11 Best Hikes in Banff National Park: Top Trails You Can’t Miss
One of the best ways to experience a great national park is through hiking, and Banff National Park takes the cake. You’ll trek across beautiful landscapes surrounded by the Canadian Rockies and the bluest alpine lakes.
This guide includes a mix of casual nature walks to difficult treks – let’s take a look at the best hikes in Banff National Park you must visit!
1. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail offers a challenge that’s totally worth the effort. Your adventure begins at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, following the lakeshore into the valley.
It’s an easy spot to find and leads you through changing landscapes, with a stunning valley near Lake Louise being a highlight. After hiking 5.3 km (3.3 mi), a cozy tea house awaits, providing a view of the six majestic glaciers that give the trail its name.
The path is well-kept, though some parts are steep, so good hiking shoes are a must.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyHard
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Trail Length10.6 km (6.6 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain591 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
2. Trails at Lake Agnes
Set off on the Lake Agnes Tea House hike, a bustling trail loved by many. This 4.7-mile round trip will have your legs working, mostly uphill, for about 1.5 hours to reach the top.
But the effort pays off when you reach the charming tea house, a perfect spot to relax and catch your breath.
Just a heads-up, this cozy stop is open from June to October, so plan your visit during these months to enjoy a well-earned break with a view.
If you’re up for more adventure after the Lake Agnes Tea House, the two Beehive trails are just around the corner.
The Little Beehive offers a moderate climb for about 1 km (.62 mi), where you’ll be greeted with awesome lookout points over Lake Louise, Bow Valley, the Big Beehive, and Mirror Lake.
For those who like a tougher challenge, the Big Beehive trail is waiting. It’s a 1-mile trek that can be pretty tough, but as you climb, you’ll be treated to some seriously cool views that make every step worth it.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyModerate
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Trail Length7.6 km (4.7 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain424 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
3. Moraine Lake Shoreline & Rockpile Trail
The shoreline hike by Lake Moraine is one of the easiest hikes in Banff, perfect for almost everyone. It’s a quick 3 km (1.9 mi) stroll that you can finish in just 50 minutes, giving you lots of beautiful lake views without much sweat.
Since it’s so easy, it’s a popular spot, so getting there early is smart to dodge the crowds. Plus, there’s the Rockpile Trail loop, a short 0.5-mile climb that shows you the lake from a different view.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyEasy
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Shoreline Trail Length3 km (1.9 mi) round trip
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Rockpile Trail Length0.8 km (0.5 mi) round trip
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Elevation GainMinimal
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
4. Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley Trail
The Larch Valley Trail is a tough one with steep paths at the start. But, push through the forest and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking mountain panoramas.
This out-and-back trail is 10.9 km (6.8 mi) takes about 4 hours, so there’s lots of time to soak in the wild beauty and gaze at the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Be prepared for snow in the last stretch of the hike, even in the summer months. In fall, the Larch trees in Paradise Valley and Grand Sentinel turn a brilliant gold.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyHard
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Trail Length10.9 km (6.8 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain792 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
5. Johnston Canyon Hike & the Ink Pots
Lower Falls & Upper Falls Hike
One of the best easy hikes in Banff, this trail is only 5 km (3.1 mi) long round trip from the parking area and will take you an hour to get to the Upper Falls.
If you’re only planning to hike to the Lower Falls, it only takes about 30 minutes. Reaching the Lower Falls is a considerably easy hike by the river and the Upper Falls is well-maintained with several viewpoints. If you continue hiking past the Upper Falls, you’ll get to the Ink Pots.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyEasy
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Trail Length5 km (3.1 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain120 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
Ink Pots Hike
The moderate-difficulty hike to the Ink Pots takes about 4 hours round trip from the Johnston Canyon trailhead.
Even though it is harder compared to the Lower and Upper Falls hike, it’s far less crowded and possibly the best part of the Johnston Canyon Trail.
The Pots are located just over a forested ridge that opens up into a meadow, surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyModerate
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Trail Length11.4 km (7 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain330 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
6. Sulphur Mountain Trail
The Sulphur Mountain Trail, located right by the Banff Gondola, winds up to Sanson Peak. It’s a 4-hour hike with never-ending incline and switchbacks.
Climbing up gives you stunning views and a good workout without spending a dime. If you’re in a hurry, catch the gondola down to make it a 2-hour trip.
At the top, where the gondola stops, there’s an observation deck to relax and a restaurant, Sky Bistro, to grab a snack. If you hike that extra half-kilometer to Sanson Peak, be prepared for snow!
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyModerate
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Trail Length6 km (3.7 mi) one way
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Elevation Gain655 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash (not on gondola)
7. Cory Pass Loop
Cory Pass might be tough, but it’s worth it. This 13 km (8 mi) loop is a favorite in Banff and takes about 6 hours. You’ll need strong legs and a can-do spirit to reach one of the most rewarding scenes in Banff.
The path is in good shape with a nice variety of terrain, but watch out—it can get really steep! Take a break for a picnic with Mount Louis looking amazing behind you. When you’re all set to go back, the downhill walk is way easier.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyHard
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Trail Length13 km (8 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain915 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
8. Cascade Amphitheatre Trail
Just north of Banff, the Cascade Amphitheatre hike awaits. It begins easy but gets tougher as you go up.
The journey might feel long because you can’t see much until the top. But once you’re out of the twisty, tree-lined path, get ready for a treat—a field of wildflowers and towering limestone cliffs!
And if you’ve got the right gear, you could even climb to the top of Cascade Mountain.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyHard
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Trail Length15.4 km (9.6 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain640 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
9. Two Jack Lake Loop
Next to the bustling Lake Minnewanka, you’ll find the peaceful Two Jack Lake, shining just as bright. This is the spot for a breezy hike where you won’t break a sweat. It’s more like a gentle walk than a hike, really.
The lake’s waters are inviting for a swim on a warm day, making it a hit for family outings.
In the winter, it turns into a natural ice rink, perfect for skating. And if you’re after a magical photo, swing by early in the morning when a soft fog hugs the lake.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyEasy
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Trail Length6.4 km (4 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain180 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
10. Bourgeau Lake & Harvey Pass
The trek to Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass is a challenging one, stretching 19.4 km (12 mi) and lasting roughly 7 hours. As you climb the steep trail, you’ll be surrounded by spruce and pine trees before reaching the meadows by Bourgeau Lake.
Push on for another 2.2 km (1.4 mi) to Harvey Pass, and you’ll be greeted with the stunning sight of Mount Assiniboine.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyHard
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Trail Length19.4 km (12 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain1020 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
11. Healy Pass
Healy Pass is an amazing hike, especially when the golden larches light up the path. As you wander into the meadows, the world opens up with beauty. There’s lots of room to park your car before you start.
Just a heads up: the trail can turn into a squishy mud adventure after a couple of miles, so make sure you wear sturdy shoes. You’ll stroll through a long stretch of forest, but hang in there—the views at the end will make your heart skip a beat.
About the Trail
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Trail DifficultyHard
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Trail Length17.9 km (11 mi) round trip
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Elevation Gain815 m
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Pet-FriendlyAllowed On Leash
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never been here, your visit to Banff National Park is overdue! With a mix-up of trail difficulties ranging from challenging to breezy, there is something for everyone.
Doesn’t matter if you’re a total newbie or an avid hiker, Banff offers endless scenic landscapes that can inspire everyone, even you!
