Hikes in Banff National Park
Banff National Park Hikes
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.
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.
Hiking regions in Banff National Park
Best Hikes in Banff National Park
Boom Lake
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Banff Bow River to Bow Falls to Banff Springs
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Paradise Valley Circuit
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Twin Cairns and Monarch Viewpoint
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Citadel Pass
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Healy Pass
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Plain of Six Glaciers Hike
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass
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!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mount St. Piran
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Eiffel Lake and Wenkchemna Pass
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mount Fairview Summit
Get the complete Lake Louise experience from the summit of Mount Fairview. This trail is packed with incredible views of the lake, stunning scenery and nearby glaciers. Although the hike is short, it rises quickly on a challenging incline – so be ready!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Redoubt Lake via Boulder Pass
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Sentinel Pass Hike
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Consolation Lakes
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Lake Agnes Tea House
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Lake Annette
Although the least frequented valley in the Lake Louise area, the Lake Annette trail is a spectacular hike. With beautiful lake and mountain views and the potential to continue on to the Giant Steps Waterfall, you definitely want to check this one out.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Sundance Canyon Trail
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
C-Level Cirque
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Warden Lake
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Parker Ridge Trail
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.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty