Banff National Park boasts over 1000 miles of trails, turquoise waters, and alpine meadows. It is also home to lush forests. Canada’s first national parks are home to Banff, Alberta, and Lake Louise, a hamlet. These towns provide beautiful mountain lodgings from which you can easily access the park’s trails.
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is located just outside Banff Town, and you may want to visit it before setting out on your hikes. This is a great place to start learning about Canada’s history before diving into one national park. You can also explore the cave and sulfurous hot springs. Afterward, head up to Banff Hot Springs to relax in the warm baths.
The Best Hikes in Banff National Park
To get a bird’s-eye view of the park, go to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Then take the Banff Gondola to the top. Once you have taken all that in, it’s time to start exploring the marked trails. These trails are easily accessible from Banff Village or Lake Louise Village.
No matter which way you choose to travel, the majestic mountains of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta, surround you. This makes for stunning scenery everywhere you turn. Next, we will tell you about the best 12 hikes in Banff National Park. You will need a parking pass to visit Banff National Park. It can be purchased here.
Tunnel Mountain Trail
Tunnel Mountain does not have a tunnel, but it offers stunning views from its summit of the Banff region. You can walk to the trailhead from Banff’s city center. Whether walking or driving, St. Julien Road is the best way to get there. It’s located just off Grizzly Street, Banff’s downtown.
For those who use their vehicles, there is a parking area. You will find well-graded switchbacks. It can be a bit steep sometimes, so wearing hiking boots is a good idea. As you climb closer to the top, it becomes a steady climb. The views include Vermillion Lakes and Banff. You can also see the Banff Golf Course and Mount Rundle.
Despite the steep sections, the Tunnel Mountain Trail hike can be done by all ages. It is a 2.8-mile hike with an elevation gain of 875 feet.
Sawback Backpacking Trail
The Sawback Trail is a great place to backpack and sleep under the stars. The trail is 45 miles long and has elevation changes of 7150 feet. You must book on the Parks Canada Website to reserve your campsite spots.
You’ll be able to play in all types of nature, from traversing alpine meadows, climbing over boulders, and negotiating tight switchbacks. Be prepared to cross major wildlife corridors, so make sure your bear spray is on hand.
There are two ways to get to the trail. You can reach the TransCanada Highway exit at Lake Louise Village and drive towards Lake Louise Ski Resort to access the other trailhead. Turn right onto Fish Creek Road, heading towards Skoki Lodge. The trailhead can be found at the Fish Creek Parking Lot.
You can also find the Mt. Norquay Parking Lot at Mt. Norquay Road is located just a short distance from Banff. This is a point-to-point trail, so you must park at one end of the course and then take a shuttle to get there.
Lake Agnes Trail
It’s pretty special to be in an old-fashioned teahouse surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, turquoise lakes, bears, and even deer. You can experience this feeling by hiking to Lake Agnes Teahouse, serving tea since 1905.
The lake was named after Lady Agnes MacDonald, who visited the park and fell in love. Canadian Pacific Railway built the teahouse in 1901 to provide a resting place for hikers. It began serving tea in 1905 and has not stopped since.
Your hike will begin on a paved path. Then, you’ll enter the lush forest and follow nature’s trail. You’ll find the Mirror Lake, alpine meadows and falls, and the famous rock face known simply as “The Big Beehive.” You will find the Lake Agnes Teahouse, where you can enjoy pie, sandwiches, and breathtaking views less than a mile away.
It is a 4.5-mile hike at an elevation of 1280 feet. This hike is moderate and can be reached from Chateau Lake Louise, one mile outside Lake Louise village. The trailhead can be found right from the Chateau Lake Louise parking lot.
Helen Lake Trail
You can enjoy a beautiful hike on the Helen Lake Trail, crossing streams and passing through wildflower meadows or fir forests. This hike is full of adventure and fun. Make sure to wear the appropriate footwear and clothing to enjoy it comfortably.
You should climb to the top of Helen Lake’s ridge. You can enjoy beautiful views of Katherine Cupped in the mountains from there.
The round trip distance is approximately 7.5 miles. This will result in an elevation gain of 1475 feet. This is a moderate hike. The trailhead can be reached from the Icefields Parkway at Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint.
Cascade Amphitheatre Trail
Cascade Mountain gets its name because of the waterfall that cascades down it. Cascade Mountain is intimidating from afar, and it seems impossible to climb. It’s an arduous climb and can be dangerous. Hiking to the Cascade Amphitheatre, located just below the mountain, is an alternative that allows you to reach the summit.
While you’ll still be walking through dense forest, once you get closer, the trees open up, and the sky opens up, it becomes easier to see the theater. The surrounding mountains make you feel like you are in a theater. Be prepared to see all kinds of wildlife before reaching the theater’s meadow. Reports have come in of deer, bears, and even cougars being caught in the vicinity.
It is a beautiful 8-mile hike with an elevation gain of 3000 feet. This hike is moderate in difficulty from the Mt. Norquay ski area. You will be heading toward the Spirit chairlift, which will take you to the trail.
