r/lists • Posted by Elena Rossi🏕️ Outdoors

Top Hiking Trails around Banff National Park

Top Hiking Trails around Banff National ParkCalling all nature lovers! Banff National Park is an absolute hiker's paradise, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. I've put together a list of my favorite trails, from leisurely strolls to challenging ascents, that will get you up close and personal with glacial lakes, towering peaks, and stunning wildlife.
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  1. 1

    Johnston Canyon Trail (Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Ink Pots)

    Johnston Canyon Day Use Area, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
    alltrails.com
    This iconic trail is a must-do, especially in winter when the waterfalls freeze into incredible ice formations! The catwalks make it accessible for most, leading to the stunning Lower and Upper Falls, and if you continue on, the magical turquoise Ink Pots.
  2. 2

    Lake Agnes Tea House Trail

    Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    Starting from the shores of dazzling Lake Louise, this moderate hike climbs to a charming historic tea house. Enjoy a well-deserved cuppa and some freshly baked goods with incredible views over Lake Agnes and the surrounding peaks.
  3. 3

    Plain of Six Glaciers Trail

    Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    Another gem departing from Lake Louise, this trail takes you deeper into the valley, offering spectacular close-up views of Mount Victoria and its glaciers. There's even a rustic tea house waiting to reward your efforts!
  4. 4

    Big Beehive Trail

    Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    For those wanting a bit more challenge beyond the Lake Agnes Tea House, the Big Beehive offers an exhilarating climb to a lookout with unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau below.
  5. 5

    Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail

    St. Julien Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1C5, Canada
    alltrails.com
    Affectionately known as 'Sleeping Buffalo' by the Stoney Nakoda, this short but rewarding hike is right in Banff town. It's a fantastic year-round option for quick, sweeping views of the Bow Valley and the townsite.
  6. 6

    Sulphur Mountain Trail

    Banff Upper Hot Springs, 1 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
    alltrails.com
    Hike up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for incredible 360-degree views of Banff, the Bow Valley, and six mountain ranges. You can even take the gondola down if your legs are tired!
  7. 7

    Grassi Lakes Trail

    Ken Ritchie Way, Canmore, AB T1W 2T5, Canada
    alltrails.com
    Just outside Banff near Canmore, Grassi Lakes offers two routes to stunning turquoise lakes and a waterfall. The 'easy' path is perfect for families, while the 'difficult' route provides a bit more adventure with steep stairs.
  8. 8

    Ha Ling Peak Trail

    Goat Creek Day Use Area, AB-742, Canmore, AB T1W 2T5, Canada
    alltrails.com
    A challenging but incredibly rewarding hike near Canmore, Ha Ling Peak offers some of the best summit views in the region, looking out over the town and the Spray Valley. It's steep, but the revamped trail makes it a popular choice.
  9. 9

    Sunshine Meadows Trails

    #1 Sunshine Access Road, Banff, AB T1L 1J5, Canada
    banffsunshinemeadows.com
    Accessible by gondola from Sunshine Village, Sunshine Meadows is often called Canada's #1 Day Hike! Explore a network of trails through pristine alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers and three stunning lakes.
  10. 10

    Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail

    Peyto Lake Parking Lot, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    alltrails.com
    A short, paved walk leads to the iconic Peyto Lake viewpoint, famous for its brilliant turquoise, wolf-head shaped waters. It's an easy win for incredible views along the Icefields Parkway.
  11. 11

    Bow Glacier Falls Trail

    Bow Lake, Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1N0, Canada
    banfflakelouise.com
    This moderate trail takes you to the powerful Bow Glacier Falls, where you can see the source of the Bow River cascading from the Wapta Icefield. The journey through rugged terrain is truly spectacular.
  12. 12

    Mistaya Canyon Trail

    Mistaya Canyon Trailhead, Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
    banfflakelouise.com
    A short and relatively easy hike leads to the stunning Mistaya Canyon, where the Mistaya River has carved incredible smooth rock formations. It's a hidden gem along the Icefields Parkway, perfect for a quick scenic stop.
  13. 13

    Cascade Amphitheatre Trail

    Mt Norquay Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1B4, Canada
    alltrails.com
    Starting from the base of Mount Norquay, this challenging day hike leads to a vast alpine bowl surrounded by towering peaks. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bighorn sheep, in this spectacular high-alpine setting.

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