So, you’re finally in the gem of the Canadian Rockies: Banff. You’re surrounded by rugged peaks and huge mountains, but do these all seem a bit daunting? Maybe you or someone you’re with isn’t such a strong hiker, or maybe you just fancy a more relaxed stroll? Look no further.
Well, I’ve got you covered with these 9 remarkable opportunities for picturesque walks, perfect for you and the whole family. These are all short hikes, especially relative to some of the other hikes in Banff National Park, and the best part? Most of them can be reached by foot from Banff townsite. Let’s begin.
Note: I will try to order them from easiest to most difficult, but you can always just turn back if you feel like you’ve done enough.
Fenland Trail
Easy
40 minutes
2km
49m
Summary
Definitely one of the best short hikes in Banff, the Fenland trail loop is a peaceful and flat trail that winds through a forested area near the Vermilion Lakes. Ideal for a relaxing walk, you’ll walk along a flat looped trail through the forest and alongside a small creek. The trail is wide and well-maintained, you’ll often encounter other walkers, runners, or cyclers here.
If you’d like to continue your walk you can go a bit further by going out to the Vermillion Lakes.
The trail does close multiple times a year as it is close to the lakes, resulting in fairly frequent bear sightings. As always, practice bear safety.
Best Time to Go
Year-round. We liked doing this one in the Winter to see the snow and ice shining in the trees, and in the Summer for the wildlife.
Notable Features
Great views of the Canadian Rockies through the Spruce trees.
Personal Experience
We love doing this walk rain or shine, and have never had any bear sightings here ourselves, although we have seen Elk passing through and around the area. This walk is perfect for doing in the Winter after grabbing a coffee at Tim Hortons to take with you.
Bow Falls Viewpoint
Easy
40 mins
2.74km
51m
Summary
The classic short and easy walk from downtown Banff townsite offers picturesque views of the Bow Falls and the stunning surrounding landscape. Ideal for all skill levels and perfect for a quick but rewarding stroll, just be careful in the winter as it can get pretty icy! There is some elevation and climbing involved, a couple of inclines and some steps, but nothing too strenuous.
Best Time to Go
The best time to walk to the Bow Falls from town is probably in the Summer months when the path isn’t icy, however it can be used year round if you tread carefully.
Notable Features
The view of the waterfall, and of the mountains in the distance as you look down the river.
Personal Experience
This is probably the first walk my partner and I did when we arrived in Banff since we didn’t want to go too far because of the freezing conditions – but we still wanted to get outside! One of us fell over on the icey part right at the bottom of the stairs as you come down to the falls, so crampons aren’t necessary but they could save you!
The Bow Falls is a great hike during Summer or Winter, and gives you lots of options if you’d like to continue your walk – you could head down towards the golf course, towards the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, or on one of the Spray River walks.
Vermillion Lakes
Easy
1 hour
Up to 7km
None
Summary
An easily accessible road providing breathtaking views of the Vermilion Lakes and Mount Rundle. The road continues most of the length of the lakes, offering great opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful walks. Links up with the Fenland Trail so you could park at that trailhead if you didn’t want to walk from town, and if you’d like to make the walk longer you will find the Banff Legacy Trail at the end of the road.
Best Time to Go
You can go all year round. I prefer the Winter months for the quietness and walking on the lake, but it’s beautiful sun or snow. It’s also great for cycling in the Summer, as well as heading there just to chill on the jetty and enjoy the view.
Notable Features
The stunning view of Mt Rundle and the other mountains accross the lakes from the jetty. Awesome for a sunrise or sunset, and perfect for spotting some of the other locals – muskrats.
Personal Experience
This is one of our go-to’s if we don’t want to drive anywhere. Super peaceful, great for wildlife spotting – I know people who have spotted moose here before. Good in the Winter too as you can walk down to the jetty and onto the lake itself which is always fun – who doesn’t like walking on a frozen lake?!
Johnson Lake
Easy
40 mins
2.90km
54m
Summary
A serene and family-friendly trail circling around Johnson Lake. With picturesque views of Cascade Mountain, the easy loop trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnics, and even swimming during warmer months. It’s the favourite of the locals – so you know it’s great!
Best Time to Go
Great for a Winter or Summer hike, but definitely easier in the Summer without all the snow.
Notable Features
The lake! Also, Johnson Lake Hermit Cabin – a cabin where an Englishman named Billy Carver spent 27 years living as a hermit after building it in the year 1910. Here is the link on the map if you’d like to find it.
Personal Experience
We love coming here in the Summer for casual walks, chilling by the lake, and occasionally paddleboarding or kayaking. Great vibe here – arrive early on weekends to get a parking spot or else just hop on the bus for around 15 minutes.
Johnston Canyon (To Lower Falls)
Easy
54 mins
2.25km
105m
Summary
Potentially the most well-known trail in Banff National Park, featuring catwalks and bridges that wind through a picturesque canyon, passing stunning waterfalls. A heavily trafficked trail suitable for all skill levels, offering beautiful scenery throughout the hike. Despite being maybe the busiest trail, it’s still a must-see and should be ticked off of everyone’s bucket list.
If you’re happy to keep walking I would recommend continuing on to the upper falls. The hike to upper falls is a 5.1km round trip with around 262m elevation. It is still an easy hike which is very well-maintained.
Best Time to Go
You can go year round, the best time to go in my opinion is early Spring – you’ll be able to see partially frozen waterfalls as well as some of the river actually flowing, and it won’t be quite as busy as in the Summer.
Notable Features
The waterfalls!
Personal Experience
Last time we went, we had a lot of fun walking this in late April 2023, although it was still very busy so you should definitely get there early to beat the crowds. If you continue on past the upper falls you can head to the ink pots, but we thought these were a bit disappointing and not worth the extra 4km.
Hoodoos Trail via Surprise Corner
Moderate
~2.5 hours
~9km
~300m
Summary
A short and moderately challenging hike leading to unique rock formations known as hoodoos. The trail offers panoramic views of the Bow River Valley, Sulphur Mountain and the town of Banff, making it a popular choice for photographers. It also provides awesome views of the world-famous Banff Springs Hotel.
Best Time to Go
May through September. Usually closed in the Winter due to being a wildlife area.
Notable Features
The hoodoos!
Personal Experience
This one caught us off-guard the first time we did it as there actually was a little bit of climbing involved, but only because we were expecting it to be flat – it’s still not a lot. The majority of the hike is an easy walk along the river, and the little climb is very worth it for the views.
Be sure to check the Parks Canada bulletins for area closures.
Tunnel Mountain (Summit)
Easy
1.5 hours
4.35km
262m
Summary
Despite its name, this is a relatively easy hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding mountains. A popular choice for families and those seeking a shorter yet rewarding hike. Full of epic views, absolutely one not to be missed. The hike typically takes 1-2 hours to complete the round trip, it’s a great choice for both beginners and seasoned hikers. You should take the opportunity at the top to take a break, enjoy a snack, and soak in the tranquility before heading back down.
Best Time to Go
Excellent for any time during the year
Notable Features
Fantastic vantage points offering views in both directions, providing an incredible perspective showcasing the expansive heights and depths of the Bow Valley.
Personal Experience
The first “mountain” I climbed in Banff, and a walk I still do often. It’s done regularly by most locals – on my first ascent I still remember a man running past me dragging a tire tied to a rope attached to his waist, he went past me twice – he must’ve been training for something. Banff locals really are a bunch of eccentrics, but good on him.
Sundance Canyon
Moderate
2.5 hours
8.69km
~350m
Summary
Accessible from the Cave and Basin Historic Site, this trail follows the path of Sundance Creek, offering a quieter hiking experience with beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and historical significance. Upon arriving at the mouth of the Canyon you’re greeted with a lush forest and a raging, cascading canyon waterfall with awesome rapids.
To get there you’ll walk around half an hour from town along the creek with beautiful views of the Sundance Creek. This is yet another great opportunity to witness plenty of nature and wildlife.
Best Time to Go
I would recommend doing this hike around Spring time as everything is beginning to melt and bloom, but you can do this year-round. To do the Sundance Canyon loop in the winter you will need snowshoes or microspikes.
Notable Features
You can see the point where Sundance Creek converges with the Bow River, witnessing the distinct shift in its coloration. Also, the view of the canyon and waterfall from the bridge.
Personal Experience
We do this hike regularly, and although we haven’t yet, it is great for cycling too. Great for a casual walk along the river, keeping an eye out for creatures in the river, or on the banks of the other side. We have spotted muskrats, deer and elk, coyote, and lots of different kinds of birds, but you can see almost all of Banff National Park’s wildlife residents on this one – bears included.
There have been a couple times we started walking towards the canyon and were informed it was closed due to grizzly bear activity, so always check on the Parks Canada site for closures before heading out.
Sunshine Meadows
Moderate
3 – 4 hours
~10km
300-500m
Summary
Sunshine meadows is a very special place, boasting incredible alpine views, colorful wildflowers in the summer, and stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks. Varied trail options cater to different hiking abilities, but you should note that unless you want to hike to the top you’ll have to pay for the gondola to get up there – although if you’re a local you can get your ambassador pass which will allow you to go up once for free, as well as much more.
Here’s the map: Sunshine Meadows Trail Map
Best Time to Go
You can only go to Sunshine Meadows during the Summer as it’s a ski resort in the Winter Months. It’s usually open from mid-June to early September. Peak flowering season begins around mid-July, so that’s a great time to visit for the wildflowers.
Notable Features
The wildflowers, and the incredible view from Standish Viewing Platform.
Personal Experience
We ended up doing a longer hike going from the Standish viewing deck, down to the Grizzly/Laryx loop, and then went to the Monarch Viewpoint before heading back via the Meadow Park trail.
Following your walk, I suggest stopping by Trappers for a refreshing cold drink before heading down. This will give you the chance to observe numerous creatures that inhabit Sunshine Meadows, including the very friendly Columbian Ground Squirrels.
Thanks for reading, thats all nine! If you’re keen for more than nine or have any questions at all email me at john@spendamoment.com 🙂
Tips and Recommendations
As with all walks there are various things you should keep in mind:
- If going during the winter always check the weather forecast and be prepared to turn back if things take a turn for the worst. Dress in warm clothing, several layers is best.
- Be bear safe! The last thing any of us want is any people or wildlife coming to harm due to our ignorance. Take your spray, speak loudly as often as possible, don’t go where you shouldn’t – check Parks Canada for closures. Read up on it here.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Some good hiking trainers at least, if not boots to support your ankle – this will make your walk much more enjoyable. In the winter I always carry around my ice-traction cleats for when all or part of a hike is too icy, it really does make it much easier.
- Have fun and soak in all the nature you can – you’re in one of the best places in the world for it!
Want an excellent mid-level hike to do a bit further away from town? Check out my post on hiking Tent Ridge Horseshoe in Kananaskis.
