5 Awesome Hikes in Banff National Park  

I have spent my fair share of time in the Banff area, and have completed lots of hikes. The Rocky Mountains have blessed us with SO many hikes and with differing levels, durations, elevations, and lengths – there is something for everyone! Here are 5 hikes in the Banff National Park Region! If none of these hikes are what you are looking for, I would recommend downloading the AllTrails App, to see more hikes in the area. If you are trying to decide between staying in Banff or Canmore, see my post here about the two different town.

Please remember to bring appropriate gear, to do your research ahead of time, and to always be respectful of the land, animals, and other hikers!

Booking.com

1. Ha Ling Peak – temporarily CLOSED as of April 2022

Length | 7km out and back hike 

Elevation | An elevation gain of around 750m. 

Time | est. 4h

This is definitely a tough hike, but the views at the top are so worth it.

You start the hike winding your way through forest, but as the trail gets steeper there are fewer trees and more open rock. The last part of the hike is all stairs, I definitely had to take many breaks during this part as my legs were quite tired. You then arrive at the saddle which is your first taste of the stunning views. We took a break there before continuing along the ridge to Ha Ling Peak.

The trail can get busy during peak (no pun intended) months, but we decided to do a sunrise hike (HIGHLY recommended), so it was quiet for us. It can get quite cold at the peak, so pack strategically. This hike is very close to Canmore, so I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a hike close to town. 

To note, this hike is currently CLOSED as of April 2022. For more information click here. 

2. The Big Beehive 

Length | 11km out and back hike 

Elevation | An elevation gain of around 750m 

Time | est. 4h 30min

This hike begins at the famous picturesque Lake Louise (just wait till you get to see the Lake from above!!).

The first part of the hike takes you through a paved (inclined) forest to the Lake Agnes Tea House. This is a great spot to stop, take a break, grab a snack at the Tea House, and enjoy the views of Lake Agnes.

You will likely encounter many people during this first part of the hike, as this is a popular “beginner” hike. I first did this hike when I was 12, and my sister was 6 at the time – so definitely possible for families!

Once you finish at the Tea House, you begin the second part of the hike which takes you up to The Big Beehive. You will walk around Lake Agnes and begin the inclined hike up to the top. The views are SO worth it, just look at these photos!! The second part of the hike had much fewer hikers, but there were still people around. 

This is a great option if you don’t have much time in the area, as you can check off visiting Lake Louise AND doing an awesome hike! 

Checkout my post here about other activities to do around Lake Louise!

3. C-Level Cirque 

Length | 9.3Km out and back hike 

Elevation | An elevation gain about 760m 

Time | est. 4h 30min

This hike is moderately challenging, but you end with amazing views of Lake Minnewanka. Out of all the hikes on this list, this hike is the closest to Banff – so if you are looking for something close to town this one might be for you.

The first 4km take you through forest trails with little views at all. The middle part is easier as you finally have views of Cascade Mountain and hike along a more open trail. The last few hundred meters of the hike are worth the burn for the amazing views at the end. It is hard to know where the trail actually ends as you come up against the mountain, and going any further would require quite intense scrambling.

Be on the lookout for mountain goats, we saw a few at the top! 

There is a large parking lot at the base. The parking lot often gets busy during peak months as it is a heavily trafficked area. 

4. Tent Ridge Horseshoe 

Length | 10 km Loop 

Elevation | An elevation gain around 830m 

Time | est. 5h

This was one of my favourite hikes.

Maybe it was because we got lost and ended up going up and down the same direction – made for some interesting scrambling! Or perhaps it was because we had some tasty banana peanut butter sandwiches and played cards at the top. Regardless of why, if you are in or near the Spray Valley area, I would recommend this hike.

Most people recommend doing this hike clockwise (mainly because the views are better this direction), which is what we were planning to do until we got lost mid hike and ended up going counter-clockwise. The trail should be easy to follow, but it does branch off a few times, so having a GPS would have been helpful for us!

You start off in a dense forest, but as you get closer to the ridge, there is definitely some scrambling. Having poles and hiking boots is definitely recommended (they are recommended for any hike, really). Once you get to the top, you walk along the ridge, which feels so surreal as the views all around are 15/10!!

We did not have any snow when we did this hike (September), but during other times of the year there will be snow at the top – so plan accordingly. There is also limited cell service. 

5. East End of Rundle (EEOR) – temporarily CLOSED as of April 2022

Length | 4.8km out and back hike 

Elevation | An elevation gain about 830m

Time | est. 3h 45min

This hike is definitely steep and requires some scrambling! The trail is a bit confusing to find, and you feel that you are just walking into a dense forest.

The first KM is steep, narrow, and rough terrain, but it begins to open up and you are blessed with views of Ha Ling Peak. When you are about 3/4 of the way, you reach a plateau which is a great place to stop and take a break if needed. The last quarter of the hike requires a lot of scrambling. It is known to be the most difficult part of the hike.

The descent can be hard on the knees, but worth the challenge. You should definitely have hiking boots and poles before attempting this hike! 

To note, this hike is currently CLOSED as of April 2022. For more information click here. 

I hope you enjoyed this list of 5 hikes in Banff National Park Region. This list is just the beginning of the numerous hikes in the area. It is so important to have proper gear, do research ahead of time, and be respectful during your hike. But most importantly, take a few breaks and breathe it all in, you are in one of the most jaw dropping landscapes of the world. And of course, have fun!!

If you are looking for more activities to do in Canmore, check out my Guide to the Stunning Town of Canmore.

What hike should I check out next time I am in the area? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo