Image credit: FlickrEasy
Trails
Trails in Banff National Park
Compare distance, typical time, difficulty, and trail details.
Image credit: ParkwolfImage credit: Flickr
Image credit: Public DomainChallenging
Sentinel Pass
Golden larches and big mountain views from Moraine Lake to a pass.
Image credit: FlickrChallenging
Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
Banff’s golden larch showpiece with big-pass views from Moraine Lake
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Parker Ridge Trail
Short climb to a big glacier view on a windswept ridge.
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsModerate
Big Beehive Trail
Classic Lake Louise climb with tea house and a knockout balcony view
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Sunshine Meadows Loop
Lift-assisted alpine meadows, three lakes, and big-views for miles
Image credit: FlickrModerate
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
From Lake Louise to roaring glaciers and a rustic teahouse
Image credit: FlickrChallenging
Cirque Peak
Helen Lake meadows to a scree-top summit with knockout views
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint Trail
Short walk to Banff’s bluest lake view with fewer crowds up top
Image credit: FlickrEasy
Moraine Lake Lakeshore
Easy lakeside stroll with nonstop Ten Peaks and turquoise water views
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsModerate
Lake Agnes Tea House
Classic Lake Louise climb to a cirque lake and historic tea house
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Bow Glacier Falls
Turquoise lake stroll to a roaring glacier-fed waterfall
Image credit: FlickrModerate
Little Beehive Trail
Lake Louise’s best bang-for-buck viewpoint via a historic teahouse
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Fairview Mountain
Steep Lake Louise climb to 360-degree views and golden larches
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Mount Fairview
Lake Louise’s best non-technical summit with huge 360-degree viewsModerate
Eiffel Lake Tr
Quieter Moraine Lake classic with Ten Peaks views and mellow alpine traverseModerate
Helen Lake
Forest climb to big-meadow views and a serene alpine lake.
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Cory Pass – Edith Pass Loop
A tough loop with huge views, Gargoyle Valley, and real exposureModerate
Teahouse Highline Circuit
Link two historic teahouses with glacier and lake views via the Highline
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Mt Rundle Route
Banff’s signature sufferfest: steep limestone and knockout views.
Image credit: FlickrChallenging
Mount Temple
A classic big mountain scramble with huge views and real consequences.Challenging
Helen Lake and Dolomite Pass
Wildflower meadows to a blue alpine lake, with a quiet pass bonus.
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Wenkchemna Pass
High-alpine views above Moraine Lake via quiet, gorgeous Eiffel Lake
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Molar Pass
Big alpine meadows to a dramatic high pass with real solitudeChallenging
Highline: Lake Agnes to Six Glaciers
Link Lake Agnes and Six Glaciers via a big, view-soaked alpine traverseModerate
Paradise Valley Trail
Classic Banff valley to Lake Annette and Giant Steps, minus the crowds.
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Citadel Pass
Rolling alpine meadows to a divide pass and Assiniboine views
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Harvey Pass via Bourgeau Lake
Big payoff alpine day: lakes, marmots, and huge views from the passChallenging
Dolomite Pass via Helen Lake
Big pass views and geology after a worthy climb from Helen Lake.
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Mt Bourgeau Rt
Long, rewarding push from forest to alpine lakes to a big view summit
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Egypt Lake Trail
Alpine pass to a lake-filled basin—best as a backpacking basecamp
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Assiniboine Pass Trail
Classic gateway to Assiniboine with big views after a long valley.
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Mount Bourgeau via Harvey Pass
Big-day classic: lakes, Harvey Pass, and a panoramic summit.
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Wonder Pass Trail
Steep, stunning gateway to Marvel Lake and Mount Assiniboine
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Fish Lakes
Banff’s classic backpack to turquoise lakes over North Molar Pass
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Clearwater Pass and Devon Lakes
Remote, multi-pass alpine traverse to turquoise Devon LakesChallenging
Skoki Valley Loop via Deception Pass
Alpine lakes, wildflowers, and big passes on a classic Rockies loop
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Skoki Trail
Classic multi-day loop of meadows, passes, and turquoise lakes.Moderate
Skoki Valley Trail
Classic multi-day alpine loop to lakes, passes, and a historic lodge
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Devon Lakes
Remote, multi-pass backpack to turquoise lakes and big valley viewsChallenging
Sawback Trail
Banff-to-Lake Louise traverse with big passes, lakes, and solitude
Image credit: FlickrEasy
Bow Summit Lookout
Quieter, bigger views above Peyto Lake without a big effort.Challenging
Giant Steps via Paradise Valley
A long, quieter day to meadows, Lake Annette, and the Giant Steps.Moderate
Healy Pass
Long, mellow climb to wildflower meadows, golden larches, and big views
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Paradise Valley and Giant Steps
Quieter Lake Louise classic to a tiered waterfall via Lake AnnetteChallenging
Boulder Pass and Ptarmigan Lake
A big, quiet alpine day to Boulder Pass and turquoise Ptarmigan Lake
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Peyto Lake Lower Viewpoint Trail
Short spur to the quieter, best-angle view of turquoise Peyto Lake
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Standish Viewpoint Loop
Big alpine views over three lakes for minimal effort
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Rock Isle Lake Loop
Instant alpine lakes and meadows via a quick gondola ride
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls
Banff’s catwalk canyon to thundering Upper Falls—short, spectacular.Moderate
Merlin Lake
Short, punchy detour to a turquoise cirque beneath castle like towersModerate
Saddleback Pass
Shortest shot to big alpine from Lake Louise, best in larch season
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Observation Peak
Big-payoff Peyto and Bow Lakes summit scramble with a bruiser climbEasy
Bow Lake Lakeshore
Turquoise shoreline stroll to a glacier-fed waterfall
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Mount Rundle
Banff’s classic sufferfest: steep limestone, huge summit views
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsModerate
Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots
Canyon catwalks to vibrant spring-fed pools—busy but worth it
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Devil's Thumb
Unsigned scramble above Lake Louise with twin lake and glacier views
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Eiffel Peak Trail
Big-mountain scramble above Moraine Lake for larch-season glory
Image credit: FlickrModerate
Mount St. Piran
A quieter Lake Louise summit with huge views and steady switchbacks
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Mount Niblock
Steep Lake Agnes scramble to one of Lake Louise’s best viewpointsChallenging
Bow Hut Trail
Alpine climb to Bow Hut with glacier views, boulders, and creek hopsChallenging
Twin Lakes via Arnica Lake
Larch-lined climb linking Vista, Arnica, and the serene Twin LakesChallenging
Twin Lakes via Gibbon Pass
Four lakes, golden larches, and a real workout over Gibbon Pass
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Rockbound Lake and Tower Lake
Two alpine lakes and big Castle Mountain cliffs in one moderate day
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Cascade Mountain
Long, committing scramble to a panoramic summit via Cascade Amphitheatre
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Minnewanka Trail
Big-lake shoreline walk with constant views and choose-your-lengthChallenging
South Molar Pass
Big alpine meadows and panoramas with a remote, rewarding feelChallenging
Gibbon Pass via Twin Lakes
Four alpine lakes to a golden larch pass with big views
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Aylmer Lookout Trail
Long lakeside approach to a knockout Lake Minnewanka panorama
Image credit: FlickrChallenging
Fossil Mountain
Long alpine day to fossil beds and sweeping Skoki viewsModerate
Healy Pass to Egypt Lake
Classic meadow-and-lake epic over Healy Pass into quiet Egypt Lake
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Pulsatilla Pass
Remote alpine pass with karst flats and wildflower meadows
Image credit: FlickrEasy
Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
Ridge-top boardwalk to a cosmic-ray site with sweeping valley views
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsEasy
Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
Short, easy canyon walk to a roaring waterfall and spray-filled cave
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Tower of Babel
Short, steep scree scramble to outrageous Moraine Lake viewsChallenging
Sunset Lookout
Steep forest climb to a big, quiet view over two wild rivers
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsModerate
Sulphur Mountain Trail
Steady switchbacks to big Banff views, with a gondola bailout
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Marvel Pass Trail
Remote larches-and-lakes pass with big Rockies views and solitude
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Nigel Pass
Gentle meadows-to-pass hike with big views and a historic start
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Burstall Pass Trail
Varied approach to a larch-lined pass with big Spray Valley views
Image credit: MapboxChallenging
Rockbound Lake
Two alpine lakes, big Castle Mountain walls, and September larches.Moderate
Ptarmigan Lake via Boulder Pass
Big alpine payoff after a dull road: meadows, pass, and lake
Image credit: FlickrChallenging
Mount Richardson
Long Skoki day to a panoramic summit via Hidden LakeModerate
Baker Lake via Boulder Pass
Alpine-lake ramble beyond Boulder Pass to a quiet glacial basinChallenging
Quartz Hill
Ridge to a quartz-capped summit with big Sunshine Meadows views
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Shadow Lake via Redearth Creek
Bike the approach, then hike to a brilliant alpine lake and lodge.
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
North Molar Pass
Big alpine meadows and solitude beyond Mosquito Creek
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Mystic Pass via Johnston Canyon
Crowded canyon start, lonely meadows and big views at Mystic Pass.
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Mistaya Canyon Trail
Quick walk to a dramatic slot canyon and bridge on the ParkwayModerate
Packer Pass Trail
Skoki’s scenic shortcut—turquoise lakes, larches, and an airy pass
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Grizzly-Larix Loop
Alpine lakes and golden larches with easy grades, big views
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail
Banff’s quickest summit for big town views with minimal effort.
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsEasy
Consolation Lakes Trail
Short forest walk from Moraine Lake to glacial lakes and boulders
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Castle Lookout
Short, steady climb to one of Bow Valley’s best panoramas
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Castle Mountain Lookout
Steady climb to huge Bow Valley views beneath Castle Mountain.
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Twin Cairns and Monarch Viewpoint
High-alpine Sunshine Meadows views with minimal effortChallenging
Pipestone Pass
Remote alpine highline over a historic, little-traveled Rockies pass
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Moraine Lake Highline Trail
Demanding highline linking Louise and Moraine with big-mountain viewsModerate
Whistling Pass
Alpine pass with huge views and a Haiduk Lake detour worth it
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsEasy
Boom Lake Trail
Gentle forest walk to a big mountain lake with room to linger
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Lake Annette
A quieter Moraine Lake area hike to a turquoise alpine lake
Image credit: Public DomainModerate
Bourgeau Lake
Steady forest climb to a blue green cirque lake, fewer crowds
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Mount Jimmy Simpson Trail
Lake-to-summit scramble with huge Icefields Parkway panoramas
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Tower Lake
Quieter alpine lake day beneath Castle Mountain’s towering cliffs
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Arnica Lake and Twin Lakes via Vista Lake
Lake trifecta with larches and quiet miles beyond the highway
Image credit: FlickrChallenging
Deception Pass
Long, wild approach to a big view alpine pass above Ptarmigan LakeModerate
Pharaoh Creek Trail
Steep, quieter gateway to Egypt Lake with bike-and-hike efficiency.
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Aylmer Pass Trail
Long lake to pass grind with huge Minnewanka views and a quiet payoffEasy
Fairview Lookout
Short climb to a classic Lake Louise postcard view
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Arnica Lake
Larch season stunner to a quiet alpine lake and big viewsChallenging
Caldron Lake
Hidden alpine lake via airy ridge with big Peyto Glacier views
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Sunset Pass
Big views, golden meadows, and blessed solitude off the Parkway
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Lake Minnewanka Trail
Endless turquoise shoreline with choose-your-own distance
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Panther Falls
Quick, misty detour to a thundering canyon waterfall
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsEasy
Silverton Falls Trail
Quick, quiet waterfall fix with real payoff near Castle JunctionEasy
Stewart Canyon Trail
Lake stroll to a mossy canyon and classic bridge views
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
C-Level Cirque
Steep forest climb to a dramatic cirque with big Lake Minnewanka views
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsEasy
Hoodoos Trail
Easy riverside stroll linking Surprise Corner and the Banff Hoodoos.
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Tunnel Mtn Hoodoos Trail
Easy forest stroll linking Surprise Corner with the Hoodoos
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail
Forest and river walk linking Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Ink Pots via Moose Meadows
Quieter forest route to the bubbling blue green Ink Pots.
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Moose Meadows to Ink Pots
Quieter forest approach to the surreal Ink Pots springs
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsChallenging
Bow Peak
Quiet river ford to an alpine pass and bouldery summit views
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Mount Inglismaldie Route
Big views over Minnewanka on a steep, loose, unmarked scramble.
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Mount Edith Route
Big, exposed three-peak scramble above wild Gargoyle Valley.
Image credit: FlickrModerate
Glacier Lake
Quiet forest walk to a turquoise lake beneath the Lyell GlacierEasy
Spray River West Trail
Gentle riverside multi-use with bridge views and winter grooming
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Mount Cory Route
Steep, hands-on scramble to big Bow Valley views above Banff.
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Lower Panther Falls
Big payoff, quick drop to a roaring, misty cliffside waterfall.
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Cave and Basin Boardwalks
Easy, steamy stroll through hot springs, wetlands, and history.
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsEasy
Bow River Trail (Banff)
Scenic, flat riverside stroll from downtown to Bow Falls
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Johnson Lake Loop
Easy lakeside loop with nonstop views and picnic-perfect pauses
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Johnston Lake Loop
Easy lakeside loop with big-mountain views and picnic-perfect stopsEasy
Two Jack Lake Loop
Easy lakeshore wander with mirror-still sunrises and Rundle views
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsModerate
Mirror Lake
Short climb from Lake Louise to a tiny tarn beneath the Beehive
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Eohippus Lake Trail
Quieter Sunshine Meadows lake walk with big views and wildflowers
Image credit: FlickrEasy
Chephren Lake Trail
Forest walk to a turquoise glacial lake beneath towering peaks
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Vermilion Lakes Trail
Flat lakeside stroll with big Mount Rundle views and wildlife moments
Image credit: FlickrModerate
Sundance Canyon
Paved riverside ride to a shady canyon loop with bridges and falls
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Tunnel Mountain Bench Trail
Shady singletrack loop with Hoodoo and Rundle views near Banff
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Mosquito Creek Trail
Underrated creek-and-meadow wander with an easy jump to high alpine.Moderate
Taylor Lake
Steady forest climb to a tranquil larch‑fringed alpine lake
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Hidden Lake (Skoki)
Quieter Skoki alpine lake with big-peak views—worth the road grindChallenging
O'Brien Lake
Quieter sister to Taylor Lake with larches and a serene shore
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Ball Pass Trail
Big climb through burn to a lonely pass with massive views
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Bryant Creek Trail
Long, steady valley walk to shelter, camps, and Assiniboine gatewaysChallenging
Oyster Peak Route
Big-distance Skoki scramble to a quiet summit and golden larches
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Mystic Lake via Johnston Canyon
Backcountry quiet over Mystic Pass to a pristine, little-visited lake.
Image credit: MapillaryEasy
Bow Falls Trail
Easy riverside stroll from Banff to a wide, thundering waterfall
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Sheol Pass
Quiet connector linking Saddleback Pass and Paradise Valley
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Hoodoos Interpretive Trail
Easy ridge walk to the hoodoos with big Bow Valley views
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsEasy
Hoodoos Viewpoint Trail
Easy riverside walk to Banff’s hoodoos and big-mountain views
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsModerate
Sundance Canyon Trail
Paved riverside to a shady waterfall canyon right from Banff
Image credit: MapboxChallenging
Sarbach Lookout
Steady forest climb to a quiet ridge with big Icefields views.
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Red Deer River Trail
Remote river-valley ramble with big views and serious ford potential
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Bankhead Loop
Easy loop through a ghost town of coal ruins and mountain views.
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Lower Bankhead Interpretive Trail
Ghost town loop through coal mine ruins with Cascade Mountain views
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Owen Creek Tail
Quiet creek to alpine route that starts the Great Divide Trail
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Discovery Boardwalk
Steam, snails, and the birthplace of Canada’s parksModerate
Stoney Lookout Trail
Short forest loop to big Banff and Cascade Mountain views
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Forty Mile Creek Trail
Quiet creek‑valley gateway to the Sawback Range and hidden lakes
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsEasy
Banff Legacy Trail
Paved Banff–Canmore ride with big-mountain views and highway hum
Image credit: ParkwolfChallenging
Devil's Gap via Lake Minnewanka
Long, quiet lakeshore trek to Banff’s mountain-to-prairie gateway.
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Hector Lake Trail
Short, quiet hike to a turquoise lake—if you nail the river fordModerate
Cascade Amphitheatre
Steady forest grind to a breathtaking limestone cirque
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Herbert Lake Loop
Quick lakeshore loop with glassy reflections and a summer swimModerate
Red Deer Lakes
Quiet alpine basin with good camping and fishing in SkokiEasy
Spray River Loop
Easy riverside loop near Banff Springs, mellow, scenic, year round.Moderate
Simpson Pass
Quiet frost meadow pass with larch color and a Continental Divide twist.Easy
Cascade Ponds Loop
Relaxed pond loop with bridges, big views, and perfect picnic spots.
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Marsh Boardwalk
Easy wetlands loop with big Bow Valley views and great birdingEasy
Louise Creek Trail
A shady creekside climb to Lake Louise without the parking circusEasy
Spray River East Trail
Quiet riverside forest walk near town with year round use
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Bow River Loop (Lake Louise)
Flat, scenic riverside loop steps from Lake Louise village.Easy
Middle Spray River Trail
Forested riverside loop from Banff Springs with easy mileage tweaks
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Sunshine Village Simpson Pass Trail
Quiet alpine meadows to the AB/BC border with summer wildflowersModerate
Redearth Creek Trail
Forested fire road to Shadow Lake with a steady, bikeable approach
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Waterfowl Lakes Shoreline Trail
Quick, turquoise-lake stroll with big Mount Chephren views
Image credit: Public DomainEasy
Marsh Loop
Flat wetland loop with rich birdlife by Cave and BasinEasy
Lake Louise Tramline Trail
Forest climb from village to Lake Louise on a historic railbed
Image credit: ParkwolfModerate
Ross Lake Trail
Quiet forest ramble to a hidden lake on the Great DivideEasy
Tramline Trail
Gentle forested climb to Lake Louise on a historic tramway route
Image credit: ParkwolfEasy
Great Divide Trail (Lake Louise)
Wide, flat old highway to the Continental Divide—great year-round
Image credit: Wikimedia CommonsEasy
Fenland Trail
Shady spruce loop with bridges and birds, minutes from Banff
Image credit: FlickrModerate
