Best Hiking Trails in Banff National Park

Overview

As Canada's first national park, Banff is one of the most well-known wilderness areas in all of North America. It's also part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a testament to its beauty and rich history within the Canadian parks system.

At over 1.5 million acres in size, the park contains some of the most picturesque mountains in the Canadian Rockies, including the park's tallest, 3,612-meter Mount Forbes. You'll also find crystalline snowmelt-fed lakes, underground caves, and thousands of glaciers, connected by a dizzying network of trails and mountaineering routes alike.

Getting Started

Banff National Park is just 129 kilometers from Calgary, Alberta. Drive west along Trans-Canada 1 through the towns of Banff and Lake Louise to access the park. Shuttle services are also available from Calgary to Banff. You can rely on local shuttles to get around (and between) the towns of Banff and Lake Louise.

Because Banff is known for its gorgeous turquoise lakes, a lake hike makes a classic intro to the park. Connect alpine tarns on the 4.6-mile Lake Agnes Trail. For a slightly longer option, hike from Moraine Lake to Effeil Lake via the Larch Valley Trail.

Want more of a challenge? Try the 738-meter climb from Moraine Lake to Sentinel Pass, another popular Banff hike.

Check regularly-updated trail conditions page and bear activity warnings online before you go.

When to Go

The most popular time to visit is during the summer months, but the park is open year-round. Go in fall to see the larch trees turn gold, or visit between November and May to take advantage of the park's three ski areas and plentiful backcountry and cross-country ski terrain.

Permits

You'll need a pass to enter the national park. Day passes and annual Discovery Passes can be purchased online.

Dog Info

Dogs are permitted in Banff National Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. For more information on pet-related rules and regulations, visit the park website..