20 of the Best Hikes in Banff National Park You Need to Experience
Banff National Park is the perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts, offering some of the best hiking trails and stunning mountain scenery.
Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, Banff has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll cover 20 of the best hikes in Banff National Park, suitable for all skill levels!
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20 of the Best Hikes in Banff
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best hikes in Banff that you should consider adding to your Banff itinerary!
I have organized the hikes based on difficulty level from easy, moderate, and hard so you can choose based on the challenge and duration that suits you best.
Easy Hikes in Banff
1. Bow Falls Viewpoint
The Bow Falls Viewpoint hike is a short and easy trail that takes you to the scenic Bow Falls which is located within walking distance of downtown Banff.
This hike is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a popular hike for families!
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Bow Falls parking lot, which is a relatively short walk from downtown Banff. We just walked there from the town of Banff instead of driving there.
- Riverside Path: The trail follows the Bow River and is well-maintained. The path is mostly flat, making it accessible for most people.
- Bow Falls Viewpoint: After a short walk, you will reach Bow Falls. It is a pretty impressive sight for being within walking distance from town!
- Scenic Surroundings: The area around Bow Falls is beautiful, with the river, surrounding mountains, and the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in the distance.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The Bow Falls Viewpoint hike is a short and accessible trail in Banff National Park that can be enjoyed year-round!
However, the best times to experience it are from late May to early October for the most favorable weather and conditions.
2. Peyto Lake Viewpoint
The Peyto Lake Viewpoint hike is a short trail that leads to an iconic viewpoint overlooking Peyto Lake, one of the best lakes in Banff!
This stunning turquoise lake is famous for its shape resembling a wolf’s head when viewed from above.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Peyto Lake parking lot, located along the Icefields Parkway, which is approximately a 40 minute drive from Lake Louise. We visited here after being at Lake Louise.
- Forest Path: The trail begins with a path through the forest. The trail is relatively easy with a steady incline.
- Viewpoint: After a short hike up, you reach the main viewpoint overlooking Peyto Lake. The viewpoint is on a platform, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the lake.
- Bow Summit: Beyond the viewpoint, you can continue on a short loop trail to Bow Summit.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike to Peyto Lake viewpoint is from late June to early October.
We visited on June 1st in 2024, when the spring conditions were still in full force, and the hiking trail was almost completely snow and ice covered.
We were still able to get there with hiking boots on and no crampons though.
3. Rockpile
The Rockpile Trail at Moraine Lake is a short and easy hike that provides some of the best views of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
It is a must-do when visiting Moraine Lake to get the best views!
Please note that Moraine Lake road is NOT open year-round.
It usually opens to shuttles on June 1st, depending on the conditions of the road & surrounding area and stays open until around mid October.
Personal vehicles are not allowed to be driven up Moraine Lake road, UNLESS you have a disabled parking tag. If you do, you are able to park at one of the accessible parking spots from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm.
There are multiple different shuttles you can take to Moraine Lake so here are a few to check out below:
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Moraine Lake parking lot. You will see a sign for the Rockpile Trail to the left of the lake.
- Rockpile Ascent: You will walk along a set of stairs made of rocks until you reach the viewpoint overlooking Moraine Lake. It isn’t too steep or challenging.
- Viewpoint: At the top of the rockpile, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Moraine Lake’s turquoise waters and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This view is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies!
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to do the Rockpile trail is from early June to mid October, whenever the road to Moraine Lake is open.
We biked to Moraine Lake on May 31st, and the trail was free of snow and ice.
4. Wapta Falls
Wapta Falls is a relatively easy hike in Yoho National Park that takes you to one of the largest waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, Wapta Falls.
Even though Yoho National Park is separate from Banff National Park, I decided to still include it since it is only around a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Banff.
Therefore, I definitely recommend making a day trip to Yoho National Park during your trip to Banff!
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Wapta Falls Trailhead, located off the Trans-Canada Highway.
- Forest: The trail begins with a nice and easy walk through a forested area of trees. The path is well-defined and mostly flat.
- Wapta Falls: After approximately 1.5 miles, you’ll reach the viewpoint overlooking Wapta Falls. It is a beautiful sight and a really powerful waterfall!
- Viewpoints: There are several viewpoints along the trail and at the falls. I recommend taking the steep path down so you can get eye-level with Wapta Falls. If you do this, be sure to bring a rain jacket because you will get wet!
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike to Wapta Falls is from late May to early September.
If you visit in late May, like we did, the waterfall will be at its peak due to the snow melt.
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Moderate Hikes in Banff
5. Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots
Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots is a popular hiking trail in Banff that starts at Johnston Canyon and ends at the scenic Ink Pots.
The hike features waterfalls, a canyon, and colorful mineral springs (Ink Pots).
Trail Highlights:
- Lower Falls: From the Johnston Canyon parking lot, you will walk along an easy, paved path that will take you to the Lower Falls. At the Lower Falls, you can walk through a tunnel to a platform that provides you with close-up views of the waterfall.
- Upper Falls: You will continue on the trail for another mile to the Upper Falls. The path becomes slightly steeper but still relatively easy, and takes you to a viewing platform for the Upper Falls.
- Forest Trail to Ink Pots: After the Upper Falls, you will walk up the stairs and follow the sign to the left for the Ink Pots. This is when the trail changes into a path through a forest with a moderate incline. It goes on for about 1.9 miles until you reach the Ink Pots.
- Ink Pots: The Ink Pots are seven mineral springs in an open meadow. Each of the springs have a unique color, ranging from green to blue. The meadow also offers views of the surrounding mountains.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike the Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots Trail is from late May to early October.
The path through the meadow after the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots can tend to be quite muddy from late May to early June, especially after rain shows.
So, be sure to keep an eye on the trail conditions on the Parks Canada website.
6. Tunnel Mountain Summit
Tunnel Mountain Summit is a relatively short hike that offers great views of the town of Banff.
It’s a popular hike for both locals and visitors due to its proximity to the town of Banff, allowing you to just walk to the trailhead from downtown instead of driving.
We did this hike on our first day in Banff, and it was a great way to get awesome views of the town and surrounding area.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts from the Tunnel Mountain Trailhead, which is a relatively short walk from downtown Banff.
- Forest: The trail takes you through a forested area with a steady, moderate incline. The path is easy to follow and well-maintained. It does get pretty steep at times, which made my heart rate spike, but it is manageable with taking breaks!
- Viewpoints: Along the way, there are several viewpoints where you can take a break and enjoy views of Banff, the Bow River, and Mount Rundle.
- Summit: At the summit, you will have panoramic views of the town of Banff, the Bow Valley, and the surrounding mountains. There are several spots at the top to sit, have a snack, and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike the Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail in Banff National Park is from late April to early October.
This is one of the best hikes to do before peak hiking season since it is one of the first to clear off of snow and be relatively mud free.
7. Bow Glacier Falls
Bow Glacier Falls is a great hike in Banff located near the Icefields Parkway, making it a great stop while driving along the Icefields Parkway.
The hike takes you along the shore of Bow Lake and up to the impressive Bow Glacier Falls.
It is a relatively easy hike overall besides one steep climb. There is a small rock scramble you can choose to do at the end of the hike to get closer to the falls.
After your hike, be sure to stop by the Hanging Glacier Cafe inside the Bow Lake Lodge for yummy baked goods and coffee.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Bow Lake parking lot, near the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge.
- Bow Lake Shoreline: You will follow the Bow Lake shoreline, and the trail is relatively flat and easy.
- River Crossing: After about 1.2 miles, the trail crosses a small river via a bridge. This section can be wet and muddy, especially after rain or during the spring when the snow is melting.
- Ascending to the Falls: Then, you will follow the trail along the Bow River as it goes up to the base of Bow Glacier Falls. This part of the trail is well-marked and not too steep.
- Bow Glacier Falls: The trail ends at the base of Bow Glacier Falls, a powerful waterfall fed by the Bow Glacier.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike the Bow Glacier Falls Trail in Banff National Park is from late June to early October.
8. Parker Ridge
Parker Ridge is a relatively short hike located along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park.
It offers stunning panoramic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and surrounding mountains.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Parker Ridge Trailhead, located approximately 1.5 hours north of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. It is a great stop to make while driving to or from Jasper.
- Ascent: The hike begins with a gradual ascent through the forest. As you climb, the trees thin out, and you are granted with beautiful views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
- Saskatchewan Glacier Overlook: About halfway through the hike, you reach a viewpoint that overlooks the Saskatchewan Glacier. This is the highlight of the hike, offering breathtaking views of the glacier.
- Continuing to the Ridge: The trail continues up to Parker Ridge itself, where you are able to see panoramic views of the Athabasca River valley and the surrounding mountains.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike the Parker Ridge Trail in Banff National Park is from late June to early September.
9. Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail
The Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail is a scenic hike that follows the shore of Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park.
This hike offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Lake Minnewanka parking lot, located about a 10 minute drive from the town of Banff.
- Lake Minnewanka Shoreline: The hike begins along the shore of Lake Minnewanka, and the path is relatively flat and well-maintained.
- Scenic Views: Along the trail, you’ll have beautiful views of the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka and the mountain peaks in the distance.
- Remote Sections: The trail continues with options to turn around at various points if you prefer a shorter hike. The far end of the trail offers a more remote experience.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike the Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail is from late May to early October.
10. Upper Grassi Lakes Trail
The Grassi Lakes Trail is a popular hike near Canmore, Alberta, known for its turquoise lakes and stunning views.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Grassi Lakes Trailhead, located close to the town of Canmore. The trailhead is accessible from Spray Lakes Road.
- Forest Path: The trail begins with a steady ascent through the forest.
- Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes: About halfway up the trail, you’ll come across a split that leads to both Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes. Both lakes are well-known for their stunning turquoise colors.
- Viewpoints: The trail offers several viewpoints overlooking Canmore and the Bow Valley.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to do the Upper Grassi Lakes trail is from late May to early October for the best conditions.
11. Silverton Falls
Silverton Falls is a short and moderately easy hike located in Banff National Park.
It is a peaceful walk through a forested area that takes you to a beautiful waterfall!
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Silverton Falls Trailhead, located on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).
- Silverton Falls: After a short walk through the forest, you’ll arrive at Silverton Falls, a beautiful waterfall!
- Viewpoint: There is a designated viewpoint near the base of the falls where you can take in the sights and enjoy the sounds of the rushing water.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike to Silverton Falls is from late June to early September.
12. Stewart Canyon Trail
The Stewart Canyon Trail is a scenic hike near Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountain scenery.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Stewart Canyon Trailhead, located at the Lake Minnewanka parking lot, about a 15 minute drive from the town of Banff.
- Lake Minnewanka Shoreline: The trail starts along the shore of Lake Minnewanka, providing beautiful views of the turquoise waters and the mountains.
- Stewart Canyon Bridge: After a short walk, you’ll reach the Stewart Canyon Bridge, which takes you over the Cascade River.
- Forest: Beyond the bridge, the trail continues through a forested area. The path is well-maintained and relatively flat.
- Viewpoints: There are several viewpoints along the trail that offer different views of Lake Minnewanka and the surrounding area.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike the Stewart Canyon Trail is from late June to early September.
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13. Emerald Basin and Emerald Lakeshore
The Emerald Basin and Emerald Lakeshore hike in Yoho National Park is well-known for its turquoise lakes, meadows, and stunning mountain scenery.
Even though Yoho National Park is separate from Banff National Park, I had to include Emerald Lake since it must not be missed during your trip to Banff!
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Emerald Lake parking lot, located at the end of Emerald Lake Road in Yoho National Park.
- Emerald Lake: The trail begins by following the shore of Emerald Lake, well-known for its vibrant turquoise color.
- Yoho Pass Junction: After approximately 1 mile, you’ll reach a point where the trail splits. Follow the signs towards Yoho Pass and Emerald Basin.
- Emerald Basin Ascent: The trail ascends steadily through forests and meadows towards Emerald Basin. Along the way, you’ll pass by beautiful wildflowers during the summer months.
- Emerald Basin: Once you reach Emerald Basin, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of mountain peaks. The basin also has a small alpine lake.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike to Emerald Basin and Emerald Lakeshore is from late June to early September.
Hard Hikes in Banff
14. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is arguably one of the best hikes in Banff that begins at the iconic Lake Louise.
Along this hike, you will come across the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. It was built in 1927, and it is a great place to rest and enjoy a light snack or beverage during your hike!
Please note that the tea house is only open seasonally, usually from early June to mid October. Keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook for current updates.
They are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
They accept credit cards (with an additional fee, $4 CAD), but I still recommend bringing Canadian cash because their credit card machine can be down sometimes due to service issues.
This teahouse is typically less crowded than the popular Lake Agnes Teahouse. Therefore, this hike is a good alternative to the Little Beehive & Big Beehive hikes if you’re wanting less crowds.
Trail Highlights:
- Lake Louise Shoreline: You begin the hike right at the start of Lake Louise near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The start of the hike follows the flat shoreline of Lake Louise, providing you with great views of the lake and surrounding mountain peaks.
- Into the Forest: Once you get to the end of Lake Louise, you will go up a steep path that brings you through the forest.
- Teahouse: About 3.4 miles into the hike, you’ll reach the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. Their chocolate cake is a fan favorite! The tea house opens around 9:00 am. Therefore, depending on how early you start your hike, you might have to wait to visit the tea house until you are on your way back.
- Final Viewpoint: The trail continues past the tea house for another 0.9 miles to a viewpoint. This part of the hike is steeper, but it is well worth it to get closer views of the glaciers and the surrounding mountains.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike the Plain of Six Glaciers trail is from late June to mid October.
Since it does go through avalanche territory, the trail usually stays snow and ice covered until late June, depending on how warm the spring has been.
If you decide to hike the Plain of Six Glaciers earlier in the season, be sure to check trail conditions on the Parks Canada website as it does cross into avalanche territory.
Renting crampons and hiking poles could be helpful as well if the path is still snow and ice covered earlier in the season. You can rent these at Snowtips Bactrax in the town of Banff.
15. Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail
The Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail is one of the best hikes in Banff, for good reason!
Along this hike, you will come across the popular teahouse, Lake Agnes Teahouse!
It is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and they are cash only. Be sure to bring some Canadian cash with you if you want a treat from the teahouse – which you definitely should!
Please note that the teahouse is only open seasonally, usually early June to mid October. Keep an eye on their Instagram or Facebook for current updates.
Trail Highlights:
- Lake Louise Shoreline: The trailhead conveniently starts at the iconic Lake Louise, near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
- Ascent to Mirror Lake: The hike takes you through a steep forested area, leading to Mirror Lake. It is called Mirror Lake since when the conditions are good, the water reflects the surrounding mountains. This is a great spot for a short break!
- Teahouse: Continuing upward, you will reach Lake Agnes and its historic tea house, about 2.1 miles from the trailhead. The teahouse offers light snacks and drinks like tea, baked goods, and soups.
- Lake Agnes: From Lake Agnes, the trail branches off toward the Little Beehive. This part of the hike is moderately steep. The trail is well-maintained and brings you through a beautiful forest.
- Little Beehive Summit: Once you reach the summit of Little Beehive, you are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Louise, the Bow Valley, and the surrounding mountains.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike the Little Beehive Trail in Banff National Park is from late June to early October.
During this time period, the trail is usually clear of snow and the lakes are thawed and at their peak color.
16. Devil’s Thumb and The Big Beehive
The Devil’s Thumb and the Big Beehive is another iconic hike in Banff that begins at the stunning Lake Louise.
This hike will also bring you to the popular Lake Agnes Teahouse. Keep in mind they are cash only and only open seasonally, from June to October.
Trail Highlights:
- Lake Louise Shoreline: The hike starts at the shore of Lake Louise, providing a beautiful start to the trail.
- Mirror Lake: The trail will bring you through a forested area, taking you to Mirror Lake, a small reflective lake.
- Teahouse: Continuing the hike, you reach Lake Agnes and the historic Lake Agnes Teahouse, about 2.1 miles from the trailhead. This charming teahouse offers tea, soups, and baked goods, making it a great place to take a break and enjoy the views.
- Big Beehive: From the tea house, you will head towards the Big Beehive. The trail takes you through a series of switchbacks, leading to a breathtaking viewpoint over Lake Louise and the Bow Valley.
- Devil’s Thumb: From Big Beehive, a more challenging trail leads to Devil’s Thumb. This section involves a steep, rocky climb requiring some scrambling. The hard work is rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, lakes, and valleys.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike both the Devil’s Thumb and Big Beehive in Banff National Park is from late June to early October.
During this time, the trail is usually clear of snow and ice making it a more manageable hike.
17. Sulphur Mountain Trail
Sulphur Mountain Trail is a popular hike in Banff that brings you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, which is where the Banff Gondola takes you!
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The trail begins at the Banff Gondola parking lot, which is a quick drive from the town of Banff.
- Switchbacks: The trail consists mainly of switchbacks that make the ascent more manageable. Throughout the hike, there are occasional viewpoints where you can enjoy the scenery, but most of the hike is just through the trees.
- Summit Ridge: After the switchbacks, you reach a ridge that leads to the summit. This section of the trail offers more expansive views of the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks.
- Sulphur Mountain Summit: At the summit, you’ll find the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and an observation deck with panoramic views of the town of Banff, the Bow Valley, and several mountain ranges. There is also a boardwalk that leads to Sanson’s Peak, which I highly recommend doing.
- Gondola Option: You can hike back down the same way or take the Banff Gondola down for a fee. I have heard of some people being able to ride the Banff Gondola down for free, as they did not check for tickets on our way down.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park is from early June to early October.
It can still be partially snow covered from late May to early June, depending on how warm the spring has been that year.
When we visited in late May, we rode the gondola up and noticed the trail was pretty snow covered, especially the top half.
18. Ha Ling Peak
Ha Ling Peak is a challenging hike near Canmore, known for its steep ascent and panoramic views from the summit.
This hike offers spectacular views of the town of Canmore, Bow Valley, and the surrounding mountains.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Goat Creek parking lot on the Spray Lakes Road, just outside of Canmore.
- Steep Ascent: The trail begins with a steep climb through a forested area. The path is rocky and can be challenging, with several switchbacks to help manage the ascent.
- Above Tree Line: As you ascend, the trees thin out, and you eventually are above the tree line. This section of the hike offers great views of Canmore and the Bow Valley.
- Saddle: About halfway up, you reach a saddle where the trail levels off briefly. This is a good spot to catch your breath and enjoy the views!
- Summit: From the saddle, the trail gets steep again as you make the final climb to the summit of Ha Ling Peak. At the summit, you get 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Three Sisters!
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike Ha Ling Peak in Banff is from late June to early September.
19. Castle Mountain Lookout Trail
The Castle Mountain Lookout Trail is a moderately challenging hike in Banff with fantastic views of Castle Mountain and the Bow Valley.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Castle Mountain Lookout Trailhead, located on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), about 30 minutes away from the town of Banff.
- Forest Ascent: The trail begins with a steady ascent through a forested area.
- Switchbacks: As you ascend, you will come across several switchbacks that help manage the elevation gain. These switchbacks offer occasional viewpoints where you can rest and enjoy partial views of the Bow Valley.
- Castle Mountain Lookout: Near the top of the trail, you will reach Castle Mountain Lookout with panoramic views of Castle Mountain and the Bow Valley.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike the Castle Mountain Lookout Trail is from late June to early September.
20. Sentinel Pass
The Sentinel Pass Trail is a challenging yet rewarding hike in Banff National Park, offering spectacular views of Moraine Lake, Larch Valley, and the surrounding peaks.
Do note that Moraine Lake road is only open seasonally, usually from early June to mid October, and personal vehicles are not allowed.
Therefore, you must take a shuttle there. You can read more here.
Trail Highlights:
- Trailhead: The hike starts at the Moraine Lake parking lot.
- Larch Valley: The trail begins with a steady climb through the forest, eventually opening up to Larch Valley. During late September to early October, the larch trees turn golden yellow, creating a stunning view!
- Sentinel Pass Ascent: From Larch Valley, the trail ascends more steeply towards Sentinel Pass. The path becomes rocky and more challenging as you gain elevation, but you’re rewarded for your efforts as the views become more panoramic.
- Sentinel Pass: Once you reach Sentinel Pass, you’re given breathtaking views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, including the iconic peaks surrounding Moraine Lake.
Best Time to Do This Hike:
The best time to hike Sentinel Pass is from late June to early September.
Mid to late September is also a great time to do this hike to see the peak colors of the larches.
Common Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Best Time to Visit Banff for Hiking?
The best time to visit Banff for hiking is from late June to September.
During this time, the weather is warmer, and most of the hiking trails are accessible and free from snow.
Depending on the spring conditions that year, there can still be snow on the trails in late June at higher elevations.
July and August are the peak hiking months, offering the best conditions with longer daylight hours.
However, June and September are great times to visit, with fewer crowds.
Why is Moraine Lake Closed?
Personal vehicles are no longer allowed to drive on Moraine Lake road, so the only way to access it is via a shuttle bus (or biking if you wish).
Moraine Lake road is not open year-round due to it being in avalanche territory.
It is usually open from early June to mid October, but you can check the Parks Canada website for the opening & closing dates each year.
There are several different shuttles that you can take to Moraine Lake. Here are a few to look into:
Between 6:30 am to 8:00 pm, you can drive your personal vehicle to Moraine Lake road if have a disabled parking tag.
How is Parking at Lake Louise?
Lake Louise has limited parking for how popular it gets, especially during the peak summer months.
In order to secure parking at Lake Louise during the summer, you will need to arrive there early (preferably before 7:00 am) or later in the evening to get a parking spot.
If there is no parking, you will have to turn around and leave which is no fun.
We visited in early June on a Saturday around 6:30 am and there was still plenty of open parking spaces. I think the parking situation gets the worst during the peak crowds in July and August.
Consider taking a shuttle to Lake Louise if you do not want to worry about parking.
The shuttles usually begin in mid May to mid October aligning with the tourist season. Check out the transportation options to get to Lake Louise here.
If you do choose to park at Lake Louise, it does cost $36.75 CAD to park there.
You must pay for parking when visiting from May 17th through October 14th during the hours of 3:00 am to 7:00 pm for 2024.
Is it Safe to Hike in Banff?
Yes, it is generally safe to hike in Banff, but there are still important precautions to take to ensure your safety.
I have provided a few safety tips for hiking in Banff below:
- Wildlife Awareness: Banff is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears (grizzly & black), cougars, and elk. I recommend to always carry bear spray while hiking, make noise to avoid surprising animals, and be aware of your surroundings. I recommend reading this blog post about bear safety. You can rent bear spray in the town of Banff at Snowtips Bactrax. We did this for our trip, and it cost $39 CAD for a six day rental
- Be Prepared for Weather: The weather in Banff can change quickly. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out and bring multiple layers and rain gear with you.
- Check Trail Conditions: Before you embark on your hike, check the current trail conditions on the Parks Canada website to make sure the trail is in good condition and is not closed for some reason.
- Navigation: If you’re doing more remote and longer hikes, I recommend bringing some sort of GPS device instead of just relying on your phone in case there is no cell service and you need to call for help. This Garmin Inreach Mini is a great choice, but it is pricey. If you’re an avid hiker though, it is worth the investment!
- Hydration and Nutrition: I always make sure to pack more than enough water and snacks, especially on longer hikes. It always better to be overprepared, no one wants to be a hangry hiker lol! For hiking, I love to pack these Bobo’s PB & J Oat snacks, That’s It fruit bars, and LMNT electrolytes (watermelon is my fave!) for extra hydration in my water.
- Hike with a Partner or Group: It’s safer to hike with a partner or in a group. If you hike alone, let someone know your planned route and expected return time. There are some hikes in Banff National Park that actually require you by law to be in a group of 4 people, specifically hikes starting from Moraine Lake, due to being in bear territory. You will see a sign stating this before the hike begins. If you don’t follow these guidelines and are caught, you could be fined.
- Respect Nature: Please make sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. That includes packing out ALL of your trash and avoid disturbing wildlife and plants.
What is the Most Famous Hike in Banff?
The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is arguably the most famous hike in Banff National Park due to its beautiful scenery, longer distance, and the teahouse you can stop at along the way!
Banff Hiking Essentials
- Collapsible Backpack – We took this with us on all of our day hikes in Banff! It is lightweight and holds quite a bit of stuff. It fit our jackets, snacks, water, and plenty of room for other things.
- Electrolytes – I love to add these to my water for extra hydration! It makes me feel better throughout the hike, especially if you’re sweating a lot.
- Wool Socks – If you’re hiking in the morning when it is colder, these wool socks were amazing at keeping my feet warm but not too hot.
- Hiking Boots – These are my all-time favorite hiking boots! They required no break-in time for me and left me blister-free.
- All Trails App – Be sure to download this app on your phone before your trip to Banff! You can save all of the best hikes in Banff to your account, and then you will be able to use the map to keep you on the right path for your hike. It is a must!
Conclusion
As you can see, Banff is the perfect destination for any hiking lovers!
We’ve only touched on a few of the countless hikes in Banff National Park and its surrounding areas. You could spend months exploring and still not come close to completing all the trails!
I can not wait to plan my next trip to experience more of the best hikes in Banff!
Check out my other Banff blog posts to help plan your trip!
- 18 of the Best Lakes in Banff You Need to See On Your Trip
- The Ultimate 7 Day Banff Itinerary for a Bucket List Trip
- Must-Know Guide About Johnston Canyon: One of Banff’s Most Popular Hikes
Helpful Tips For Planning Your Trip to Banff
- Recommended Activities: I highly recommend checking out the Banff Gondola, Via Ferrata, White Water Rafting, and Lake Minnewanka Cruise.
- Best Hikes in Banff: Plain of Six Glaciers, Little Beehive & Big Beehive, Johnston Canyon, Peyto Lake, Tunnel Mountain – read more on my best hikes in Banff blog post!
- Where to Stay in Banff: I loved our stay at the Banff Inn and would 100% recommend! The Canalta Lodge and Moose Hotel & Suites are great options too.
- Rental Car: If you’re wanting to get a rental car in Banff, I recommend using Expedia or Rentalcars.com for the best deals!
- Flights: Look for the best flight deals using Aviasales.
- Airport Transfer: Use the Banff Airporter to get you from the Calgary Airport to your hotel in Banff if you don’t have a rental car.
- No Rental Car: If you don’t have a rental car, consider using the Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus or joining a guided tour of the most popular sights.
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