9 Bucket List Hikes in Banff National Park

Banff National Park. For many, these words conjure up images of breathtaking scenery, turquoise-blue lakes, and a panoramic sea of peaks, of wildflowers dancing in the breeze, and wildlife minding their young next to flowing creeks. For many more that same scene includes endless trails just beckoning hikers to engross themselves in the landscape to gain those lofty views on their own two feet.

With over 1,600 kilometres (994 miles) of trails, Banff National Park offers adventurers some of the best hiking on the planet, whether it’s an easy hike to incredible vistas or a more strenuous trek deep in the backcountry. Choosing just nine bucket list hikes is about as big a task as climbing the biggest peaks in the Park, but here’s a start:

Please note: before setting out on your adventures, be sure to check the latest trail conditions with Parks Canada.

1. Cory Pass – Mt. Edith Circuit Hike in Banff National Park

• Distance: 13 km (8 mi.) loop
• Elevation gain: 915 m (3001 ft)
• Time required: 5-6 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Trail Head: Fireside Day Use Area on the Bow Valley Parkway

The hike to Cory Pass requires some serious leg power, but the view from the pass is one of the most spectacular and rewarding in all of Banff National Park.

The sheer south face of Mt. Louis surprises hikers as they crest the pass, a great place to sit and enjoy a packed lunch. Continue the circuit upon reaching the pass by descending down the other side and around Mt. Edith (a bit easier on the legs), or return the way you came.

2. Cascade Amphitheatre Hike Starting at Mt. Norquay

• Distance: 15.4 km (9.5 mi.) return trip
• Elevation gain: 640 m (2099 ft)
• Time required: 4-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Head: Mt. Norquay Ski Resort

This hike begins at the Mt. Norquay ski area, crosses a bridge over Forty Mile Creek, then zigzags its way through the dense forest to the Cascade Amphitheatre.

As you emerge into the amphitheatre, impressively enclosed by limestone cliffs, keep your eyes out for wildflowers. Adventurous hikers can make a full day trip of it and, with adequate preparation, tackle the summit of Cascade Mountain.

3. Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass Hike in Banff

• Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi.) return trip
• Elevation gain: 725 m (2378 ft)
• Time required: 5-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Head: South side of Highway 1, about 15 minutes from Banff

Bourgeau Lake and the Harvey Pass area above it deserve a full day’s trip. The trail climbs steeply through a forest of lodgepole and spruce before opening out into meadows that lead to the shores of Bourgeau Lake.

From there, continue 2.2 km (310 m up) past several smaller bodies of water to the lake at Harvey Pass for impressive views of Mt. Assiniboine, “The Matterhorn of the Rockies.”

4. Lake Agnes Teahouse in Lake Louise

• Distance: 7.8 km (4.8 mi.) return trip
• Elevation gain: 495 m (1624 ft)
• Time required: 2.5-3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Head: West shore of Lake Louise (walk past the Chateau Lake Louise)
• Public Transit: Roam Route 8X

The hike to Lake Agnes in the Lake Louise area and the historic teahouse on its shores is a relatively easy hike through an old-growth forest. A beautiful waterfall flows out of Lake Agnes just below the Lake Agnes Tea House, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and fresh pastries or pie.

For an added challenge, continue 1.6 km (1 mi.) around the far end of Lake Agnes and up switchbacks to the top of the Big Beehive for views of the Bow Valley and the turquoise-blue waters of Lake Louise.

Summer brings plenty of excitement to Lake Louise, and with it, limited parking. For an easy start to your hike, hop aboard Roam Transit Route 8X. Don’t worry about if you will find parking, just relax and enjoy the journey as the breathtaking scenery rolls by your window.

5. Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail in Lake Louise

• Distance: 11.6 km (7.2 mi.) return trip
• Elevation gain: 595 m (1952 ft)
• Time required: 4-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Head: West shore of Lake Louise (walk past the Chateau Lake Louise)
• Public Transit: Roam Route 8X

By far one of the most scenic hikes in Banff National Park, the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail offers expansive views of the impressive mountain features that surround Lake Louise, including Mt. Lefroy, Mt. Victoria, and the Victoria Glacier.

After your steady hike up, enjoy your lunch at the plateau before continuing 1 km (0.6 mi.) to talus slopes that provide a view of Abbot Pass and the Abbot Pass Hut. Make sure you stop by the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House for a well deserved snack before heading back.

6. Saddleback Pass in Lake Louise

• Distance: 7.4 km (4.6 mi.) return trip
• Elevation gain: 600 m (1968 ft)
• Time required: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Trail Head: South East of the Lake Louise lakeshore
• Public Transit: Roam Route 8X

The hike to this gap between Mt. Fairview and Saddle Peak promises stunning views of the 11,000-foot Mt. Temple and, in autumn, the stunning gold shimmer of alpine larches.

From Saddleback Pass, hike up Fairview Mountain (an additional 2-hour return trip, 400m up) for a spectacular birds-eye view of Lake Louise.

7. Moraine Lake Shoreline & Rockpile

• Distance: 3 km (1.9 mi.) return trip
• Elevation gain: 0 m
• Time required: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Head: South East of the shuttle drop-off area

The hike around the Moraine Lake Lakeshore is the easiest way to appreciate the beauty of this famous alpine lake. A flat, easy trail weaves its way through shoreline trees and offers extraordinary views of the Ten Peaks, a dramatic row of summits all over 10,000 feet.

Hike up the Rockpile for an alternative view of these turquoise waters and the nearby Tower of Babel.

Planning Tip: Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles. Moraine Lake shuttles and buses are available to access the lake via vehicle. Make sure to reserve your seat in advance.

8. Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass at Moraine Lake

• Distance: 11.2 km (7 mi.) return trip
• Elevation gain: 750 m (2460 ft)
• Time required: 4-5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Head: On the North West shore of Moraine Lake.

The hike into Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass is a must for any hiker wanting to have an experience that closely resembles the backcountry of Banff National Park.

This moderate hike offers remarkable views of the Ten Peaks and if you head up Sentinel Pass, the incredible vista of Paradise Valley (look for climbers on the Grand Sentinel!). As the name suggests, this valley is spectacular in autumn, when the larch needles turn to gold.

This hike requires a minimum group of four at certain times of the year. Check Parks Canada seasonal restrictions prior to heading out.

Planning Tip: Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles. Moraine Lake shuttles and buses are available to access the lake via vehicle. Make sure to reserve your seat in advance.

9. Helen Lake on the Icefield Parkway

• Distance: 11.8 km (7.3 mi.) return trip
• Elevation gain: 530 m (1738 ft)
• Time required: 4-5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Head: On the Icefield Parkway, directly across from the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint

After a steady hike up through the forest, the Helen Lake trail emerges into an alpine wonderland that remains above tree line until you reach one of Banff’s best lunch spots: Helen Lake. During a few weeks in summer, the resident marmots are joined by a stunning collection of colourful wildflowers.

To lengthen your day, continue along the trail into Dolomite Pass and towards Katherine Lake, where you will be treated to a view of the expansive backcountry of Banff National Park.

Get your Hiking Gear in Banff and Lake Louise

Keen to explore a bucket list hike but in need of gear? There are plenty of options in Banff and Lake Louise where you can rent or purchase your hiking equipment. One key recommendation for any hike is bear spray, which you can rent from Wilson Mountain Sports, Ultimate Sports, Bear Street Outfitters, and Snowtips-Bactrax (where you can also rent hiking boots). 

To get kitted out with your own gear, you can buy hiking equipment like hiking boots, clothing and adventure backpacks from many retailers, including Monod Sports, Arc'teryx, and Patagonia Banff.

Are you coming to Banff National Park?

Make sure you purchase your Parks Canada Pass in advance for express entry into the park.