If you want easy and scenic near town, start with Bow River Loop, Bow Falls, Fenland Trail, Vermilion Lakes, or Tunnel Mountain if you want a real climb.
If you are already going to Lake Louise, the Lakeshore and Fairview Lookout are the easy wins.
If the weather looks messy, choose a town-based walk instead of driving out for a maybe-view.
Pick by energy level
No-hike mood: Bow River Loop or Fenland Trail.
Quick scenic payoff: Bow Falls Viewpoint Walk or Vermilion Lakes Path.
Short but uphill: Tunnel Mountain or Fairview Lookout.
Classic easy lake walk: Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lakeshore, once access is sorted.
What to watch for
Easy does not mean flip-flop proof. Shoulder seasons can mean ice, mud, or surprise cold.
Lake Louise and Moraine are access problems first and hiking decisions second.
Johnston Canyon is easy, but it can feel like a moving sidewalk when it is busy.
If visibility is poor, choose a forest, river, or indoor backup instead of chasing a viewpoint.
Good add-ons
Bow River Loop pairs well with coffee or a casual lunch in town.
Bow Falls pairs well with Cave and Basin or a Banff Springs wander.
Tunnel Mountain pairs well with dinner back on Banff Ave or Bear Street.
Lake Louise Lakeshore pairs well with a bakery stop in the village before or after.
Questions people ask
What are the easiest scenic walks near Banff town?
Bow River Loop, Bow Falls, Fenland Trail, and Vermilion Lakes are the lowest-friction scenic choices near town. Tunnel Mountain is still short, but it is a real uphill walk.
Where should I go if I am already at Lake Louise?
Lake Louise Lakeshore and Fairview Lookout are the easier wins once Lake Louise access is sorted. Treat Lake Louise and Moraine as access problems first, then hiking decisions second.
What should I do if visibility is bad?
Choose a town-based forest, river, or indoor backup instead of driving out for a maybe-view. Poor visibility is exactly when close, flexible walks beat big viewpoint plans.