Established in 1885 as Canada's first national park, Banff is a hiker's paradise with over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of maintained trails. From easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain scrambles, there's something for everyone in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After leading hiking tours in Banff for over a decade, I'm excited to share my insights on the best trails to explore in this magnificent corner of the Canadian Rockies.
Best Time to Hike in Banff
The prime hiking season in Banff National Park runs from late June to mid-September when most trails are snow-free. July and August offer the most reliable weather, but also bring the largest crowds. Consider these seasonal variations:
- Late June - Early July: Wildflowers begin blooming at lower elevations, while snow may still cover higher trails.
- Mid-July - August: Peak season with the best overall conditions. Alpine meadows explode with wildflowers.
- September: Fall colors emerge, crowds thin out, and temperatures are cooler. Be prepared for potential early snow at higher elevations.
- October: Shorter days and colder temperatures, but beautiful fall colors and wildlife viewing opportunities. Many higher elevation trails become inaccessible due to snow.
For the most enjoyable experience, I recommend starting hikes early in the morning (before 8 AM) to secure parking, avoid afternoon thunderstorms (common in summer), and encounter fewer people on the trails.
Easy Hikes in Banff National Park
These beginner-friendly trails offer spectacular views without demanding technical skills or extreme fitness:
1. Johnston Canyon to the Lower and Upper Falls
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) round trip to Upper Falls
- Elevation Gain: 120 m (394 ft)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Johnston Canyon parking area, 25 km (15.5 miles) west of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A)
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff's most popular hikes for good reason. This well-developed trail features catwalks attached to limestone cliffs, providing up-close views of multiple waterfalls. The Lower Falls are just 1.1 km from the trailhead, making it accessible for almost everyone. Continue to the more impressive Upper Falls for a total 5 km round trip. For the adventurous, hike another 3 km to reach the Ink Pots—seven colorful mineral springs in an open meadow.
Pro Tip: To avoid crowds, visit very early in the morning (before 8 AM) or in the late afternoon after 5 PM. Winter presents a completely different experience when the falls freeze into dramatic ice formations.
2. Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) round trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Duration: 1 hour
- Trailhead: Lake Louise shoreline, near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
This flat, well-maintained path follows the northern shore of the iconic turquoise Lake Louise. With the Victoria Glacier and surrounding peaks reflecting in the water, it's perfect for families, photography enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an easy but rewarding stroll. The trail ends at a viewpoint of the far end of the lake, where you can observe a series of avalanche paths coming down from Mount Fairview.
Pro Tip: Continue to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail for a more challenging hike, or visit at sunrise to experience the magical morning light on the lake with fewer people.
3. Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail
- Distance: 3 km (1.9 miles) round trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Trailhead: Moraine Lake parking area
Perhaps offering the most spectacular views for the least effort, this easy trail follows the shoreline of Moraine Lake, whose intense blue-green waters are set against the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks. Before or after your walk, climb the Rockpile Trail (a short but steep path) for the classic postcard view of the lake.
Pro Tip: Parking at Moraine Lake is extremely limited and often fills by sunrise. Use the Parks Canada shuttle service from Lake Louise or arrive before 6 AM during peak season.
Moderate Hikes in Banff National Park
These intermediate trails offer more challenge and typically fewer crowds:
1. Plain of Six Glaciers
- Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 365 m (1,198 ft)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Trailhead: Lake Louise shoreline, near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
This spectacular trail begins by following the Lake Louise shoreline before climbing through a glacial valley toward Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. Along the way, you'll cross avalanche paths, navigate a short section with chains bolted into the rock for assistance, and enjoy increasingly dramatic alpine views. A historic teahouse located 5.3 km from the trailhead offers refreshments during the summer months (bring cash).
Pro Tip: Combine this with the Lake Agnes Trail for a longer loop hike that visits two teahouses in one day.
2. Sulphur Mountain Trail (Cosmic Ray Station)
- Distance: 10.1 km (6.3 miles) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 655 m (2,149 ft)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Trailhead: Upper Hot Springs parking lot
This trail switchbacks steadily up the eastern slope of Sulphur Mountain to the summit ridge. While many visitors take the gondola up, hiking offers a more rewarding experience and stunning views over the Bow Valley. At the top, a boardwalk leads to the historic Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site. Enjoy 360-degree mountain views from the observation decks.
Pro Tip: Hike up and take the gondola down if you're concerned about the descent (downhill tickets are cheaper). Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds at the summit complex.
3. Consolation Lakes
- Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 miles) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 65 m (213 ft)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Moraine Lake parking area, beginning at the Rockpile
This relatively easy hike offers excellent reward for minimal effort. The trail passes through a forested area before opening to a beautiful rocky landscape with two small lakes nestled beneath towering cliffs of the Tower of Babel. The surrounding talus slopes are home to adorable pikas and marmots—listen for their distinctive calls.
Pro Tip: This trail receives much less traffic than others around Moraine Lake, making it a good option for finding solitude. In early season, the first section may have snow patches.
Challenging Hikes in Banff National Park
For experienced hikers seeking adventure and solitude:
1. Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley
- Distance: 10.9 km (6.8 miles) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 725 m (2,379 ft)
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Trailhead: Moraine Lake parking area
This iconic hike begins with a series of switchbacks climbing from Moraine Lake to Larch Valley, where a beautiful alpine meadow is surrounded by the Ten Peaks. In late September, the valley's larch trees turn a brilliant gold, creating one of the park's most spectacular autumn scenes. Beyond Larch Valley, the trail ascends to Sentinel Pass at 2,611 meters (8,566 ft), offering breathtaking views of Paradise Valley and Mount Temple.
Pro Tip: During larch season (mid to late September), this trail is extremely popular. A minimum group size of four people may be required during periods of high grizzly bear activity—check trail reports before heading out.
2. Cory Pass - Edith Pass Loop
- Distance: 13 km (8.1 miles) loop
- Elevation Gain: 915 m (3,002 ft)
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Trailhead: Fireside Picnic Area, 6 km (3.7 miles) west of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway
Often considered the most strenuous day hike in the immediate Banff area, this challenging loop provides spectacular views of Mount Louis and Mount Edith. I recommend hiking clockwise, tackling the steeper ascent to Cory Pass first, then descending through the gentler Edith Pass. The route includes some light scrambling and exposure.
Pro Tip: This south-facing route can be very hot in summer; start early and bring plenty of water. The trail is typically snow-free from late June to early October.
3. Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass
- Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) round trip to Harvey Pass, 20 km (12.4 miles) round trip to Mount Bourgeau summit
- Elevation Gain: 905 m (2,970 ft) to Harvey Pass, 1,525 m (5,003 ft) to summit
- Duration: 6-7 hours to Harvey Pass, 8-10 hours to summit
- Trailhead: Bourgeau Lake parking area, 27 km (16.8 miles) west of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway
This trail offers several possible turn-around points, making it adaptable to your energy level and time constraints. The hike to Bourgeau Lake (7.5 km round trip) is moderately difficult, while continuing to Harvey Pass adds significant elevation but rewards with expansive views of surrounding peaks and alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer. For the truly ambitious, the final ascent to Mount Bourgeau's summit (2,930 m/9,613 ft) involves some scrambling but offers panoramic views of the entire region.
Pro Tip: The summit attempt should only be made in clear weather with no threat of thunderstorms. Start very early if attempting the complete route to the summit.
Essential Safety Tips and Regulations
Wildlife Safety
Banff National Park is home to grizzly and black bears, wolves, cougars, and elk—all of which require respect and proper precautions:
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals. Call out "Hey bear!" periodically, especially around blind corners and in dense vegetation.
- Hike in groups of 4 or more when possible, especially in areas with bear activity.
- Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it accessible (not in your backpack).
- Stay at least 100 meters (328 feet) away from bears and wolves, and 30 meters (98 feet) from all other wildlife.
- Be particularly cautious during berry season (late summer) when bears feed intensively to prepare for hibernation.
Trail Preparation
Mountain weather can change rapidly, and cell service is limited or non-existent on most trails:
- Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before starting at the Banff Visitor Centre or on the Parks Canada website.
- Pack the "10 essentials": navigation tools, sun protection, extra clothing, illumination (headlamp/flashlight), first-aid supplies, fire starter, repair kit/tools, food, water, and emergency shelter.
- Dress in layers—mountain temperatures can vary dramatically throughout the day.
- Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
- Consider purchasing a SPOT device or inReach satellite communicator for emergency communication in remote areas.
Park Regulations
- A valid Parks Canada pass is required to enter Banff National Park.
- Stay on designated trails to protect fragile alpine ecosystems.
- Pack out all trash.
- Drones are prohibited within national parks without a special permit.
- Fires are only permitted in designated fire pits at established campgrounds.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Where to Stay for Easy Trail Access
Choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your hiking experience in Banff:
Banff Town
The town of Banff provides easy access to trails like Sulphur Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, and Sundance Canyon. It also offers the widest range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, plus numerous dining options and amenities.
Lake Louise Village
Staying in Lake Louise puts you within minutes of world-class hikes including Lake Agnes, Plain of Six Glaciers, and the Highline Trail. Accommodation options are more limited but include the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and several lodges.
Camping
For a more immersive experience, consider staying at one of Banff's many campgrounds. Two Jack Lakeside, Tunnel Mountain, and Lake Louise Campground are popular options that should be reserved well in advance for summer visits.
Banff National Park's trail system offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America. From ancient glaciers and turquoise lakes to alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, these hikes showcase the incredible natural diversity that makes the Canadian Rockies so special. Whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned mountaineer, the trails of Banff promise unforgettable experiences in one of the world's most breathtaking landscapes.
Ready to explore Banff's legendary trails? Check out our Mountain Explorer package for a guided experience with expert local knowledge, or contact us to create a custom hiking itinerary tailored to your interests and ability level.