Hikes in Banff National Park
Where to Hike in Banff National Park
Activities in Banff National Park
There are so many great Banff National Park hikes that we have broken the region up into three regions: around the town of Banff, around Lake Louise and around the Icefields Parkway. You can see the best hikes in each part of Banff National Park by clicking on the icons below.
By breaking the best Banff National Park hikes down into three smaller regions, we can share more great hiking in the Canadian Rockies. The best hikes in Banff National Park take you to stunning viewpoints, whether they are in a secluded valley, along an incredibly blue lake or to a peak, with the Canadian Rockies below. Hiking in Banff National Park is famous for the abundant wildlife, stunning nature, and beautiful views, making it an ideal destination to get outside and explore the outdoors.
What’s new in Banff National Park in 2024
Banff National Park will introduce several enhancements to its popular trails and access routes to accommodate the early hiking season and increase sustainable tourism in 2024.
Johnston Canyon has upgraded its infrastructure to manage more visitors, while Sunshine Meadows now offers guided ecological tours.
Ongoing construction on Lake Louise Drive, including asphalt resurfacing and the building of a new roundabout, aims to enhance traffic flow and safety. Additionally, parking at Lake Louise is set at $37 per vehicle, encouraging the use of shuttle services, which are now the only access option to Moraine Lake, with reservations filling up quickly for peak times.
The Icefields Parkway is also poised for an early hiking season due to lower snowfall, but travelers should remain cautious of occasional closures for avalanche control. With these updates, visitors to Banff National Park in 2024 should plan ahead, especially for popular spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Other Activities in Banff National Park
In addition to the incredible Banff National Park hikes on offer, there are plenty of other activities in Banff National Park that can be experienced. Whether you are looking to go mountain biking in the Rockies, cycling through mountain passes, backpacking to remote lodges, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, or scrambling through some rugged terrain, there is no shortage of exceptional outdoor adventures to be had.
Get the 10Adventures App
For those who want to explore Banff National Park and the rest of the Rocky Mountains without a guide, the 10Adventures trail app is the perfect resource. Easily navigate the trails offline and track the stats of your hike, bike, or snowshoeing adventure by using the 10Adventures app.
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Route guides for Hiking in Banff National Park
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Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Route Guide
A walk around Lake Minnewanka is a special treat for those in Banff. This trail winds along a beautiful mountain-fringed lake and can be as short or as long as you want. It’s especially wonderful in spring and autumn when most other hikes are snowbound.
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Wilcox Pass Route Guide
The Wilcox Pass hike offers hikers easy access to alpine meadows as well as incredible views of the peaks and glaciers on the eastern edge of the Columbia Icefield. This hike is a must-do when you’re on the Icefields Parkway, and a great trail to enjoy the Athabasca Glacier for free.
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Lake Louise Lakeshore Route Guide
If you are making a stop to see the world-famous Lake Louise, you should take a side trip along its lakeshore to see what the lake has to offer. You’ll walk along the shore where the turquoise waters become a milky texture from the glacial rock silt that is turned up from the bottom of the lake. Continue past rock climbers, mountaineers, paddlers, and horses until you reach the impressive alluvial flats where the moraine and glacial stream meets the lake.
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Sunset Viewpoint and Pass Route Guide
The hike to Sunset Pass & Sunset Lookout follows a strenuous trail that hikes along a backcountry artery and through a meadow with views to the remote White Goat Wilderness Area. The steep initial ascent means crowds are low, but rewards are high. If you want a shorter day you don’t need to do both hikes.
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Edith and Cory Pass Circuit Route Guide
This incredible hike through Edith and Cory Passes is the most varied hike close to Banff. This circuit takes in a number of different micro ecosystems – from a steep and dry ridge, to an arid pass, back through a lush forest. Be aware of some modest scrambling sections (both up and down) on the approach to Cory Pass.
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Fairview Lookout Route Guide
Hiking to Fairview Lookout is a great way to see Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau hotel from a new perspective. This is a wonderful trail if you are looking to explore Lake Louise without committing to a full or half day hike. Enjoy an easy path with rewarding views.
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Helen Lake and Cirque Peak Route Guide
Hiking to Helen Lake and Cirque Peak is a local favourite. From Helen Lake up to Cirque Peak the hike provides incredible views. Be warned that this is a challenging day with steady uphill climbs, particularly the final push to the top of Cirque Peak, which also involves some scrambling.
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Plain of Six Glaciers Hike Route Guide
Plain of Six Glaciers is a classic hike in Banff National Park, which guides you alongside Lake Louise, ascends past a lovely Tea House, and finishes with stunning glacier views. We also share a very special alternative route back, which goes along The Highline trail, up to Big Beehive and down to Lake Agnes.
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Johnston Canyon Hike Route Guide
Johnston Canyon Hike is a great, albeit busy, family hike near Banff. The trail winds through the canyon to the Upper Falls. It can also be extended to the Ink Pots, which boast pretty mountain views. In peak season start before 9am to avoid crowds on the trail.
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Sunshine Meadows Hike Route Guide
The Sunshine Meadows hike is the easiest way to get into the alpine in the Canadian Rockies. The trail starts at the base of Sunshine Ski hill, where you can take the Gondola to the Sunshine Ski village and hike from there. Rock Isle Lake is truly stunning!
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Bow Glacier Falls Route Guide
The hike to Bow Glacier Falls is exquisite. We love the hike along Bow Lake, however hiking up to Bow Glacier Falls provides enormous and wonderful views.
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Big Beehive Hike Route Guide
The Big Beehive not only boasts a stunning viewpoint soaring high above Lake Louise, but it offers steady highlights along the way. Starting at Lake Louise itself is satisfying enough for some, and it only gets better as you continue. Many lakes and options to extend the trail into a loop, or add on viewpoints, make the Big Beehive an excellent hike for those visiting the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park.
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Peyto Lake Hike Route Guide
The hike to the stunning Peyto Lake should be on every Rocky Mountains itinerary. This Peyto Lake Viewpoint hike offers one of the finest views of Peyto Lake on an accessible, family-friendly hike. While the main viewpoint is crowded, make sure to visit the second one, which is often deserted.
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Lake Agnes Tea House Route Guide
The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is an enjoyable trip up to a charming lake with a lovely little tea house. From the tea house, there are options for what to do, such as hiking up to the Little Beehive, contouring around Lake Agnes, or simply just enjoy the picturesque scenery with a cup of tea.
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Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots Route Guide
The hike to Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots is a great, albeit busy, hike near Banff. The trail winds through the canyon to the Upper Falls. From there continue on to the Ink Pots and the pretty mountain views. In peak season don't try this route between 9am and 5pm due to crowds.
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Nigel Pass Route Guide
Hiking to Nigel Pass is a rewarding day hike in the Columbia Icefield area. Nigel Pass is an open meadow with spectacular views into the backcountry of Jasper National Park. This hike is a great trail near the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.
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Aylmer Lookout via Lake Minnewanka Route Guide
For one of the most beautiful views near Banff, the hike to Aylmer Lookout is a must-see. It’s especially great for shoulder season, when there is still too much snow up high. The trail includes great views of Lake Minnewanka and the surrounding Fairholme range.
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Little Beehive Hike Route Guide
Although the Little Beehive hike has its own destination, it begins at the world-famous Lake Louise. You’ll start the trail at the shores of the lake before winding through the forest towards Lake Agnes. After a few kilometres with elevation gain, Mirror Lake will appear before you with the Big Beehive looming above, creating the namesake mirror reflection on the lake. You have the option to stop at Lake Agnes and its historic teahouse before embarking on the final 0.5mi to the Little Beehive lookout.
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Sentinel Pass Hike Route Guide
The Sentinel Pass hike offers the opportunity to spend a few hours with some of Canada’s most awesome natural wonders in Lake Louise. Start at the beautiful Moraine Lake and then head up through native larches to an alpine pass with astounding views – a truly unforgettable experience.
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Bow Lake Route Guide
Anybody driving the Icefields Parkway should stop in at Bow Lake and do this family-friendly hike. Hiking along the edge of Bow Lake is a great break. Enjoy the great views of a stunning lake on this easy hike.
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Johnson Lake Route Guide
This hike around Johnson Lake is a great choice for beginners or those with limited physical abilities and it is especially family-friendly. We also think it’s a great way to start or end the day and makes a great after-dinner walk in summer.
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Crowfoot Pass and Balfour Viewpoint Route Guide
The hike up to Crowfoot Pass and onwards to Balfour Viewpoint provides serene solitude in the remote backcountry. Enjoy a river crossing, a high alpine pass and incredible view of a majestic waterfall. For the adventurous scrambler, the steep rocky Bow Peak Scramble can be added to this trail.
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Moraine Lake Hike (The Rockpile and Lakeshore Trail) Route Guide
The Moraine Lake hike through Rockpile and Lakeshore trail in Lake Louise provides one of the best views of the Canadian Rockies and the stunning Moraine Lake. This hike is best enjoyed very early or in the evening due to large crowds and limited parking.
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Upper Stoney Trail Route Guide
The Upper Stoney Trail takes you to one of our favourite viewpoints near Banff. The first half is a fun family hike, though the 2nd half of the hike isn’t as great for little kids. This is a good hike when other parts of Banff are very busy in summer.
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Mount St. Piran Route Guide
Mount St. Piran is a beautiful hike, taking you high above Lake Louise with spectacular views of nature below. Experienced hikers can choose an optional descent off-trail along the backside of the peak – providing an abundant sense of tranquil remoteness on the steep, rugged terrain.
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Tunnel Mountain Route Guide
The Tunnel Mountain hike gives you a short respite away from the crowded streets of Banff. The viewpoint from the top of the trail is beautiful, making you feel like you’re immersed in nature, despite the hordes shopping on Banff Ave just a kilometer away.
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Cascade Amphitheatre Route Guide
The hike to the Cascade Amphitheatre is a popular hike near Banff. While the views once you get to Cascade Amphitheatre are great, the journey through the forest to get there can feel a bit long.
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Boom Lake Route Guide
The hike to Boom Lake is a pleasant and popular excursion in Banff National Park. This route is great for beginners as the trail is clear, the path well-made and there is a beautiful view at Boom Lake. We love this hike on very hot days, as it is mostly in the forest.
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Banff Bow River to Bow Falls to Banff Springs Route Guide
One of the best walks in Banff is the classic walk along the Bow River. This trail is perfect for beginners or those with limited physical ability, offering beautiful views of the forest, scenic Bow River, Bow Falls and Banff Springs Hotel.
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Twin Cairns and Monarch Viewpoint Route Guide
We love this less-visited part of Sunshine Meadows. You get to take in the Standish Viewing deck, Rock Isle Lake and the beautiful Monarch Viewpoint, all on well-maintained paths. Take the Standish chair up to start and reduce the elevation gain on this hike.
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Citadel Pass Route Guide
If you’re going hiking in Banff, you need to get up to Sunshine Meadows for the incredible hike to Citadel Pass. This hike has it all, beautiful wildflowers, expansive views, multiple lakes and above all, varied and stunning views. We love this hike.
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Healy Pass Route Guide
The best hikes in Banff must include the hike up to Healy Pass. An exquisite hike, especially during Autumn with the larches in full colour. Get impressive views from the pass and take an optional descent via Simpson Pass to add variety.
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Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass Route Guide
This hike to Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass is a sure-fire way to induce happiness. Though the numbers make this trail seem big, the feeling of being on a true adventure makes the day go easily and quickly. Definitely one of the best hikes near Banff!
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Sundance Canyon Trail Route Guide
This route leaves from the heritage Cave and Basin National Historic Site and is the ideal add-on for those seeking a hike with some cultural flair. Explore surrounding boardwalks and take in what the historic site has to offer before embarking on the calm, paved path through the valley leading to Sundance Canyon. Climb through the canyon for rushing water and smooth rock textures before returning the way you came.
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C-Level Cirque Route Guide
C-Level Cirque is in the Lake Minnewanka area just outside the Banff townsite. It is a unique hike that travels past some historic mine sites from the town of Bankhead. Hikers have the opportunity to explore some old buildings. This trail is graded as steep for a moderate hike and doesn’t offer many views until the final third. Leaving the forest, the views open up to a large basin on the side of Cascade Mountain. Watch for Pikas and Marmots as they are often hiding in the boulders. Hikers may choose to scramble up to the top for exquisite views of Minnewanka and surrounding peaks.
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Paradise Valley Circuit Route Guide
Quite simply, this is a top hike. On the Paradise Valley Circuit trail, experience spectacular clear lakes and waterfalls, beautiful views, a challenging scree ascent and a breathtaking descent. Once at Sentinel Pass get the stunning views of the Valley of the 10 Peaks and Moraine Lake.
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Warden Lake Route Guide
The Warden Lake trail is an easy, family-friendly hike through an area that was recently affected by wildfire. With open views of the North Saskatchewan River and the surrounding peaks, this trail is a fun hike for the whole family.
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Parker Ridge Trail Route Guide
Hiking up Parker Ridge unlocks some amazing views of the Saskatchewan Glacier, the largest of the Columbia Icefield’s six valley outlet glaciers. This hike is a great stop when driving the Icefield Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper.
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North Molar Pass Route Guide
The hiking trail to North Molar Pass takes you to one of the most amazing, vast alpine meadows in Banff National Park. This long day hike has ample rewards for strong hikers. Add the North Molar Pass hike to your bucket-list!
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Hidden Lake Route Guide
Hidden Lake is a very pretty lake in the Skoki Region. There is also a backcountry campground here that you can use to better explore the Skoki region. In autumn the views are very pretty with the golden larches on this hike.
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Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass Route Guide
The Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass trail includes a stunning climb up from Moraine Lake with views of the incredible Valley of the 10 Peaks. From the pass enjoy a view into another solitary valley. The wonderful Eiffel Lake is midway through the hike – a destination itself.
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Redoubt Lake via Boulder Pass Route Guide
The hike to Redoubt Lake is an underappreciated hike in the Skoki region near Lake Louise. Hiking to Redoubt Lake allows you to take in Boulder Pass and Ptarmigan Lake before along the way. Not only is this a wonderful hike, but it also showcases some of the best larches in the Canadian Rockies.
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Cirque & Chephren Lakes Route Guide
Hiking around Cirque & Chephren Lakes is an easy hike that goes to two classic, and seldom visited, Canadian Rockies Lakes on the Icefields Parkway. These lakes are situated at the base of the rugged mountains making up the continental divide.
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Skoki Lakes Route Guide
Skoki Lakes is an epic hike in the Skoki region near Lake Louise. This route takes in Boulder Pass, Ptarmigan Lake, Packers Pass, the Skoki Lakes (Zigadenus and Myosotis Lakes) and then Deception Pass before coming back. This is a long day, though it is especially pretty in Autumn.
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Consolation Lakes Route Guide
The Consolation Lake trail is a favorite family hike near Lake Louise, and can be paired with the Moraine Lake Rockpile and Lakeshore hike. Hike along Babel Creek to Consolation Lakes, which are fringed with stunning glacier clad mountains.
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