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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last Updated on November 7, 2025
SURPRISE! ALL of the hikes in Banff are breathtaking! Even a walk through the townsite of Banff will wow you – especially if it’s your first visit. So if all you want is a great hike, you can close down your browser, throw a dart at a map of Banff National Park, and be confident there’s an incredible hike wherever the tip touches.
However, if you want to find the most rewarding trails to explore – the absolute best Banff hikes that will suit your skill level – keep on reading because we’ve got a list of hikes that are guaranteed not only to impress but to match your skill level too.
Easy Hikes in Banff National Park
Not everyone likes hiking for days to attain a summit, but in Banff, that’s (literally) no sweat! There are a variety of hikes accessible to everyone, with amazing views, beautiful forests, and enough scenery to fill up your Instagram feed, along with your heart.
Moraine Lake Rockpile
Moraine Lake is absolutely gorgeous, which is why it’s one of the most trafficked hikes in Banff. Note that the Moraine Lake road is closed to personal vehicles. Unfortunately, this means you have limited options to arrive. We recommend booking a shuttle with the Moraine Lake Bus Company – not only are they the only company to offer sunrise shuttles (gotta get those epic shots for the ‘Gram!), but they are also the only company that lets you pre-book your return journey (so that you don’t have to wait).
Another option is to cycle to Moraine Lake. It’s a 14 km (one-way) journey with beautiful vistas along the way. There are bicycle racks at the lake where you can lock your bike. Parks Canada does not recommend hiking or walking the 14 km to Moraine Lake.
Once you’ve arrived at Moraine Lake, there’s nothing but a short walk to the Instagram-famous Moraine Lake rockpile. This view is undoubtedly one of the most popular spots in the Canadian Rockies. You can head back to the parking lot and hike around the lake if you want more!
Moraine Lake Rockpile – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.8 km return
- Elevation gain: 30 m
- Hiking time: 25 minutes round trip (if you don’t get caught up taking pictures for a few hours)
- Trail map: The trailhead leaves right from the Moraine Lake Parking Lot.
- What to bring: A sturdy pair of running shoes will suffice for this hike, as well as some water or a thermos filled with coffee.
- Seasonality: June – October. *Note that it is possible to cross-country ski into Moraine Lake in winter, but check for avalanche warnings.
Lake Agnes Teahouse, Little Beehive and Big Beehive
Want to sit down to tea and crumpets (or soup and biscuits) at the top of your hike? Crazy as it sounds, Banff has you covered! The Lake Agnes hike features a series of switchbacks that lead to a beautiful waterfall, and beyond that, the Lake Agnes Tea House is nestled along the shores of the brilliant, turquoise-blue, glacier-fed Lake Agnes.
Stop for tea and photos (especially if you’re there during the fall when the larch trees turn a bright and brilliant yellow), then continue up Little Beehive (the trail goes up behind the tea house – ask one of the waitstaff at the tea house if you’re unsure where to go) where at the lookout you can watch canoes skitter across the surface of Lake Louise like water bugs.
Lake Agnes Teahouse, Little Beehive and Big Beehive – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: Lake Agnes: 7 km round trip; Little Beehive: an extra 2 km round trip; Big Beehive: an additional 10.5 km round trip.
- Elevation gain: 385 m
- Hiking time: 2.5 to 3 hours round trip
- Trail map: The trailhead leaves right from Lake Louise Chateau. Head out to the right of the lake from the Chateau and follow the signs to Lake Agnes Trail. Keep an eye out, as a wrong turn will send you halfway out to the Plain of Six Glaciers instead (ask us how we know).
- What to bring: A sturdy pair of runners, hiking poles, bear spray, some layers to make sure you’re cool enough, water, lunch and snacks (you can buy lunch at the Tea House – cash only – plan on bringing about $25 – $30 CAD per person).
- Seasonality: The tea house is open June through October, but the trail is open year-round.
*This trail also offers a moderate option if you take the Big Beehive trail to the right of Lake Agnes from the tea house.
Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots
Featuring bridges, forests, waterfalls, and the famous Ink Pots – the only thing that matches the beauty of the Johnston Canyon hike is the crowds that flock to see it. The trail winds through Johnston Canyon, and hikers will first arrive at the lower falls, then proceed to the upper falls. But, for those a little more adventurous than the average tourist, the trail also proceeds to the Ink Pots, which are small, naturally occurring, light blue mineral springs.
Whether you end your trek at the upper falls or go beyond the Ink Pots, the relaxed pace and accessibility make Johnston Canyon an excellent choice for an easy hike. (It also happens to be on our list of the best Alberta hikes.)
Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Distance: 12 km round trip (to the Ink Pots)
- Elevation gain: 215 metres (700 feet)
- Hiking time: Upper Falls – 1.5 hours return. Ink Pots – 3 – 4 hours return
- Trail map: The trail starts right behind Johnston Canyon Lodge.
- What to bring: A solid pair of running shoes, water and snacks. As with all hikes, weather-appropriate clothing is a must.
- Seasonality: Open year-round, but best from May until October.
Two Jack Lake Trail
Two Jack Lake is less a hike than a ‘choose your own adventure’ series of trails with plenty of options for hikers and those who want to stretch their legs in a gorgeous mountain setting. Take a quick half-hour stroll, or continue along the shores of Two Jack Lake until it meets Lake Minnewanka – the choice is yours.
Wherever you end up hiking, you’ll enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the area, along with views of a gorgeous lake. If you fancy a cool-off in the summertime, you could brave a quick jump into the ice-cold waters of Two Jack!
Two Jack Lake Trail – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Hiking time: 2 hours
- Elevation gain: 303 m
- Trail map: Park your car at the rest stop or leave directly from your Two Jack Lakeside campsite.
- What to bring: Sturdy shoes, water, snacks, a camera, and bear spray.
- Seasonality: Open year-round, best from May until October.
Moderate Hikes in Banff National Park
Ready for a bit of a challenge to spice up your visit? These hikes in Banff National Park will make you sweat, but not too much. Most of the hikes below are rated moderate and will require around half a day. We highly recommend packing a lunch; however, every single one of them is worth the investment. If you like to hike but don’t want to spend the whole day sweating or scrambling up rocks to the summit, these moderate hikes are perfect for you!
Minnestima Lakes via Larch Valley Trail
*Note that you will need to reserve a shuttle to Moraine Lake.
If you’ve woken up at 5:00 am to see Moraine Lake but crave a hike with a bit more challenge than the rockpile, Larch Valley is the way to go. The Larch Valley hike begins lakeside, just to the right of the lake as you approach, but quickly ascends. The valley is full of wildflowers in the summer, and in autumn, the larches turn to golden torches. This is definitely the most popular and best time for this hike.
* Due to bears, this hike may require a minimum number of hikers per group, but hikers are often waiting at the bottom to be grouped up.
Minnestima Lakes via Larch Valley Trail – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 8.9 km round trip (out and back)
- Elevation gain: 607 m
- Hiking time: 4 – 5 hrs
- Trail map: Begins at Moraine Lake Lodge. Follow the trail with the lake on your left, then take the path marked Sentinel Pass.
- What to bring: Hiking boots, hiking poles, water, snacks, bear spray, and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Seasonality: June – October – peak season is mid-September (keep your eye on Instagram to see when the larches are turning).
Tunnel Mountain Hike
A quick hike that’s easily accessible, the Tunnel Mountain trail leaves straight from the townsite and is one of the most highly trafficked hikes in Banff. The trail ascends Tunnel Mountain through an evergreen forest before opening up to breathtaking views of Banff and the surrounding nature. So if you’re pressed for time or don’t want to drive all over Banff National Park to find a good hike, this is the hike for you!
Tunnel Mountain Hike – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.5 km round trip
- Elevation gain: 266m
- Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours
- Trail map: The trailhead and parking lot are on St. Julien Road, right next to the Harmon Residence. It’s easily accessible from downtown via car or on foot.
- What to bring: Hiking boots, water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Seasonality: Open year-round, but best from May to September.
Plain of Six Glaciers
Lake Agnes isn’t the only hike featuring a tea house to warm, chilly travellers. The Plain of Six Glaciers trail leaves from Chateau Lake Louise and hugs the lake before ascending to the plain where the tea house beckons weary travellers. From there, hikers can continue to one of the eponymous glaciers to take in the views, including three mountain peaks (Mt. Whyte, Devil’s Thumb and Fairview Mountain) as well as Lake Louise, where you started your adventure.
Plain of Six Glaciers – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 13.8 km round trip
- Elevation gain: 587m
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Trail map: The trailhead starts at Chateau Lake Louise. Follow the Lake Louise lakeshore trail and follow the signs.
- What to bring: Warm clothing, hiking boots, hiking poles, bear spray, water, snacks and cash (no credit cards) if you want to have tea or crumpets at the tea house.
- Seasonality: June to October.
Sulphur Mountain Trail
Want to really get that heart pumping? Sulphur Trail follows a series of strenuous switchbacks through forested terrain to gain elevation quickly and start your quads burning! Of course, you could take the Banff Gondola up, skipping the switchbacks (and if you’re too tired once you get to the top, we definitely recommend that, as weariness can cause accidents on this strenuous hike), but where’s the fun in that?
At the summit, there is a wooden boardwalk and a viewpoint to admire the beauty of the Bow Valley. And don’t forget to take advantage of the pub on top of the mountain to celebrate your climb with a cold beer.
Sulphur Mountain Trail – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 10.9 km round trip
- Elevation gain: 756m
- Hiking time: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Trail map: The trailhead starts at the parking lot just off Mountain Ave., near Banff Hot Springs.
- What to bring: Hiking boots, hiking poles, snacks, water, warm clothing, camera.
- Seasonality: Open year-round, but best from May until October.
Parker Ridge Trail
This is one of the trails we ALWAYS recommend to our readers. It’s a short, get-your-blood-pumping hike with stunning views as a reward. Hikers will cross through the forest, by creeks and waterfalls and most likely see wildlife (be sure to bring bear spray!). At the summit are beautiful panoramic views and a lookout of the Saskatchewan Glacier, the Saskatchewan River and the stunning Canadian Rockies.
Parker Ridge Trail – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6.4 km round trip
- Elevation gain: 338m
- Hiking time: 2 – 3 hours
- Trail map: The Parker Ridge trail is located near the Banff National Park boundary, right along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93).
- What to bring: Hiking boots, hiking poles, extra clothes, water, snacks, and a camera.
- Seasonality: Open year-round, but best from May until October.
Peyto Lake Panorama Hike
Seeking a moderate hike in Banff that’s short yet sweet? Check out the Peyto Lake Panorama Hike, found off of the Icefields Parkway north of Lake Louise. Only taking about an hour to complete, this loop offers views of Bow Lake, the glacier to the west, Peyto Lake, and the Canadian Rockies, making it perfect for those with limited time but still want to take in the scenery.
Once you leave the parking lot, a short paved trail brings you to a wooden viewing deck for views over the lake; this spot is usually extremely busy. From there, you can proceed to the second lookout, which is often quieter.
Peyto Lake Panorama Hike – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 2.4 km round trip
- Elevation gain: 93m
- Hiking time: 1 hour
- Trail map: The trailhead is found off the Icefields Parkway.
- What to bring: Hiking boots, water, snacks, and a camera.
- Seasonality: Open year-round, but best from May until October.
Difficult Hikes in Banff National Park
Here they are, the most difficult, scambliest, least populated, and best hikes in Banff. Do you dare take on these mountains? If you’ve got the fitness and the experience, each of the hikes below will repay tenfold every ounce of energy you put in. So buckle up for an adventure and take your hiking to the next level!
Helen Lake and Cirque Peak Trails
An hour’s drive north of Banff, past Lake Louise and up the Icefields Parkway, the Cirque Peak Trail features the beautiful Helen Lake and gorgeous views that make the drive worthwhile. The day hike up to Helen Lake is tiring but not overwhelming. However, if you still have the energy, pushing up to Cirque Peak through scree and scrambling is worth it. At the summit are views of the turquoise Bow Lake and Bow Glacier in the distance.
Be careful on the ascent and descent, as the scramble can be challenging and may even require that you ditch your poles meters from the top to free up your hands for an all-points finale.
Helen Lake and Cirque Peak – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Distance: 16.1 km
- Elevation gain: 1,131m
- Hiking time: 6 – 8 hrs
- Trailhead: Located just off the Icefields parkway next to Bow Lake, the trailhead parking lot is right across from a highway rest area.
- What to bring: Good hiking boots, layered clothing, plenty of water and snacks, and hiking poles (highly recommended).
- Seasonality: Open year-round, with the best time to visit from June to October.
Sentinel Pass
If you can tear yourself away from the beauty of Moraine Lake and the blazing tamarack trees of Larch Valley, you’ll discover Sentinel Pass and why this is one of the best hikes in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies. Once past the larches, the hiking trail opens into a beautiful alpine meadow with three lakes, then follows switchbacks, often covered with snow well into summer, to attain Sentinel Pass.
The hike winds through the most picturesque terrains in the park to the craggy views. Sentinel Pass is impossible to beat and is one of the best hikes in Banff National Park.
*Due to bears, this hike may require a minimum number of hikers per group, but hikers are often waiting at the bottom to be grouped up.
Sentinel Pass – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 11.1 km round trip
- Elevation gain: 799m
- Hiking time: 4-6 hrs
- Trail map: The trail begins at Moraine Lake Lodge. Follow the path with the lake on your left, then take the route marked Sentinel Pass. Note that personal vehicles are no longer allowed on Moraine Lake Road. A shuttle must be reserved to access the lake.
- What to Bring: Hiking boots, hiking poles, water, bear spray, snacks, layered clothing, and hiking poles (recommended).
- Seasonality: June to October.
Mount Rundle
Not for the faint of heart, the Mount Rundle Trail is steep and long and features some scrambling to attain the summit. But, if summiting a mountain in Banff is on your to-do list, it’s hard to find a better hike. The trail starts in the forest, but once you hit the switchbacks, it quickly climbs past the treeline to an alpine ridge.
Follow the ridge up past two false summits, and you’ll find the real summit, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest along with the unreal landscape views.
Mount Rundle – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 15.1 km round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,738m
- Hiking time: 9+ hrs
- Trail map: The trailhead is just out of town on River Ave., just after the bridge across Spray River.
- What to bring: Hiking boots, poles, bear spray, plenty of water and snacks, and layered clothing.
- Seasonality: Open year-round but best from June to September.
Cory Pass Circuit
Technically, two trails, Edith Pass and Cory Pass, meet just behind Mt. Edith to form a loop. However, we suggest taking a clockwise approach up Cory Pass first, as you’ll have fresher legs for the more dangerous and strenuous parts of the hike.
Cory Pass features scrambles, steep inclines, and narrow trails that overlook very steep drops, offering incredible views but may cause a touch of vertigo in anyone who struggles with heights. However, once you attain the top, after taking in the views, you can look forward to a much milder decline courtesy of Edith Pass.
Cory Pass Circuit – Trail Information:
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 12.7 km loop
- Elevation gain: 1,135m
- Hiking time: 6 – 8 hrs
- Trail map: The Cory Pass trail leaves from a parking lot just off Highway 1, 10 minutes west of Banff
- What to bring: Good hiking boots, bear spray, layered clothing, plenty of water and snacks, and hiking poles are recommended.
- Seasonality: Open year-round but best from May to October.
Know Before You Go
Be Prepared for Weather Conditions
The weather in Banff National Park can change drastically and quickly. So before you go, check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. Make sure to pack for all sorts of weather (from sun to snow) and bring sunblock, sunglasses, bear spray and a hat. Finally, be sure to let people know where you plan to go in case of an emergency. The more prepared you are, the better.
Stay Bear Safe
It’s essential to note that all these hikes in Banff are located in bear country. Though bear spray isn’t required to bring (although recommended) on the more heavily trafficked trails, you should always be bear aware. That means: make noise while you’re hiking (sing, talk, etc.), don’t throw out food along the trails (apple cores, crumbs, etc.), and if you see a bear, stay calm and keep moving. Don’t try to get closer to it; remember to tell others nearby about your bear sighting.
Need some help planning your itinerary? Check out our guide for all the things to do while visiting Banff National Park. Included are details on how to enjoy the best of nearby Alberta hot springs (which you’ll need after some of these hikes)!
Also, you’ve probably worked up an appetite! Check out our guide to Banff restaurants to discover the best chow in town. Or start your day right with our picks for the best brunch in Banff.
Want more hikes? Here is a post of nearby hikes in Kananaskis, another on hiking in Jasper National Park, and our top picks in Waterton Lakes National Park.
ALSO, don’t forget that while you’re on the road, you can download our FREE Road Trip Alberta bingo cards, to make it just that much more fun!
Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing, co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.
