16 Greatest Banff Hikes To Uncover in 2023

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

We have now been to Banff Nationwide Park various occasions in each completely different season and take into account it considered one of our favourite locations in Canada it doesn’t matter what time of 12 months. However to actually soak up all that this park has to supply it’s important to get out and hike. From the simpler trails like Sulpher Mountain to extra strenuous hikes in Banff like Corey Move this information will assist you to select that are the very best mountaineering trails in Banff so as to add to your subsequent go to.

Our Greatest Banff Hikes

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

Whichever manner you determine 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 inform you concerning the 16 Greatest Banff hikes you gained’t wish to miss. To go to Banff Nationwide Park you want a Parks Move and you should purchase it right here.

Touring to Alberta? Learn extra: The 52 Greatest Issues to do in Alberta, Canada – The Final Information

1. Tunnel Mountain Path

Though Tunnel Mountain has no tunnel, it does have hanging views of the Banff space from its summit. The trailhead is situated near Banff metropolis heart and you’ll simply stroll to it. Whether or not you’re strolling to it or taking a car, you’ll wish to get to St. Julien Highway, which is simply off Grizzly Road in Banff downtown. There’s a parking zone obtainable for these utilizing autos.

The path begins with properly graded switchbacks and it may well get slightly steep in locations so mountaineering boots are a good suggestion. When 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.

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

2. Lake Agnes Path and Beehive Circuit (Little and Large Beehive)

This hike is among the high issues to do in Banff and among the best Banff hikes as nicely. The hike itself will not be too strenuous and is well accessible from the small city of Lake Louise. The Lake Agnes Path begins out on a paved path that takes you alongside the north shore of Lake Lousise with beautiful views of the Victoria Glacier. You’ll 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 Large Beehive.

As you permit Mirror Lake keep to the precise for the very best 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 Home has been serving tea since 1905 and is the proper place to seize a snack earlier than persevering with on to Little Beehive and Large Beehive the place the views are much more spectacular.

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

This hike is extraordinarily fashionable and might be actually busy within the excessive season. It is because it is among the best Banff hikes that may be accomplished in beneath 2 hours. We suggest doing it in October, earlier than the snow to keep away from all of the crowds. Regardless, of while you go to although, it’s positively value it.

3. Sulpher Mountain

Sulphur Mountain is among the hottest hikes in Banff Nationwide Park. Not solely as a result of it has spectacular views and is near the city Heart of Banff but additionally as a result of you possibly can take a Gondola up or down in the event you like. When you determine to hike up (or down) you can be handled to panoramic views of the encompassing mountains and valleys.

The hike up is taken into account strenuous because the elevation acquire comes rapidly by way of a sequence of switchbacks which ends on the high of the gondola for Sulphur Mountain. The trailhead is situated on the Higher Scorching Springs parking zone, and when you attain the summit, you’ll be capable to see spectacular views of Banff, the Bow River Valley, and the encompassing peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

As a result of that is so near the city of Banff it is among the hottest issues to do. Which means in the summertime it will likely be extremely busy. However we predict the views are value it particularly in the event you staying in Banff.

4. Helen Lake Path

The Helen Lake Path makes for an idyllic hike the place you’ll be crossing rivers and streams and going by way of wildflower meadows and fir forests. There’s lots of journey and enjoyable available on this hike, however be sure you’re carrying the precise footwear and clothes to have the ability to expertise it in consolation. 

You need to positively climb as much as the ridge above Helen Lake through Dolomite Move in the event you can, from there you get beautiful views of the less-known and due to this fact undisturbed and purely blue Lake Katherine cupped within the mountain peaks.

The Helen Lake Path hike is situated off the Icefields Parkway on the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint and is a superb different to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise if these hikes are too busy.

5. Bourgeau Lake Path

It’s thought of a average path that may 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 while you get there. You may additionally be joined by chipmunks, squirrels, and pikas in the event you’re fortunate.

The start 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. Get pleasure from these views as a result of after that you simply’re going to be stepping into steep switchbacks, some poles could possibly be extremely useful. 

After all of the huffing and puffing you’re going to achieve 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 value it. If you’re feeling adventurous you may as well mix this with a summit bid to Mount Bourgeau which is a 2,931-metre (9,616 ft) tall peak. This is able to make it a full-day hike so ensure to arrange accordingly.

You may get to the path by taking the exit for Sunshine Village Ski Resort off of the Trans Canada Freeway. You may park within the parking zone and there are restroom services. 

6. Lake Louise Plain of the Six Glaciers Path

This is among the most excellent regularly elevated trails within the nationwide park that enables for a leisurely hike. You get beautiful views of Lake Louise alongside the way in which in addition to Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. You need to be aware this path can get a bit muddy as you’re alongside the water lots of the time so put on acceptable footwear.

You may as well carry your canine alongside this path so that you and your four-legged good friend can benefit from the greenery and mountain flowers alongside your stroll. The Plain of the Six Glaciers Teahouse is a beautiful place to cease and take within the nature that surrounds you whereas having fun with some tea and treats.

Observe: you may as well get to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea Home by mountaineering from Large Beehive right down to the teahouse. The downhill hike is fairly simple from Large Beehive.

This can be a 13.8 KM round-trip hike that begins across the Lake Louise shoreline. To get to the path you will want to go to the Chateau Lake Louise parking zone. Do be aware that this specific parking space fills up quick because it leads guests to many trails in addition to the Chateau. 

7. Cascade Amphitheatre Path

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

It’s positively a tough and tough climb, and that’s why mountaineering to the Cascade Amphitheatre is an efficient different to get near the mountain with out having to summit it.

You’ll be mountaineering by way of the dense forest firstly 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 also you really do really feel such as you’re in an amphitheater due to the looming mountain peaks surrounding you.

Earlier than you get to the attractive meadow of the amphitheater be ready for all kinds of wildlife sightings. There have been studies of bears and elk and even cougars within the space. 

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

8. Johnston Canyon Hike off Bow Valley Parkway

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

We have now completed this hike in each the winter and the summer season and really liked it extra within the winter. The explanations for this are that there are far fewer individuals, the waterfalls are frozen, which makes for a distinct viewing expertise, and we bought to see ice climbers on various the falls. When you do the hike within the winter ensure to seize some Ice Cleats from city as the paths have been fairly icy.

If you’re there in the summertime it’s nonetheless very spectacular. Ensure 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 may 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 may 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 Move and Edith Move Path

If you wish to problem your self however restrict that problem to a day hike, the Cory Move and Edith Move Path is among the greatest trails in Banff Nationwide Park for you. Proper off the highest, you’re going to expertise some main inclines and also you’re going to should undergo a river, nonetheless, when you hit the summit the grading turns into extra even and the hike turns into simpler. 

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

General it’s a tough hike, however actually offers you a beautiful style of the true rugged nature of the park. The Cory Move trailhead is on the Hearth Picnic Space which is situated off 1A Bow Valley Parkway. It’s a 13 KM hike and one of many highest elevation trails within the park with a acquire of 1168 meters.  

10. Saddleback Move Path

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

In contrast to lots of different experiences in Banff Nationwide Park, this hike goes to cover lots of the views as you hike by way of dense forests. However that’s okay, you’ll breathe within 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 while you get to the precise saddle and end up flanked by Saddle Mountain and Mount Fairview. You’ve got the choice of taking the simple manner up or a steeper manner up after which coming again down the alternative solution to make for a little bit of a loop. There are indicators alongside the way in which so you possibly can determine which manner you’re going to go.

You need to be aware that it may be snowy alongside the path nicely into April and Might so getting over the rocks might be slippery, particularly while you’re attempting to get to the highest.

This can be a 7.4 KM hike and may have you making an elevation acquire of 603 meters. It’s thought of a simple hike. You’ll get views of Mount Temple in addition to Lake Louise.

To get to the Saddleback Move Hike you’ll wish to get off the TransCanada Freeway on the exit for Lake Louise village after which drive on to Chateau Lake Louise and park of their extraordinarily busy parking zone. You may entry the path from right here, simply ensure to be careful for the indicators to get on the precise path as there are various hikes you possibly can entry from right here. 

11. Larch Valley Path / Sentinel Move

Though all of Banff Nationwide Park looks like a distant and rugged a part of Alberta, in the event you actually wish to get a style of a backcountry path then the Larch Valley Path is it.

This path is among the greatest Banff hikes for magnificent views of the Canadian Rockies from Banff Nationwide Park. At first, you can be going by way 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 Move the place you get views of Paradise Valley. Climbing into Paradise Valley is a visit by itself; the path ascends 3750 ft. So proceed in your manner with the Larch Valley Path and save that for one more day.

One of the crucial beautiful views you’ll see is in the event you go on this path within the fall as larch timber do look rather a lot like pine timber, however they really change shade within the fall. So that you’ll see Christmas timber which can be doused in yellow in September, October, and November.

Though it may be tempting to go off-trail in some elements, persist with the designated trails as it’s harmful for you and for the wildlife in the event you don’t. That is an 11 KM hike with an elevation acquire of 792 meters. It’s thought of a tough hike so that you’ll want your mountaineering footwear and poles.

You may get to the path from the Moraine Lake parking zone however as of Summer time 2023, you possibly can solely entry Moraine Lake through the shuttle service from the Lake Louise Space, Roam Transit, or different business transportation. This may price $8, seniors $4, and youngsters aged six and beneath are free. Parking on the Lake Louise Lodge is advisable or there are additionally shuttles obtainable from the Lake Louise space. 

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

12. Moraine Lake Shoreline Hike

You’ll really be mountaineering on the Rockpile and Lakeshore Path while you do the Moraine Lake Shoreline Hike. This hike is for everybody within the household and might be completed in beneath two hours.

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

Alongside 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. That is the well-known “Twenty Greenback View” as this viewpoint was featured on the previous Canadian twenty-dollar invoice. Probably the greatest views on this planet in our opinion 🙂 You’ll find yourself near a flowing and peaceable stream that’s the excellent 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 (be aware that the street to Moraine lake is closed to 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 footwear.

There’s nothing like paddling whereas having fun with the great thing about the encompassing mountain peaks.

Please be aware of the entry limitations and guidelines above as they’ve modified as of Summer time 2023.

13. Bow Glacier Falls

This can be 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 way of a gorge, and at last onto a scenic waterfall cascading down a rugged cliff.

Many of the path alongside the beautiful Bow lake is flat with slightly uphill climb in the direction of the tip. The hike is nicely value 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 an incredible reward for considerably little effort.

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

14. Sunshine Meadows

Sunshine Meadows is among 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 on this planet and appears 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 acquire that gives an incredible view of the encompassing areas. You’ll comply with the shoreline of Grizzly and Larix lakes, cross a larch forest, and cease at Simpson Viewpoint for an unbelievable view over Kootenay Nationwide Park. To get to the trailhead you possibly can take a 20-minute gondola journey from Sunshine Village that gives scenic mountain views earlier than you begin your hike or take a shuttle bus.

15. Healy Move

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

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

As we mentioned above, the hike begins on a mud street after which onto a dense forest filled with fir, spruce, and larch timber with occasional views of the mountain. That is additionally one of many solely Banff hikes on this checklist that provide you with a great view of Mount Assiniboine, the very best peak within the park.

16. Sawback Backpacking Path

If you wish to backpack and spend a number of nights beneath the celebrities, the Sawback Path is ideal. It’s a 71.3 KM path and comes with an elevation acquire of 2122 meters. You will want to e book your journey on the Parks Canada web site to order your tenting spots.

This path may have you enjoying in all types of nature from cruising by way 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 maintain your bear spray helpful.

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

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

Our Suggestions

What’s the greatest hike in Banff?

That may be a very tough query to reply as Canada’s oldest nationwide park has wonderful hikes throughout. Probably the greatest 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’s best to head out on the Lake Agnes Path and go to the Lake Agnes Tea Home.

What number of mountaineering trails are in Banff Nationwide Park?

There are lots of of trails within the park however the established ones whole 160.

Is it protected to hike alone in Banff?

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

How lengthy are the hikes in Banff?

The hikes in Banff can vary wherever from 2 KM to virtually 100 KM. The shortest of hikes will take you lower than an hour however the lengthy hikes just like the 72 KM Sawback Backpacking Path can take you 3-5 days relying in your tempo. After all, there are glad mediums between the shortest and longest trails as there are many day hikes obtainable that vary from 10 to fifteen KM.

Suggestions for Banff Nationwide Park Climbing

• Be ready for the climate: Banff can have sudden adjustments in climate, so it’s necessary to return ready with acceptable clothes and equipment.
• Plan forward: Earlier than you go, analysis the path you intend to hike and be sure you have a map or GPS gadget, in addition to sufficient water and meals.
• Keep on the designated path: To guard 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: Hold a protected distance from bears and different wildlife, and carry bear spray if it’s obtainable.
• Respect the park’s guidelines and laws: Comply with all posted guidelines and laws, together with these concerning tenting and fires.
• Go away 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 precise data: At all times test the park web site or customer heart for essentially the most up-to-date data on path situations and closures, in addition to data on permits, campsite reservations, and bear exercise.

Conclusion

There isn’t any doubt that Banff Nationwide Park has a number of the greatest mountaineering on this planet. If you’re in search of pure magnificence, backcountry, or only a place to flee all of it then we all know that a minimum of considered one of these Banff Hikes will enchantment to you.

After numerous journeys to this a part of Canada, we are able to simply say that it doesn’t matter what your mountaineering expertise you can see a house you’ll bear in mind in Banff Nationwide Park.