Climbing in Banff was a long-time bucket listing journey for me and my husband, so we had been tremendous excited to lastly get an opportunity to go to in the summertime of 2023. Residence to unbelievable vistas, turquoise alpine lakes, tons of wildlife, icy glaciers, and among the most gorgeous mountaineering trails in the world, we couldn’t wait to find this out of doors paradise.
On our agenda for our go to, was to discover one of the best hikes in Banff Nationwide Park from the favored (however very scenic) routes round Lake Louise to the otherworldly trails alongside the Icefields Parkway and extra.
On this weblog submit, we share our high picks for one of the best Banff hikes primarily based on surroundings, distinctive path options, and extra. It doesn’t matter what your ability stage or pursuits, you’re certain to seek out an important hike that’s good for you!
Banff Nationwide Park Climbing Areas
Earlier than I get into what hikes to do, it’s essential to know that Banff Nationwide Park is big – over 2,500 sq. miles. We wanted to plan our hikes primarily based on what area they had been in.
On our journey, we had an opportunity to discover the next areas:
- Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Space
- Bow Valley Parkway Space
- Icefields Parkway Space
Greatest Hikes Close to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are glacial lakes within the central a part of Banff Nationwide Park. They’re one of the vital in style vacationer locations in Canada and are well-known for his or her turquoise waters and dramatic backdrops.
We discovered that as a consequence of their reputation, visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake requires superior planning – particularly for parking. We had a full day to spend within the Lake Louise space so we mixed a number of smaller hikes which I am going into element about under.
Lake Louise Parking
The Lake Louise parking zone fills up extraordinarily rapidly (as early as 7 am), particularly in the summertime months. It sometimes stays full all through the day and is paid throughout peak season.
After we visited, we arrived on the parking space fairly early – round 5:45 am – to observe the dawn and had been in a position to snag a parking spot. The paid parking was in impact from 7 am to 7 pm so we nonetheless needed to pay the parking charges throughout these hours. You’ll be able to verify parks.canada.ca/BanffNow for real-time parking standing.
If you’re not an early riser or want to keep away from the effort of discovering parking, you may additionally take the Parks Canada shuttle or the Roam Transit shuttle. Advance reservations are required for all shuttles departing the Park and Trip. The reservations refill actually actually quick. You’ll want to verify parks.canada.ca/banff-transit for transit and shuttle choices.
Moraine Lake Parking
Beginning in 2023, Moraine Lake Highway has been closed to private automobiles. So the one choice to get right here is both by the Parks Canada Shuttle, Roam Transit, or personal mountaineering/biking firm excursions.
We needed to observe the dawn in Moraine Lake and the one viable possibility to observe dawn within the park in summer time is by way of a Non-public Firm Tour. We booked a dawn tour from Moraine Lake Bus Firm.
1. Lake Louise Lakeshore
Path Fundamentals
That is a straightforward stroll we did alongside the lakeshore of Lake Louise. We loved the various viewpoints and benches all through the trail and the backdrop of Victoria Glacier on the mountains behind the lake is spectacular.
There are often a lot of individuals in the beginning of the lakeshore however the crowds thinned out the farther we went.
It’s an important stroll to stretch your legs after an extended drive or as a straightforward mountaineering possibility as a warm-up for the remainder of your go to. If you wish to take advantage of your go to, get up early and catch the dawn on the lakeshore!
2. Lake Agnes Path
Path Fundamentals
The path to Lake Agnes begins on the Lake Louise lakeshore. The elevation on the best way up is reasonably steep however, it’s so value it! On the high, we had been rewarded with lovely views of Lake Agnes.
Nevertheless, essentially the most thrilling a part of the hike for me was the Lake Agnes Tea Home. This little constructing is a historic tea home that was in-built 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a refuge for hikers and to offer refreshments.
The Tea Home is open from early June by means of October and is positioned in a surprising setting, with views of Lake Agnes and the encircling mountains.
On account of its reputation, the tea home will get crowded and there’s a lengthy line later within the day. Since we had been early to this hike (we reached the highest round 8 am) we didn’t have to attend too lengthy. The tea and the baked items had been scrumptious.
Tip: You’ll want to carry some money for the Tea Home because the web is fairly flaky so your bank card might not work.
The tea home is a superb place to loosen up and take a break earlier than heading again down or you’ll be able to proceed on to different trails that begin from right here like Beehive Circuit, Devils Hike, and Plain of Six Glaciers.
After taking a break on the Lake Agnes Teahouse, we continued to the Beehive Circuit.
3. Beehive Circuit
Path Fundamentals
We prolonged the Lake Agnes Path for an extra 2.7 miles by including two viewpoints – Little Beehive and the Huge Beehive. We additionally handed the Beehive monolith, which towers over Mirror Lake
Each of those viewpoints are spectacular – we loved gorgeous panoramic views of Louise Lake, the Victoria Glacier, and most of the park’s most iconic mountains together with Mount Victoria, Mount Temple, and Mount Assiniboine.
After the Beehive Circuit, we continued additional to the Plain of Six Glaciers Path.
4. Plain of Six Glaciers Path
Path Fundamentals
This path provides gorgeous views of the Plain of Six Glaciers, a big space of alpine meadows and glaciers positioned to the south of Lake Louise.
There are a couple of steep sections, however general I didn’t discover the hike to be too difficult. The views are wonderful and we felt like we entered a completely totally different world!
There may be one other tea home referred to as the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea Home on the finish of this path. Stopping for a heat drink and snack was positively a spotlight for us. They serve a wide range of meals choices and their tea selections had been very spectacular. It’s a good place for a lunch break – we loved a scrumptious hummus sandwich and a brownie.
5. Plain of Six Glaciers and The Beehives
Path Fundamentals
This hike combines the above 4 hikes within the Lake Louise Space: Lake Louise Lakeshore, Lake Agnes Path, Beehive Circuit, and Plain of Six Glaciers Path.
We did it as one hike and spent a tremendous day round Lake Louise. If in case you have a full day and actually need to expertise one of the best of Lake Louise mountaineering, that is the one hike I extremely suggest.
You’ll get to benefit from the wonderful views of Lake Louise from the Beehive viewpoints, take breaks on the tea homes, and see the attractive glaciers and mountains on the path.
You’ll want to carry a lot of snacks and water in addition to your day mountaineering necessities.
6. Fairview Lookout Path
Path Fundamentals
If you’re on the lookout for a brief hike within the Lake Louise space this path is ideal. The hike is within the forest, so there isn’t a lot to see till you get the perspective.
We didn’t get an opportunity to do that hike as we needed to do the longer hikes, nevertheless it’s an excellent possibility for hikers who don’t need to go as far whereas nonetheless getting some nice views.
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Planning a highway journey?
7. Rockpile Path to Moraine Lake Overlook
Path Fundamentals
The Moraine Lake viewpoint is an extremely in style vacation spot for photographers and it’s a straightforward spot to entry by way of the quick Rockpile Path. We reached the overlook earlier than dawn and had been amazed to see so many individuals there already.
Regardless of the crowds, I nonetheless can’t recover from the view of this picture-perfect lake. The half-mile stroll is unquestionably value getting out of the automobile for.
8. Moraine Lake Shoreline Path
Path Fundamentals
Moraine Lake Shoreline Path is a straightforward path alongside the shoreline of Moraine Lake. Through the summer time season, canoes could be rented from Moraine Lake Lodge for a day trip on the water. This can be a nice solution to expertise the lake (particularly for households) with out placing in a lot work.
9. Comfort Lakes Path
Path Fundamentals
Comfort Lakes Path is a beautiful hike that branches off from the Rockpile Path to the left, simply earlier than the climb to the highest of the rock pile.
The hike traverses by means of a really rocky part and is usually a bit tough to navigate because the rocks and boulders could be free, easy, and really massive.
Bears are widespread on this space so carrying a bear bell and bear spray and mountaineering in teams is beneficial.
Bow Valley Parkway Hikes
The Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic freeway that runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Freeway between Banff and Lake Louise.
10. Johnston Canyon to Higher Falls
Path Fundamentals
Johnston Canyon Path is a particularly in style path in Banff Nationwide Park. It’s a comparatively simple hike, so it may be loved by practically everybody.
The path winds by means of the canyon created by the movement of Johnston Creek. On the best way, we noticed many waterfalls – the 2 hottest are Decrease Falls and Higher Falls.
Decrease Falls
The hike to the Decrease Falls is comparatively simple on a boardwalk. There’s a small cave that we walked by means of to get a more in-depth view of the falls. It will get fairly crowded and you’ll have to face in a line so it’s best to reach early.
After we visited in summer time (the primary week of July), we didn’t have to attend in big traces since we arrived by 7:30 am. That being mentioned, we nonetheless needed to line up for about quarter-hour even at that early morning hour.
Higher Falls
The hike to the Higher Falls can also be on a well-maintained path however it’s a lot farther up the path than Decrease Falls. I discovered this a part of the path to be much less crowded and there are a number of areas to view the falls from a special perspective.
Once more, relying on which era of the 12 months you go to, you might need to attend in line for a photograph op. We waited for about 10 minutes, nevertheless it was value it!
There may be an extension to go additional up the path to Ink Pots. This may add one other ~3.5 miles to the journey.
A be aware on parking: The parking close to the trailhead is restricted. I like to recommend beginning early within the morning for this hike (no later than 7:30 am) to safe a parking spot and have a pleasing expertise. We arrived right here by 7 am and managed to discover a parking spot.
11. Bow Falls Viewpoint
Path Fundamentals
The Bow Falls Viewpoint path begins within the city of Banff, simply on the south base of the pedestrian bridge throughout the Bow River. It was a fast and fairly path we did inside strolling distance from the middle of city.
This is among the best and shortest hikes in Banff, nevertheless it’s nonetheless very scenic and definitely worth the small effort. We introduced a cup of espresso from city and sat on one of many benches tucked alongside the river to benefit from the views of the falls.
12. Johnson Lake
Path Fundamentals
Johnson Lake is a straightforward hike that takes you thru forests and meadows to a gorgeous lake. We discovered the path to be well-maintained and simple to comply with.
The path begins on the Johnson Lake day-use space and ample parking is offered. There are a number of picnic tables on the lake, making it an important spot for a picnic lunch.
13. Two Jack Lake
Path Fundamentals
That is one other simple hike across the city of Banff with lovely views of the Two Jack Lake.
If in case you have a paddleboard or kayak, it’s additionally an important lake to get out on the water. The views of Mount Rundle over the lake are breathtaking!
Icefields Parkway Hikes
Icefields Parkway is among the most scenic drives on the planet with gorgeous views of the Canadian Rockies and a handful of glaciers. The parkway connects the city of Jasper within the north to the city of Lake Louise within the south.
There are quite a few scenic viewpoints and hikes alongside this parkway and we received an opportunity to do two of one of the best (though there are a lot of wonderful hikes right here).
14. Bow Glacier Falls
Path Fundamentals
Bow Glacier Falls is among the many spectacular waterfalls on an epic drive alongside the Icefields Parkway. This was considered one of my favourite trails on the journey because it options an impossibly blue lake, beautiful waterfalls, views of majestic mountains, and glaciers.
Enjoyable reality: Bow Glacier Falls is the most important waterfall alongside the Icefields Parkway
We began the path at Num-Ti-Jah Lodge the place we grabbed a fast chunk to eat on the cute cafe. The beginning of the path was largely flat and simple then it will get more durable in the direction of the second half as we neared Bow Glacier Falls.
The path has so many lovely waypoints to admire so take your time exploring every of them!
The path runs alongside the shores of Bow Lake the place the panoramic views across the lake are beautiful. Crowfoot Mountain rising from the shores of the lake seems gorgeous. We crossed the Bow River and reached the endless stairs alongside the canyon, which I assumed had been the toughest a part of the hike.
After the steps, we walked right into a boulder discipline left by glaciers. Finally, we reached the unbelievable Bow Glacier Falls
The return journey felt like a very totally different journey after we appeared over Bow Lake from above.
15. Peyto Lake
Path Fundamentals
Peyto Lake is my favourite lake in Banff Nationwide Park and my favourite cease on the Icefields Parkway, regardless of how in style it’s. If you’re planning to drive the Icefields Parkway, this lake is among the must-stops! This gorgeous turquoise-colored glacier lake is picture-perfect.
First viewpoint: This a part of the path is paved and the hike is brief. There’s a viewing platform with a number of totally different viewpoints of the lake. You can even select to only do that 0.8 mi quick hike.
Panorama viewpoint: This a part of the path has poor signage so make sure you have a path map or mountaineering app downloaded to your telephone. It’s much less busy in comparison with the primary viewpoint and the extra stroll is unquestionably value it.
P.S. – Can you determine what the lake seems like from the highest? (trace: woof woof).
Suggestions for mountaineering in Banff Nationwide Park
The mountaineering trails round Banff Nationwide Park are extremely gorgeous, nevertheless it’s essential to ensure you’re ready. Listed below are my high suggestions for mountaineering within the space:
FAQs About Climbing in Banff
One of the best time of 12 months to hike in Banff Nationwide Park will depend on private desire and how much expertise you need. My husband and I needed a heat and dry local weather so we selected to go to Banff in July. It was the height vacationer season so it was positively crowded, however we deliberate our journey prematurely. We wakened fairly early every day (suppose: dawn) to keep away from the crowds.
– Summer season is nice should you’re on the lookout for a heat and dry local weather. Be ready for crowds, and go to later in summer time for fewer bugs.
– Spring and fall months have a extra average local weather with fewer crowds. In Spring among the trails are inaccessible as a consequence of snow pack and avalanche situations. Fall is a chance to expertise the world-famous larches altering shade.
– Winter is gorgeous with views of snow-capped peaks and a winter wonderland.
This can be a powerful one as a result of there are such a lot of lovely hikes in Banff! My favourite hike, although, was Bow Glacier Falls for the unbelievable surroundings, turquoise-colored lakes, and a stunning waterfall.
There’s a ton to see and do in Banff, so you may simply spend weeks right here. My husband and I had 10 days to discover and that felt like sufficient time to slot in every thing we needed to see and do. I like to recommend not less than 5 days in Banff Nationwide Park if you wish to take a look at one of the best hikes.
I extremely suggest making reservations for accommodations and campgrounds as a result of Banff does get very busy, particularly in the summertime. You’ll additionally must make reservations for the Parks Canada Shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Planning an journey to British Columbia and Alberta? Listed below are a couple of extra locations value including to your itinerary:
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I hope this information helps you in planning an unforgettable journey full of one of the best hikes in Banff Nationwide Park. What are your favourite hikes within the Park? Which of them would you love to do? Go away a remark under!
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