The Banff and Canmore region is a hiker’s paradise, offering some of the most stunning trails in the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy walk or a challenging, all-day adventure, the area is packed with trails that suit every level of experience. Here’s a guide to the best hikes around Banff and Canmore, covering both family-friendly trails and more demanding routes for seasoned hikers.
1. Johnston Canyon
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.2 km (round trip to Upper Falls)
Elevation Gain: 120 meters
Time: 2-3 hours
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park. The trail offers a spectacular walk through a narrow canyon with two beautiful waterfalls: the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. The trail is well-maintained and features catwalks that allow you to walk right alongside the canyon walls. Start at the trailhead near the Johnston Canyon Lodge. The walk to the Lower Falls is just 1.1 km and takes about 30 minutes. Continue another 1.5 km to the Upper Falls, where you can enjoy stunning views of a 30-meter waterfall. During the winter, the waterfalls freeze, creating a magical ice landscape.
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2. Grassi Lakes Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 4 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 125 meters
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Located near Canmore, the Grassi Lakes Trail is perfect for families and beginners. The trail leads to two emerald-colored lakes nestled in the mountains. There are two routes to reach the lakes: an easy path suitable for strollers and children, and a more challenging route that offers panoramic views of Canmore and the Bow Valley. Along the trail, you’ll pass waterfalls and ancient pictographs, adding historical and cultural interest to the hike. Once you reach the lakes, you can relax by the water or explore the surrounding cliffs, which are popular with rock climbers.
3. Tunnel Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.3 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 300 meters
Time: 1-2 hours
Tunnel Mountain is one of the easiest peaks to summit in Banff National Park, making it a popular choice for those looking for a quick hike with rewarding views. The trail is well-maintained, and though it’s steep in places, the switchbacks make it manageable for most hikers. From the summit, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the town of Banff, the Bow River, and Mount Rundle. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset, as the light illuminates the surrounding peaks.
4. Sulphur Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.1 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 655 meters
Time: 3-5 hours
Sulphur Mountain offers one of the best panoramic views in Banff. While there is a gondola that can take you to the top, hiking up the mountain is a rewarding experience. The trail begins near the Banff Upper Hot Springs and follows a series of switchbacks up the mountain. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Bow Valley, Cascade Mountain, and Lake Minnewanka. At the top, you can explore the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk, which leads to the old weather station at Sanson’s Peak. From here, you’ll get a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling tired, you can take the gondola back down.
5. Lake Agnes Tea House
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.4 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 400 meters
Time: 2-3 hours
The Lake Agnes Tea House trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Lake Louise area. The trail begins at the shores of Lake Louise and climbs through the forest to Mirror Lake, a small alpine lake. Continue on to Lake Agnes, where you’ll find a charming tea house that has been serving tea and snacks since 1905. After enjoying tea and scones, you can walk around the lake or continue on to the Big Beehive for even more incredible views of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks.
6. Ha Ling Peak
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 7.6 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 741 meters
Time: 3-4 hours
Ha Ling Peak is one of the most iconic hikes near Canmore. It’s a steep and challenging trail, but the reward at the top is worth the effort. The trailhead starts at the Goat Creek parking lot, and the first section of the hike is a steady uphill climb through the forest. As you climb higher, the trail opens up, offering incredible views of Canmore, the Bow Valley, and the surrounding mountains. The final push to the summit involves some scrambling over rocks, but once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the town of Canmore far below.
7. Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 11.6 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 725 meters
Time: 4-6 hours
Larch Valley is one of the best hikes in Banff, especially in the fall when the larch trees turn golden yellow. The trail starts at Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world. After a steep climb through the forest, you’ll reach the Larch Valley, which is surrounded by towering peaks and dotted with larch trees. From here, you can continue on to Sentinel Pass, a high alpine pass that offers incredible views of the Ten Peaks and Paradise Valley. The final section of the hike is steep and involves some scrambling, but the views from the top are unforgettable.
8. Plain of Six Glaciers
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Distance: 14.6 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 587 meters
Time: 4-6 hours
The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is a classic Banff hike that takes you deep into the mountains surrounding Lake Louise. The trail begins at the Lake Louise shoreline and follows the lake’s edge before heading into the forest. As you ascend, you’ll pass waterfalls, glaciers, and towering cliffs. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, where you can enjoy a snack before heading back. For those looking for more adventure, you can continue on to the Abbott Pass viewpoint, which offers even more spectacular views of the glaciers.
9. Mount Rundle
Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: 12 km (one way)
Elevation Gain: 993 meters
Time: 8-10 hours
Mount Rundle is one of the most challenging hikes around Banff and is only recommended for experienced hikers. The trail begins at the Bow Falls parking lot and climbs steeply through the forest. As you gain elevation, the trail becomes more rugged, with some sections requiring scrambling. The summit offers incredible views of the Bow Valley, the town of Banff, and the surrounding peaks. This hike is a long and strenuous day trip, but the sense of accomplishment and the views from the top make it one of the most rewarding hikes in the area.
10. Cascade Amphitheatre
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13.6 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 640 meters
Time: 4-5 hours
The Cascade Amphitheatre is a hidden gem in Banff National Park. The trail starts at the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort and follows a forested path along a creek. After crossing the creek, the trail climbs steeply through the forest, eventually opening up into the Cascade Amphitheatre. This large alpine meadow is surrounded by towering cliffs and offers a peaceful, secluded spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. In the summer, the amphitheatre is filled with wildflowers, making it one of the most beautiful hikes in the area.
Conclusion
The Banff and Canmore region offers some of the most breathtaking hikes in Canada. From easy walks like Johnston Canyon and Grassi Lakes to challenging summits like Ha Ling Peak and Mount Rundle, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, the trails around Banff and Canmore provide endless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. So grab your hiking boots and hit the trails—adventure awaits!
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