Banff Legacy Trail

Banff Legacy Trail is a paved multi-use route from the west wildlife gate on Bow Valley Parkway to Banff Park East Gate. The complete Banff leg is about 24.5 km (15.2 miles) one way when you count the 2.2 km on-road link through town; the published 22.3 km pathway figure leaves that street segment out. This is point-to-point, not a loop. Allow about six to seven hours on foot for the full route, and arrange a ride at the far end. The terrain rolls, with a few short, marked steep hills.

From the west gate, the route follows Vermilion Lakes Drive toward Banff, then uses town streets before heading east past the Cascade Ponds connector to the East Gate. The street section is part of the continuous route, so expect traffic and road crossings here. Cascade Ponds is a useful mid-route access: the East Gate is about 12.3 km farther east, so turn back when you have had enough or arrange a pickup if you want to walk that section one way.

There are picnic areas, rest spots and interpretive panels along the corridor, including the Valleyview Picnic Area. The route alternates between open valley and lake views and stretches beside busy roads; highway noise is part of the experience. The trail was built for Banff National Park’s 125th anniversary as a way for visitors and Bow Valley residents to explore the landscape.