Hiking near Banff: 197 trails

A half-day outing takes a little planning.

Think about the way back, the breaks and the parking.

Check access

Opening hours, parking and access conditions can change with the season.

Check the weather at the destination

Changing weather can make some trails harder.

Choose your route

Match the length and the level to your group and the time you have.

Through the seasons

Spring

Spring in Banff (April-May) brings variable conditions with snow lingering at higher elevations while valley trails begin to clear.

Popular accessible trails include the Bow River Loop and Tunnel Mountain, though microspikes may still be needed for icy sections. Pack layers as temperatures can swing dramatically, and check trail conditions before heading out as many alpine routes remain snow-covered until June.

Summer

Summer offers the best hiking conditions in Banff with most of the 187+ trails accessible, including iconic routes like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Plain of Six Glaciers.

July and August provide the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, perfect for tackling challenging alpine hikes. Start early to avoid crowds at popular destinations and always carry bear spray, as wildlife activity peaks during this season.

Fall

Fall hiking in Banff (September-October) rewards visitors with stunning larch displays and fewer crowds, particularly on trails like Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass.

Temperatures drop significantly, especially at elevation, so pack warm layers and waterproof gear for sudden weather changes. Many high-alpine trails may become inaccessible by late October due to snow, making this the last chance for serious mountain adventures.

Winter

Winter transforms Banff into a snow-covered wonderland ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing rather than traditional hiking.

Lower elevation trails like Bow River and parts of Tunnel Mountain remain accessible with proper winter gear including microspikes or snowshoes. Daylight hours are limited and avalanche risk is high in the backcountry, so stick to designated winter routes and check weather conditions carefully.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I go hiking near Banff?

The page lists 197 trails. The closest is Bow River Trail (≈ 1 min drive from downtown), the farthest Edworthy Park (≈ 2 hr). Drive times are estimated as the crow flies.

How long does it take to drive to the trails near Banff?

39 trails are within ≈ 30 min of driving, 100 within ≈ 1 hr, and all of them within ≈ 2 hr. These are estimates from downtown.

What are the most popular trails near Banff?

Among the trails on this page, the most viewed on Let's Go Play Outside are Forgetmenot Pond, Elbow Falls and Dyson Falls.

How long are the trails near Banff?

168 listings give a length, from 0.5 km (Sheep River Falls) to 200 km (Kootenay National Park). The other 29 do not say.

Are there easy hikes near Banff?

Yes: among the trails on this page that give a level, 53 easy, 44 moderate and 78 hard. The closest easy ones: Bow Falls, Vermilion Lakes and Mount Norquay Lookout.

Can I hike with my dog near Banff?

154 listings say dogs are allowed and 2 say they are not. For the other 41, the rule is not confirmed: check the trail page before you go.

Hiking near Banff

Hiking ideas near Banff

Trails near Banff