Waterfall Hikes in Banff National Park

Looking for the best waterfalls in and around Banff National Park? From the famous falls of Johnston Canyon to lesser-known spots along the Bow Valley Parkway and Icefields Parkway, there are plenty of opportunities to experience rushing waterfalls, dramatic canyons, and mountain scenery.

This guide highlights some of the best waterfall hikes and walks in Banff National Park, with trail details, difficulty levels, and tips to help you plan your visit. Whether you're travelling with family or looking for a short scenic hike, these waterfall trails offer rewarding views throughout the season.

What’s in the Guide:

• Waterfall hikes in the town of Banff.
• Waterfall hikes along the Bow Valley Parkway.
• Waterfall hikes along the Icefields Parkway.
• What to pack for hiking in Banff and Lake Louise.

Waterfall Hikes in the Town of Banff

You don't have to venture far to experience some of Banff National Park's most scenic waterfalls. Located within or just minutes from downtown Banff, these trails combine beautiful mountain views, forested paths, and rushing water, making them great options for a quick walk, a family outing, or an easy addition to your Banff National Park itinerary.

Bow Falls

• Distance: Up to 3 km return (various route options)
• Elevation gain: Minimal
• Time required: 30–60 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Bow Falls Viewpoint or downtown Banff
• Best for: Families, sightseeing, photography, and visitors looking for an easy waterfall walk close to town.

Bow Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Banff National Park. A network of paved pathways and riverside trails follow the Bow River to the base of the falls, where water tumbles over a wide limestone ledge. While not a towering waterfall, the impressive volume of water and mountain backdrop make it a favourite stop for visitors year-round.

With minimal elevation gain and several viewing areas, Bow Falls is an excellent option for families, casual walkers, and anyone looking to add a scenic stop to their Banff itinerary.

Sundance Canyon

• Distance: 3.7 km one way, plus optional 2.1 km canyon loop
• Elevation gain: 190m
• Time required: 2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy (main trail) / Moderate (canyon loop)
• Trailhead: Cave and Basin National Historic Site
• Best for: Families, casual hikers, and visitors looking for a scenic waterfall walk close to Banff.

Sundance Canyon, one of Banff's best hidden-gem waterfall hikes begins at the birthplace of Canada's national parks. Starting from Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the trail follows the Bow River through forest and open riverside scenery before reaching the dramatic entrance to Sundance Canyon. Here, a rocky loop trail winds through a narrow canyon where rushing water has carved deep channels into the limestone.

The optional canyon loop adds impressive waterfall viewpoints and a closer look at the power of the water as it tumbles through the gorge.

Waterfall Hikes Along the Bow Valley Parkway

Connecting Banff and Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in Banff National Park and home to some of the area's most popular waterfall hikes. From the dramatic canyon and waterfalls of Johnston Canyon to the forest trail leading to Silverton Falls, these hikes combine rushing water, limestone cliffs, and beautiful mountain scenery for memorable adventures along this historic route.

Johnston Canyon

• Distance: 1.1 km one way to Lower Falls, 2.4 km one way to Upper Falls
• Elevation gain: 85m or 215m
• Time required: 1–3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Johnston Canyon Day Use Area
• Best for: First-time visitors looking for one of Banff National Park's most iconic waterfall hikes.

Johnston Canyon is one of the most famous hikes in Banff National Park, combining dramatic canyon scenery with multiple waterfalls and suspended catwalks built into the canyon walls. The trail follows Johnston Creek through a narrow limestone gorge, offering constantly changing views of turquoise water, deep pools, and rushing cascades.

The Lower Falls are reached via a short walk and viewing tunnel, while continuing to the Upper Falls rewards hikers with views of a powerful waterfall plunging into the canyon below. Several smaller waterfalls and rapids can be seen between the two main viewpoints, making this one of the most scenic waterfall walks in Banff National Park.

Note: Parking can be limited it is recommended to take Roam Transit route 9 from the town of Banff.

Silverton Falls

• Distance: 0.9 km one way
• Elevation gain: 85m
• Time required: 45–60 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Rockbound Lake Trailhead on the Bow Valley Parkway
• Best for: Families and groups looking for a quick waterfall hike to add to their day.

Silverton Falls begins in a dense forest before climbing gently to a beautiful 50-metre waterfall cascading down a series of rocky ledges.

Surrounded by mature forest and mountain scenery, the falls provide an intimate experience. The short distance and rewarding views make this an excellent stop while exploring the Bow Valley Parkway.

Waterfall Hikes Along the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is renowned for its turquoise lakes, glaciers, and towering mountain peaks, but it's also home to some of Banff National Park's most spectacular waterfall hikes. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly trail to a cascading waterfall or a dramatic canyon carved by powerful waters, these stops offer unforgettable scenery along one of the world's most scenic drives.

Bow Glacier Falls

• Distance: 7.6 km return
• Elevation gain: 95m
• Time required: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Bow Lake Day Use Area, Icefields Parkway
• Best for: Hikers looking for a rewarding day hike to a glacier-fed waterfall.

Bow Glacier Falls is one of the most impressive waterfall hikes along the Icefields Parkway. Beginning at the shores of Bow Lake, the trail follows the lakeshore then opens along the base of rugged cliffs with views of Bow Glacier and Crowfoot Mountain.

The trail ends at the Bow Glacier Falls basin, where meltwater plunges approximately 120 metres from the cliffs above. Surrounded by towering peaks, glacial landscapes, and the headwaters of the Bow River, this hike delivers some of the most dramatic scenery in Banff National Park.

Note: Stay on trail and adhere to all Parks Canada signage.

Mistaya Canyon

• Distance: 0.6 km
• Elevation gain: Minimal
• Time required: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Mistaya Canyon Parking Area, Icefields Parkway
• Best for: Road trippers exploring the Icefields Parkway who want a short hike with dramatic scenery.

Mistaya Canyon showcases the incredible force of water in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. A short forest trail leads to viewpoints overlooking twisting canyon walls, sculpted rock formations, and powerful rapids rushing through narrow channels. The unique geology make this one of the best short waterfall walks along the Icefields Parkway.

What to Pack for Hiking in Banff and Lake Louise

Whether you're heading out for a short walk to Bow Falls or tackling a longer trail to Bow Glacier Falls, being prepared will make your hike more enjoyable.

Hiking Packing List:

• Plenty of water
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• A waterproof jacket and extra layers
• Sun protection, including sunscreen and sunglasses

Bear spray is recommended on all hiking trails in Banff National Park. If you're travelling from out of town, bear spray rentals are available from several outdoor shops in Banff and Lake Louise, making it easy to hike prepared without purchasing your own canister.

Add a Waterfall Hike to Your Trip to Banff and Lake Louise

Waterfalls are one of the best ways to experience Banff National Park's landscapes, from powerful river cascades to glacier-fed falls and narrow canyons carved by rushing water. Whether you're exploring near the town of Banff, driving the Bow Valley Parkway, or heading up the Icefields Parkway, these hikes offer a range of options for all ages and abilities.

Looking for more ways to explore the park? Start planning your trip to Banff and Lake Louise and add a waterfall hike to your itinerary.