Easy Hikes Near the Town of Banff

Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a town that makes you feel at home and exhilarated with wonder all at the same time. Well-known peaks like Cascade, Sulphur and Rundle surround and welcome visitors to this authentic mountain community. Easy, scenic walks can be accessed right from downtown, many without the use of a vehicle, making it quick and convenient to enjoy the surrounding beauty and gain an appreciation for Banff’s spectacular location. Most are open for walking year-round- inquire about conditions at the Banff Visitor Information Centre prior to departing, where you can pick up a Banff area Hiking Guide.

Hiking around the Banff Townsite
  1. Tunnel Mountain: Hike up this little peak that the First Nations call the“Sleeping Buffalo” to gain rewarding views of the Townof Banff and the mountains to the West. The trail starts somewhat steeply but quickly relents into a series of switchbacks that get you high up in no time. Distance: 3.6 km, Elevation Gain: 200 m, Time Required: 1-2 hours round trip, Difficulty: Easy
  2. Fenland Loop: Interpretive signs designed bya local artist, punctuate this flat trail as it winds its way through forest and marshland along the gentle waters of Forty MileCreek. Located just on the edge of town, you will be pleasantly surprised by how quickly this traillets you escape into the serenityof nature. Distance: 2.2km loop, Elevation Gain: 0m, Time Required: 30 Minutes, Difficulty: Easy
  3. Johnson Lake: This shoreline trail is perfect forhikers looking for an easy stroll, but one that is slightly longer than other walks in and around the Banff town site. Catch Johnson Lake on a beautiful summer’s day for reflections of Mt. Rundle and bring a picnic for a lakeside lunch. Distance: 3.5 km loop, Elevation Gain: 0m, Time Required: 1-1.5 hours, Difficulty: Easy
  4. Hoodoos: Starting from Surprise Corner at the end of Buffalo Street in Banff, this trail descends to the milky blue waters of the Bow River and continues beneath the cliffs of Tunnel Mountain before joining up with Tunnel Mountain Road. Hoodoos – oddly shaped rock features – stand to greet you at the end of the trail. Distance: 8.4km round trip, Elevation Gain: 60m, Time Required: 3 hours, Difficulty: Easy