15 Best Hikes in Banff National Park

Banff National Park Overview

Banff National Park, located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and west of Calgary, is an adventure seekers paradise and home to stunning glacial lakes and mountain peaks. Lake Louise is one of the most photogenic and iconic alpine lakes in the world, drawing a large number of visitors throughout the entire year. However, the park has many more incredible areas that make it worth fighting the crowds to experience for yourself. Along with the 15 best hikes in Banff National Park described below, visitors can drive the Icefields Parkway, bike the Banff Legacy Trail, or stay at one of the park’s numerous campgrounds or lodges. 

History

Banff National Park is also Canada’s oldest national park, established in 1885 as Rocky Mountain National Park. In 1984, Banff was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, together with the other national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, for the mountain landscapes containing mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons and limestone caves as well as fossil beds. Outside of Banff, there are several other areas to explore while in the area. Kootenay National Park, Yoho National Park, Bow Valley Provincial Park, and Jasper National Park are all amazing places for hikers, climbers, and outdoors lovers to enjoy.  More than 130 years later, millions of people visit the park each year to experience natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and iconic wildlife.

Location	Alberta, Canada
Nearest Metro Area	Calgary, AB
Area Size	1,641,027 acres
Established	November 25, 1885
Hiking Trails	994 miles

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Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Banff National Park

Lake Agnes + Beehive Circuit

• 7.4 miles out and back (12.0km)
• 2,050’ elevation gain (625m)
• Moderate

(Lake Louise Area) Framed by a quaint European-style tea house (seasonal), the Lake Agnes hike is the most “civilized” way to see the Rockies. To get there, hike up the well maintained trail and enjoy a beautiful tarn tucked underneath towering peaks. Beyond Lake Agnes, use switchbacks to climb the Big Beehive for a stunning panorama of Lake Louise and the Chateau. Head back towards the tea house to add on The Little Beehive, which was once the site of a fire lookout and offers commanding views of the Bow Valley. Those interested in adding to the adventure should strongly consider scrambles up to Devil’s Thumb and Mount St. Piran.

Larch Valley Trail to Sentinel Pass

• 7.2 miles (11.6km)
• 2,380’ elevation gain (725m)
• Difficult

(Moraine Lake Area) Especially during the larch season, the Larch Valley trail is widely considered one of the most beautiful and best hikes in Banff National Park. From the forest of larch trees, hikers can see panoramic views of the peaks within the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Steep switchbacks lead to two famous valleys: Larch Valley and Paradise Valley. Sentinel Pass climbs up between Pinnacle Mountain (3,070 m) and Mount Temple with outstanding views. If ability and equipment are not a question, consider adding the difficult scramble to the top of Mount Temple from Sentinel Pass! 

Plain of Six Glaciers

• 9.1 miles out and back (14.6km)
• 1,700’ elevation gain (520m)
• Moderate

(Lake Louise Area) Beyond Lake Louise you’ll discover a high mountain treasure chest; a collection of impressive peaks and glaciers. Here, you can relax and enjoy the view or rest at a quaint Swiss-built tea house (seasonal). Connect the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers trails to form the loop.

Cory Pass – Mt. Edith Loop

• 8.1 mile loop (13km) 
• 3000’ elevation gain (915 m)
• Strenuous 

(Banff Area) The unobstructed view of Mount Louis, an imposing limestone monolith, is worth the strenuous uphill trek to Cory Pass. Rather than returning via the same route, energetic hikers have the option of descending into the Gargoyle Valley before returning to the trailhead via Edith Pass. The steep climb, loose terrain, and exposed sections make this one of the more difficult hikes in Banff National Park. However, the astonishing vistas along the way make it well worth the effort coupled with the fact that this is a great hiking option to get away from the crowds. 

Fairview Mountain

• 3.2miles out and back (5.1km)
• 3,325’ elevation gain (1,013m)
• Strenuous

(Lake Louise Area) In a region that was explored by Swiss Mountain Guides in the early 20th century, it makes sense to challenge your inner mountaineer with a steep hike up a famous peak. And the “fair” view at the top? It’s downright spectacular!

Wenkchemna Pass

• 12.0 miles out and back (19.4km)
• 2,360’ elevation gain (720m)
• Strenuous

(Moraine Lake Area) Travel the entire length of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, wandering steadily into a high alpine environment to reach this spectacular pass on the Continental Divide. This gorgeous trail may have some of the most scenic views of the Ten Peaks and though difficult, can easily be considered one of the best hikes in Banff National Park. 

Bourgeau Lake to Harvey Pass

• 12.0 miles out and back (19.2km)
• 3,350’ elevation gain (1,020m)
• Strenuous 

(Banff Area) A steady climb through lush forest and across mountain streams lead to Bourgeau Lake which is enclosed in a glacially carved amphitheatre. From the lake, a 2.2 km more difficult trail continues upward to Harvey Pass where exceptional views extend to peaks along the Continental Divide.

Tunnel Mountain

• 2.8 miles out and back (4.5km)
• 850’ elevation gain (260m)
• Moderate

(Banff Area) Accessible from downtown Banff, this trail switchbacks to a low summit with sweeping views across the town, Bow Valley and Mount Rundle rising dramatically to the south. Try to hit the trail early in the morning as the short distance and relatively easy climb make it popular; still considered one of the best hikes in Banff National Park. 

Parker Ridge

• 3.4 miles out and back (5.4km)
• 820’ elevation gain (250m)
• Easy

(Icefields Parkway) After a series of switchbacks you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier – headwaters of the Saskatchewan River. Help maintain this fragile alpine ecosystem by staying on the trail.

Sulphur Mountain

• 3.7 miles out and back (6km)
• 2,150’ elevation gain (655m)
• Moderate

(Banff Area) Switchbacks on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain provide a steady uphill hike to a summit renowned for its expansive mountain views. At the top, enjoy the 0.5 km boardwalk along the ridge ending at Sanson Peak. Here, you will find the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and the 1903 weather observatory. From the boardwalk, return on the same trail to the parking lot.

C-Level Cirque

• 6.3 miles (10.2km)
• 1500’ elevation gain (455m)
• Moderate

(Banff Area) Hike past historic foundations and vents from the abandoned Bankhead mining operation on your way to a massive glacially-carved cirque in the cool northern face of Cascade Mountain. Once you reach the boulder field in front of the mountain, continue on above the treeline another ¾ of a mile for a great vantage point of Lake Minnewanka. 

Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots

• 7.1 miles out and back (11.4km)
• 1640’ elevation gain (500m)
• Moderate

(Banff Area) This busy trail takes you into the depths of the canyon on wide paths and narrow bridges with railings that lead to the Lower Falls and to the spectacular 30 meter-high Upper Falls. For a unique perspective, continue 265m further to the viewpoint at the top of the Upper Falls. Beyond the falls, a forested trail continues up and down to a meadow where water bubbles from deep below the Earth’s surface into shallow pools called the Ink Pots. The crowds thin out somewhat after Lower Falls but this is a largely popular hike. 

Bow Glacier Falls

• 5.7 miles out and back (9.2km)
• 500’ elevation gain (155m)
• Moderate

(Icefields Parkway) At the base of Bow Glacier Falls, amid the spray and roar, you can witness the birth of a river. The Bow River, part of western Canada’s largest watershed, begins as meltwater tumbling down from the Wapta Icefield.

Helen Lake & Dolomite Pass

• 11.2 miles out and back (18.0km)
• 1,800’ elevation gain (550m)
• Strenuous

(Icefields Parkway) Tucked well into the Main Ranges of the Canadian Rockies is a breathtaking lake in a valley abounding with alpine wildlife and grand vistas. After you’ve made it to Helen Lake, you can extend your hike and get a geology lesson at the same time: at the pass you’ll have great views of Dolomite Peak, a picture perfect layer-cake mountain, as well the wine-coloured folds below the summit of Cirque Peak.

Cascade Amphitheatre

• 9.5 miles (15.4km)
• 2100’ elevation gain (640m)
• Moderate

(Banff Area) From the ski-area lodge, walk the gravel road all the way to the third chairlift (Mystic Express) where the single track trail starts. Allow a full day for a return trip through the forest, opening to a meadow surrounded by a natural amphitheatre. From the maintained trail, experienced scramblers with proper equipment can attempt the summit of Cascade Mountain. C-Level Cirque (above) on the other side of Cascade Mountain is a great alternative if the mileage here is too daunting. 

Featured Image: Moraine Lake Banff National Park, Alberta, Photo by Robert Berdan