junction offering even more spectacular views over Lake Agnes.

The second one is to make it a loop that heads down to the Highline Trail and connects with the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail.

We’d recommend this one because we did it as part of our hike that included both Agnes and the Plain of Six Glaciers.

It includes a bit more distance, but it’s all downhill and it features some incredible perspectives of the glacier, and it ends with a mile long stroll alongside the shores of Lake Louise, which also presents some nice views.

To do that, head left at the junction to venture out to the Big Beehive and follow the Big Beehive trail down the switchbacks, turning right when it intersects with the Highline Trail. Follow the Highline Trail for approximately a mile, and turn left onto the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail.

Specifically, the Highline Trail has some of the best views of the entire hike.

Read More: Hiking along the Big Beehive Trail in Banff National Park (EVERYTHING You Need to Know)

On our first trip, we spent several nights out at Lake Louise, so it was easy to go up and down to the lake to get to the beginning of the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers trails.

On our recent trip, we unfortunately couldn`t stay at Lake Louise (we learned our dog Lupine dislikes tents, whoops!), but still wanted to redo both hikes.

However, we did not want to deal with the 45 minute drive from Banff AND the problematic parking situation (can’t take the shuttle with the dog), so we opted to do them all in one hike!

The outing turned out to be amazing, consisting of hiking along a glacier, visiting two teahouses, catching several breathtaking views, with two joyful humans and a blissful pup accompanying.

The route we’d propose is to travel clockwise so that you’re tackling the highly exposed portion of the hike early on. We went the opposite direction, and found the Plain of Six Glaciers portion at 11am to be a grueling slog due to the heat.

First, head up to the Plain of the Six Glaciers – all the way to the lookout at the base of the glacier – then head back down to the teahouse for a cup of tea with a view (cream of earl grey is the choice here).

From there, head back down the trail before angling over onto the Highline Trail, a climb of a fairly gentle grade.

Turn left onto the Big Beehive Trail – which involves an aggressive and not gradual incline – to reach the peak of the Big Beehive, then continue along the trail down to Lake Agnes and the teahouse before returning back down to the shore of Lake Louise.

One suggestion: if you’re doing the entire loop, we’d absolutely advise skipping the Little Beehive. Big Beehive offers a superior vista, and we don’t think it justifies the additional effort on an already lengthy day.

This is not an easy hike – it took us just over five hours of active hiking (plus over an hour spent taking photos and enjoying the two teahouses).

We logged 12 miles and almost 3,500 feet of elevation gain. Pack plenty of water, food, and sun protection, and you’ll want to wear sturdy footwear.

Everything we said about parking at Lake Louise for the hikes above applies here as well. Take the shuttle if possible, or plan on arriving NO LATER than 7am to ensure you get a spot (in the summer, anyway).

This, based on our opinions, is the single best hike we’ve done in the Canadian Rockies. Once the majority of the climb up the switchbacks from Moraine Lake has been accomplished, the views are simply outstanding for the following several miles.

In 2023 and beyond, accessing the Moraine Lake parking lot is inconvenient since vehicles are now barred year-round.

That means you must take a shuttle to get there, and you need to reserve ahead of time here.

The sole issue is that the initial shuttles arrive well after sunrise during summer months, and the sunrise shuttle (which demands a high cost) doesn’t provide good access for hikers (it merely allows two hours at the lake).

On one hand, we completely comprehend – this is literally one of the most renowned spots in all of Canada, and vehicle congestion was an issue when we were here in 2017 (in fact arrive by 5am or you won`t get a place). On the other hand, it’s not an ideal scenario for hikers. Hopefully that gets improved in 2024 and beyond!

Pro hint: If you have a dog with you, use Wow Banff, which allows dogs on the open upper segment of their double decker buses.

In any case, your initial stop ought to be the conglomeration of rocks at the northern end of the lake, which presents the most picturesque vantage point (it`s the scene captured in countless images by this juncture).

From there, circumnavigate the lake and locate signs for the Larch Valley Trail, which ascends and veers to the right.

The first 1.5 miles involve a forested ascent, climbing switchbacks to gain about 1,000 feet of elevation to reach the valley. As you exit the treeline, you’ll see why I used the term “nonstop highlights.”

In every direction, there’s either a set of picturesque peaks, a lake, steep and rocky valley walls, or something else to captivate you as you climb.

The path levels out across the valley, and after another 1.2 miles of gentle ascent you`ll arrive at Minnestimma Lakes, situated at the base of Sentinel Pass.

From there, one can observe the trail navigating its way up towards the pass. And it`s quite laborious. It`s rocky, steep, and entirely exposed without any shade (bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers!).

You require sufficient water and snacks, because this portion of trail climbs 600 feet in direct sunlight to reach the pass, which sits at 8,500 feet above sea level (which is fairly lofty for sea-level inhabitants like us). Additionally, I understand 600 feet in 0.7 miles or so doesn`t appear like much, but at 8,000 feet in complete sunlight, it is brutal.

However, the perspectives from the top, looking back over Larch Valley, with backdrop of the Ten Peaks (of the Valley of Ten Peaks region where Lake Moraine is situated).

There are also some nice views looking out over the other side of the pass and down into Paradise Valley

Check here for any trail updates as you get close to your trip. This hike passes through territory inhabited by grizzly bears, and there were restrictions on hiking when we did it (hiking in groups of four or more people, which means waiting at the trailhead and making some new acquaintances!).

Side note: it’s named Larch Valley for a reason. If you’re searching for autumnal color in Banff, look no further!

We had included this hike on our list because it takes you on a relatively short, simple trail to a lake that is nearly as picturesque as Moraine Lake (which is where the hike concludes from).

Fortunately, there are still ways to see the painting. Regrettably, it will be significantly more expensive as you`ll need to join a guided tour.

You`ll start at the pile of rocks on the northeast shore of Moraine Lake, where many photographs originate, then head northeast away from the crowded edge. Approximately 1.8 miles into the hike you`ll reach the first of the two Consolation Lakes, with the second half a mile further around.

Generally, it’s somewhere between a tranquil and moderate climb with a couple of alpine lakes sitting tight for you (with a part of the groups of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise).

As with the other hikes that commence from Moraine Lake, the most problematic part of this trail will be securing transport to and from the trailhead either through the Parks Canada Shuttle or Roam Transit (September / October only).

This hike traverses the land between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake fittingly called Paradise Valley. You’ll gradually ascend to Lake Annette, where the trail noticeably steepens and becomes rockier as you gain elevation to the ridge, where incredible views over the valley await as you cross the ridge.

Ensuring the shuttle driver drops you off at the correct location will be the most intricate part of this hike.

The starting point for the hike is located along Moraine Lake road, but not directly at Moraine Lake. Riders will need to ask the shuttle driver to let them off at the Paradise Creek trailhead, and flag down a shuttle on the return trip (riders should note that shuttles coming that way are likely to have few open seats).

Choosing to use the shuttle offers an alternative to parking at the Fairview Picnic Area, which can be found here on Google Maps, and adding 1.5 miles in each direction for a total of three miles of walking.

In terms of route selections, you can either hike this as a one-way adventure starting from the point of origination, or you can cross Sentinel Pass (which, coming from the opposite direction, is among our favorite hikes in Banff) through to Moraine Lake and take the shuttle back from there.

Taking the latter route would result in a longer and more difficult journey (over 12 miles and gaining 3,700 feet of elevation) but combining Paradise Valley and Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass into one epic day, and allowing one to catch the shuttle back from Moraine Lake without needing to flag it down along the roadside.

Johnston Canyon is probably the best easy hike near Banff, particularly considering how distinctive it is in comparison to some of the other less demanding hikes in Banff.

Instead of winding trails through meadows and mountain passes, this hike involves traversing an artificial walkway through a narrow canyon to reach two waterfalls.

The first thing to recognize about the Johnston Canyon hike is that it is extremely, very popular. It’s very accessible, so the crowds flock here. We arrived in the parking lot at 7:30am on a weekday morning and secured one of the closest spots in the main lot.

By the end of our hike, the parking lot was full, there was a long line of cars waiting, and there was a heated exchange between two people waiting for our space.

Arriving early, prior to 8 am, is recommended – as the earlier the better – for a couple reasons.

First, although there is a lot of parking here (~350 spots between the two lots P1 and P2), they fill up early and stay busy basically throughout the entire day.

It’s a brief hike, so there is turnover, but you could still find yourself waiting here for 30-40 minutes during peak times (10am to 4pm, approximately).

Second, having experienced the narrow canyon at around 7:40am and again at about 11:30am, it is considerably more pleasant without the large groups of people that are present between 10am and 4pm. It was almost unpleasant.

Plus, there was a HUGE line waiting to see the lower falls up close. Here’s a picture:

Still, it’s a very cool hike as long as you plan for it. The effort compared to the reward is high, and while there is some climbing between the lower and upper falls, both are relatively accessible considering the scale of Banff hikes.

Pro-tip: There exists a ROAM Transit bus ( route #9) that travels from Banff out to Johnston Canyon. The advantage is that you can completely bypass the parking problem, the disadvantage is that it doesn’t depart very early, so you’ll be arriving when all the crowds are showing up.

We would express that around three quarters of hikers in Johnston Canyon go only as far as the first two waterfalls before turning back. But continuing another two miles past the Upper Falls provides two rewarding sights: a beautifully scenic valley surrounded by striking rocky peaks in all directions, and the colorful Ink Pots.

The Ink Pots are essentially just cold springs (compared to the more popular hot springs). If you look closely at the base of the pools (they’re clear), you’ll see some eddies of sand and water, which is the water coming up from underneath.

We also tried the BBQ Pork Bao, which was good, but fell apart immediately, likely because we obtained it to go rather than dining in.

The lakes are also fairly still, so there is an opportunity to capture nice reflections of the trees and peaks upon them.

The sole thing (or maybe two things) we’d state regarding this trail is that the fraction between the upper falls and Ink Pots is simultaneously tedious, with wooded switchbacks the complete route, and also requires a decrease to get down into the valley…which signifies you have to climb back uphill to get out.

Nobody appreciates an upward portion on the return trip (at least not if you live in the Pacific Northwest, where most hikes involve straight up then straight back down).

As we finished descending back to the parking area from the Ink Pots, Matt and I had a brief discussion that began with me asking Alysha “do you think the extra effort to visit the Ink Pots is worthwhile?”

Our judgment was that, for people with the time and vitality to make it up to the Ink Pots, it likely is worth the additional attempt. Not just because of the Ink Pots, but because the valley that they’re tucked into is breathtaking.

Everything stated above related to Johnston Canyon crowds and the need to arrive early applies here as well. Reach here by 7:30am (if you’re here in the summer) to have the canyon and Ink Pots practically to yourself.

Read More: Hiking the Johnston Canyon + Ink pots Trail (Everything You Need to Know)

Given we stayed at Tunnel Mountain in Banff, scaling to the heights of Tunnel Mountain at minimum once was a reasonable goal.

There are two starting points for this hike – a smaller lot (holding 8-10 vehicles) along Tunnel Mountain Drive, and a larger lot just outside of town on St. Julien Road. Beginning at the upper lot trims off a bit of climbing, but parking space is very constrained.

If you’re lodging in Banff, it’s probably a relatively convenient walk from where you’re staying.

The draw of this trail is twofold.

Initially, it’s relatively straightforward, and is vastly the most accessible summit in Banff (Sulphur Mountain is spectacular, but it’s 2,500 feet of climbing directly up and down or a $65 gondola ride).

Second, visitors gain perspectives both towards Banff, and in the opposing heading towards Canmore and Mount Rundle.

There’s not significantly to express about the trail itself. It begins with a arrangement of switchbacks climbing through the forest, and about halfway up the terrain turns rocky and you pivot towards the summit, climbing the entire way.

There are multiple observation points near the summit – some facing west, some east – meaning this is an excellent hike at virtually any time due to viewpoints in either direction, depending on the time of ascent or descent.

Given its accessibility and proximity to town, many individuals hike this trail. Do not expect much solitary exploring as it is quite busy.

The Healy Pass Trail (Around Banff – Sunshine Meadows)

• Length: 11.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,814 ft.
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog Friendly? Yes
• Departure Point

To begin with, don’t allow the distance on this hike scare you – on our return down from Healy Pass, we remarked that this hike likely sits firmly in the moderate group. At no point during this hike did either of us convey anything alongside the lines of “this hike is difficult!”

Instead, it`s a very lengthy, progressive ascent through the forest up to Healy Pass. There is a notable portion of this hike (the initial four miles, approximately) that are somewhat monotonous, but the reward at Healy Pass is worthwhile, in our view.

From the top of Healy Pass (really, for the last mile or so of the hike once you emerge from the forest), trail goers will be treated to an impressive view of the towering silhouette of Monarch Peak, a towering 9,500 foot mountain that is not visible from the base of the hike.

There is actually one very important benefit regarding the length of this hike; it means that this trail sees significantly less traffic than most of the similar hikes in the area (particularly those around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake).

Combining this with departing from the huge parking lot at Sunshine Meadows Gondola, meaning no nightmare parking situations, you’ve got about as relaxed an alpine experience as you’ll find in a popular national park like Banff.

One last point on this hike – there are two prime times recommended for hiking it.

The first is going to be the early summer (around mid-July), when the wildflowers are in full bloom. This happens to be when we hiked this trail, and the wildflower display improved even more the closer we got to the pass.

The second is going to be that one week during the fall season (the specific dates tend to vary annually but somewhere in mid-October on average) when the deciduous trees lining the meadows around Healy Pass transform into a brilliant golden hue.

We’d say that if you happen to be in Banff during either the middle period of July or mid-October, this hike is a must-do. Check recent trail reviews from hikers to see what they are saying about the flowers / larches during those times.

Additional Details:Trip report on the Healy Pass Trail in Banff

C-Level Cirque (Around Banff – Lake Minnewanka)*

• Length: 5.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,490 ft.
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Hard
• Dog Friendly? Yes
• Area Entry Point

This hike situated on the shores of Lake Minnewanka roughly 15 minutes from downtown Banff or Canmore offers a good option for those seeking an excursion near Banff that circumvents shuttles or extended commutes of 45-60 minutes each way to some trailheads.

The hike takes you up through the woodland before emerging past the tree line and opening to a rocky natural amphitheater. From there, it’s a relatively simple traverse across rock to reach great vistas overlooking the lake and surrounding highlands.

Wilcox Pass (Icefields Parkway)

• Length: 5.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,712 ft.
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog Friendly? Yes
• Trailhead Location

If you only have time for one hike on your drive of the Icefields Parkway, we think it should be Wilcox Pass Trail.

And despite this hike technically being in Jasper National Park (it`s just over the boundary), we`re including it here because it was our favorite of the three we did on the drive from Banff to Jasper.

It incorporates everything we seek in a hike near Banff – a worthwhile workout, breathtaking vistas (including glaciers in this case!), and good chances of wildlife sightings (we spotted multiple groups of bighorn sheep and a huge family of mountain goats including many young).

And, as you can see from our pictures, we did this hike on a day where wildfire smoke made it so visibility was not great, and we STILL enjoyed it.

The trailhead is located directly off of Highway 93 a short distance before the Columbia Icefields Center and Glacier View Lodge.

Unlike some other Banff walks, like Healy Pass and Helen Lake, which include long stretches amid the forest with few sights to discuss, the perspectives commence early and persist through the complete time of the hike.

The first portion of the trail being roughly half a mile is a forested climb to gain elevation on the ridge, and after that point the route is a gentle ascent up to Wilcox Pass, revealing expansive views across the valley towards the glaciers.

Once at Wilcox Pass, the trail continues left (it takes you to a great viewpoint, so you should do it!) and becomes rocky and somewhat challenging, with a few difficult sections requiring climbing before reaching the Wilcox Viewpoint, which offers a commanding view over the Icefields Parkway where multiple glaciers and rocky peaks can be seen.

As we stated above, we saw a couple different types of wildlife on our hike.

First were the groupings of bighorn sheep munching away on grass – they were far up the rocky slopes during our ascent, and had made their way closer to the trail when we descended.

Then, additionally along in our descent, we experienced a stampede of mountain goats as they came rushing down the hillside, crossed the trail, and ambled across the creek onto the hillside across the ravine surprisingly quickly.

We were a fair distance away, but it was fun nevertheless to see.

Be sure to give wildlife ample space. If you’re altering their behavior or causing them to move, you’re too near (which is what happened with the mountain goats, we’re guessing).

Read More:A route to breathtaking landscapes on the Wilcox Pass Trail

Parker Ridge (Icefields Parkway)

• Length: 4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,108 ft.
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog Friendly? Yes
• Precise site of entry point

Parker Ridge is another hike along the Icefields Parkway, though of the three we have featured here (Wilcox Pass, Parker Ridge, Helen Lake), it offered the least pleasure. It’s a fairly simple walk, and serves well as a stop along the Icefields Parkway to stretch your limbs briefly.

The hike starts from a medium-sized parking area just before you cross over into Jasper National Park, and the trail forms a “Y.”

The initial section of this hike involves climbing a set of switchbacks that carry you from the floor of the valley up to the ridge, which brings you to the trail junction. This portion of the trail ascends 800 feet in roughly a mile, which presents a challenge (but isn`t terribly difficult).

We would head directly to the right first, which continues climbing up to the high point of the hike, where you`ll have an excellent 360-degree view overlooking the surrounding valley.

This section of the hike is rocky, though the alpine landscape was dusted with a blanket of wildflowers when we were there in early July.

Once you`ve taken in the scenic views, return by retracing your steps along the trail but veering left this time (or right if heading down from the high point), which guides you out along the ridgeline with panoramic perspectives back over the valley towards the Saskatchewan Glacier and the lake now located at its base.

The Helen Lake Trail (Icefields Parkway)

• Length: 7.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,768 feet
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog Friendly? Yes
• Trailhead Area

Unlike the Healy Pass Trail, which seemed easier than anticipated because it was such a steady climb, the trail to Helen Lake along the Icefields Parkway felt significantly more difficult than expected.

Now, the first thing we want to say about this hike is that it is 100% deserving of the stop, and is one of our favorite stops on any travel from Banff to Jasper.

What makes this hike feel more challenging than the statistics appear is that it alternates between steep upward struggles and mostly level (sometimes even downhill) walks in the woods or meadows. And when we reference steep, we genuinely mean STEEP.

Fortunately, the total elevation gain isn`t too high, but it is grouped into three or four parts of the trail, while the rest of the hike is relatively level.

The hike initiates from a trailhead (with a solitary bathroom) precisely off of the Icefields Parkway, across from one of the numerous viewpoints over Bow Lake. There was adequate parking for about 20-25 vehicles, and at 7:15am we were one of the first automobiles in the lot.

A word of advice: get an early start.

Though it requires a longer drive from Banff or Canmore, we feel getting up 30-60 minutes earlier is worthwhile, as we reached the lake at 7:30 or so alone, having passed 3-4 other groups on the way up.

On the way back, it was a steady stream of people making their way up to the lake, which is why we’d rather sacrifice the extra 30 minutes of rest for some seclusion at the lake.

For the initial miles, the path alternates between a steep ascent and a gentle stroll through woodland showcasing a couple lovely panoramas over Bow Lake.

Right around the two mile mark, the trail turns left and breaks through the tree line into a spectacular set of meadows, full of wildflowers and marmots (two of our favorite things).

You’ll steadily climb across the hilly terrain, reaching Helen Lake about 1.6 kilometers later. Breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys await you for the entire trip.

From the near end of Helen Lake, the views are great (especially if you’re there early to get a reflection of Cirque Peak in the glassy surface of the lake), but we’d definitely recommend making your way partially up the switchbacks on the other side of the lake for a similarly excellent view.

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If you have fuel in the tank, you can continue up to Cirque Peak (10 miles, involving 3,600 feet of elevation gain totally) for excellent views of the surrounding landscape, like Bow Lake.

We had our dog with us, and the climb to Cirque Peak involves a steep scramble across loose scree, which is not particularly pet-friendly.

If you’re not up for the scramble but wish to continue, you can climb Dolomite Pass and head right, directing you down to another lake – Katherine Lake – that we had been unaware of until a pair of hikers informed us on our return, and we somewhat regret not doing so.

It’s an additional three miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain to get there, most of it arriving in those switchbacks you can see on the other side of Helen Lake.

Read More:Hiking to a Beautiful Alpine Lake on the Helen Lake Trail: A Complete Trail Guide

Bow Glacier Falls (Icefields Parkway)*

• Length: 5.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 925 ft.
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dog Friendly? Yes
• Trailhead Location

If searching for a direct hike along the shore of Bow Lake to a couple nice waterfalls to stretch your legs during your Icefields Parkway drive, this could be a good option.

We went around most of the lake, and enjoyed getting away from the crowds and tour buses the farther we went (though we didn`t go all the way to the falls).

Bow Glacier Falls is visible from the far side of the lake, and even if you don’t want to go out to the waterfall, it’s worth walking a little ways along the trail to get away from the large groups that congregate on the shore near the lodge.

The first two miles of this hike are basically smooth, hugging the lakeshore for most of the route, and then at the end there’s a swift climb up to the base of the falls.

The Best Hikes in Banff, Mapped

The Best Time to Go Hiking in Banff National Park

As with most mountainous areas in northern North America, the best time to visit Banff for hiking is the brief window between summer and mid-fall when days are long, the sun is out, and hiking routes in Banff are free of snow.

Most years, this brief window falls between early July and mid-October, but it depends on the winter snowpack and spring weather. For example, in 2023 when we were in Banff last, it had been a mild winter and warm spring, so everything was ready to go about a month earlier than the previous few years.

July and August offer the most consistent weather and trail access but also peak popularity – and costs.

September is a advantageous month to be in Banff, because the amalgamation of travelers shifts a minuscule bit as offspring go back to school. You’ll get fewer families, but it’s still going to be busy in Banff during this time. Weather is somewhat less predictable in September (and October).

On their initial trip ever to Banff, they experienced both hot, sunny days along with a wild snowstorm in the same 10 day period in mid-September.

The period of early October tends to see less crowds and more variable weather conditions. However, it is usually when the golden larches adorn the mountainsides in Banff in a lovely seasonal display of autumn colors before the Rockies transition into winter.

If you’re coming to Banff for hiking, we would not recommend planning a trip between the months of November and May (honestly, probably even June).

There is one factor to consider for visiting in the summer and fall that has become all too familiar for residents of the western United States and Canada over the past few years, and that’s smoke from nearby wildfires.

Both in 2017 and 2022, we had significant portions of our trips where wildfire smoke was thick in Banff and Jasper.

It’s an unavoidable truth of life on a planet with a swiftly altering climate, and there’s little one can do to work around it if time in the Canadian Rockies is finite.

We like using IQAIr to track air quality, and they offer a relatively precise (as accurate as a tool like this could be) projection feature that helped us plan around times of particularly poor air quality.

It`s important to remember that conditions can transform quickly, even within just a few hours, depending on wind and precipitation.

For example, we hiked Wilcox Pass in the morning and got a lot of smoke obscuring some of the views. Then, we checked a webcam later that day when we had gotten back home, and it was completely clear.

Getting to the Trailheads for These Banff Hikes: Driving Yourself vs. Park Shuttles

We accept it’s gainful examining getting to and from trailhead in Banff, in light of the fact that it is UNEQUIVOCALLY something you’re going to need to think about as you intend your voyage.

Parking at just about every trailhead in Banff is somewhere between annoying and nightmarish.

Fortunately for you, Banff has a surprisingly good network of buses and shuttles that will take you to many popular trailheads, including those at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon.

There are obvious tradeoffs between self-driving and taking public transportation. Often, self-driving allows you to get an earlier start on the trail, which we’d strongly recommend in Banff since nearly every popular trail is packed from about 10am to 3pm. Public transportation means less parking hassles, but also less flexibility.” “

Either way, it’s nice to have the choice to use public transportation to some of your hikes!

First, let’s discuss the hikes around Lake Louise. If you’re not willing to arrive at the Lake Louise parking lot by 6:30am (or you don’t want to pay $21 to park for the day during the shuttle operational season, from 7 am – 7 pm), take the shuttle or bus.

There are two options here. 

• The Parks Canada shuttle leaves from Lake Louise Ski Resort ( here on Google Maps), and goes to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (with a handy little connector shuttle). Reserve well in advance, if possible. More information here.
• The Roam Transit bus, route 8, provides a good option that travels from the town of Banff to Lake Louise, saving the roughly 45 minute drive from the community to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Again, it’s highly popular, so book in advance. More information here.

YMCA of the Rockies: We drove past this place and I was quite confused and had to search online what it was, because when I think YMCA I think the place down the street where you play casual basketball on Sunday mornings. This is CERTAINLY not that. It’s basically a resort, with cabins and hotel-like rooms to choose from. No extras, but comfortable.

In addition to those two, which are undoubtedly the most popular access points, there are Roam Transit routes that will transport you to the trailhead for Johnston Canyon and Lake Minnewanka. See all of their routes here.

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