When planning the epitome itinerary for Banff National Park, there are plenty of sites to see and hikes to conquer. Some of the most awe-inspiring views reveal themselves during amazing hikes. How do you pack all of that beautiful scenery into one short week? The list below will be a starting point for planning your itinerary for the best hikes in Banff.
5. Parker Ridge
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Parker Ridge is a designated “easy” 3.4 mile round trip hike, with an elevation gain of 820 ft. Uffda! This flatland girl got winded on the way up, but the view from the top was totally worth it. The hike mostly consists of switchbacks, along with a rocky section at the top. Sweeping views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and the beginning of the Saskatchewan River await you at the summit. It is a perfect place to have a picnic and take in the views. It does get windy at the top, so be sure you are prepared for the elements.
4. Johnston Canyon
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Type of Trail: Out-and-back
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Johnston Canyon is a designated “easy” 3.3 mile hike to the lower and upper falls. This is a unique hike, as a good majority of it is on iron catwalks suspended on the canyon walls. The hike has an elevation gain of 700 feet, but I would consider this an easy hike as I did not get as winded as I did on the Parker Ridge Hike. The lower falls have an interesting view through the tunnel in the rock, to the “thundering cataract.” Continue your way to the upper falls and take the catwalk to the lookout at the base of the upper falls. This hike is not to be missed, making it a very popular and busy hike. Be sure to get there early in the morning, before 8am, to avoid the crowds.
3. Lake Louise Trails
Lake Louise Trails-Plain of 6 Glaciers, Lake Agnes & the Beehives and the Lakeshore Trail. I know, this is actually 3 different hikes, but we combined them into 1 day, albeit one very tiring day. I’ll divide these up based on difficulty.
- “Easy;” Lakeshore Trail is a 1.2 mile trail with minimal elevation that follows Lake Louise. This trail provides beautiful views of the lake and gets your right up next to the water. This trail also leads you onto The Plain of 6 Glaciers.
- “Moderate;” Plain of 6 Glaciers is a 3.3 mile trail with an elevation gain of 1197 feet. This hike provides a variety of terrain and difficulty. As stated above, you start on the Lakeshore Trail, then onto a trail that crosses a delta of glacial silt and then the elevation climb begins. As the trail continues to climb, you will pass a popular area for rock climbing and an cross near a steep cliff. There comes a point where you wonder, “Are we there yet?” “We must be getting close…” Eventually, the switchbacks begin and you gradually work your way to the top. There to greet you at the top is a Swiss built Tea House, providing baked goods and beverages. Take a rest there before you start your hike back down.
“Are we there yet?” “We must be getting close…”
- “Moderate;” Lake Agnes & the Beehives a set of trails spanning 2.1 miles and elevation gain of 1,263 feet. The beauty of this trail is that it is a well established trail and ends at the Lake Agnes Teahouse, so again; take a rest when you get to the top and enjoy a snack and beverage.
Now, if you’re crazy like me, you decide that you need to do it all! Why not use your flatland lungs and hike the whole thing in one day. Plain of 6 Glaciers and Lake Agnes trails are connected via the Highline Trail to complete a looping trail system. This loop takes you on 9 miles of amazing scenery and awesome views of Lake Louise & the Chateau.
2. Rockpile Trail
- Distance: 0.5 mile
- Trial Type: Out-and-back
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes, but stick around longer for the views
Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail is a 0.5 mile trail with minimal elevation change. The name says it all, you are basically climbing up a rock pile. There are several theories surrounding the rock pile and where it came from, but I’ll address that in another post. For now, let’s just enjoy the beauty that is Moraine Lake.
1. Peyto Lake & Bow Summit
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Type of Trail: Out-and-back
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Peyto Lake & Bow Summit is a designated “easy” 3.8 mile trail with an elevation gain of 803 feet. The breath escapes you, not only due to the elevation gain, but by the sheer beauty of the mesmerizing turquoise water.
The hike starts as a paved trail from the parking lot to the lookout. To avoid the crowds, continue on the paved trail that leads to a dirt forest trail up to Bow Summit. The last bit of hike can be a bit tricky depending on the route you take; leisurely hike or full on scramble. For a fun challenge choose the scramble route, with a quick elevation change. Channel your inner mountain goat and scale that mountain!
Reaching the summit, you are rewarded with the most amazing views of Bow Valley; calm turquoise waters, lush evergreen trees and majestic mountain peaks. Peyto Lake will surely be the highlight of your entire trip.
