16 Best Banff Hikes To Discover in 2023
16 Best Banff Hikes To Discover in 2023
Banff National Park is one of Canada’s most iconic locations. With its breathtaking scenery, towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes, it’s no wonder why hikers from around the globe choose Banff as their go-to destination. Here are 16 of the best hikes in Banff for you to discover in 2023.
1. Plain of Six Glaciers
The Plain of Six Glaciers is a stunning 10 kilometer circuit trail, located at the beautiful Lake Louise. Along the hike, you will encounter beautiful views of Victoria Glacier, waterfalls, and views of the surrounding peaks. At the halfway point, be sure to make a stop at the tea house for a hot treat.
2. Mount Fairview
The hike to the summit of Mount Fairview is a challenging 9.7 kilometer roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of 1,040 m. The trail passes through forests, across limestone slopes and past a number of alpine meadows. While it’s a strenuous journey, the views are worth every step.
3. Parker Ridge
Parker Ridge’s spectacular views of the Saskatchewan Glacier, Alpine meadows and the surrounding peaks make it a must-do hike. It’s a treasure trove of biodiversity, and the summit offers amazing views of the Columbia Icefield.
4. Iceline Trail
The Iceline Trail packs a serious punch in terms of both views and distance. This 19.4 kilometer journey takes you to wonderful places, including a traverse across the glacial moraines, past aquamarine tarns and up a ridge through flower-filled meadows.
5. Banff Lake Louise Townsite Trail
Exploring the area around Lake Louise is an absolute must. The Banff Lake Louise Townsite Trail is a short, 2.5 kilometer hike that takes you through a stunning forest and around the edge of the lake. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area without breaking a sweat.
6. Art of the Rockies Trail
Hiking to the summit of Vancouver’s Art of the Rockies Trail is a great way to take in some views. Not only is it an absolutely beautiful hike, but the summit rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
7. Sulphur Mountain
Sulphur Mountain is a 7.4 kilometer round trip hike, located in the heart of Banff. It’s a great way to take in some of Canada’s best views, including the town of Banff and the Bow Valley.
8. Lawrence Grassi Ridge
The Lawrence Grassi Ridge trail is another great hike that promises wonderful views. At 8.8 kilometers round trip, the journey passes through subalpine forests and rewards you with unimpeded views of the Bow Valley and the Richardson Mountains in the background.
9. Mount Shark
Mount Shark is an 11.0 km return hike with an elevation gain of 773 m. The trail passes through thick pine forests and provides some of the best views of the valley.
10. Abbott’s Pass
Abbot’s Pass is an incredible 7.2 kilometer hike with an elevation gain of 1,250 meters. You will traverse a beautiful alpine meadow, and the summit provides you with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
11. Bow Glacier Falls
Bow Glacier Falls is a shorter, but equally beautiful hike. The trail is a 4.4-kilometer journey with an elevation gain of 225 m. It’s a relaxing journey, but the views of the spectacular Bow Glacier Falls reward you for your efforts.
12. Spray River Loop
The Spray River Loop is a great option for hikers looking for a shorter loop. The 3.7-kilometer trail takes you through a fragile wetlands ecosystem, and rewards you with views of Mount Rundle, hazy peaks, and turquoise waters.
13. Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass
For hikers looking for a challenge, the 9.7 kilometer round trip hike to Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass is a must. With breathtaking mountain views and the opportunity to spot some wildlife, it’s a journey that you won’t soon forget.
14. Sunshine Meadows
Sunshine Meadows is a 16 kilometer round trip hike, located in the beautiful Banff National Park. This journey takes you through alpine meadows and forests, and rewards you with breathtaking views of the area.
15. Healy Pass
Healy Pass is one of Banff’s longer hikes, but it is well worth the effort. This 19.2 kilometer round trip journey takes you through woodlands, valleys and up a ridge, giving you the opportunity to take in stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
16. Brewster Creek
Brewster Creek is a great hike for families. This 8.8 kilometer trail is located in the Banff Townsite, and don’t be surprised if you spot some wildlife along the way. Plus, the views of the surrounding peaks make it well worth the effort.
Conclusion
Banff National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with an array of trails to explore. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll, a challenging hike, or something in-between, these 16 hikes are sure to offer you a wonderful outdoor experience. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gear and get out there – the views are calling! The Canadian Rockies are undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring sites in the world, and the small mountain town of Banff has long been a favorite destination for nature lovers from around the world. With its brilliant turquoise lakes and soaring jagged peaks, the beauty of the Canadian Rockies is impossible to ignore.
Fortunately, Banff is filled with amazing trails and paths to explore! From easy day hikes to multi-day treks, the following list of 16 of the best hikes to discover in Banff in 2023 will help you plan an ultimate Rocky Mountain adventure.
1. Johnston Canyon: This is one of the most picturesque trails in the area and is an excellent choice for an easy day hike. It features superb views of Johnston Creek, which runs through the canyon, as well as two beautiful waterfalls. This trail is 7.8 miles out and back and is suitable for families with younger kids.
2. Cascade Amphitheatre: A stunning hike that follows along a ridge and showcases breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. This 8.4 mile out and back trail is great for experienced hikers looking for a challenging day-hike.
3. Sunshine Meadows: It is just 3.2 miles to reach the meadows but the views you will experience make it one of the best day hikes you can find in Banff. The wildflowers are a sight to behold, and if you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife!
4. Arctomys Cave: This short hike is popular among locals and is a great choice for those looking to explore the area with kids. It is a 1.7 mile out and back trail leading to a cave filled with interesting ice formations.
5. Panther Falls: A multi-day trek that offers some of the most incredible views in the area, Panther Falls is certainly one of the must-hikes in Banff. This 25 mile hike follows a river along the base of the Purcell mountains and passes through meadows and evergreen forests.
6. Lake Louise: A somewhat challenging climb that is sure to reward you with some of the best views in the Canadian Rockies. This hike is 9.9 miles out and back and offers a panoramic view of the famous vibrant blue waters of Lake Louise.
7. Sulphur Mountain: Located just outside the town of Banff, this is an easy but rewarding hike with an outstanding view of the surrounding mountains. The hike is 4.6 miles round-trip and features a gondola ride at the top, allowing you to take in the views without all the effort required to get up there.
8. Stanley Glacier: This 8.1 mile out and back trek takes you to a formidable mountain-side glacier. It is a moderately challenging trail with some steep sections, featuring spectacular views of the surrounding azure lakes and alpine peaks.
9. Yoho Valley: A remote area that offers an escape from the crowds, this 11 mile point-to-point trail is popular among experienced hikers looking for an extended adventure. It follows a river with numerous waterfalls and passes through alpine meadows, glacial valleys and thick forests.
10. Willow-Forsyth: A slightly challenging hike that winds through the open meadows and wooded areas of Kiowa Provincial Park. The trail is an 8.2 mile loop that offers up excellent views of the Bow Valley, as well as chance of spotting some wild elk or moose.
11. Waterfowl Lake: An excellent overnight backpacking trek, Waterfool Lake features a number of alpine lake options to choose from. The 24.8 mile loop is a great choice for experienced hikers looking to explore the area in depth.
12. Mount Assiniboine: This is an arduous two-day hike that takes you to the summit of Mount Assiniboine, one of the most photographed peaks in the Canadian Rockies. This 14.4 mile hike is long but is worth it for both the views and the experience of being in the wilderness.
13. Grotto Canyon: This is a short but sweet 2.2 mile round trip hike that rewards you with some of the most stunning views you will find in Banff. You will hike down and explore the walls of a limestone canyon featuring beautiful blue pools and a short waterfall.
14. Emerald Lake: This is one of the most scenic and family-friendly hikes in the area, it is both easy and rewarding. The 4.2 mile loop follows along the banks of Emerald Lake, showcasing some of the most picturesque scenes in Banff.
15. Hector Lake: A strenuous and lengthy day-hike, this 23 mile loop will take you to one of the most remote and beautiful places in the Canadian Rockies. You are sure to find some great fishing spots along the way and perhaps even some wildlife to admire.
16. Pharaoh Lake: If you are looking to tackle a multi-day trek, this is among the best in this area. This 34 mile loop takes you to Pharaoh Lake, one of the most serene spots in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by unbelievable beauty and not a soul in sight.
The beauty of the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park is nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you are an experienced outdoor adventurer or looking for a simple day hike, there are plenty of incredible trails for you to explore in Banff in 2023. Make sure to include at least one of the hikes mentioned above in your next Canadian Rockies outing.
