With over 1,600 km of maintained trails, Banff National Park is a hiker's paradise. Here are 15 of the best hikes sorted by difficulty, from easy lakeside strolls to challenging alpine adventures.
Easy Hikes
1. Johnston Canyon to Lower Falls (1.1 km one way)
The most popular hike in Banff, and for good reason. Walk along catwalks bolted to the canyon walls above the rushing creek to reach the stunning Lower Falls. Mostly paved and accessible, this is perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
2. Bow Falls Trail (0.5 km)
A short, easy walk from downtown Banff to one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the park. Combine it with the Bow River trail for a longer riverside stroll.
3. Lake Louise Lakeshore (2 km one way)
A flat, paved path along the shore of Lake Louise with stunning views of Victoria Glacier. Wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly for most of the route.
4. Tunnel Mountain (2.3 km one way)
The shortest and easiest summit hike near Banff town. Switchbacks lead to 360-degree views of the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle, and the town below. Popular at sunrise and sunset.
Moderate Hikes
5. Lake Agnes Tea House (3.4 km one way)
Climb 400m in elevation from Lake Louise to a historic backcountry teahouse perched beside Lake Agnes. Enjoy fresh tea and scones with a mountain backdrop. One of the most rewarding moderate hikes in the Rockies.
6. Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots (5.8 km one way)
Continue past the Upper Falls to reach five cold mineral springs bubbling through vivid blue-green pools in an alpine meadow. Quieter than the canyon section and absolutely worth the extra effort.
7. Sunshine Meadows (varies)
Access via the Sunshine Village gondola in summer. Several interconnected trails wind through alpine meadows carpeted in wildflowers (mid-July to August), with views of the Continental Divide. Easy to moderate once you're up top.
8. Plain of Six Glaciers (5.3 km one way)
From the far end of Lake Louise, this trail leads through glacier-carved terrain to a teahouse with views of six glaciers. The final approach through the moraine offers dramatic scenery.
Challenging Hikes
9. Sentinel Pass (5.8 km one way from Moraine Lake)
The highest point reachable by maintained trail in the Canadian Rockies (2,611m). Steep switchbacks lead through Larch Valley (stunning in September) to a narrow pass between towering peaks. Extraordinary views in every direction.
10. Cory Pass (5.8 km one way)
A strenuous loop with 915m of elevation gain offering one of the best views in the park. The trail passes through a dramatic narrow canyon before reaching the pass overlooking Mount Louis.
11. Cascade Amphitheatre (7.7 km one way)
A rewarding climb to a massive natural amphitheatre carved into the side of Cascade Mountain. Wildflowers in summer, golden larches in fall. Relatively few crowds for such a spectacular payoff.
12. Mount Temple Scramble (via Sentinel Pass)
For experienced scramblers only. Mount Temple (3,544m) is the highest peak in the Lake Louise area. A full-day commitment with technical sections. Start before dawn and bring proper gear.
Multi-Day & Backcountry
13. Skoki Loop (32 km loop, 2-3 days)
A classic backcountry loop near Lake Louise passing through alpine meadows, past pristine lakes, and to the historic Skoki Lodge. One of the finest multi-day hikes in the Rockies.
14. Egypt Lake via Healy Pass (12.4 km one way)
A spectacular backcountry route over Healy Pass with views of the Massive Range, descending to the Egypt Lake area with its cluster of alpine lakes. Campground and shelter available.
15. Sawback Trail (74 km, 4-5 days)
A serious backcountry traverse connecting Banff to Lake Louise through the Sawback Range. Remote, challenging, and spectacularly beautiful. For experienced backpackers only.