Hikes in The Canadian Rockies

Best Hikes in The Canadian Rockies

Kananaskis Hikes
johnston canyon - banff

We can not think of a more spectacular place on earth than the Canadian Rockies in summer. There aren’t many places in North America where you can find yourself alone in Alpine passes surrounded by flowers and wildlife. There is an abundance of trails, mountains, passes, cols, and saddles to explore solitude.

A wide swath of hiking trails provides visitors with expansive glaciated icefields, forested valleys, towering peaks, sparkling emerald lakes, and close encounters with wildlife. The towns of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Field, and Jasper sit within the Canadian Rockies and serve as amazing bases that will astound visitors with mountain views.

If you’re keen to hike or want to see the lakes, you have a narrow window of summer as the lakes and peaks are locked away in snow and ice for the majority of the year.


Find A Hike

The Best Hikes in Banff

Looking for the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies? We share our favorite hikes in Banff and share 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 capable of anyone of reasonable fitness. 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 hikes is certain to supply plenty of fantastic wilderness landscapes.


Fantastic Canmore Hikes

Interested in tackling some of the best Canmore hikes? The little town has a wide selection of hikes.

Peyto-Lake-Viewpoint-Sunset

Easy Hikes in Banff

Check out these easy Banff hikes that are family-friendly as the vast majority of us are not up for death-defying mountain summits in the Canadian Rockies.

Hikes in Kananasksis

Our past summer was filled with a plethora of spectacular Kananaskis hikes.


Best Moraine Lake Hikes

Most visitors head to Moraine Lake for a quick view, but there are so many hikes to enjoy!

Barrier Lake

Easy Hikes in Kananaskis

Some of the Best Hikes in The Canadian Rockies are family friendly trails in Kananaskis!

taylor-lake-alberta-larch-hike

Best Larch Hikes in Alberta

Come late September and the larches turn a beautiful golden color!


Best Hikes in Yoho

Looking for the best hikes in Yoho National Park? We share some of our favorite hikes around Yoho National Park

Mt St Piran

Spectacular Lake Louise Hikes

We share the most popular hikes around the lake and share all of the details in this guide to experience the best hikes around Lake Louise.


Multi Night Backcountry Trips

Berg Lake Trail

The Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park

We finally checked off the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park this summer and all I can say is – wow!

Lake O'Hara Shoreline

Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide

Those lucky enough to sleep on the shores of Lake O’Hara are treated to a glorious landscape full of wildlife, glaciers, larch trees, and alpine lakes.

Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

With the resplendent scenery that surrounds Mount Assiniboine, a trip here is considered one of the finest backcountry trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Guide to Bugaboo Provincial Park

This backcountry camping destination is accessed using the Conrad Kain Hut Trail and is home to the Bugaboo Glacier, alpine lakes, and unmatched views.

Floe Lake

Guide to Camping at Floe Lake

Floe Lake is a pristine glacial oasis located on the edge of Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, just west of Banff. The high elevation keeps Floe Lake snowbound for most of the year, but those who make the journey during either on a day hike or multi day trip are well rewarded!


Notable Hikes in the Canadian Rockies

Johnston Canyon - Banff Waterfalls

Johnston Canyon Hike

Johnston Canyon is a highlight for many on their trip to Banff and it’s an easy Banff hike that’s great for families.

Tunnel Mountain Hike

The Tunnel Mountain hike in Banff is arguably one of the best Banff hikes and it’s a classic!

Healy Pass Hike

One of the finest hikes in the Banff National Park is Healy Pass. The hike climbs a gradual pass until it unveils a pristine alpine meadow.

Hike Tent Ridge

The Tent Ridge Horseshoe hike is one of my favorite hikes in all of Alberta. It’s the perfect hike with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Smutwood Peak in Kananaskis

The Smutwood Peak hike is a real standout hike in Kananaskis.

hiking parker ridge

Parker Ridge Trail

Parker Ridge is the best hike with rewarding views with very minimal effort in Banff, Parker Ridge can’t be beaten.

Sentinel-Pass

Hike Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass

Get the most fantastic view of the Ten Peaks.

Pocaterra Ridge in Kananaskis

One of the best larch hikes there is in the Canadian Rockies.

Cascade Mountain

Cascade Mountain

Summit one of the most iconic mountains in Banff. Some scrambling experience is helpful.

Arethusa Cirque

One of the best larch hikes for families, and close to Calgary!

Carnarvon Lake

Carnarvon Lakes

This hike is an exciting one with chain ropes and an optional bike ride!

Crypt Lake Trail

Head to Waterton National Park for a thrilling hike to a lake!