r/lists • Posted by Mark Jensen🏕️ Outdoors

Most Scenic Hiking Trails near Banff National Park

Most Scenic Hiking Trails near Banff National ParkHey fellow adventurers! If you're anything like me, you live for those breathtaking mountain views and the smell of fresh pine on a trail. Banff National Park and its surrounding areas are an absolute goldmine for hikers, offering everything from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging alpine ascents. I've put together a list of some of my absolute favorite scenic hikes that you just can't miss when you're exploring this incredible part of the Canadian Rockies. Lace up your boots and let's go!
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    Johnston Canyon Trail to the Ink Pots

    Johnston Canyon Day Use Area, Bow Valley Pkwy, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
    hikebiketravel.com
    This iconic trail takes you through a stunning canyon with catwalks bolted to the cliff face, leading to beautiful waterfalls and eventually the vibrant, mineral-rich Ink Pots. It's a must-do for its unique scenery, though it can get pretty busy, so go early!
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    Tunnel Mountain Trail

    137 St Julien Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
    banfflakelouise.com
    Often called 'Snoopy' for its shape, this is a fantastic shorter hike right from the town of Banff, offering incredible panoramic views of the town, Bow Valley, and Mount Rundle. Perfect for an evening stroll or a quick workout.
  3. 3

    Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail

    Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    Starting from the stunning Lake Louise, this moderate climb takes you past a beautiful waterfall to a historic teahouse where you can enjoy refreshments with an unbeatable view. It's truly a classic!
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    Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail

    Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    Another gem starting from Lake Louise, this hike offers expansive views of glaciers, towering peaks, and ends at another rustic teahouse. It’s a bit longer but the scenery is absolutely worth every step!
  5. 5

    Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail & Lakeshore Walk

    Moraine Lake Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    While Moraine Lake itself is breathtaking, the short walk up the Rockpile gives you those iconic views you've seen in countless photos. You can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake's pristine turquoise shores.
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    Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass

    Moraine Lake Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    If you're visiting in the fall, this trail from Moraine Lake is an absolute showstopper as the larch trees turn brilliant gold. The views of the Ten Peaks from Sentinel Pass are unforgettable.
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    Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail

    Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    The short, paved trail to the Peyto Lake viewpoint reveals one of the most famously shaped lakes in the Rockies, resembling a wolf's head. The vibrant turquoise water is truly mesmerizing.
  8. 8

    Bow Glacier Falls Trail

    Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    banfflakelouise.com
    Starting from the picturesque Bow Lake and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, this easy-to-moderate trail leads you to the base of Bow Glacier Falls, where you can literally see the birth of the Bow River!
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    Parker Ridge Trail

    Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    This trail, a bit further north on the Icefields Parkway, offers a relatively quick climb to stunning views of the vast Saskatchewan Glacier. It’s a unique perspective on the Columbia Icefield.
  10. 10

    Grassi Lakes Trail

    Ken Ritchie Way, Canmore, AB T1W 2T5, Canada
    alltrails.com
    Just outside Banff in Canmore, the Grassi Lakes hike is an easy family-friendly option leading to two impossibly clear turquoise lakes nestled against rock climbing cliffs. You can choose an easier or more challenging path!
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    East End of Rundle (EEOR) Trail

    AB-742, Canmore, AB T1W 2T5, Canada
    alltrails.com
    For those looking for a challenging scramble near Canmore, EEOR offers incredibly rewarding 360-degree views of the Spray Valley, Ha Ling Peak, and Canmore below. It's a steep but unforgettable climb.
  12. 12

    Sulphur Mountain Trail

    Banff Gondola, 101 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2, Canada
    alltrails.com
    This popular trail takes you up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Banff townsite, the Bow Valley, and surrounding peaks. You can hike up and take the gondola down!
  13. 13

    Bourgeau Lake Trail

    Bourgeau Lake Trailhead, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1C5, Canada
    alltrails.com
    A longer, more challenging hike that leads to a beautiful alpine lake nestled beneath towering peaks. It's a fantastic full-day adventure for experienced hikers seeking solitude and grand vistas.

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