Banff National Park, Alberta

Looking for the best hiking in Banff National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Banff National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Banff National Park

  • Edgewater, British Columbia

    Hike to Nub Peak

    5.0
    7.3 mi / 2789 ft gain
    Starting right at Mt. Assiniboine Lodge, there is very clear signage for this hike. The arrows will lead you over a wooden walkway right before you begin a gentle assent through the woods,gaining elevation the further you go, and then arrive at The Nublet which is before the peak. The Nublet has ...
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  • Edgewater, British Columbia

    Explore Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

    5.0
    Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site sequestered 27 km from the nearest road. We took a helicopter in, and hiked out . You can also hike both ways, but the hiking once you are there is more amazing than on the way in. You can also ski in on backcountry skis in the Win...
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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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  • 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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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Grotto Canyon

    3.5
    4.5 mi / 869 ft gain
    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 t...
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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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  • Clearwater County, Alberta

    Siffleur Falls Trail

    4.0
    9.02 mi / 922 ft gain
    Approximately 93 miles (150kms) West of Rocky Mountain House along Highway 11, the trailhead begins at the Siffleur Falls Day Use Area. This spot offers restrooms and picnic tables to relax after your hike. Begin by following the trail along the North Saskatchewan River. Cross the very long susp...
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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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  • Edgewater, British Columbia

    Scramble the Towers

    12.4 mi / 3937 ft gain
    From the Assiniboine Lodge (or your campsite or your hut), follow directions to Wonder Pass. After the pass, there are two ways to get up to The Towers, which you can see on the map in the pictures. The first option is to keep going on Wonder Pass Trail a bit further, lose some elevation and cut ...
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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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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Hike Mt. Yamnuska

    4.3
    5.4 mi / 855 ft gain
    This Alberta classic start just a few minutes off the Trans Canada. The trail begins gently through forests of Aspen. In spring and fall these are particularly lovely. Steadily the trail heads upwards bringing you to a three-way junction. Head right, and follow the trail Eastwards, as it zigs int...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Grillmair Chimneys Climb - Mount Yamnuska

    First route put up on Yamnuska by Hans Gmoser, Leo GrillmairSome say this was the start of modern climbing in Canada5.6 Trad Route- 8 PitchesThis climb is very unique once you get to the last pitch- squeezing your way into a cave, once at the cave you climb through a small hole which brings you o...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Hike through McGillivray Canyon

    1.0
    Between Pigeon Mountain and Mount McGilliveray, pull off the road and slow down until you see a little dirt road turn off to the large parking area.Follow the trail heading south- don't take the transcanada trail- further up you will find another small trail that takes you to the creek bed. Follo...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Summit Door Jamb Mountain and Loder Peak

    4.0
    If you're looking for views, vistas, and great scrambles in the Rockies, this is a great place to start. For any geology enthusiast, furthermore, this hike cannot be missed, offering great opportunities to search for some seriously ancient fossils.The trail begins on the west side of the parking ...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Hiking Jura Creek

    5.0
    From the parking lot find the trail head that leads away from the highway. This is an easy, but very interesting hike that will take you through a winding slot canyon.Take your time and explore all the various options, there are small waterfalls, and if you're feeling really adventurous you can c...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Heart Mountain and Grant MacEwan Scramble

    2.0
    A bit of a jaunt is required to get to the start of the scramble - follow the Heart Creek Trail, and after crossing the creek, look for a yellow sign that marks the scramble route. There will be exposure as well as use of hands, but it is totally do-able as long as you keep your head right!After ...
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