8 Hikes in Banff You Don’t Want to Skip
Headed to Banff National Park and not sure what trails you should do? Don’t worry, I have you covered! Below, I’ve compiled a list of 8 hikes in Banff National Park that are absolute must-dos. Whether you’re craving a quick hike or an epic adventure, you’ll find a mix of short and long hikes, including some breathtaking waterfall trails and others that offer panoramic views that will leave you speechless. So lace up those boots and get ready to experience the best that Banff has to offer!
Waterfall Hikes in Banff
Johnston Canyon Falls
This hike is known for its two popular waterfalls-upper and lower falls, however you’ll get to experience many smaller ones as you make your way through the canyon. Johnston Canyon is located on the Bow Valley Parkway, about 30 minutes from the town of Banff. The trail to both waterfalls is just over 3 miles round trip and takes most people about 2-3 hours to complete. The hike to lower falls follows the river through the canyon and has minimal elevation gain. After lower falls, the path to upper falls does gain some elevation and is a little more uneven than the first part of this trail. This trail is very popular and you should expect lines at both waterfalls to view them. To beat the crowds, start this trail early in the morning.
Read this article before visiting for everything you need to know about Johnston Canyon Falls!
Silverton Falls
Located just 30 minutes outside the town of Banff, this short hike takes you to a beautiful 164ft waterfall. The trail is only 1.1 miles round the trip but does take you up an incline before reaching the falls. There are some steep drop offs once you get close to the falls and at the waterfall, so be sure to watch your step and never get too close to the edge. This trail is one of the less crowded trails in Banff and we only encountered a few people along the way.
Hikes in Banff for Stunning Views
Peyto Lake Panorama View point
This trail is a little off the beaten path, located on the Icefields Parkway, about an hour north of Banff. It’s definitely worth the drive out of the city though! The hike to Peyto Lake Viewpoint is a steep one, but it’s only 0.3 miles long, so you’ll be there before you know it. The view of Peyto Lake from the platform is stunning! Definitely not a view to skip! I do recommend getting there early to beat the crowds. We were at the platform around 7:00 am and there were only about 5-7 other people there. When we came back at 11:00am after finishing the Bow Summit, it was PACKED.
Bow Summit
The hike to Bow Summit is 4.1 miles round trip and you gain just over 1000 ft in elevation making it. The trail to Bow Summit is located to the right of the Peyto Lake viewing platform. You’ll follow this trail through the woods and uphill until you reach a rock area with views of Bow Lake on your left. This trail is considerably less crowded than the Peyto Lake viewing area and, if you go early, you might even have the summit to yourself like we did!
For a complete guide to this trail, check this article!
Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail
This trail is 2.4 miles round trip and is mostly a flat and easy walk, making it a great option for hikers of all levels. The trail starts at the Moraine Lake Lodge and follows the shoreline of the lake for the entire length of the hike. Sometimes the trail takes you through the trees a bit but always reunites with the shoreline. This trail allows you to experience Moraine Lake up close and take in its beauty.
Moraine Lake Rock Pile
The Rockpile Trail offers a scenic view of the lake from a higher vantage point than the shore. It’s a short, 0.5-mile uphill trek with stairs, leading to two separate viewing areas at the top. To find the trailhead, head to the trail on the left side of the parking lot, on the right side of the bathrooms. Once on this trail you’ll continue straight/to the right, there will be a few times where the trail branches off to the left but that is not the trail you want to be on. This trail is very popular so be courteous of others.
For more information on Moraine Lake, checkout this article!
Lake Agnes Tea House
Lake Agnes Tea House trail is well traveled and for good reason! If you only do one trail at Lake Louise, I recommend this one. Lake Agnes itself is extremely beautiful and eating at the tea house is the cherry on top. This 4.6 mile trail starts out on the right of Lake Louise, pass the Fairmont Hotel. Follow the trail through the trees, steadily gaining elevation. You pass Mirror Lake on your way, from here it’s only 15-20 minutes more. After a final flight of stairs, you’ll find yourself at the tea house and Lake Agnes. Lines at the Tea House can be pretty long, but I found most of the line was actually for getting orders vs eating in. We were in line for maybe 10 minutes before being seated.
Checkout this article for more information about Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail.
Little Beehive Trail
If you’re feeling up for it, you can continue on to the Little Beehive, a small summit that offers even more breathtaking views. The hike to the Little Beehive is 0.6 miles and takes about 30 minutes from the tea house. It’s a bit steeper than the first part of the hike, but it’s well worth the effort for the incredible views. Once you get close to the end, there are multiple areas that offer incredible views of the lake and the mountains. It’s a great place to sit, rest, and eat your lunch before heading back down.
Hikes in Banff
Tucked away in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff boasts some of the most jaw-dropping scenery you’ll ever lay eyes on! While these are a few trails you have to do while in Banff, there are plenty more that you can explore if you have more time!
