If you’re heading for Canada’s great outdoors, you really should include a visit to Banff National Park. Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, some say it’s one of the world’s most naturally beautiful places. Hiking here is arguably the best way to experience this park’s wildlife and scenery.  

There are hundreds of different hiking trails to choose from too. There are hiking trails frequented mainly by wildflowers and wildlife, and more popular hiking trails that lead you along the shores of one of the loveliest lakes on the continent. For those readers who are overwhelmed by the possibilities, here is a list of the 15 incredible hikes in Banff National Park.

15 Incredible Hikes In Banff National Park

1. The Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail 

The Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail is an easy hike. The distance of this hike is 5.14 kilometers out and back. The elevation is 275 meters.

Veteran visitors say it is one of the park’s prettiest hikes and is not boring. Oddly, while Moraine Lake is very popular, the majority of tourists pay little attention to this trail. They actually stop and take pictures and then move on to their next travel destination.  

They have no clue that this trail is highlighted by some epic views. You can even turn this trek into a full-fledged day trip. There’s a cafe here that’s open seasonally and canoes for rent too.

This hike covers a distance of 5.4 kilometers out and back and has an elevation of 250 meters. Some sources report this hike to be moderately difficult. Others report it to be one of the park’s “least challenging.” What they do agree on is that it is one of the best hikes here.  

The trailhead is on the Icefields Parkway’s west side a few kilometers from the official Banff-Jasper border. The path to the striking glacier is generally wide-open and offers surprisingly expansive views on most of the hike. Enjoy the views of Mount Andromeda, Mount Athabasca, and Cirrus Mountain. If you love colorful wildflowers, take the trek in the summer when it is famously blanketed with them.

This is also a moderately difficult hike. At an elevation of 298 meters, you will hike a total of 8.9 kilometers, out and back. Those who have been, claim that if time is a factor, the Bow Glacier Falls hike certainly doesn’t disappoint.

This scenic hiking trail runs along ice-blue Bow Lake’s shores. It’s one of the park’s most picturesque places. The attractions here will make the hike seem shorter than it actually is.  

After you enjoy the lake, there is an old, wooden staircase to climb, and a small, relatively unchallenging rock scramble near the end. If you own an athletic dog, it is also important to note this is one of the few trails where leashed dogs are allowed.

This out-and-back hike will have you hiking a total of 5.1 kilometers at an elevation of 262 meters. It’s rated moderately difficult. What makes this hike special is that it can be completed at any time.

The area is beautiful both in the summer and the winter. The waterfall is breathtaking when frozen, and incredible while in the summer. You even have your choice of how to complete the trip. Take the short way to the lovely lower falls, turn back, or you can check out the lower falls and then continue to the upper falls. Additionally, the trail runs along Johnston Creek and takes you across an unusual metal walkway built right into the walls of the canyon. 

The out-and-back distance of the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is 7.4 kilometers. It is reported to be a moderately difficult hike at an elevation of 435 meters. It is a favorite of several travel bloggers as well.

The trailhead is at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and runs upwards through the verdant forest there. Highlights of this hike include magnificent Mirror Lake and a lovely little waterfall located at Lake Agnes. The main attraction, the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, was erected in 1901. Take the hike between June and November and you can enjoy a snack there too!

The Plain Of Six Glaciers Hike is, out-and-back, 14.6 kilometers at an elevation of 464 meters. It is a moderately difficult hike that leads to shining Lake Agnes and is reputedly one of the park’s most scenic treks. Mind you, if you turn around at Lake Agnes, your distance will be different.

Of course, whether you go your own way or complete this specific hike, you will be able to take in some spectacular views. Highlights here include Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. If you’re lucky, you might even spot such wildlife as bighorn sheep or caribou. Once you hike past the lake, the trail gets more difficult. The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House is open in the summer too. 

This is yet another moderately difficult out-and-back trail. It covers 11.4 kilometers at an elevation of 392 meters. A number of travel experts agree that this is one of the park’s “most underrated hikes.”

As you make your way to Lake Annette you will see hanging glaciers, massive mountain ranges, and Paradise Creek. Indeed, you actually cross this creek more than once and will welcome the shady, densely forested areas while hiking in the hot summer heat. Rest a bit at Lake Annette, then if you’re feeling energetic, continue on to pretty Paradise Valley. Mind you, that makes your total trek almost 21 kilometers.

The Helen Lake hike is a moderately difficult, 11.6-kilometer, out-and-back hike at an elevation of 540 meters. This is another often ignored hiking trail. Those in the know say that despite the official difficulty rating, it is comparatively one of the park’s easier treks.

Here you’ll witness a variety of terrains including sparkling lakes, dense, lush forests, and meadows full of glacier lilies, before reaching your glittering goal: scenic Helen Lake. Remember, you will also encounter some creeks so keep in mind that recent rains may have made the water deeper than you expect.  

This is a challenging out-and-back hike with a distance of over 11 kilometers and an elevation of 799 meters. This hike features fantastic fall foliage if you take it in autumn. The larch trees turn a beautiful shade of gold.

At first, the hike is relatively easy as you trek ‘cross the flat ground. However, the switchbacks come quite quickly as the elevation increases. Ah, but remember, you’ll soon see some surprising views of Moraine Lake.

Stop at the summit of striking Sentinel Pass. There, above the trees, you can see every one of the park’s 10 peaks. Keep in mind that the busy Moraine Lake parking lot fills up quite quickly and the park officials close the road, which forces visitors to take the shuttle. Reservations are recommended.

This challenging, dramatic out-and-back trek will take you a distance of nearly 14 kilometers in total. At an elevation of 924 meters, it is one of the best hikes here in Banff. The trailhead is located right behind Mount Norquay’s Mystic Chairlift.

The first mile is easy as the trail eventually leads you through a largely forested area ‘til you come to the popular natural amphitheater. Once you reach the amphitheater, you may wish to summit Cascade Mountain. Mind you, it is no easy task to do so. Indeed, unless you have previous climbing experience you should probably not attempt the feat.

This challenging loop trail has a total distance of 12.7 kilometers and an elevation of 1,135 meters. It is the significant elevation gain and an area that requires you to scramble over rocks that makes this little Banff outdoor adventure a challenge. On the other hand, it certainly is a heck of a way to avoid crowds of tourists!

So, get in shape and then head up the Cory Pass side and head down the Edith Pass. This way you will be able to get some incredible views of magnificent Mount Cory. Doing it this way also means the toughest part of your trek comes first so you don’t need to stress over having enough energy to complete the hike. The unique views and overall sense of accomplishment will make all that scrambling over big boulders worth it!

This is also a challenging hike. The out-and-back distance here is 13.8 kilometers with an elevation of 960 meters. This is one of the trails the locals enjoy hiking. Additionally, it is tourist-free too.

The trail is highlighted by what makes the Canadian Rockies special: alpine lakes, stunning views, thundering waterfalls, and wildlife. What makes this trail challenging is mainly the section past Bourgeau Lake as you’re heading to Harvey Pass. If you keep hiking beyond the lake it tacks on another 2.4+ kilometers. Additionally, no matter when you go, the pass is reportedly covered in ice and snow.  

This hike is, out-and-back, almost 10 kilometers. It is another challenging hike and has an elevation of 1,012 meters. The journey here begins at lovely Lake Louise.

Many visitors choose a less difficult trail and thus you will encounter fewer travelers along your trip. Some consider this a hard hike because of the steep ascent. Prepare for at least one hour of climbing and know you’ll be crossing a few false summits as well. Once you truly reach the top though, you’ll enjoy incredible 360-degree views. 

The Sulphur Mountain Trail is a 10.9-kilometer, out-and-back hike. This is yet another challenging, less-trafficked trail perfect for athletic adventurers looking to avoid tourist crowds. This hike starts at the top of the Banff Gondola parking lot. 

What makes the hike hard is its elevation: 756 meters. Plus, you will find yourself scrambling and climbing steep, scree-coated slopes. The views across the entire park and the nearby Sundance Mountain Range once you reach the summit make the effort well worthwhile.

Last but certainly not least, is this challenging, 18.3-kilometer, out-and-back adventure. The elevation here is 890 meters. The difficulty level here is mainly due to the elevation gain and the length of the trail.  

If you are a regular hiker you should have the endurance to handle the hike. Much of it leads through a lush, canopied forest, opening up as you get close to Healy Pass. Enjoy the sweeping lake and mountain views.

While this Banff trail includes picturesque scenery in the summer, the fall foliage is particularly colorful. If you hike it in the summer, you will discover a valley full of colorful wildflowers. Hike it in the fall and you will see the golden, fiery larch trees.

It is important to note that Banff National Park has a lot of snow in both the winter and the spring. That means that the major roads in this area close seasonally. Therefore, the very best time to visit is usually between the middle of June and early October. You will be able to safely and easily access the park at that time.

Here are some things you should have with you on every hike regardless of difficulty level:

• Backpack
• Comfortable, layered clothing 
• Bug repellant
• Hiking boots and socks
• Hiking staff/trekking pole
• Map 
• Sun/UV protection: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Trail mix/energy food
• Water bottle or hydration pack and/or water bottles
• Smartphone in waterproof bag/container (You can download Google Maps offline if you lose service)