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Banff, Alberta

Looking for the best hiking 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 Hiking Spots in and near Banff

  • Banff, Alberta

    Hike to the Hoodoos, Banff

    5.0
    3 mi / 295.3 ft gain
    The beginning of this hike is easily accessed from the town center of Banff by the Bow river. Perfect for those without a car! Follow the trail on the side closest to town as it leads up the Bow River and into the forest following the signs for Hoodoos Loop.The hike is 4.8km one way, leading arou...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Hike Tunnel Mountain, Banff

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 984.3 ft gain
    The lower trailhead is only a short walk from Downtown Banff. Head east on Wolf street and up St. Julien Road and you will see the trailhead shortly after passing Wolverine street.There is also a upper trailhead on Tunnel Mountain Drive across from the carpark and viewpoint. Although this is clos...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Take in the View at the Mount Norquay Green Spot

    3.5
    The "Green Spot" is a beautiful grassy slope that opens up to sweeping views of downtown Banff and the surrounding area.  It's a great spot for photography, especially capturing the peak of Mt. Rundle.  There's also a set of chairs conveniently placed on the slope so you can kick back and enjoy t...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Dawn to Dusk in Banff National Park

    5.0
    6.8 mi
    This is a micro adventure in one of the world’s most desired National Parks. The common excuse for those who tend to skip the great outdoors is lack of time. This one day adventure is an example that you can cram a lot into a day! Dawn: Sunrise hike up to South Ridge in Banff. Start at the famous...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Hike Cascade Mountain, Banff NP

    7.5 mi / 4800 ft gain
    From Banff, follow the Norquay Road (the west access road to Banff) up to Mt. Norquay Ski Area. The trail begins from the day lodge at the far end of the first parking lot on the right.Walk by the front of the day lodge and follow a service roaddown through the ski area past the base of three cha...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Snowshoe Mt. Norquay

    2.2 mi / 1000 ft gain
    From Banff:Take the shuttle from the town lot to Mt. Norquay Ski Lodge, it is $10 CAD one way or $15 roundtrip, but you may want to walk back. If you decide to walk back there are two options; the road or the beautiful mountain trail. The trail head can be easily picked up in the parking lot, hik...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike the Cory & Edith Pass Trail

    4.0
    9.3 mi / 3002 ft gain
    Going west from Banff, take the first exit for Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway). Take the first right up to the fireside picnic area and begin your hike here.  The first 5kms of the hike climb uphill through the forest, making up most of the 915m elevation gain. Watch for trail markers over the ro...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike to the Hermit of Inglismaldie

    4.0
    2 mi / 34 ft gain
    As you drive towards Johnson Lake, the road will end at a parking lot where you should park. There are restrooms and picnic tables located in this same area.  Due to the low elevation, the trail around Johnson Lake is a gentle walk, but trail conditions should always be checked especially during ...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Snowshoe to Johnson Lake

    2 mi
    This is a well-traveled hike, so if you stay on the path, you'll likely need only a good pair of boots. However, in the middle of winter, the lake freezes solid, and you might enjoy exploring a little out on the frozen lake like we did. Snowshoes definitely came in handy out there.This is a very ...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Explore Bankhead Ghost Town

    5.0
    0.81 mi / 37 ft gain
    Bankhead is a ghost town which flanks Cascade Mountain and lies just south of Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. The main portion of the ghost town is located in Lower Bankhead, which can be reach by traveling North on Range Rd 1158 (closed Nov - Apr), following the signs to Lake Minnewanka....
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Kayak Two Jack Lake

    4.2
    Of all the lakes in the Banff area, this was one of my favorites to get out on the water. Don't expect the bright blue glacial waters of some of the other lakes in the Canadian Rockies, but the water is pristine and it was one of the few places I went where it felt like it was all locals hanging...
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  • Sawback, Alberta

    Hike Mount Bourgeau

    5.0
    12 mi / 2460 ft gain
    Taking Hwy 1 West of Banff for approximately 8 miles you'll come to the Bourgeau Lake Trailhead. This trail starts with a 4.5 mile, 2460ft elevation through the forest to the beautiful Bourgeau Lake. This glacial tarn signals the start of the alpine and a wonderful morning hike on it's own. From ...
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  • Sawback, Alberta

    Hike to Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass

    5.0
    12.5 mi / 3360 ft gain
    The trailhead for Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass is on the west side of Trans-Canada Highway approximately 5 miles west of Banff.  The turn-off is approximately 0.9 miles past the Sunshine Village Ski Resort exit.  There is a small parking lot and a restroom at the trailhead. Enter through the gate to...
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  • Sawback, Alberta

    Hike to Bourgeau Lake

    9.3 mi / 2329.4 ft gain
    The Bourgeau Lake trailhead offers easy parking and bathrooms before departing. The hike begins with approximately an hour and a half of fairly easy walking through forest with several glimpses of the surrounding mountains and Wolverine Creek. This first stretch ends with a gorgeous waterfall, ...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike to Healy Pass

    7.5 mi / 2198.2 ft gain
    Head up to Healy Pass in late September or early October to check out the beautiful larch trees in their golden glory. Sunshine Meadows, Assiniboine, and other amazing views can be seen from the top of this easy trail. Start your adventure in the Sunshine Village ski resort parking lot. Head behi...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Sunshine Village Gondola and Standish Quad Chairlift Hike

    6.2 mi / 902.2 ft gain
    If you're looking for an adventure in the Banff area that's not as crowded as the main tourist attractions but offers as spectacular of views, check this gem out.  Make sure to check hours of operation before going, gondola/ ski lift are not always running.  Ride the gondola all the way to the to...
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