The whole lot it is advisable to know to find the very best Banff hikes in our final trekking information!
The Banff Nationwide Park could be probably the most stunning place in all of Canada, and in case you love getting outdoor as a lot as I do, then you definitely’ll completely must have a learn of this information to the very best hikes in Banff!
I’ve to confess, the primary time I went to Canada I fell immediately in love. It was like nothing I had ever seen earlier than.
Mountains pierced the sky as snow glistened on high whereas steep slopes of lush forests met with fields of wildflowers as waterfalls with an infinite provide of crystal clear water cascaded previous me.
Climbing in Canada is turning into more and more standard, much more so in Banff Nationwide Park, as it’s turning into the ‘go to’ place for these looking for a heavy dose of nature.
My complete information to the very best hikes in Banff contains these epic trails:
- Comfort Lakes Path
- Bow Falls Path
- Brewster Glacier Skywalk
- Lake Agnes Tea Home Path
- Karst Spring Climbing Path
- Redearth Creek to Shadow Lake
- Sunshine Meadows
- Johnston Canyon
- Wapta Icefield Hike
- Parker Ridge Path
- Tunnel Mountain Path
- Sulphur Mountain Path
- Stanley Glacier Path
- Cascade Amphitheatre
- Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Move
- Helen Lake Path
- Centennial Ridge Path
- Cory Move and Mount Edith Circuit
- Mount Assiniboine
Don’t miss our full listing of the greatest issues to do in Banff whilst you’re on the town.
The Greatest Banff Hikes for Each Traveller
Why is Banff the place to go for mountain climbing and trekking chances are you’ll be asking?
Banff is actually like a slice of heaven on earth. That could be one of the simplest ways to explain this place as lakes of turquoise water replicate good mountains upon their floor whereas trails endlessly take you from waterfall to waterfall through blankets of wildflowers.
Should you like a factor known as ‘switchbacks’ then Banff is the place for you as they’re sure to check out your mountain climbing talents.
I’ve put collectively a complete listing of hikes in Banff, and hikes round Banff Nationwide Park, starting from a easy 2-hour stroll to the extra demanding full-day treks which will be discovered throughout the park and its surrounds.
Greatest Time to Go Climbing in Banff
It’s at all times good to go mountain climbing in good circumstances reminiscent of blue skies and a pleasant cool breeze, however the issue with that is that trails and huts typically develop into severely overcrowded.
The excessive season runs from June to August when you’ll be able to count on an entire lot of sunshine and heat climate.
Shoulder season is the very best time to go mountain climbing in Banff Nationwide Park as you’ll discover temperatures a number of levels beneath what you’ll expertise throughout the excessive season.
As an added bonus lodging is barely cheaper and simpler to e book for many locations just like the city of Banff, when you are much less more likely to see hordes of individuals on trails within the nationwide park giving, you a bit extra peace.
For many who love the snow and colder circumstances, some hikes are open all yr spherical. The off-season begins in November and ends in April.
Climbing in Banff Nationwide Park is one thing that may be loved all yr spherical so it’s utterly as much as you if you go or the way you wish to get pleasure from your time on the paths of Banff.
The Greatest Day Hikes in Banff
There’s no scarcity of day hikes in Banff Nationwide Park, and you can actually spend years attempting to discover all of them.
Nonetheless, I’m going to take a guess and say you most likely don’t have years. So in that case let me slim down a few of the greatest Banff day hikes for you.
These hikes are the very best methods to see the sweetness and views surrounding a few of Banff’s most well-known sights, like Moraine Lake, the Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Agnes, Lake Louise, Helen Lake, Tunnel Mountain, and extra.
READ NEXT: Whilst you’re right here, make sure to get pleasure from one of the crucial superb street journeys by driving the Icefields Parkway!
Comfort Lakes Path
Distance – 5.8 kilometres
Begin / End – Moraine Lake Parking Lot
Time – 2 hours
Problem – Simple
This mountain climbing path from Moraine Lake is straightforward and exquisite. An excellent simpler various is the Moraine Lakeshore Path, which simply curves round Moraine Lake. However for a little bit of elevation acquire and higher views over Moraine Lake and the mountains, the Comfort Lakes Path is a superb choice.
From Moraine Lake, head to the well-known Moraine Lake Rockpile. From right here it’s a non-strenuous, 2.9 km hike. Winding by Previous Progress Forest, wetlands, mountain peaks, and glacial lakes, this path is scenic and appropriate for individuals of all ages and health ranges.
There isn’t a higher approach to benefit from the iconic surroundings of Moraine Lake.
Bow Falls Path
- Distance – 3 kilometres
- Begin / End – Bow River Bridge
- Time – 1 to 2 hours
- Problem – Simple
Bow Falls Path is quickly turning into a preferred hike in Banff and that’s as a result of this place is simply unbelievable!
Most of Bow Falls Path is a simple stroll together with the calm, emerald Bow River with a backdrop of native pines and rocky peaks.
There are such a lot of picture alternatives alongside this path; the stroll for some could take longer than the advisable 1 hour if you’re taking photographs alongside this gorgeous Banff mountain climbing path.
On the finish of the path, Bow Falls makes itself outstanding however don’t count on something too huge. Bow Falls is just 9 metres excessive however in winter, issues freeze over making it much more spectacular!
Brewster Glacier Skywalk
- Distance – 500 metres
- Begin / End – Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre
- Time – 1 hour
- Problem – Simple
This can be one of many hikes on this listing that’ll get your legs shaking (if you’re frightened of heights) however don’t let that put you off, the views which will be seen from alongside the Brewster Glacier Skywalk are critically unbelievable.
The platform places you proper over the Sunwapta Valley, which supplies life to gorgeous lakes, forests of pines and a few of the most majestic mountains you will notice in Canada.
If you’re pressed for time whereas in Alberta and wish to catch a glimpse of what Alberta is all about, take this stroll.
This is without doubt one of the straightforward hikes in Banff, and is certain to offer you a buzz whether or not it’s the sheer top or the view of the mountains you will see!
READ MORE: When you’re completed mountain climbing, take a look at the official NOMADasaurus information on the right way to design the very best Banff itinerary!
Lake Agnes Tea Home Path
Distance – 10.3 kilometres
Begin / End – Lake Louise Parking Lot
Time – 2-4 hours
Problem – Simple/Average
Visiting Lake Louise alongside the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do within the space. After having fun with the lake, contemplate mountain climbing as much as the Lake Agnes Tea Home for much more unbelievable views.
It is a fairly busy hike, as Lake Louise is without doubt one of the most touristy spots in Banff Nationwide Park. However the views of Lake Agnes are price it.
Simply head up the Little Beehive Path behind Lake Louise for 7.6 km till you discover the tea home and Lake Agnes. The tea home is briefly closed, however the views over Lake Agnes and the forests are spectacular.
Karst Spring Climbing Path
- Distance – 9.5 kilometres
- Begin / End – Mount Shark trailhead
- Time – 4 to five hours
- Problem – Simple
That is simply one other a kind of hikes the place mountains and plush forests dominate the Canadian panorama. It has typically been described as probably the most scenic place in North America.
This is without doubt one of the straightforward hikes close to Banff that you could strive, however typically straightforward is an efficient factor.
Karst Spring Path is stuffed with goodies reminiscent of wildflowers (Canada is stuffed with them) to infinite forest trails which result in Karst Spring which originates from Shark Mountain.
This hike is a should throughout the winter months as a result of magnificent ice sculptures that type on the perimeters of the path.
Redearth Creek to Shadow Lake
- Distance – 14.5 kilometres
- Begin / End – Redearth Creek carpark to Shadow Lake Lodge
- Time – 3.5 to 4.5 hours
- Problem – Simple
This isn’t one of the crucial standard hikes in Banff, which signifies that you get a much bigger dose of nature all to your self!
The Redearth Creek to Shadow Lake is a formidable 14.5km slog by forest trails, the place glimpses of the three,311 metre Mount Ball peak out and in of the tree line as you get nearer and nearer to Shadow Lake.
This hike is superior as a result of you don’t want to do all of it in sooner or later. As a substitute, you’ll be able to keep at a real Canadian log cabin known as Shadow Lake Lodge which is a collection of cabins surrounded by gorgeous forests.
After dawn, make your means again the best way you got here. Regardless of the dearth of individuals on this path, it might be thought-about top-of-the-line day hikes in Banff Nationwide Park.
Sunshine Meadows
- Distance – 8 kilometres return
- Begin / End – Sunshine Village
- Time – 2 hours
- Problem – Simple
The Sunshine Meadows hike lives as much as its title, with fields of alpine wildflowers to Golden Larches reaching from the lakes proper to the alpine line in winter.
Need a simple day hike close to Banff? Sunshine Meadows is the one!
Sunshine Meadows is a hike you’ll simply wish to take your time with. You may be mesmerised by Mount Assiniboine, which is a spire kind mountain reaching a staggering 3,618 metres.
It’s just about assured that this would be the most scenic hike you’ll do in Banff Nationwide Park.
Johnston Canyon
- Distance – 5 kilometres return
- Begin / End – Johnston Canyon car parking zone
- Time – 1.5 to 2 hours
- Problem – Simple
This quick hike in Banff can be utilized as an data stroll to realize information of the world. Or it may be used as an entry hike to a few of Banff’s hidden waterfalls which in winter are fairly standard with ice climbers.
The Johnston Canyon hike winds its approach to one of the crucial photographed locations on this planet…you understand that large cave with a giant chunk of rock surrounded by cascading water?
Effectively in case you don’t know what I’m speaking about then you need to see this place for your self, it’s breathtaking!
Johnston Canyon is actually superb and is even higher throughout the off-peak season. Should you might solely do one hike close to Banff this might be it!
Wapta Icefield Hike
- Distance – 13 kilometres
- Begin / End – Numtijah Lodge to Peyto Lake
- Time – 3 days
- Problem – Average
This is without doubt one of the few hikes in Banff that may permit you to truly go and stand on an icefield. The vast majority of this trek consists of snow trails and ice, which makes it all of the extra enjoyable!
What makes this trek much more gorgeous is the shock that you simply get in direction of the midway mark.
As you ascend by gorgeous forests you finally end up in an alpine zone utterly surrounded by wonderful mountains.
On the high of the path is Bow Hut sitting at an altitude of two,350 metres. You may keep the night time right here in case you plan to proceed in direction of Peyto Hut.
From Bow Hut there are a number of quick aspect treks that you could take together with Polaris Peak which provides nice views of Canada’s best mountains.
Should you determine to enterprise on to Peyto Glacier, you’re going to want expertise with crampons and mountaineering gear.
You probably have mountaineering expertise, you’ll be able to proceed onto Peyto Glacier adopted by a tough traverse leaving you at Peyto Lake.
Parker Ridge Path
- Distance – 5 kilometres
- Begin / End – Parker Ridge trailhead
- Time – 2 hours
- Problem – Simple to average
The Parker Ridge Path, though not very lengthy and demanding, is a must-do hike if you’re within the northern areas of Banff Nationwide Park.
Why so? The Parker Ridge Path is stuffed with switchbacks (sharp turns within the monitor) that are surrounded by patches of wildflowers typically left with previous patches of ice scattered all through.
Banff hikes don’t get a lot better than the Parker Ridge Path.
As soon as you allow the forest, you enter the upper alpine zone and head in direction of a ridgeline in a fairly harsh atmosphere.
The upper you climb, the chillier it will possibly get so at all times be ready for mountain climates as they will change rapidly.
On the finish of the path, you get spectacular views of Saskatchewan Glacier, which is a large 9 kilometres in size that feeds into the North Saskatchewan River.
And if you’re fortunate sufficient, the point of view permits you to see Castleguard Mountain and an array of smaller peaks which is sort of a phenomenal spot to seize gorgeous sundown and dawn photographs.
Undoubtedly deliver your digital camera on this gorgeous Banff hike.
Tunnel Mountain Path
- Distance – 4.8 kilometres
- Begin / End – St. Julien Street on the Banff Centre
- Time – 1 to 2 hours
- Problem – Average
Tunnel Mountain Path is a comparatively straightforward hike that can also be top-of-the-line mountain climbing trails in Banff Nationwide Park. With a number of steep climbs and switchbacks, this small hike takes you to an epic view over the city of Banff whereas producing gorgeous views of Mount Bourgeau.
If you’re considering of getting a bit nearer or wish to summit Mount Bourgeau, go for the hike that takes you to Harvey Move which is listed a bit additional down within the article.
Sulphur Mountain Path
- Distance – 11 kilometres return
- Begin / End – Banff Higher Hotsprings Parking Lot
- Time – 4 hours
- Problem – Average
Need some gorgeous views of Bow Valley? This fantastic thing about a path takes you proper to probably the most scenic spot. However first, you need to tackle switchback after switchback because it weaves its means up the mountainside, by the forest, and throughout alpine sections to an altitude of two,451 metres.
Sulphur Mountain path is without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Banff Nationwide Park that provides you gorgeous views all yr spherical of The Bow Valley.
As soon as you might be on the high, make sure to go to the Cosmic Ray Station which is a World Heritage Website. Subsequent, full a brief stroll alongside a boardwalk that explains the significance of the mountain and the person behind the Cosmic Ray Station.
Relating to Banff walks which are first rate and exquisite, this one is a should.
Stanley Glacier Path
- Distance – 10.5 kilometres
- Begin / End – Stanley Glacier carpark
- Time – 3 hours
- Problem – Average
I couldn’t assist however embody this one when speaking about the place to hike in Banff!
It is a gorgeous 3-hour hike by pristine forests resulting in Excessive Mountain trails. The Stanley Glacier Path has since recovered from horrible wildfires which occurred each in 1993 and 2003.
One of many elements resulting in wildfires in Canada is local weather change. The hotter and dryer our Nationwide Parks get, the upper the possibility of wildfires. There is a chance on this path to see how these forests recuperate from such pure disasters.
Climbing to Stanley Peak is difficult. The path is about 10.5 kilometres return, and you need to endure fairly a number of switchbacks and unfastened rocky trails which makes it all of the extra enjoyable. However in case you’re up for the problem, this hike is effectively price trying out.
Cascade Amphitheatre
- Distance – 15.5 kilometres return
- Begin / End – Mount Norquay ski space
- Time – 4 to six hours
- Problem – Average
If you’re eager to get some strong kilometres beneath your toes, hit the path to the Cascade Amphitheatre. You’ll find your self on the coronary heart of towering limestone cliffs, surrounded by meadows of wildflowers.
There are a number of choices for extending the hike, and if you’re the actually adventurous kind then positively have a crack at Cascade Mountain. This peak is 2,998 metres in top, making this explicit path top-of-the-line day hikes in Banff.
Should you plan to go to the summit, be certain that to be effectively ready as a few of the ridges will be fairly slim with a number of sketchy drop-offs. In any other case decide to take a seat again and watch the sundown round you.
Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Move
- Distance – 14.5 kilometres return
- Begin / End – 13 kilometres west of the Mount Norquay Interchange on Trans-Canada Freeway
- Time – 5 to six hours
- Problem – Average
This hike is one other alternative to view the majestic Mount Assiniboine from an entire special approach. Harvey Move is a fruits of forested tracks, lush meadows of wildflowers, crystal blue lakes reminiscent of Bourgeau Lake and a good few steep sections which finally take you to Harvey Move.
Regardless of taking 5 to six hours to finish the return journey, why not set out within the early morning for top-of-the-line sunrises from Harvey Move?
If you’re on the lookout for a little bit of inspiration and wish to know what Banff Nationwide Park mountain climbing appears like, there’s a photographer named Paul Zizka whose photographs are assured to have you ever reserving a one-way ticket to Banff.
Helen Lake Path
Distance – 16.7 kilometres return
Begin / End – Helen Lake Parking Lot
Time – 4 to six hours
Problem – Average
One of the stunning lakes on the long-lasting Icefields Parkway drive from Banff, Helen Lake is house to an superior mountain climbing path.
The Helen Lake path is average in problem, and really effectively maintained. There are gorgeous alpine views and plenty of wildflowers alongside the best way.
Helen Lake is ideal for vacationers who wish to escape the vacationer crowds of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. This vivid blue alpine lake is simply as beautiful as Lake Louise but it surely’s a lot quieter and extra peaceable.
For an additional problem, proceed mountain climbing previous Helen Lake and as much as Dolomite Move or Cirque Peak. These are increased in altitude and might check your limits a bit extra than simply mountain climbing to Helen Lake and again.
The Greatest Troublesome Climbing in Banff Nationwide Park
Among the beneath hikes are harder and take for much longer.
Relying on the season you determine to aim these treks, there may be at all times an choice to camp or keep in huts if out there.
I’ve listed the beneath hikes as ‘multi-day’ although they’re beneath 12 hours (aside from Mount Assiniboine).
Centennial Ridge Path
- Distance – 16 kilometres
- Begin / End – Ribbon Creek Trailhead
- Time – 10 hours
- Problem – Laborious
Climbing this path means you can be surrounded by a cathedral of snow-covered mountains, and it’s actually top-of-the-line Banff hikes.
The Centennial Ridge Path is one among Canada’s highest ridge treks, taking you over 16 kilometres of meadows stuffed with wildflowers and as much as alpine environments.
Climbing the Centennial Ridge Path goes to depart you wanting extra path time beneath your toes. Centennial Ridge Path is without doubt one of the most interesting treks you are able to do in Alberta and doubtless the very best Banff day hike.
That is fairly a difficult hike particularly on your knees with plenty of unfastened rock and switchbacks to sort out, so be careful for these! Aside from that, this hike is actually charming from begin to end and is a must-do hike in Banff!
Cory Move and Mount Edith Circuit
- Distance – 13 kilometres return
- Begin / End – The Fireplace Picnic Space
- Time – 5 to six hours
- Problem – Laborious
Attending to Cory Move could be a bit difficult so come ready and ensure you are as much as the problem with almost 1,000 metres of elevation acquire over the course of 5 hours.
Cory Move can flip right into a scramble in some elements adopted by lengthy lengths of rocky, unfastened tracks. So long as you might be cautious, it’s an excellent enjoyable problem.
From Cory Move, you’ll be able to select to return the identical means you got here or descend right down to the Mount Edith Circuit Observe to finish your hike in Banff Nationwide Park from a unique level to the place you began.
Mount Assiniboine
- Distance – 30 kilometres return
- Begin / End – Mt Shark or Sunshine Meadows
- Time – 12 to fifteen hours from Hind Hut
- Problem – Knowledgeable
Earlier than beginning this part, please take into account that climbing Mount Assiniboine is a few critical stuff and may NOT be taken flippantly, earlier expertise within the mountains is a should.
Climbing Mount Assiniboine will be completed by the Affiliation of Canadian Mountain Guides who’re certified mountain guides.
The climb begins at Hind Hut close to the North Ridge of the mountain, which requires a collection of adverse ridge climbs though not technical.
The principle elements of this climb are trekking by steep gullies, and mountaineering some sections adopted by the summit ridge taking you to an altitude of three,618 metres.
It’s a tough one, however positively top-of-the-line hikes close to Banff you probably have the expertise to aim it!
Banff Climbing Ideas
Climbing within the mountains might be one among my favourite issues to do. I at all times go ready even when I plan to go on a small 5 to 10 kilometre hike.
Mountains are infamous for altering climate. At one second there will be clear skies with beautiful temperatures and the following second it might be snowing or you can develop into inundated with thick fog and mist.
Listed here are a number of ideas to make sure your expertise within the mountains is a secure one!
- Spend money on an Eperb which is a small gadget that in an emergency you’ll be able to activate to let emergency providers know your location.
- Write a be aware or textual content somebody on whereabouts you’re going with a date, time and placement.
- All the time carry a enough provide of water and snacks.
- Pack an emergency blanket. You recognize these issues that appear to be tin foil? They’re sensible at holding you heat at night time when issues get chilly.
Packing Listing for Banff Hikes
From quick 1 hour hikes to multi-day hikes, it’s at all times essential to take a seat down, write an inventory and talk about what you will want on your journey effectively upfront.
The beneath listing relies on mountain climbing within the colder months. Bear in mind, when mountain climbing in mountainous and alpine areas, climate can change virtually immediately. It’s higher to be marginally overprepared than to be underprepared.
- Tent – typically huts will be full so a mild and compact tent is good
- Sleeping bag and silk liner
- Waterproof mountain climbing boots
- Climbing pants and shorts
- Breathable shirts
- Down jacket for chilly nights
- Wind breaker jacket
- Emergency blanket – tremendous compact sheet that appears like tin foil
- Rain jacket
- Thermals each high and backside layers
- Numerous socks – you’ll be able to by no means have sufficient when mountain climbing
- Underwear
- A hat for solar safety (UV is stronger the upper you might be up)
- Buff for defense from the wind and solar
- Climbing poles come in useful when hauling bigger hundreds to assist distribute weight
- Digital camera gear – pack further batteries and reminiscence playing cards
- Transportable energy packs together with transportable photo voltaic panel, GoalZero merchandise are the very best
- Emergency beacon – you by no means know when one among these will come in useful
- Transportable fuel burner with compact pots and pans
- Cutlery
- Espresso cup
- Sufficient meals for the hike (I wish to throw in a number of further meals in case the hike is prolonged)
- Water – 2-3 litres should be on you always
Going Past The Banff Climbing Trails
Banff is a mecca for critical mountaineers, alpinists and rock climbers and there’s virtually actually a number of of you studying this submit on the lookout for the following excessive journey.
All yr spherical, Banff Nationwide Park boosts superb trails to run, mountains to climb even waterfalls to climb once they freeze over.
If you’re contemplating doing something that’s past the path itself, at all times verify with native guides earlier than heading out on an journey.
I’ve listed 3 hyperlinks that are derived from Parks Canada to which relate to warnings and path circumstances inside Banff Nationwide Park.
That’s it for my listing of the very best Banff hikes! Should you discovered this text helpful, or have another high hikes in Banff you wish to add, go away a remark beneath and let me know!
