Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a natural wonderland that calls adventurers from around the world. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, turquoise lakes, and towering mountain peaks, Banff offers a hiking experience like no other.
In this post, I’ll explore some of the top can’t-miss hikes in Banff, each offering a unique perspective on the park’s natural beauty.
Lake Louise – Lake Agnes Tea House
The Tea House at Lake Agnes is a delightful hike-to destination for tea and homemade treats, and is a must-see when visiting Banff. There are several hike options to reach the Lake Agnes Tea House, each for different lengths and skill levels. The hikes below have been mapped out on AllTrails, but the whole area is a system of trails so you can really put together whatever type of hike you’d like to!
Note: Try to reach the tea house early as there will be long lines to get a table later in the day. And bring CAD cash for payment! They accept credit cards, but charge a $5 CAD surcharge.
Lake Agnes Trail
4.6 miles | 1,259 ft. of elevation gain | Moderate | Hike info
The trail begins at the Fairmont Chateau and takes you on a 7.6-kilometer (4.7-mile) journey up alongside Lake Louise to Lake Agnes. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks. The hike is on the shorter side, but is a pretty steady incline the entire way.
Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail
6.0 miles | 1,755 ft. of elevation gain | Moderate to Hard | Hike info
The is basically the same as the previous hike, with the small addition of hiking to Little Beehive. This adds about 1.5 miles but the views are worth it! Once you reach Little Beehive, you’ll be greeted with beautiful views of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks.
Plain of Six Glaciers – Big Beehive – Lake Agnes Tea House
11.3 miles | 3,018 ft. of elevation gain | Hard | Hike info
This option is longer and tougher than the other two, but it adds in three additional sites: the Plain of Six Glaciers, another tea house and Big Beehive. Bonus: The teahouse at the Plain of Six Glaciers, while not providing the same amazing views as the Lake Agnes Tea House, is very quaint and rustic and typically much less crowded. If you’d like to visit both tea houses without waiting in too long of lines, it might be best to do this hike in the opposite direction.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is another jewel in Banff’s crown, and definitely a must-see. It is absolutely the most gorgeous, most vibrant blue lake I have ever seen! As such, it draws the crowds and Banff has begun a ban on passenger vehicles driving up to the lake from Lake Louise Dr. There are now a few ways to reach the lake:
- Parks Canada Shuttles: This requires reservations and they will sell out so I would recommend planning at least a week in advance.
- Roam Public Transit: This bus system runs from the town of Banff to Lake Louise, and offers an upgrade that includes a connector bus to visit the lake.
- Walk or Bike: You can park in a small picnic lot on Lake Louise Dr. and walk or bike the 8 miles up Moraine Lake Rd.
For more information on this visit the Parks Canada website.
Once you reach Moraine Lake, there are some hike options to see even more beauty.
Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail
2.4 miles | 390 ft. of elevation gain | Easy to Moderate | Hike info
This trail wraps around half of Moraine Lake so that you can see the beautiful blue lake from every angle. The part of the hike that is to the left when you walk in is where many of the best photos of the lake are taken, so be sure to do this part!
Sentinel Pass
6.9 miles | 2,457 ft. of elevation gain | Hard | Hike info
The Sentinel Pass hike is a must-do for avid hikers. This challenging trail begins with a short walk along Moraine Lake, then gives you panoramic views of the lake as you ascend away from it. It then takes you through a forest of larch trees, which turn a brilliant golden hue in the fall, and gives you views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and the surrounding wilderness. It’s a bucket-list hike for those seeking a bit of a challenge.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is a small area between Lake Louise and the town of Banff. It’s a perfect 1-2 day stop if you are traveling in between the two areas, or just a short day trip from each.
Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots
7.0 miles | 1,899 ft. of elevation gain | Moderate | Hike info
Johnston Canyon is another must-see in Banff National Park! The trail takes you along catwalks suspended above the rushing waters of Johnston Creek, leading to two stunning waterfalls: the Lower and Upper Falls. A family-friendly option is to stop at the Upper Falls, clocking about 2 miles. It’s easily accessible and provides a captivating look at the power of water erosion in the Rockies.
If you’d like even more views, keep on going to the ink pots! I did this and it was so worth it. After the upper falls, you’ll hike a steady incline through lush forests until you reach a wide open meadow. Here you are greeted with amazing views of the surrounding peaks on the way to reach the ink pots. The ink pots are mineral springs that have different colors because each pool fills at a different rate. This causes them to look like circles of ink.
Town of Banff
Sulphur Mountain Trail
6.7 miles | 2,477 ft. of elevation gain | Hard | Hike info
You can access the trailhead for Sulphur Mountain Trail by taking the Banff Gondola or starting from the base. The trail winds its way to the summit, where you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping panoramic views of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal hike for sunrise or sunset, offering a different perspective on Banff’s beauty.
Bow Falls Viewpoint
1.7 miles | 167 ft. of elevation gain | Easy | Hike info
The Bow Falls viewpoint trail is an easy path that starts from the town of Banff and goes along the Bow River. It’s a pleasant walk that ends at a beautiful view of Bow Falls. You’ll also be treated with a great view of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, an iconic hotel in the town.
Conclusion
Banff National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering a diverse range of trails suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a family looking for a scenic stroll, Banff has something to offer everyone. These top hikes in Banff provide just a glimpse of the natural wonders waiting to be discovered in this breathtaking Canadian destination.