Banff Hiking Guide: The Best Trails, Gear & Info 2025
Banff is one of the most breathtaking hiking destinations in the world. I live just outside the park in Calgary and have spent years exploring its trails, from scenic lakeside paths to challenging alpine climbs.
In this guide, I’ll share the top hikes in Banff for all experience levels, along with tips on what to bring, where to stay, and how to get the most out of your trip to the Rockies.
Planning a bigger trip through Alberta? Check out my Calgary Travel Guide, 25 Things to Do in Calgary, as well as my Kananaskis Guide to build the perfect Canadian Rockies itinerary.
Hiking In Banff
Banff is a dream destination for outdoor lovers. With hundreds of kilometres of marked trails, glacier fed lakes, dramatic ridgelines, and wildlife sightings, it offers an unforgettable hiking experience. You’ll find trails for every level. from gentle nature walks to high altitude scrambles.
The best time to hike in Banff is between late June and early October, when the trails are mostly clear of snow and the alpine wildflowers are in full bloom. Early summer offers vibrant greenery, while fall colours peak in September. Always check trail conditions with Parks Canada before heading out.
Expect to see marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bears, so bring bear spray and know how to use it. Most importantly, take only photos and leave no trace.
11 Best Banff Hiking Trails
Banff offers an endless supply of jaw dropping trails. Here are my top picks, with something for every traveller.
Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass
One of the most iconic hikes in Banff, especially in the fall when golden larches light up the forest. Start at Moraine Lake and ascend into a peaceful alpine basin surrounded by ten towering peaks.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Larch season (late September), alpine meadows, fall photography
- Trailhead: Moraine Lake
- Distance: 8.6 km out and back
- Duration: 3–4 hours
Lake Louise – Big Beehive via Lake Agnes
This rewarding trail begins at the shore of Lake Louise and climbs past Mirror Lake and the Lake Agnes Tea House before reaching the Big Beehive summit. From the top, you’ll get one of the most iconic views in Banff looking down at the turquoise water of Lake Louise. The trail has a steady incline and some steep switchbacks but is manageable for most hikers with a moderate level of fitness.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Panoramic views of Lake Louise, moderate challenge, tea house stop
- Trailhead: Lake Louise Ski Resort has shuttles to the hotel and lake.
- Distance: 10.9 km round trip
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Additional Tip: Arrive early for parking or take the shuttle during peak season
Plain of Six Glaciers
This moderate hike begins at Lake Louise and leads to a hidden tea house surrounded by glacier views. It’s one of Banff’s best experiences.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Glacier views, iconic Lake Louise scenery
- Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore
- Distance: 14.6 km round trip
- Duration: 4–5 hours
Sulphur Mountain via Cosmic Ray Road
Skip the gondola and hike this trail for panoramic views over Banff. It’s steep but worth it. You can even take the gondola down for a break.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Panoramic summit views, fitness challenge
- Trailhead: Upper Hot Springs
- Distance: 11 km round trip
- Duration: 3–4 hours
Tunnel Mountain
Great views with a relatively short uphill effort. It’s one of the best “bang-for-your-buck” hikes in Banff.
Quick Facts
- Best for: City views, short uphill climb
- Trailhead: Tunnel Mountain Trailhead
- Distance: 4.3 km out and back
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Bow Glacier Falls
This scenic trail begins at Bow Lake and follows the shoreline before gently climbing into a glacial valley. The hike ends at the base of Bow Glacier Falls, with views of the glacier and the stunning turquoise lake below. It is a relatively easy trail with big rewards, making it a great option for a half-day adventure.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Waterfalls, glacial scenery, moderate effort
- Trailhead: Num-Ti-Jah Lodge at Bow Lake
- Distance: 8.7 km round trip
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Additional Tip: Arrive early for the best light on the lake and fewer crowds
Healy Pass
Healy Pass is a scenic alpine trail that rewards hikers with wide open meadows, vibrant wildflowers in summer, and sweeping views of surrounding peaks and valleys. The trail climbs steadily through forest before opening up into a vast subalpine landscape near the summit. It is especially popular in late July and August when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Wildflowers, alpine views, moderate challenge
- Trailhead: Sunshine Village Parking Lot
- Distance: 18.3 km round trip
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Additional Tip: Bring bug & bear spray and start early to enjoy the pass with fewer hikers
Easy Banff Hikes
Moraine Lake Rockpile and Lakeshore Trail
This short and easy hike offers one of the most iconic views in all of Canada. The trail begins near the Moraine Lake parking area and leads to the famous Rockpile viewpoint overlooking the Valley of the Ten Peaks. From there, a flat path continues along the shoreline for peaceful views of the turquoise water and towering peaks.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Iconic views, photography, easy access
- Trailhead: Moraine Lake Parking Area
- Distance: 3.2 km round trip (Rockpile + Lakeshore)
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Additional Tip: Moraine Lake is only accessible by shuttle or commercial transport from mid-June to mid-October
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
This is one of the easiest and most scenic trails in Banff, following the emerald waters of Lake Louise all the way to the far end of the lake. It is a flat, well maintained path that offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding peaks. Perfect for families, casual walkers, and anyone easing into Banff hiking.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Beginners, families, lake views, photography
- Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore
- Distance: 4 km round trip
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Additional Tip: Visit early in the morning for calm reflections and fewer crowds
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most popular hikes, with catwalks through a narrow canyon and waterfalls along the way. It is scenic, family friendly, and accessible throughout the year, especially beautiful in winter when the falls freeze over.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Waterfalls, families, winter hiking, easy access
- Trailhead: Johnston Canyon Parking Lot
- Distance: 5.2 km round trip to Upper Falls
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Additional Tip: Microspikes are recommended in winter for icy sections
Fenland Trail
A peaceful forest loop just minutes from downtown Banff. Keep an eye out for deer and waterfowl.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Families, nature lovers, wildlife spotting
- Trailhead: Fenland Trail Parking Lot
- Distance: 2.1 km loop
- Duration: 30 minutes
Johnson Lake
A flat loop with a beach area that’s popular with locals. In summer, you can even take a swim.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Picnics, lake views, beginner hikers
- Trailhead: Johnson Lake
- Distance: 3 km loop
- Duration: 45 minutes
Recommended Gear
Here are my go to items for hiking in Banff. These are essentials I bring on almost every trail:
- Osprey Daylite Daypack – Lightweight and perfect for day hikes
- Black Diamond Trekking Poles – Great for stability on steep or rocky trails
- Merrell Moab Hiking Shoes – Comfortable with good grip for varied terrain
- Bear Spray – Essential for wildlife safety in Banff (know how to use it)
- Convertible Hiking Pants – Quick-drying and perfect for changing mountain weather
- Airalo eSIM for Canada – Stay online in the park without roaming fees
- Travel Insurance – Peace of mind for injuries, etc
Where To Stay
There’s something for every budget when it comes to Banff accommodations. Here are my picks:
📍Luxury: Fairmont Banff Springs – The most iconic hotel in Banff, set in a castle like building with views of the Bow River.
📍Mid-range: Moose Hotel & Suites – Centrally located with rooftop hot tubs and a warm alpine vibe.
📍Budget: HI Banff Alpine Centre – A hostel with private rooms, a pub, and amazing views.
FAQs About Hiking In Banff
Here are quick answers to common questions travellers ask when planning a Banff hiking trip.
1. What is the most popular hike in Banff?
The Lake Agnes to Big Beehive trail at Lake Louise is one of the most popular hikes for its views and rewarding challenge. My personal favourite is Larch Valley in mid to end September for epic golden views.
2. Is Banff good for beginner hikers?
Yes. Banff has plenty of beginner-friendly trails like Fenland Trail, Johnson Lake, Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail, and Tunnel Mountain.
3. How do I get to Banff?
Banff is about 90 minutes from Calgary by car. Airport shuttles and bus services are also available.
Final Thoughts on Hiking in Banff
Banff is one of the most beautiful places on Earth to hike, whether you’re looking for a relaxing forest loop or a summit above the clouds. As a local who grew up exploring these trails, I can confidently say there’s something for everyone here.
So lace up your boots, bring your camera, and experience the Canadian Rockies the way they were meant to be: one step at a time.