Easy Hike
Tunnel Mountain
Banff's backyard climb. 90 minutes, town and valley views almost the entire climb.
LeveleasyTime1.5hCrowdpopular
Best for
Big valley views for modest distance and elevation.
Mountainno-car-friendly+3
4.3 km260m
Hikes
Best Banff hikes and scenic trails.
Filter by length, difficulty, and crowd level. Trail conditions, parking, and access can shift fast — check the official report before you go.
Trail conditions · Road closures · Transit/shuttles
Conditions change quickly. Check official trail reports before heading out.
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Difficulty
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Length
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Terrain
Mix of lakes, peaks, glaciers, and forest.
Crowd
Show both quiet trails and busy classics.
65 hikes to check
01
All hikes
65 hikesShort Walk
Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
Catwalks bolted into a canyon. Easy, magical, get there before 9am.
LeveleasyTime1hCrowdpopular
Best for
Fast payoff with waterfalls and dramatic canyon walls.
Forestscenic+2
2.4 km30m
Moderate Hike
Johnston Canyon → Ink Pots
Push past the falls. Six bubbling springs in a meadow. Worth the extra hour.
LevelmoderateTime4hCrowdpopular
Best for
The meadow and bubbling springs feel completely different from the busy catwalk section.
Forestno-car-friendly+2
Shuttle recommendedParking fills early
11.6 km320m
Moderate Hike
Lake Agnes Tea House
Climb up, drink tea by an alpine lake. Bring cash as backup; payment options can vary season to season.
LevelmoderateTime3hCrowdpopular
Best for
Alpine lake setting and strong views without a full-day commitment.
Lakeno-car-friendly+2
Shuttle recommendedParking fills early
7 km400m
Challenging Hike
Plain of Six Glaciers
Glacier views, a second tea house, a moraine that feels like Mars.
LevelhardTime5hCrowdpopular
Best for
The trail trades crowds for a long valley walk, glacier views, and a wilder finish above the lake.
Glacierscenic
Shuttle recommendedParking fills early
13.8 km600m
Challenging Hike
Sulphur Mountain (skip the gondola)
Switchbacks for 2 hours. Top is the same view, half the crowd.
LevelhardTime4hCrowdpopular
Best for
Same summit complex and boardwalk payoff, earned by switchbacks instead of a ride.
Mountainno-car-friendly+2
10.9 km700m
Moderate Hike
C-Level Cirque
Old coal-mine ruins on the way to a hidden cirque. Locals love it.
LevelmoderateTime4hCrowdquiet
Best for
Coal-mining history, forest, and a cirque payoff without the Lake Louise shuttle puzzle.
Mountainlocal favouritescenic
8.8 km460m
Easy Hike
Stewart Canyon
Easy forest-and-canyon walk from Minnewanka with a river bridge and mellow grades.
LeveleasyTime1.5hCrowdquiet
Best for
A mellow canyon-and-bridge walk that feels more substantial than a roadside viewpoint.
Lakeno-car-friendly+2
4.6 km50m
Easy Hike
Bow River Loop
Flat, paved, riverside. Coffee in hand, no excuses.
LeveleasyTime1hCrowdpopular
Best for
River views, town access, and a flexible loop that still feels like Banff.
Forestno-car-friendly+2
4.5 km0m
Transit and access help
Banff Visitor Centre
224 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB T1L 1A1
Phone: +1-403-762-8421
Email: info@banfflakelouise.com
Lake Louise Visitor Centre
201 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0
Phone: +1-403-522-3833
Email: info@banfflakelouise.com
Useful next paths
Turn the trail into a day.
keep moving, confirm details
Banff hiking FAQ
Do I need bear spray to hike in Banff?
Banff is bear country, and Parks Canada recommends carrying bear spray, knowing how to use it, and keeping it within reach on any trail. Make noise, travel in a group, and check for trail-specific wildlife restrictions before you head out. See our wildlife-safety guide for the distance rules and who to call.
Are Banff hikes dog-friendly?
Dogs are allowed on most trails in Banff National Park but must be on a leash at all times, and some areas have seasonal or wildlife closures that restrict access. Rules vary by trail and can change, so confirm the current status with Parks Canada before bringing your dog.
Do I need a park pass to hike in Banff?
Yes. Everyone stopping in Banff National Park needs a valid Parks Canada pass, whether a day pass or an annual Discovery Pass, and it should be displayed in your vehicle. The pass covers park entry, not separate parking, shuttle, or reservation requirements at busy spots like Moraine Lake.
What should I check before a Banff hike?
Check the current trail report and any wildlife or seasonal closures, confirm parking, shuttle, or reservation requirements for the trailhead, and look at the weather and road conditions. Conditions change fast in the mountains, so confirm anything time-sensitive on the day you go.