Banff, Alberta

This magical resort town is nestled within Banff National Park and provides the best access to the area's world-class outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

Top Spots in and near Banff

  • Canmore, Alberta

    Climb the South East Ridge of Lady MacDonald

    Lady Macdonalds South East ridge is a route that has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to it's proximity to Canmore, intro level alpine climbing, and wonderful views. The Rockies Central Guidebook has the best images and descriptions of this specific climb This route starts in Cougar Cre...
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  • Canmore, Alberta

    Rock Climb at Cougar Creek Canyon

    4.0
    3.1 mi / 49.2 ft gain
    From the TransCanada highway, take the second exit into Canmore (from either direction), and head uphill on Elk Run Boulevard. At the top of the hill, across from the Iron Goat restaurant, there is a three way intersection, head right across the bridge and take an immediate left into the parking ...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Johnston Canyon Cave (Closed)

    4.4
    3.4 mi / 700 ft gain
    Off-trail is prohibited and this adventure is closed. Visit parks.canada.ca for more information.  Johnston Canyon is one of Alberta’s many gems. Located in Banff national park, this stunning waterfall hike is a quick 3.4 miles roundtrip. It’s amazing how much varied scenery you see over the co...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike to the Ink Pots via Johnston Canyon

    3.8
    7.5 mi / 1050 ft gain
    The hike through Johnston Canyon to its Upper and Lower falls is one of the most popular hikes to do in Banff - mostly due the little effort required for the great reward.To start, take the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) - the parking lot and trailhead are clearly marked by a Johnston Canyon sig...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Johnston Canyon Lower and Upper Falls

    5.0
    3.31 mi / 692 ft gain
    Getting There: The Canyon is very well marked, but here are directions anyway if you're coming from Banff: Head West on the Trans-Canada Highway for about 5 km or so. Take the Bow Valley Parkway exit, and continue West for another 18km - you'll then see signs to your right for Johnston Canyon. ...
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  • Canmore, Alberta

    Hike Grotto Mountain

    7.5 mi / 4429.1 ft gain
    From Highway 1A take the exit to the Alpine Club of Canada. Park near the woodpile as the actual parking lot is for Alpine Club customers. The trailhead about 30 metres up the road from the woodpile.The start of the trail is fairly relaxed but it quickly becomes a steep uphill battle. There are t...
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  • Kananaskis, Alberta

    Snowshoe to Old Goat Glacier

    6.2 mi / 2296.6 ft gain
    The trialhead is found on West Side Road on the west side of Spray Lakes Resevoir. In winter, West Side Road is closed to vehicles due to dogsled tours, but is still open to walking - it's a pretty neat experience to get passed by a dozen sled dog teams. Since the road is closed, it adds an extra...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Snowshoe to Rockbound Lake

    3.0
    11 mi / 2460 ft gain
    This is an amazing trail, but not for the feint of heart!The trailhead is located on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) in Banff National Park, AB at the Castle Mountain sign. The trailhead is marked by an information sign in the north of the parking lot and the trail initially heads north - not...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike to Silverton Falls

    1.2 mi / 120 ft gain
    Starting at the Rockbound Lake trailhead you will want to follow the flat dirt path straight, until you see the junction in the road with the sign pointing you to Silverton Falls (it will be about 500 steps or a quarter of a mile). We made the mistake of taking the first junction which lead us to...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Snowshoe to Silverton Falls and Rockbound Lake

    10.4 mi / 2493.4 ft gain
    Park at Rockbound Lake Trailhead, 0.2 km east of Castle Junction on Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).The trail wanders through forest until coming to a fork to the right, leading to SilvertonFalls. This is a worthwhile 1 km side trip to a beautiful small waterfall dropping into a turquoise blue po...
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  • Canmore, Alberta

    Trail Run on the Wind Ridge-Bow Valley

    8.4 mi
    Wind Ridge is a 7,217 ft / 2,200 m mountain peak near Canmore, Alberta, Canada, with spectacular views into the Bow Valley. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible from May until November.Take the Spray Lakes Road from the town of Canmore for 22km. The trail head is just below th...
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  • Canmore, Alberta

    Hike Pigeon Mountain

    Important note: trail closure from December 1 - June 15th.Altitude: 2,394m (7,852 ft)Elevation gain: 990m (3,247 ft)Round trip: 6-6.5 hours (15 kms)Heading West from Calgary on Trans Canada Highway #1 - take the Dead Mans Flats overpass, and go South for 1 -1.5 kms until you reach a parking lot. ...
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  • Kananaskis, Alberta

    Windtower Mountain

    5.0
    5.93 mi / 3018 ft gain
    Spray Lakes is one of my favorite areas in Kananaskis, and the view of Spray Lakes from the summit is absolutely breathtaking. The trailhead is located along the Smith-Dorrien Trail (Spray Lakes Road) – look for a yellow sign on the eastern side of the road, about 1 mile (1.5 km) south of the Dr...
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  • Edgewater, British Columbia

    Hike to Windy Ridge

    10.6 mi / 1640.4 ft gain
    Windy Ridge is located by Og Pass in the Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Whether you start from any of the campgrounds, huts or the lodge, the way to the Windy Ridge Trail is well indicated and the trail itself is well worn. Beware that if you are using the Gem Trek map (1:100,000), the notes ...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Icewalk in Grotto Canyon

    3.5
    To get to the trailhead, take Highway 1 and take the Seebe exit (Highway 1X). Continue north on Highway 1X and take a left at Highway 1A. A few kilometres after the town of Exshaw, turn into the parking lot marked by the Grotto Pond sign.The trailhead is well marked and follow the trail until the...
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  • 51.064574,-115.203550

    Hike Grotto Creek

    3.7 mi / 410.1 ft gain
    This is a great hike that could be a quick 2 hour sprint or stretch into a full day affair.  The trailhead is located just off Highway 1A at a fishing pond with outhouses and ample parking.  The trail is well signed and in a quick kilometre, hikers will be at the actual creek bed. In summer, hike...
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