Easy
Trails
Trails in Banff National Park
Compare distance, typical time, difficulty, and trail details.
Challenging
Sentinel Pass
Golden larches and big mountain views from Moraine Lake to a pass.
Challenging
Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
Banff’s golden larch showpiece with big-pass views from Moraine Lake
Moderate
Parker Ridge Trail
Short climb to a big glacier view on a windswept ridge.
Moderate
Big Beehive Trail
Classic Lake Louise climb with tea house and a knockout balcony view
Moderate
Sunshine Meadows Loop
Lift-assisted alpine meadows, three lakes, and big-views for miles
Moderate
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
From Lake Louise to roaring glaciers and a rustic teahouse
Challenging
Cirque Peak
Helen Lake meadows to a scree-top summit with knockout views
Easy
Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint Trail
Short walk to Banff’s bluest lake view with fewer crowds up top
Easy
Moraine Lake Lakeshore
Easy lakeside stroll with nonstop Ten Peaks and turquoise water views
Moderate
Lake Agnes Tea House
Classic Lake Louise climb to a cirque lake and historic tea house
Moderate
Bow Glacier Falls
Turquoise lake stroll to a roaring glacier-fed waterfall
Moderate
Little Beehive Trail
Lake Louise’s best bang-for-buck viewpoint via a historic teahouse
Challenging
Fairview Mountain
Steep Lake Louise climb to 360-degree views and golden larches
Challenging
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.
Challenging
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
Challenging
Mt Rundle Route
Banff’s signature sufferfest: steep limestone and knockout views.
Challenging
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.
Challenging
Wenkchemna Pass
High-alpine views above Moraine Lake via quiet, gorgeous Eiffel Lake
Challenging
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.
Challenging
Citadel Pass
Rolling alpine meadows to a divide pass and Assiniboine views
Challenging
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.
Challenging
Mt Bourgeau Rt
Long, rewarding push from forest to alpine lakes to a big view summit
Challenging
Egypt Lake Trail
Alpine pass to a lake-filled basin—best as a backpacking basecamp
Challenging
Assiniboine Pass Trail
Classic gateway to Assiniboine with big views after a long valley.
Challenging
Mount Bourgeau via Harvey Pass
Big-day classic: lakes, Harvey Pass, and a panoramic summit.
Challenging
Wonder Pass Trail
Steep, stunning gateway to Marvel Lake and Mount Assiniboine
Challenging
Fish Lakes
Banff’s classic backpack to turquoise lakes over North Molar Pass
Challenging
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
Moderate
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
Challenging
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
Easy
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
Challenging
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
Easy
Peyto Lake Lower Viewpoint Trail
Short spur to the quieter, best-angle view of turquoise Peyto Lake
Easy
Standish Viewpoint Loop
Big alpine views over three lakes for minimal effort
Easy
Rock Isle Lake Loop
Instant alpine lakes and meadows via a quick gondola ride
Easy
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
Challenging
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
Challenging
Mount Rundle
Banff’s classic sufferfest: steep limestone, huge summit views
Moderate
Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots
Canyon catwalks to vibrant spring-fed pools—busy but worth it
Challenging
Devil's Thumb
Unsigned scramble above Lake Louise with twin lake and glacier views
Challenging
Eiffel Peak Trail
Big-mountain scramble above Moraine Lake for larch-season glory
Moderate
Mount St. Piran
A quieter Lake Louise summit with huge views and steady switchbacks
Challenging
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
Moderate
Rockbound Lake and Tower Lake
Two alpine lakes and big Castle Mountain cliffs in one moderate day
Challenging
Cascade Mountain
Long, committing scramble to a panoramic summit via Cascade Amphitheatre
Easy
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
Challenging
Aylmer Lookout Trail
Long lakeside approach to a knockout Lake Minnewanka panorama
Challenging
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
Challenging
Pulsatilla Pass
Remote alpine pass with karst flats and wildflower meadows
Easy
Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
Ridge-top boardwalk to a cosmic-ray site with sweeping valley views
Easy
Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
Short, easy canyon walk to a roaring waterfall and spray-filled cave
Challenging
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
Moderate
Sulphur Mountain Trail
Steady switchbacks to big Banff views, with a gondola bailout
Challenging
Marvel Pass Trail
Remote larches-and-lakes pass with big Rockies views and solitude
Moderate
Nigel Pass
Gentle meadows-to-pass hike with big views and a historic start
Moderate
Burstall Pass Trail
Varied approach to a larch-lined pass with big Spray Valley views
Challenging
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
Challenging
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
Challenging
Shadow Lake via Redearth Creek
Bike the approach, then hike to a brilliant alpine lake and lodge.
Challenging
North Molar Pass
Big alpine meadows and solitude beyond Mosquito Creek
Challenging
Mystic Pass via Johnston Canyon
Crowded canyon start, lonely meadows and big views at Mystic Pass.
Easy
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
Easy
Grizzly-Larix Loop
Alpine lakes and golden larches with easy grades, big views
Easy
Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail
Banff’s quickest summit for big town views with minimal effort.
Easy
Consolation Lakes Trail
Short forest walk from Moraine Lake to glacial lakes and boulders
Moderate
Castle Lookout
Short, steady climb to one of Bow Valley’s best panoramas
Moderate
Castle Mountain Lookout
Steady climb to huge Bow Valley views beneath Castle Mountain.
Easy
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
Challenging
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
Easy
Boom Lake Trail
Gentle forest walk to a big mountain lake with room to linger
Moderate
Lake Annette
A quieter Moraine Lake area hike to a turquoise alpine lake
Moderate
Bourgeau Lake
Steady forest climb to a blue green cirque lake, fewer crowds
Challenging
Mount Jimmy Simpson Trail
Lake-to-summit scramble with huge Icefields Parkway panoramas
Moderate
Tower Lake
Quieter alpine lake day beneath Castle Mountain’s towering cliffs
Challenging
Arnica Lake and Twin Lakes via Vista Lake
Lake trifecta with larches and quiet miles beyond the highway
Challenging
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.
Challenging
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
Moderate
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
Challenging
Sunset Pass
Big views, golden meadows, and blessed solitude off the Parkway
Easy
Lake Minnewanka Trail
Endless turquoise shoreline with choose-your-own distance
Easy
Panther Falls
Quick, misty detour to a thundering canyon waterfall
Easy
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
Moderate
C-Level Cirque
Steep forest climb to a dramatic cirque with big Lake Minnewanka views
Easy
Hoodoos Trail
Easy riverside stroll linking Surprise Corner and the Banff Hoodoos.
Easy
Tunnel Mtn Hoodoos Trail
Easy forest stroll linking Surprise Corner with the Hoodoos
Easy
Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail
Forest and river walk linking Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos
Moderate
Ink Pots via Moose Meadows
Quieter forest route to the bubbling blue green Ink Pots.
Moderate
Moose Meadows to Ink Pots
Quieter forest approach to the surreal Ink Pots springs
Challenging
Bow Peak
Quiet river ford to an alpine pass and bouldery summit views
Challenging
Mount Inglismaldie Route
Big views over Minnewanka on a steep, loose, unmarked scramble.
Challenging
Mount Edith Route
Big, exposed three-peak scramble above wild Gargoyle Valley.
Moderate
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
Challenging
Mount Cory Route
Steep, hands-on scramble to big Bow Valley views above Banff.
Easy
Lower Panther Falls
Big payoff, quick drop to a roaring, misty cliffside waterfall.
Easy
Cave and Basin Boardwalks
Easy, steamy stroll through hot springs, wetlands, and history.
Easy
Bow River Trail (Banff)
Scenic, flat riverside stroll from downtown to Bow Falls
Easy
Johnson Lake Loop
Easy lakeside loop with nonstop views and picnic-perfect pauses
Easy
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
Moderate
Mirror Lake
Short climb from Lake Louise to a tiny tarn beneath the Beehive
Easy
Eohippus Lake Trail
Quieter Sunshine Meadows lake walk with big views and wildflowers
Easy
Chephren Lake Trail
Forest walk to a turquoise glacial lake beneath towering peaks
Easy
Vermilion Lakes Trail
Flat lakeside stroll with big Mount Rundle views and wildlife moments
Moderate
Sundance Canyon
Paved riverside ride to a shady canyon loop with bridges and falls
Moderate
Tunnel Mountain Bench Trail
Shady singletrack loop with Hoodoo and Rundle views near Banff
Moderate
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
Moderate
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
Challenging
Ball Pass Trail
Big climb through burn to a lonely pass with massive views
Moderate
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
Challenging
Mystic Lake via Johnston Canyon
Backcountry quiet over Mystic Pass to a pristine, little-visited lake.
Easy
Bow Falls Trail
Easy riverside stroll from Banff to a wide, thundering waterfall
Moderate
Sheol Pass
Quiet connector linking Saddleback Pass and Paradise Valley
Easy
Hoodoos Interpretive Trail
Easy ridge walk to the hoodoos with big Bow Valley views
Easy
Hoodoos Viewpoint Trail
Easy riverside walk to Banff’s hoodoos and big-mountain views
Moderate
Sundance Canyon Trail
Paved riverside to a shady waterfall canyon right from Banff
Challenging
Sarbach Lookout
Steady forest climb to a quiet ridge with big Icefields views.
Moderate
Red Deer River Trail
Remote river-valley ramble with big views and serious ford potential
Easy
Bankhead Loop
Easy loop through a ghost town of coal ruins and mountain views.
Easy
Lower Bankhead Interpretive Trail
Ghost town loop through coal mine ruins with Cascade Mountain views
Challenging
Owen Creek Tail
Quiet creek to alpine route that starts the Great Divide Trail
Easy
Discovery Boardwalk
Steam, snails, and the birthplace of Canada’s parksModerate
Stoney Lookout Trail
Short forest loop to big Banff and Cascade Mountain views
Moderate
Forty Mile Creek Trail
Quiet creek‑valley gateway to the Sawback Range and hidden lakes
Easy
Banff Legacy Trail
Paved Banff–Canmore ride with big-mountain views and highway hum
Challenging
Devil's Gap via Lake Minnewanka
Long, quiet lakeshore trek to Banff’s mountain-to-prairie gateway.
Easy
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
Easy
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.
Easy
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
Easy
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
Moderate
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
Easy
Waterfowl Lakes Shoreline Trail
Quick, turquoise-lake stroll with big Mount Chephren views
Easy
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
Moderate
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
Easy
Great Divide Trail (Lake Louise)
Wide, flat old highway to the Continental Divide—great year-round
Easy
Fenland Trail
Shady spruce loop with bridges and birds, minutes from Banff
Moderate
