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Banff, Alberta

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

Top Chillin Spots in and near Banff

  • Eldon, Alberta

    View the Castle Mountain Lookout

    Castle mountain, so named for its fortress-like shape, is a quick hop away from the town of Banff.  If you don't have time to hike to Rockbound Lake (at the base of Castle), head to the viewpoint just off of Highway 91 and snap some pictures of this epic mountain. Drive north for about 10 minutes...
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  • Turner Valley, Alberta

    Climb Wasootch Tower

    Park at Wasootch Creek, Walk 2kms past the practice slabs5.7 Mixed- North RidgeFollowing the drainage on the right side that leads to the base of the esthetic tower. Then hike up the faint forested trail to the beginning of the climb.I found this to be a fun- easy scrambling route with quite a fe...
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  • Kananaskis, Alberta

    Hike up Galatea Creek to Lillian Lake

    Located on Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail) and marked by the "Galatea" sign, there's not much more to this hike other than putting one foot in front of the other, but the amount of traffic it sees is a testament to the quality of this hike.Even on the backend of winter the numerous shades of green ...
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  • Turner Valley, Alberta

    Photograph Wedge Pond

    3.0
    0.25 mi / 10 ft gain
    Just off Highway 1 in Kananaskis Country is a beautiful pond that makes for a wonderful spot to enjoy the first light on the Canadian Rockies. Bring warm clothes as this place can be especially cold. Don't forget a camera and a blanket. I recommend going for sunrise as this is when the lighting i...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike to Consolation Lakes

    4.0
    3.7 mi / 196.9 ft gain
    Once at Moraine Lake, the directions to Consolation Lakes are quite clear. From the parking lot, head northeast past the rockpile, which provides fantastic views of Moraine, then follow the Consolation Lakes Trail for another 2.9 km (1.8 miles) past Taylor Lake until you reach the lake. Depending...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Scramble the Ten Peaks via the Perren Route

    A true adventure with lots of route finding, glacier travel, loose rock and high altitude views. This is not for the faint hearted or first timers.From the Moraine Lake parking lot walk down the east side of the lake along the well maintained trail. Towards the end of the lake you will cross the ...
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  • Lake Louise, Alberta

    Hike to the Lake Louise Overlook

    5.0
    2 mi / 500 ft gain
    This is a fairly steep, short hike that gives you a great view of Lake Louise. The hike begins right behind the canoe rental shop on the South side of the lake. The trail is very easy to follow and there are quite a few people that hike it. The hike is an hour and half round trip.  The hike leads...
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  • Lake Louise, Alberta

    Hike to Big Beehive

    5.0
    6.2 mi / 1710 ft gain
    The hike to Big Beehive begins at the base of Lake Louise. From the parking lot, hike along the paved trail on the northeastern shore of Lake Louise.  The Fairmont Chateau Hotel will be to your right with the lake to your left.  Continue toward the junction for the Lake Agnes Trail.  Keep right t...
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  • Lake Louise, Alberta

    Exploring Lake Louise

    4.6
    Lake Louise is one of the most photographed lakes in Canada, with reason. Many tourist walk the paved path round and head home. They miss out though. Hiking to the various tea houses surrounding the lake is a must. An easy 2 mile hike from the lake lies a tea house perched on a hill in a tight ci...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Drive the Icefields Parkway

    5.0
    145.45 mi / 6293 ft gain
    The Icefields Parkway has been named One of the World's Most Scenic Drives by National Geographic and with all the scenic hikes, stops, and viewpoints, it's easy to see why. Starting at Lake Louise, a friend and I decided to drive up the Icefields Parkway which goes through Banff National Park i...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Bike the Icefields Parkway

    The Icefields Parkway is a spectacular highway to ride (you can see the short video here). The shoulders are wide and well paved. Drivers are typically courteous, slowing down and giving you space as they pass, making the ride a great deal more enjoyable. Starting in Jasper you load up your bike,...
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  • Field, British Columbia

    Hike to the Opabin Prospect

    5.0
    2.5 mi / 820 ft gain
    Located in Yoho National Park, Lake O'Hara is said to be the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies (rightly so!). Callum Snape has described a bit of the process on what it takes to gain access to Lake O'Hara at this post here. Once you arrive at Lake O'Hara, either at the lodge or at the neighbori...
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  • Bragg Creek, Alberta

    Rock Climb at White Buddha

    4.0
    1.9 mi / 492.1 ft gain
    To reach White Buddha, park at the Powerface Creek parking lot. Between December and May, Route 66 is closed at Elbow Falls, so you may need to park at the gate and walk in, about 0.3 miles (500 m). The trailhead is well marked from the parking lot.The first section of the trail is mellow, though...
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  • Bragg Creek, Alberta

    Cross-Country Ski and Scramble to Oldforgetmenot for Sunrise

    9.9 mi / 2395 ft gain
    I think it's because I tend to watch football on Sundays that I've started doing more sunrise hikes --- can't say I regret it either! Oldforgetmenot is a perfect objective to take in a sunrise on: elevation gain isn't too intense, distance isn't too trying, and there are quite a few stretches tha...
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  • Field, British Columbia

    Hike "A Walk in the Past Trail," Yoho NP

    3.0
    2 mi / 396 ft gain
    The trail begins towards the backside of Kicking Horse camp area near the washrooms. Please know that access to this area is typically closed between October and June. Look for the large trail sign and be sure to grab a brochure  to enjoy the self-guided tour. The brochures may not be available, ...
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  • Bragg Creek, Alberta

    Hike to Bragg Creek Ice Cave

    4.0
    4.3 mi / 5879.3 ft gain
    Also known as Moose Mountain Ice Cave, Canyon Creek Ice Cave and Ing Mine.The cave is located on the west side of Moose Ridge andhas a huge entrance, it is approximately1,600 ft. in depth. Take Highway 22 past Bragg Creek, continue on the 66 towards Moose Mountain.  Turn off at Canyon Creek Road...
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