Hiking in Banff National Park

Banff National Park was Canada’s first national park and the world’s third! It is home to mountains, glaciers, meadows, wildlife and wildflowers galore! It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hiking in Banff is a hiker’s paradise. Hiking in Banff offers something for everyone with hundreds of hiking trails ranging from short wheel chair accessible and children friendly interpretative hikes to hard core hikes and scrambles. There are so many great places to go hiking in Banff that I’ve taken the guess work out of trying to choose by identifying 3 of my favourites.

Hiking in Banff along what is frequently called the “most scenic highway in the world” on the Ice fields Parkway connecting Banff and Jasper; does not disapoint.  You will be engulfed in wildflowers and meadows, some of the most beautiful scenery in Banff. It is also a good place to spot Canadian wildlife, especially bears. While resting at Helen Lake, you likely won’t be alone; marmots (cute little rodents) may try and beg you for part of your lunch,(note feeding wild animals is illegal when hiking in Banff. If you’re feeling energetic, I would highly recommend continuing on to Cirque Peak which is another 493 m (1617 feet) of elevation gain and technically a scramble (you have to use your hands and your feet) but the route is obvious and is just less than half of what you’ve already climbed to get to Helen Lake. It’s steep, but not technically difficult. From the peak you will look down on what looks like a moonscape, but is really the remains from a melted glacier. Sound cool? Look out and you will see my favourite panorama from hiking in Banff - a fantastic view of the Wapta Ice field - a large glacier  that rivals as one of the most scenic views on earth. The entire trail is 14 km (8.7 miles) round trip, rated moderate. If you could only go hiking in Banff once this would be my recommendation.

Hiking in Banff often means hiking on well maintained trails.  Fairview Mountain is the highest maintained trail in Banff (other Banff trails are higher, but are not maintained) in the Canadian Rockies and located beside the pictureques  Lake Louise that is featured on many postcards.   As a result, when hiking in Banff on this trail you will not be alone but the panorama is stunning! Get an early start if you're seeking more solitude.  The first point of interest you will reach after gaining 600 m (1970 feet) of elevation is Saddleback, a mountain pass filled with wildflowers that will give you a bird’s eye view of the imposing Mount Temple. The view is so good, it’s tempting to stop, but continue another 414 m (1358 feet) to Fairview Mountain.  You will be rewarded by views of Victoria Glacier looming across the valley. It’s truly a spectacular site to have such a magnificent view of the glacier from that height.

Another bonus of hiking in Banff is that on your way back down to Saddleback, for only another 45 minutes you can scramble Saddleback Mountain in another direction, be greeted by another spectacular view and have a two peak day which is hard to beat and is one of the great things about hiking in Banff! All for ~11 km (7 miles) of distance, most of it moderate.

Hiking in Banff often means you can choose different destinations on the same trail and this Banff trail offers 3 great stopping points if you get tired, but I’d suggest eating your wheaties and hiking to Mt Bourgeau, the real show stopper. At a total round trip distance of 24 km (14.9 miles) and 1530 m (5018 feet) of elevation gain you’ll be working for your reward, as such it’s rated difficult, but is not technically difficult. Once you’re past Bourgeau Lake, there’ are views to keep you motivated. Hiking to Bourgeau Lake you will be engulfed in trees for part of the way but the meadow at Bourgeau Lake is beautiful and with all the berry bushes a prime example of grizzly bear habitat. 

Engulfed in mountains, you won’t have a panorama view, so keep hiking up to Harvey Pass. At Harvey Pass the view starts to open up and it’s tempting to stop, but keep going, if you think this view is outstanding, you haven’t seen anything yet. En route to Mt Bourgeau, you will pass by several small lakes and have a stunning vista to keep you motivated. Hiking in Banff does not disappoint on the views.  Once you arrive, you will be greeted by a 360° panoramic view of some of Banff’s finest scenery, a reward that’s definitely worth it. 

Hiking in Banff means there are many great Banff trails to choose from; these are just 3 of them, which are among my favorites. If you have your own favourite Banff trails, please share it in the comments below. Happy Hiking in Banff! If you're looking for a quieter hiking destination, than Banff, I would recommend hiking in Kananaskis, a beautiful area just a short drive from Banff National Park.