33 Banff Hikes and Trails to Enjoy This Summer (With Photos)

Looking for the best Banff hikes? We share our favorite hikes in Banff and all of the details in this guide to experience the best in the park. You’ll find on these hikes in Banff high alpine passes lined with wildflowers, jagged peaks topped by glaciers, and a healthy dose of turquoise blue lakes.

I tried to keep a good mix of Banff hiking trails that anyone of reasonable fitness can complete. There are plenty of more challenging Banff hikes, scrambles, climbs, and mountaineering objectives in Banff National Park that offer jaw-dropping views, but they aren’t hikes accessible to all and require more experience in the mountains.

The goal of this list of the best Banff hikes is a mix where the amount of work involved vs. reward keeps everyone happy! Of course, Banff is a huge park, and there are so many more hikes in Banff and tons of exploring. Any one of these Banff hikes is certain to supply plenty of fantastic wilderness landscapes.

Keep an eye out at the bottom for our favorite scrambles in Banff too! The following list of Banff hiking trails is in no particular order.

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When is the Best Time to go Hiking in Banff?

The best time to go hiking in Banff is during the summer months of July and August. This is when most of the snow on high elevation hikes has disappeared. Especially in August. If you have anything big on your Banff hiking list where there is a chance for snow to be lingering around at the peak, wait until late July and August.

That being said hiking season in Banff *officially* starts in Mid May (for us, anyway) as this is when the ski season ends and our brains immediately switch to hiking.

In mid-May you’ll be able to get out on lower elevation hikes like the Prairie View Trail in Kananaskis without the risk of snow. As the year goes on your choice of hikes will expand and you can work your way up to the higher elevation hikes. By early June a hike up the Lake Agnes Tea House, or maybe even further to Mount Saint Piran is a great option. Great hiking in Banff typically lasts all the way into September (larch season!) and the first few weeks of October, depending on the year.

This is not to say that you cannot hike in the winter in Banff, because there are plenty of fun trails. You’ll just have to hike with winter conditions and temperatures in mind. See some of our favorite Banff winter hiking trails here.

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Our Favorite Banff Hikes!

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1.) Mount Bourgeau & Harvey Pass

I’m going to start off this list with one of the best hikes in Banff. Mount Bourgeau is a 2,931-metre (9,616 ft) tall mountain in the heart of Banff National Park promises some extraordinary views. It’s easily accessible from the town of Banff as it’s only a 10-15 minute drive to the parking area from town.

This makes it a great hike for those staying on Banff Ave. While the terrain is not challenging, the sheer length and elevation gain requires strong legs and stamina.

To reach Bourgeau Peak, you climb over 1,700 meters or 5,600 feet and nearly 22km in a day. That being said, it’s one of the easiest peaks to summit in the Rockies, as it requires no scrambling or climbing to reach the top. So if you want to come to Banff with the goal of summiting a mountain – Bourgeau may be what you are looking for.

On the way to the peak, you cross the lovely Bourgeau Lake, witness stunning views from Harvey Pass, and then the whole park opens up from the summit. It’s an expansive view that never disappoints.

You have a few options for the hike as you can choose to go just to Bourgeau Lake or Harvey Pass, each cutting a large chunk of the hike out. This makes it a great hike in Banff for all skill levels as it can be adjusted.

We completed the trip up to the summit around six hours with over a half-hour at the summit. Unless you’re trail-running, don’t expect to complete it much sooner as the average time is around eight hours. This is a full-day hike, so come prepared with lunch, water, and snacks.

Read the Full Hike Report - Guide to Hiking Bourgeau Lake and Summit 

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2.) Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain gets the nod for our number two because it’s right in the heart of Banff. There aren’t many hikes accessible from the town center, but Tunnel Mountain is a short walk from Banff Ave.

It’s beloved by locals for its accessibility, and you can hike it year-round. It may be one of the smallest mountains in Banff National Park, but it still offers tremendous views of the surrounding valleys.

The hike moves slowly up the mountain through several switchbacks and offers various viewpoints out over the Bow River and Mount Rundle. It’s great for sunrise or sunset, and it rarely disappoints.

If we’re ever in need of a workday hike where we just need something short and sweet for fresh air, Tunnel Mountain is our go-to Banff hike. Tunnel Mountain is an easy hike for families or those with mobility issues but also popular for trail runners.

Read the Full Hike Report - Guide to Hiking Tunnel Mountain

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3.) Sunshine Meadows

This is an excellent Banff hike with tremendous views and none of the work because the real leg work is done by the Sunshine Village gondola. From the village, hikers have a plethora of options from the convenient base. Situated in an alpine meadow, the trails are flanked by a sea of wildflowers.

The classic hike to Rock Isle Lake follows the shoreline of two lakes, crosses an alpine larch forest, and has an amazing viewpoint that provides views out to Kootenay National Park. To walk through these alpine meadows feels like something out of a fairytale; it is sublime.

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4.) Healy Pass

Healy Pass is a tremendous Banff day hike that is sure to be loved by all who set out on the journey. It peaks twice a year – first in the early Banff summer when the valley flooded with millions of wildflowers and again in Banff in the fall when the thousands of larch trees turn gold. Once hikers reach the pass, they are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and Egypt Lake further down.

Parks Canada does a great job in maintaining the trail, and it remains one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park. The trail begins at the Sunshine Village parking lot, and the trailhead is located behind the main building.

At its start, the trail makes a gradual climb through a shaded lush forest. After 8km, the forest gives way to a gorgeous alpine meadow and the wide expanse of wildflowers — it’s likely the best place to witness them in the park. Past the meadow is the apex of the trail Healy Pass that provides amazing views out to the surrounding peaks. In the distance, you can see one of the most picturesque peaks in the Rockies, Mount Assiniboine.

If there is one negative, it’s the long approach to this hike. As you walk through the forest for nearly 7 km, it can feel a bit like a slog. In wet weather, the forest can also be very muddy, so wear high ankle boots. However, you’ll quickly put that 7 km behind you as the trail opens up. This is easily one of the best hikes in Banff!

Read the Full Hike Report - Guide to Hiking Healy Pass in Banff

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5.) Egypt Lake

I’m noting Egypt Lake as a great Banff hike next because it is an extension of Healy Pass. To visit Egypt Lake in one day is a long one, but it can be possible if you are a fast hiker. However, there is a campground at Egypt Lake, so most people stay overnight and possibly scramble up Pharaoh Peak the next day.

The trail down to Egypt Lake starts from the top of Healy Pass. You’ll actually descend about 400 meters to get to the lake, which sounds simple after the climb to Healy Pass, but remember you have to climb it back out, creating the long day.

Regardless the whole circuit can be done in a long day, especially if you are a fast hiker or trail runner (who often include Pharaoh Peak in the day). We hiked to Egypt Lake and back in a day, and it took us around 7.5 hours, but I would highly suggest camping so that you don’t have to be so rushed and can really enjoy the scenery.

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6.) Parker Ridge

This past summer, after completing Parker Ridge, it shot right up to one of my favorite hikes in Banff. For amazing views with relatively easy effort, it doesn’t get much better than Parker Ridge Trail.

We completed this hike in late June while driving the Icefields Parkway, and it absolutely blew me away. I usually hike a lot longer and harder for views that are half as good, so this is easily one of the best Banff hikes you can do.

The only issue is it’s about a two-hour drive from Banff town, so I would recommend this Banff hike when you are already making your way up the Icefields Parkway or on your way to Jasper. It’s short and sweet and can easily be incorporated into an Icefields Parkway road trip itinerary.

To begin this hike, park at the trailhead found on Alltrails – it’s a popular hike so expect plenty of cars and people on weekends. If driving from Banff to Jasper, you won’t miss the cars parked on your left before reaching the Columbia Icefields center.

It’s a pretty straightforward and well-trodden trail the entire way up. The Parker Ridge hike is a gradual incline the entire 269 meters up. There is nothing hard or technical about this Banff hike, and no scrambling is involved making it a great hike for newer hikers. It’s great for the entire family and those with mobility issues or whoever just wants a nice easy day out! We saw older people, young children, and dogs on this hike.

When you reach the ridge, you will be blown away by the views over the impressive Saskatchewan Glacier and the beautiful bright blue lake- seriously, it doesn’t get much better! This trail holds a lot of snow, so either bring gaiters or be prepared to get your feet a little wet if hiking outside of July and August. This Banff hike took us under two hours round trip with lots of photo stops.

Read the Full Hike Report - Guide to Hiking Parker Ridge

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7.) Sentinel Pass/Larch Valley

This is the quintessential Canadian Rockies hike. Sentinel Pass is fairly challenging, hugely popular, and offers some of Canada’s most stunning natural scenery.

The pass is well known in the park and attracts hundreds of photographers and hikers during the larch season in late September. During this period, the valley trees turn to a bright golden color, and the mountains are topped with the first signs of the new season’s snow.

It’s a soul-stirring scene that can easily be considered one of the best day hikes in the world. The pass ends with access to Mount Temple, but that is a much more daunting task that should be reserved for those who are adequately prepared — it’s a very serious mountain, and experience scrambling in the Rockies is ideal.

Most people stop at the top of Sentinel Pass and turn around back to Moraine Lake. However if you are looking for an extra long day out you can drop off the back side of Sentinel Pass and into Paradise Valley. The Paradise Valley trail connects you to Lake Louise on one epic point to point Moraine Lake hike.

Read the Full Hike Report - How to Hike Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass

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8.) Helen Lake (+ Cirque Peak Scramble)

Helen Lake is a beautiful lake along the Icefields Parkway and one of the best hiking trails in Banff. It’s far less popular than nearby Moraine Lake or Lake Louise. While the water is not glacier-fed bright blue, it’s just as beautiful. And unlike Moraine or Lake Louise, Helen Lake is actually relatively quiet.

To get to Helen Lake, you must hike in on a moderate trail for 6km (one way). The trail is well maintained and absolutely stunning, with views of mountains and blooming wildflowers everywhere! Bring lunch here and enjoy the views.

Due to the stunning alpine meadow views out to Mount Hector, the hike can draw a crowd so be prepared for limited parking. From Helen Lake, you can head up to the Dolomite Pass that provides views of Lake Katherine.

If you’re interested in adding more the climb up to Cirque Peak is great for a first-time scramble in the Rockies.

Read the Full Hike Report - How to Hike to Helen Lake (add on Cirque Peak)

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9.) Lake Agnes + Beehive Circuit (Little and Big Beehive)

The Lake Agnes Tea House trek is a popular thing to do in Banff for visitors to Lake Louise. This is an easy to moderate hike above Lake Louise that is suitable for all visitors to Banff. When you reach the top of the 7.6 kilometers (round trip) heavily trafficked out and back trail, you’ll find a teahouse and stunning Lake Agnes.

This is one of the easiest Banff hikes that can be done in under two hours. However, be warned it is a busy one! To escape the crowds (and get better views), keep climbing to the Little Beehive and then to the Big Beehive.

Because of their ease and access, these can be some of the best hikes in Banff in early October, before it really starts to snow and the trail to the tea house closes for the season.

If you’re seeking more challenge check out Mount Saint Piran or Devils Thumb scramble. The next step for an experienced scrambler/climber would be to summit Mount Niblock or Mount Whyte (difficult!).

Tea house Trek - How to Hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House

Little and Big Beehive - How to Hike the Beehive Circuit

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10.) Mount St. Piran

If you’ve already hiked up the Little Beehive and have time and want a more extensive Banff hike, consider continuing up Mount St. Piran. It’s classified as an easy scramble, but there is little hands-on scrambling involved. However, it is steep, but the views are worth it.

The route up to Mount St Piran falls between a scramble and hike. It’s a good early season objective once the snow melts off the avalanche slopes as there is no exposure to be found on the route.

Since the route begins at Lake Louise, one of the hardest parts of the day is to secure parking in the morning. There are multiple ways up Mount St. Piran, but the most straightforward is via the Little Beehive.

Read the Full Hike Report - How to Hike Up Mount Saint Piran

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11.) Cory Pass – Mt Edith Circuit

This is one of the more physically demanding hikes on this list of Banff hikes, but it very rewarding. You’ll need decently strong legs to climb to Cory Pass, as it’s a bit of a grind up with a quick elevation ascent. Once in the pass, the mountains encompass you and leave you humbled by the scale.

There is an option to scramble to the top of Mt Edith before walking around the mountain and back down. Altogether, this hike offers some promising views and a demanding hike just outside of Banff’s town.

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12.) Wilcox Pass

Wilcox Pass offers mesmerizing glacial views over the Columbia Icefields and towering mountains. The hike gains a pass across from Mount Athabasca and Andromeda, two of the tallest mountains in the Canadian Rockies, and provides amazing views.

Since it sits on the border between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, it is best done if you are either staying near the Columbia Icefield or driving between Jasper and Banff.

Hikers can also expect a nice smattering of wildflowers or the chance to spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Plus utterly mind-blowing views of the Athabasca Glacier and some of the park’s largest peaks. The scale here is mind-boggling.

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13.) Plain of Six Glaciers

This incredible hike starts out strong with a walk along Lake Louise and finishes in an open plain of glaciers. To sweeten the deal the historic Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse is there to reward hikers with a cup of tea or a fresh-baked goodie. It’s a stunner of a hike with a whole bunch of reward vs effort.

At one point, this massive valley was the convergence of six glaciers that have all since retreated due to warming temperatures. All that is left now is the monstrous debris field that will leave hikers in all of their earth-shaping capability. It’s also possible to combine this hike with the Lake Agnes / Big Beehive hike for an incredible day in the mountains.

Plain of Six Glaciers Hike: All You NEED To Know

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14.) Bow Glacier Falls

Hike to Bow Glacier Falls for some outstanding views and a gorgeous Banff waterfall. It’s a pretty relaxed hike that spends the majority of time along the shoreline of Bow Lake.

The views from hiking around Bow Lake are spectacular. However once you climb the stairs and see Bow Glacier Falls, hikers witness the birth of a vital river in Alberta and a powerful waterfall from the Wapta Icefield high above. It’s a great hike for those driving the Icefields Parkway as it only requires only a few hours and gives a chance to stretch the legs if you’ve been driving a lot.

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15. ) Johnston Canyon / Ink Pots

The Johnston Canyon walk is the best thing you can do in Banff in the winter. In the winter, it’s truly magical and has fewer tourists than in the summer (but still busy). Have you ever stood on a frozen waterfall before? Neither had we until the Johnston Canyon hike. Due to the region’s elevation and the sub-zero temperatures of winter, the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon freeze in time. It’s a pretty surreal experience and completely accessible for all.

As a tip for Banff winter hikes, we suggest picking up some ice cleats in town if you visit Banff in the winter. Although the trail is well managed, it can get icy and it’s better to slip everywhere on the trail – ours were very handy! Once you reach the end of the trail and the most impressive frozen fall you’ll probably find some ice climbers. If you’re feeling adventurous book an ice climbing tour yourself.

The summer is a completely different experience and nice to watch the waterfalls in motion. It is one of the easiest hikes you can do around Banff, with a well-maintained trail that is suitable for all ages. This means it’s hectic in July and August, so get here early or in the evening for fewer crowds.

If you want to make a bit more of a day out of the hike, make sure to continue on to the Ink Pots.

A Guide To: Hiking Johnston Canyon

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16.) Consolation Lakes Trail

This is a family favorite near Moraine Lake that can be paired with the Moraine Lake Rockpile, and it’s pretty easy with a little elevation gain. It’s a nice step up from the Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail as the terrain is more difficult with greater elevation gain and a short section that crosses over a boulder field.

Along the Moraine Lake hike, you get views of the scree slopes from the Tower of Babel. The hike passes through the old-growth forest before arriving at an alpine field and wetlands with the consolation lakes at its end. You get tremendous views of the backside of the Ten Peaks, Mount Babel, and Mount Fay, topped by glaciers from the lakes.

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17.) Rockbound Lake

Rockbound Lake is one of our favorite hikes in Banff because it’s easy to find some peace and quiet if you climb up past the lake. The views also continue to open up and provide some jaw-dropping views of the Bow Valley.

The trail spends a lot of time in the forest, but once you ascend a series of steep switchbacks, you arrive at Tower Lake and the views really open up. Further past another series of switchbacks, you arrive at Rockbound Lake flanked by steep cliffs and look out to extraordinary views.

For a truly epic day, you can summit Castle Mountain by continuing past the lake or Helena Peak. That being said, it’s a demanding day at 27km and 1,540 meters of elevation gain. It also happens to be one of my favorite day trips in the Rockies and an easy scramble.

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18.) Moraine Lakeshore/ Rockpile

The Rockpile trail brings you to the aptly named “Twenty Dollar View” because it is the scene used on the former Canadian twenty dollar bill and shot by almost every photographer. We like to consider it one of the best views in the world. Moraine Lake’s deep blue is backed by the famed Ten Peaks, ten towering snow-capped peaks. However, the Rockpile and the lakeshore trail aren’t much of a hike.

It’s a short walk up to the top of the Rockpile, a natural dam. The trail switchback along the backside of the rocky moraine. There are several stone and log steps that make it accessible to most able-bodied people. Keep an eye out for pikas and chipmunks that are frequently seen darting in and out of the rocks.

While the Lakeshore Trail begins from the Canoe docks, it’s a flat Banff walking trail that works its way along the lake’s shoreline and back. It’s a wonderful trail that moves in and out of the forest with great lake views and mountains.

You’ll be shocked at how few visitors to Moraine Lake go just a little further and hike along one of the easiest Banff trails in the area, meaning you will find a little solitude at points on this trail. At the end of the hike is a boardwalk near the waters flowing down from Wenkchemna pass.

A Guide to: Visiting Moraine Lake

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19.) C Level Cirque

A short but rewarding hike near Banff is C Level Cirque. C Level Cirque starts near Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake; it’s a steady incline to the amphitheater, which should only take about 45 minutes.

You can stop here, but the views over Lake Minnewanka start when you climb higher. Follow the trail around the amphitheater and up for about 45 more minutes until you reach the rock wall.

We love to do this hike when we’re short on time as you can get it done in under three hours, and it’s close to town. The perfect way to end a workday in the summer is by heading here. It’s also great for families and older visitors to Banff. This is a 9 km out-and-back trail that can get very busy on weekends in the summer, so you can try and visit on a weekday.

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20.) Banff Bow River Trail

This classic Banff trail within the town highlights the pristine wilderness and natural beauty surrounding Banff’s town. It’s perfect to do in the morning with coffee, after dinner, or if it’s raining in the park. It’s great for beginners or those with mobility issues — you could even push a stroller or wheelchair along the paved paths.

It starts from the center of town loops through the Cascade of Time Gardens, and then follows the river to Bow Falls before ending at the Banff Springs Hotel — at least that’s our version!

The Bow River is gorgeous, and it’s a good walk any time of the year. The river is also a prime habitat for elk when they birth their young in the early summer as they like to hang around town — less snow and more grass.

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21.) Chephren Lake

One of the best easy hikes in Banff that not many people tackle or know about is Chephren Lake. Chephren Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Banff and sits above the Waterfowl Lakes along the Icefields Parkway and offers some stunning views of the surrounding glaciated peaks. Lakes here are also that famous glacier blue without the crowds of Peyto, Louise, or Moraine.

The trail weaves through the woods and ascends a couple hundred meters before opening up the stunning glacier lake. It’s an easy and mellow objective the whole family can do, but bring good shoes; the trail can be extremely muddy!

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22.) Lake Minnewanka Lakeside

Take a hike along one of Banff’s largest lakes. It’s one of our favorite places to spend some time. This hike is great for at least three seasons as it stays low in elevation along the lakeside of Lake Minnewanka.

The great part about this trail is that it can be as challenging or as easy as you’d like since it follows along the lake. Naturally, the further along the lake you hike, the quieter it becomes.

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23.) Sulphur Mountain

Sulphur Mountain is easily one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park. It’s a beautiful hike that provides visitors with astonishing views over the Bow Valley and Spray Valley.

The trail leaves from the Banff Gondola or Hot Springs parking lots and follows a series of switchbacks up Sulphur Mountain until reaching the Gondola Station. Follow the boardwalk along the ridge to the peak and stunning views out across the valley and Banff.

In the winter, it’s free to take the Gondola back down, so it’s a great way to get some exercise without having to walk back out. Due to its proximity to Banff town, and the fact that you can take the Banff Gondola up to the peak instead of sweating it out on the trail means that Sulphur mountain becomes very busy, particularly the peak.

A Guide to: Hiking Sulphur Mountain

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24.) Taylor Lake

Taylor Lake sits at the base of Mt Bell and opens up to some spectacular views. It’s a really serene place and a fantastic day out in the mountains for active visitors who come to Banff. It’s a pretty boring hike until you reach the lake itself, but once you get there, you’ll be surrounded by amazing views; it’s wonderful during the larch season when the whole area turns yellow.

Continue on the trail and enjoy the nearby Panorama Meadows, as the widely spaced trees and elevation provide some great views of the valley below.

During the weekend you may find it hard to get parking as space is limited. As mentioned, the other downside to this hike is that the vast majority takes place in the forest so there isn’t much for views until the end. It’s a great payoff though! Taylor Lake is a great hike year-round – the above photo was taken in March.

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25.) Arnica Lake

We recently checked off Arnica Lake as we knew it was a great larch hike in Alberta, and boy did it impress. This family-friendly hike starts off strong with great views of Vista Lake from the trailhead. Enjoy the views from above; you’ll be heading down to Vista Lake on the way to Arnica Lake.

Once you pass Vista Lake, there are minimal views until you get to Arnica Lake. This Banff trail is quite rooty and a fairly steep one, but it’s 750 meters spread out over 5 km, so plenty of chances to take it slow and relax among the trees.

Once you get to Arnica Lake, you’ll be amazed by the views and if you visit in late September when the larches have turned golden you are in for a real treat.

I love this Banff hike because you have plenty of options to keep going and explore more. If you have a little more in you continue to Twin Lakes, where you can camp at Twin Lakes Campground or turn around for one long day hike. For a truly epic circuit, you can hike up to Gibbon Pass, which is said to be one of the most beautiful hikes in all the Rockies!

This whole circuit makes for a great backcountry trip where you can hike 15 km to Shadow Lake and stay at the Shadow Lake Campground, or continue on to Ball Pass campground, then to Scarab and Mummy Lakes to end at the Sunshine Parking lot. So many great options in this area for 2, 3, 4, or a 5-day backcountry trip!

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26.) Skoki Valley

Although the Skoki area is right next to Lake Louise Ski Resort and literally across the TransCanada from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, it is far less frequented or even heard about than the other two areas. But if you go on this adventure to hike back to Skoki Lakes and the peaks in the area, you will be amazed by the scenery.

Start at the car park area for Skoki Lodge near Lake Louise Ski Resort. The start of the hike is pretty boring as it trails along a ski-out road until you reach the Larch side of Lake Louise. Once you reach the chairlift, the worst is behind you and you have a few more km of hiking through the forest until the area really opens up into something spectacular.

I’m not noting one single hike in here, as there are tons of Banff hiking trails and mountains to climb once you get back into the Skoki Valley, including Mount Richardson and Brachiopod Mountain.

However, I found the most amazing views to be around Skoki Lakes – which are Myosotis Lake and Zigadenus Lake. But you can also hike to Baker Lake, Redoubt Lake, have lunch at Ptarmigan Lake and backcountry camp back here. You’ll have to study a map and do some legwork yourself to plan out an itinerary for this area, but I’m 100% you’ll be blown away with whatever you choose.

This is easily one of the best larch hikes in Banff, and I would highly recommend saving this area until the trees turn yellow in late September.

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Amazing Banff Scrambles

If you are a good hiker and want to try something more challenging, try your hand at scrambling. Scrambling is a walk up steep terrain involving the use of one’s hands. Three points of contact with your body is typically needed to classify a hike as a scramble. I love scrambling as it’s more challenging than hiking, and it’s typically required to access some of the big peaks in the Rockies.

It’s a prevalent sport in Banff, but it should not be confused with hiking. Some scrambles are dangerous and you should have proper experience with harder Banff hikes and maybe even some beginner scrambling. Some scramble are not straightforward and do not have a defined trail, meaning route finding and a sense of adventure is needed. August is the best time to scramble as most of the snow has melted off the mountain peaks. 

When I rate the difficulty of these scrambles, I am referring to how difficult the scramble is as far as scrambling terms. This means – is there exposure on the scramble, and how experienced should you be. The difficulty scale here is not the same as the difficulty on a Banff hike.

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27.) Devil’s Thumb

While physically, it’s not much more challenging than the Big Beehive, The Devil’s Thumb is classified as a scramble. Albeit a straightforward one and a great place to start for the adventurous to test their skills. From the Big Beehive hike (mentioned above), this departs from the trail on the way to the overlook and heads along the ridge and then up a gully to the top of Devil’s Thumb. It’s an excellent choice for the adventurous looking for something more out of their Lake Louise hikes.

The gully up to the top of Devil’s Thumb can be busy, steep, and contain loose rock; for this reason, we recommend wearing a helmet. You never know if an inexperienced hiker above you will launch a rock down the gully – hikers have been hurt here from this! It’s also why we would recommend an early morning approach or late afternoon in the shoulder season when it’s quieter.

A Guide to: Scrambling Up Devil's Thumb

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28.) The Onion

There is no shortage of Banff hikes and scrambles along the Icefields Parkway that offer views of craggy peaks topped by glaciers, and the Onion scramble is no exception. The Onion was one of my favorite days out this past summer, as the views are insane. It’s also a hike with not a lot of intel and not mentioned in any scrambling books or on Alltrails.

The scramble up to this unofficial peak places right next to the Wapta Icefield, the source of the Bow River. Expect to see glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, tarns, and unique rock formations. Easily the most varied and awesome scramble on this list, and not technical!

A Guide to: Scrambling The Onion in Banff

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29.) Mt. Jimmy Simpson

Right near The Onion scramble at Bow Lake is Mount Jimmy Simpson. This was another one of my favorite scrambles of the entire summer, meaning I’m going to be heading back to Bow Lake a whole lot more next summer.

The scramble up Jimmy Simpson is long and is best left to the more experienced as some route finding is involved. Nevertheless, if you are up for the adventure, you will be rewarded with some of the best views over the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake, and even Peyto Lake that you can get.

If Mount Jimmy Simpson is a little too long of a day for you, you can always consider bushwacking up to Jimmy Simpson Jr, which has much less elevation gain and distance involved.

A Guide to: Scrambling Jimmy Simpson Mountain

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30.) Mount Little Hector

Another fantastic scramble on the Icefields Parkway is Little Hector. However, make no mistake, Little Hector is not little at all and will require you to gain almost 1300 meters in less than 5km. That means it is steep, but it’s a fun scramble with amazing views at the top.

There is actually little actual scrambling involved, but the sections requiring at least three points of contact do require some experience as a fall would result in a likely break (but probably not death). That being said, there isn’t much exposure on the route, and looking back at Hector Lake and ahead at Mount Hector sure does take your breath away.

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31.) Cascade Mountain

Cascade Mountain towers over the town of Banff and has been on every postcard of Banff National Park for years. It’s beautiful to look at, but you don’t just have to stop there!

Did you know you can actually climb Cascade Mountain? It will require work and a long 20km day with a lot of elevation gain, but the rewards are fantastic views over Lake Minnewanka and the glory of saying you summited Cascade! It’s not the most exciting hike you can do in Banff, but it is easily accessible from the town if you don’t want to venture far. Plan a full day for Cascade Mountain and pack appropriately; this is a serious mountain and should not be taken lightly.

If it’s your first hike in the Canadian Rockies, I would not suggest Cascade. It’s long, has a lot of elevation gain, and has a few hands-on scrambling points throughout the hike. We met many people on Cascade that had never hiked before, and I don’t think that’s such a good idea for such a big mountain. However, if you’ve been hiking in the Rockies and are looking for a longer objective, Cascade is a good one.

Read More: How to Hike Cascade Mountain

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32.) Tower of Babel

Tower of Babel is perhaps the most well-known scramble around the Lake Moraine and Lake Louise area. It’s a quick objective with awesome views of Moraine Lake, Consolation Valley, and the Bow Valley. Tower of Babel is a sub-peak. However, just because it’s a quick one does not mean it is easy – actually, it’s quite intimidating, as it’s literally almost straight up.

Last summer, we had Tower of Babel on our objective list, but we could never complete it due to parking struggles at Lake Moraine. However, last summer, we were finally able to check this Banff scramble off after we biked to Moraine Lake and can say the views of Moraine are impressive, and looking ahead at Mount Temple and behind you at Mount Faye sure does leave you jaw-dropping.

How to Scramble the Tower of Babel

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33.) Observation Peak

Have you heard of the Instagram famous Peyto Lake? Most visitors park in the nearby parking lot and walk up an easy 10 minute maintained path to see it in the summer. However, those looking for an alternative, more adventurous way to see Peyto Lake and the rest of the beautiful Banff National Park should consider the scramble up to Observation Peak.

Observation Peak is a moderate scramble that can be done in half a day. It is one of our favorite scrambles in the Canadian Rockies and provides an excellent workout, stunning views, and little to no other visitors around. You get unparalleled views over Peyto Lake and the Icefields Parkway; however, some intimidating scramble sections require experience scrambling in the Rockies.

A Guide to: Scrambling Observation Peak on the Icefields Parkway

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Our Recommendations

The classic hikes for first-timers are Johnston Canyon, Tunnel Mountain, and Lake Agnes Tea House.

If you want a short, easy hike with big view payoffs we recommend Parker Ridge Hike.

If you will be hiking with kids try Johnston Canyon, Tunnel Mountain, Parker Ridge, or Little Beehive.

If it’s your first time on a scramble consider Devil’s Thumb, or drive a bit further to Paget Peak in Yoho.

Our personal top three favorite Banff hikes are Skoki Valley, Healy Pass, and Paradise Valley.

Our top three favorite scrambles are The Onion and Mt Jimmy Simpson.

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Then, There’s Always Kananaskis Hiking!

For hikes near Banff, consider Kananaskis Country!

This list was just Banff hikes, but there is so much more in the area, such as Yoho National Park and Kananaskis Country. Both offer spectacular hikes near Banff and are home to some of our all-time favorite hikes and scrambles in the region.

To learn more, we’ve got a post on our favorite easy hikes in Kananaskis Country here as well as our all-time favorite Kananaskis hikes ranging in difficulty.

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Hiking Gear We Recommend

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Advice On These Best Banff Hikes

• If it’s your first time on these hikes around Banff take a conservative approach – read our post for beginner hikers in the Canadian Rockies too. Pick an adequate hike for your fitness, plan for plenty of time, pack water and food, and don’t be afraid to turn around. If you want to learn more about what to wear hiking we have a great post.
• Always carry bear spray if you plan to hike in Banff. Always practice wildlife awareness when you’re on a trail, and please give animals space.
• Leash your dogs. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while hiking in Banff.
• If tackling some of these hikes in Banff during the winter months, snowshoes, microspikes, and poles are a huge help. If you plan on hiking a lot in the winter taking an Avalanche Safety Course is recommended if you are venturing into any Avalanche terrain.
• There is no cell service for most of these hikes, a Garmin Inreach, or something similar could save your life!
• For all of these hikes you will need a Parks Canada Pass. The pass costs $10.50 for the day or get a Discovery Pass which gets you entrance to all Parks Canada destinations for the year and is only $145.25 for a family. You can purchase this at any park gate.

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