Best trails in Banff National Park

Banff is Canada's oldest national park, and the most visited. Comprising more than %{2500_square_miles} of Rocky Mountain wilderness, visitors have been enthralled by this landscape since the park was established in 1885. With natural icons including Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway, the Bow River, and Lake Louise, there's something for everyone. Banff invites you to explore alpine landscapes, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, colorful mineral pools, coniferous forests, and even hot springs. Along with several national and provincial parks nearby, Banff is part of a vital wildlife corridor that connects Alberta and British Columbia. Each trail offers unique viewpoints, flora and fauna, and even contrasting geology.

Banff protects several ecoregions, with the alpine, subalpine, and montane being home to the most significant species. Below the tree line, lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce predominate the forests, with aspen, Douglas fir, and willows being more rare. With winter keeping its grip on Banff for most of the year, fauna must be highly adaptable. More than 50 species of mammals roam the park, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolverines, cougars, and lynx. The most commonly spotted mammals are white-tailed deer, elk, bison, caribou, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots. Before your visit, learn what you can do to keep wildlife safe, and keep your eyes peeled for animals crossing the many Bow Valley Parkway wildlife crossings.

Banff is a true natural wonderland. Hiking near glaciers, glacier-fed lakes and streams, old-growth forests, wildlife corridors, or beside historic rivers are all possibilities here. When spending time in Banff, it's important to know that weather can change unexpectedly thanks to the diverse climates that exist in its river valleys and atop its massive rocky peaks. Make sure to plan appropriately for the season, especially when hiking in the backcountry or embarking on multi-day trips.

Most trailheads and points of interest don't require significant travel planning to visit. However, if you plan to hike starting from trailheads at Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, some advanced planning is required because parking is extremely limited. To reach these popular areas, make reservations to ride Parks Canada shuttles or Roam Public Transit.

Parks Canada shuttles run from mid-May through early October. They depart from the Park and Ride, where you can park for free. Each spring, the park releases 40% of shuttle reservations for the season. The remaining 60% are released on a rolling basis 2 days before the departure date. There is a fee to reserve a spot on the shuttle.

Roam Public Transit offers a route from the town of Banff to Lake Louise year-round. You can purchase a Super Pass that allows you to ride Parks Canada's Lake Connector Shuttle if you want to visit Moraine Lake outside of the fall season. In the fall, Roam Public Transit also offers a route to Moraine Lake from mid-September to mid-October. There is a fee to reserve a ticket for public transit routes.

Banff is open year-round with unique experiences in every season. Reviewing Parks Canada's pre-arrival checklist is the best way to determine how and when to visit Banff. Generally, visiting between June and September is considered the high season, which is best for families and new visitors. Returning during the spring, fall, or winter, is ideal for anyone looking to get deeper into the park's unique environments. Depending on the time of year, driving a personal vehicle may be prohibited in some areas, and roadways may be unmaintained in winter.

Day-use admission varies depending on your age and whether you have a Discovery Pass. Youth can visit Banff for free! If you're planning to camp, remember that there are separate camping fees. When parking spots are available, there may be a fee to park near the trailhead.