Banff National Park, Canada's first national park established in 1885, is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in North America. With over 1,600 kilometers of hiking trails, it can be overwhelming to choose which paths to explore. This guide highlights the 10 must-see hiking trails that showcase the park's breathtaking alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers, and diverse wildlife.
1. Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 5.8 km (to Upper Falls) or 11.7 km (to Ink Pots)
Elevation Gain: 215 m (to Upper Falls) or 335 m (to Ink Pots)
This popular trail takes you through a dramatic limestone canyon with catwalks built into the cliff walls. The hike features two sets of waterfalls (Lower and Upper Falls) with viewing platforms offering spectacular vantage points. Continue beyond the Upper Falls to reach the Ink Pots—seven unique mineral springs bubbling up in a beautiful mountain meadow.
The trail is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, making it one of the most accessible natural wonders in Banff. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during summer months.
Johnston Canyon's elevated walkways provide stunning views of the waterfalls
2. Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7.6 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 385 m
Beginning at the iconic Lake Louise, this trail climbs through forests of spruce and fir to a charming alpine tea house built in 1901. Along the way, you'll pass Mirror Lake and reach Lake Agnes, a stunning alpine lake nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Beehive formation.
The historic tea house offers a perfect rest stop with hot beverages and homemade treats. For more adventurous hikers, continue past Lake Agnes to climb the Big Beehive for panoramic views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains.
"The Lake Agnes trail offers the perfect combination of accessible hiking, historical charm, and breathtaking mountain scenery that epitomizes the Banff experience."
3. Plain of Six Glaciers
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 13.8 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 587 m
This trail begins at Lake Louise and follows the lakeshore before climbing into a spectacular glacial valley. Hikers are rewarded with up-close views of Mount Victoria, the Victoria Glacier, and five other glaciers that feed the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
Like Lake Agnes, this trail features a historic mountain tea house where hikers can rest and refuel. The surrounding area is a prime spot for wildlife viewing, including mountain goats, marmots, and occasionally, grizzly bears in the distance. The trail offers some of the best glacier viewing opportunities accessible by foot in the park.
4. Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 11.6 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 792 m
Starting from Moraine Lake, this trail climbs steeply through subalpine forest to reach Larch Valley—a magical landscape especially in late September when the larch trees turn golden yellow. Above the valley, the trail ascends to Sentinel Pass, the highest hiking trail pass in Banff National Park.
From the pass, hikers enjoy panoramic views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks on one side and Paradise Valley on the other. Due to grizzly bear activity, hiking in groups of four or more is typically required during peak season.
The stunning Valley of Ten Peaks viewed from Sentinel Pass
5. Sunshine Meadows
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: Variable (6-18 km of trails)
Elevation Gain: 175-305 m
Often rated as one of the premier alpine meadows in Canada, Sunshine Meadows offers exceptional views with relatively easy hiking. In summer, a shuttle from Sunshine Village Ski Resort provides access to the alpine, where a network of trails weaves through flower-filled meadows and small alpine lakes.
The Rock Isle Lake viewpoint is particularly spectacular, offering vistas of three alpine lakes surrounded by mountains. Wildlife sightings are common, and the wildflower displays in July and August are among the best in the Canadian Rockies.
6. Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 15 km round trip (to Harvey Pass)
Elevation Gain: 915 m
This trail begins with a steady climb through forest before opening up to spectacular alpine terrain. Bourgeau Lake, nestled in a cirque of mountains, is a worthy destination itself at 7.5 km. Continuing beyond the lake to Harvey Pass rewards hikers with panoramic views of Mount Assiniboine—known as the "Matterhorn of the Rockies"—as well as a series of small alpine ponds.
While challenging due to the elevation gain, the trail is well-maintained and offers a true wilderness experience without technical hiking requirements.
7. Cory Pass - Edith Pass Loop
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 13 km loop
Elevation Gain: 1,168 m
Considered one of the most challenging day hikes in Banff, this loop offers experienced hikers exceptional scenery and a true mountain adventure. The trail climbs steeply to Cory Pass with views of the impressive east face of Mount Louis, a renowned technical climbing destination.
The loop continues through Edith Pass before descending back to the trailhead. This hike features significant elevation gain, some exposure, and loose rocky sections that require careful footwork. The reward is a genuine wilderness experience close to the town of Banff.
"The Cory Pass loop demands respect but offers the determined hiker an unparalleled immersion into the rugged beauty of Banff's alpine environment."
8. Helen Lake and Cirque Peak
Difficulty: Moderate (to Helen Lake) to Challenging (to Cirque Peak)
Length: 12 km round trip (to Helen Lake) or 16 km (including Cirque Peak)
Elevation Gain: 550 m (to Helen Lake) or 1,295 m (including Cirque Peak)
This trail along the Icefields Parkway begins in forest before emerging into beautiful alpine meadows with spectacular views of Dolomite Peak. Helen Lake itself is a pristine alpine lake surrounded by peaks.
For those seeking more adventure, the trail continues to Cirque Peak, offering a challenging but non-technical scramble to its summit. From the top, the panoramic views include the Wapta Icefield, Bow Lake, and countless peaks stretching to the horizon.
9. Parker Ridge
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 5.4 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 250 m
One of the best short hikes in Banff, Parker Ridge delivers exceptional scenery for relatively modest effort. Located on the Icefields Parkway, this trail climbs through subalpine terrain to a ridge with spectacular views of the Saskatchewan Glacier—the largest outflow from the Columbia Icefield.
The trail is typically snow-free from mid-July to early October. Its accessibility, combined with the dramatic glacier views, makes Parker Ridge a perfect introduction to hiking in the Canadian Rockies.
10. Healy Pass
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 18 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 655 m
This trail begins near Sunshine Village and climbs steadily through forest before emerging into vast alpine meadows. Late July brings spectacular wildflower displays, while late September features golden larches. The pass itself offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Despite its length, the moderate grade and well-maintained trail make Healy Pass accessible to hikers with reasonable fitness. The trail can be extended to Egypt Lake for a multi-day backpacking adventure.
The stunning wildflower meadows of Healy Pass in full bloom
Essential Hiking Tips for Banff National Park
- Wildlife Awareness: Banff is home to grizzly and black bears, wolves, elk, and other wildlife. Carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and hike in groups when possible, especially in areas with known bear activity.
- Weather Preparation: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Always carry extra layers, rain protection, and be prepared for sudden temperature drops, even in summer.
- Seasonal Considerations: Many trails at higher elevations are snow-covered until late June or early July. September offers stunning fall colors with fewer crowds, particularly when larch trees turn golden.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, and respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and never feeding animals.
- Trail Information: Check trail conditions and closures at visitor centers or the Parks Canada website before heading out.
Banff National Park offers hiking experiences for every level of adventurer, from casual walkers to experienced mountaineers. These ten trails showcase the incredible diversity of landscapes that make Banff a world-renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking alpine meadows, glacial views, pristine lakes, or challenging mountain passes, Banff's trail system provides access to some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.
When planning your visit, consider spreading your hikes throughout different areas of the park to experience the full range of environments Banff has to offer. With proper preparation and respect for the natural environment, the hiking trails of Banff National Park will provide unforgettable wilderness experiences that will call you back year after year.