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Best trails in Banff National Park

Best trails in Banff National Park

4.4(276,355 reviews)

·

Canada
: 
#1 of 49 national parks

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In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and the world's third. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier destination spots. Here you'll find jagged, ice-capped peaks piercing brilliant blue skies, vast ancient glaciers feeding turquoise glacial lakes, and dense coniferous forests blanketing pristine valleys. From the iconic shores of Lake Louise to the wildflower-strewn alpine meadows of Sunshine Meadows, every vista is a masterpiece.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Lake Agnes Trail

    4.7(14421)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.8 mi
    ·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    The Lake Agnes Trail is an accessible route up to the Lake Agnes Tea House, which was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 as a refuge for hikers travelling to higher locations. The trail offers fantastic views of the Nokhu Crags and Lake Louise. The trails are well-marked and wide, with plenty of room to accommodate many people. The base of the lake is a beautiful spot to have lunch, read a book, or enjoy the views during the warmer months of the year. The Tea House is open from...

  2. #2 - Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls

    4.6(13077)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.5 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    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 metre-high Upper Falls. For a unique perspective, continue 265 m further to the viewpoint at the top of the Upper Falls. Parking at this trailhead fills early and stays full for most of the day during the summer. Park safely and legally in designated lots only. Parking along the road is prohibited. Public transit serves this trailhead...

  3. #3 - Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots

    4.7(10820)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.1 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots Trail is extremely popular. The trail begins immediately behind the Johnston Canyon Resort. Along the way you will pass over sturdy and well-maintained iron catwalks attached beneath overhanging canyon walls. After about 1.1 kilometres, you will reach the lower falls. You can get a better view of the falls by crossing the bridge over the creek and passing through a small tunnel, which opens right across from the mouth of the falls. Families with very young children...

  4. #4 - Tunnel Mountain Summit

    4.7(16256)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.8 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    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. For novices or experienced hikers alike, this is a mostly easy route that allows folks to get accustomed to hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains while still having the opportunity for great views. Runners love the quick incline and challenge, and hikers with families love the viewpoints, signage, and wide trails for...

  5. #5 - Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail

    4.8(7406)
    ·Hard
    ·6 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail runs from Louise Lake to the summit of the Little Beehive. The top of the mountain offers a beautiful view of Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Parking is available by the resort on Lake Louise. The lot is large but can fill up quickly so getting there early is recommended. The trail gradually climbs the edge of Lake Louise. The trail is well maintained and the incline is steady all the way to the summit. There are several great vistas along the way as...

  6. #6 - The Big Beehive

    4.8(6420)
    ·Hard
    ·6.6 mi
    ·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    The trailhead is located by Lake Louise, close to the large parking lot. The trail up to the Beehive contains some steep but manageable switchbacks, with the last segment to Big Beehive being a bit more strenuous. The endpoint has amazing views of the lake. The Tea House at Lake Agnes is very busy, and there is no garbage/recycling bin at the tea house as the staff are responsible for trekking supplies up and down the mountain. Please help the staff and keep the park clean by being prepared...

  7. #7 - Sulphur Mountain Trail

    4.7(12470)
    ·Hard
    ·7 mi
    ·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    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. IMPORTANT TRAIL INFO: •Parking at this trailhead is often full during the summer. Park safely and legally in designated lots only, not along the road. The best way to access Sulphur Mountain is by taking Route 1 on Roam Public Transit. More info:...

  8. #8 - Plain of Six Glaciers Trail

    4.8(5287)
    ·Moderate
    ·8.8 mi
    ·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    This route has amazing views at higher elevations of Mount Victoria, Victoria Glacier, and Mount Lefroy. There are benches along the way that are great for taking a rest on your journey. During the winter months, this trail is exposed to avalanche hazard so visiting is not recommended between mid-October and mid-June. If you still decide to attempt this route, bringing ice cleats or snowshoes is recommended.

  9. #9 - Lake Louise Lakeshore

    4.7(4749)
    ·Easy
    ·2.9 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    The Lake Louise Lakefront Trail is a simple walk along the lakeshore of one of Canada’s most famous lakes, with beautiful views along the entire length of Lake Louise to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. There is the option to canoe during the summertime or walk out onto the lake during winter. The trail moves north and west along the northside of the lake, and there are multiple trails which head off into the mountains above. There are many viewpoints and benches throughout this route, and...

  10. #10 - Sentinel Pass Trail

    4.9(5553)
    ·Hard
    ·7.2 mi
    ·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    The Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley Trail is a beautiful but difficult trail. It is highly recommended that you bring a good pair of hiking shoes and hiking poles. Moraine Lake Road and the parking lot are closed to personal vehicles. To reach the trailhead the park provides a shuttle service from Banff or Lake Louise which must be booked in advance. Alternatively, you can reach the trailhead by cycling or walking. Follow this link for more information or to reserve your...
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Visitor info

Contact
Passes & fees
Fee required
Accessibility
Phone
(403) 762-1470

Banff National Park charges a fee to enter.

Get details from the park
Overview

Parks Canada offers free admission and access to programs for support persons traveling with a visitor who has a disability and depends on the support person to travel and experience a Parks Canada destination.

The Banff and Lake Louise Visitor Centres are wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and water fountains. They are also equipped with information and resources for individuals with hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive disabilities.

Many museums are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, with accessible restrooms and water fountains. Assisted listening devices and closed captioning are provided for video presentations. The Cave & Basin National Historic Site is a visitor favorite for its accessible features.

Additional information about accessibility at Banff National Park can be found on their website: https://www.banfflakelouise.com/accessibility.

Transportation

Roam, Banff's public transport service, operates buses that are wheelchair friendly, with a fold-out ramp and low floor to assist in getting on and off. Visit the Roam Transit website for details: https://roamtransit.com/about-us/transportation-policies/.

The Banff Scooter Company at the Banff Train Station offers mobility scooter rentals.

Facilities

The Banff and Lake Louise Visitor Centres are wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and water fountains. They are also equipped to provide information and resources for individuals with hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive disabilities.

Many of the museums are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. Assisted listening devices are available, and closed captioning is provided on video presentations. The Cave & Basin National Historic Site is a visitor favorite, with facilities for those with hearing and sight challenges, an all-terrain wheelchair surface, a wheelchair-friendly bathroom, and guides upon request.

The Banff Upper Hotsprings has a water-accessible wheelchair. The Banff Gondola is fully wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available throughout the town of Banff, in the picnic areas near Lake Louise, and along the Bow Valley and Icefields Parkways.

Camping

All frontcountry campgrounds in the Banff area have accessible facilities except for Two Jack Main, Two Jack Lakeside, Mosquito Creek, and Silverhorn Creek Campgrounds.

Service animals

All service dogs must have an Alberta Service Dog Identification Card to ensure access to public places.

Guides

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Banff National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Banff National Park is Lake Agnes Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 14,421 reviews. This trail is 4.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,646 ft.

What is the longest trail in Banff National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Banff National Park is Great Divide Trail Section C: Kananaskis - Field. This trail is estimated to be 129.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Banff National Park?

There are 483 trails in Banff National Park.These trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Banff National Park?

Great Divide Trail Section C: Kananaskis - Field has the most elevation gain with 30,580 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Cascade 100KM Loop, which has 18,530 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Banff National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 182 camping trails in Banff National Park and the most popular is Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 2,307 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Banff National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 185 running trails in Banff National Park and the most popular is Lake Agnes Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 14,421 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Banff National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 59 biking trails in Banff National Park and the most popular is Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 2,307 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Banff National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Banff National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Banff National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Banff National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Banff National Park?

Yes, there are 165 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Banff National Park, including Lake Agnes Trail, Tunnel Mountain Summit, Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail, The Big Beehive, and Sulphur Mountain Trail.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Banff National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Banff National Park?

Yes, there are 109 trails with scenic viewpoints in Banff National Park, including Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls, Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots, Tunnel Mountain Summit, Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail, and The Big Beehive.

Are there any trails with lakes in Banff National Park?

Yes, there are 263 trails with lakes in Banff National Park, including Lake Agnes Trail, Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail, The Big Beehive, Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, and Lake Louise Lakeshore.

Are there any trails with rivers in Banff National Park?

Yes, there are 145 trails with rivers in Banff National Park, including Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls, Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots, Sentinel Pass Trail, Johnston Canyon to Lower Falls, and Larch Valley Trail.

Are there any trails with glaciers in Banff National Park?

Yes, there are 16 trails with glaciers in Banff National Park, including The Onion, Saskatchewan Glacier Mountaineering Route, Mount Little Hector, The Onion via Bow Hut, and Mount Andromache.

Are there any trails with huts in Banff National Park?

Are there any trails with ponds in Banff National Park?

Yes, there are 9 trails with ponds in Banff National Park, including Sundance Canyon Trail, Healy Creek Trail, Sundance Trail [CLOSED], Marsh Loop [CLOSED], and Cave and Basin Viewpoint Path [CLOSED].

Are there any trails with cliffs in Banff National Park?

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Banff National Park?

Are there any trails with canals in Banff National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with canals in Banff National Park, including Two Jack Lake Trail, Two Jack Lake Paddle, and Two Jack Diversion.

Are there any trails with gorges in Banff National Park?

Are there any trails with historical monuments in Banff National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a historical monument in Banff National Park: Fenland Trail - Bow River Trail - Bow Falls Viewpoint.

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Banff National Park?

Are there any trails with caves in Banff National Park?