There are so many amazing, easy hikes near Banff, that you could spend a week hiking and still not visit every trail! No matter where you go, Banff National Park is absolutely stunning, but for the best views, sometimes you have to put in a little work and hike there!
In this article, I’ll share the best easy hikes near Banff – most of them I’ve done, but some of them are still on my list to do! I’ll cover the length of hike, elevation gain, and typical time it takes to hike!
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Note: Trail information is based on information from AllTrails.com and personal experience.
Easy Banff Hikes
1. Johnson Lake Loop
Length: 3.2 km
Elevation Gain: 74 m
Typical Time to Hike: 45 minutes
The Johnson Lake Loop hike is one of my favourite relaxing and easy hikes near Banff. It doesn’t have a ton of elevation gain, but still provides beautiful views of Lake Johnson and surrounding mountains. If it is an extra hot day, Johnson Lake is a nice place to swim and cool down after a long hike!
While hiking, there is a swing you can take a break on and really enjoy the views from (if it’s still there! 🙂 ).
2. Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
Length: 4.5 km
Elevation Gain: 108 m
Typical Time to Hike: 1 hour and 15 minutes
The Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail is one of the most popular easy hikes near Banff, due to the fact that Lake Louise is such a popular spot! This hike will have you walking along the perimeter of Lake Louise, where you can enjoy different views of the stunning water and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Note: It costs money to park at the Lake Louise Parking Lot and parking can fill up fast during peak season/hours. Either get there early or arrive in the evening, take public transit, or reserve a spot on Parks Canada Shuttle Bus to guarantee a spot if visiting mid-day.
3. Lake Agnes & The Lake Agnes Teahouse
Length: 7.4 km
Elevation Gain: 435m
Typical Time to Hike: 2 hours 45 minutes
I wanted to add hiking Lake Agnes to this list as well, because although it is a little harder than some of the other hikes in this list (due to elevation gain and time), it is still doable for those who don’t hike as often and I think it’s a great experience to have in the Rockies (it just might take you a little more time – which is ok!).
The hike to Lake Agnes will have you hike past Mirror Lake on the way (another pretty lake) and will bring you to a teahouse nestled in the mountains where you can have a drink and a snack (bring cash!! – they don’t take cards). Truly an incredible experience, but it can get a little busy!
Note: If you’re looking to hike even more, continue on to Little Beehive, or all the way up to Big Beehive! Both can be accessed from Lake Agnes. Other hikes that can be added on include Devil’s Thumb (mini scramble) or the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail.
4. Moraine Lake Rockpile
Length: 0.8 km
Elevation Gain: 10m
Typical Time to Hike: 10 minutes
This is such an easy hike and is where all of the best pictures of Moraine Lake are taken. You’ll see the sign for Rockpile as you walk past the bathrooms leaving from the parking lot, and in a short hike, you’ll get to the top for stunning views! This is one of the most popular Moraine Lake hikes to do – if you’re after a longer one, check out the Consolation Lakes Trail.
Tip: Another easy Banff hike in the same area is the Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail. It’s about 5.1 km, relatively flat, and takes around 2 hours if you go to the very end of the trail (but even hiking just a little bit of it is nice).
5. Many Springs
Length: 1.6km
Elevation Gain: 40m
Typical Time to Hike: 35 minutes
The Many Springs Hike is in Kananaskis and is more of a leisurely walk than a hike, making this one a great option for families with small kids. Many Springs is a flat trail with a mix of boardwalks and regular paths, taking hikers in a loop around the Spring, complete with a viewpoint at a dock for great views of the mountains. This is a nice hike for birdwatching and a great one to do during wildflower season, as there are a ton of them during the peak!
Note: Visitors will need to purchase a Kananaskis Pass for this area.
6. Johnston Canyon Hike
Length: 5.1km
Elevation Gain: 262 m
Typical Time to Hike: 1 hour 45 minutes
Johnston Canyon Trail is a nice and pretty easy hike near Banff, but it is extremely popular. It will take hikers through the Canyon and past quite a few stunning waterfalls on the way. You can choose to stop at the Johnston Canyon Lower Falls if you start to feel tired, or make it all the way to the Upper Falls to see the tallest waterfall in the Canyon.
Honestly, unless you are dying to hike it and absolutely cannot miss it, I would not recommend visiting during peak days/ times, as it’s so unenjoyable. If visiting during peak times, you will be hiking single file down the trail and have no space for pictures or even to enjoy it.
Therefore, I would highly recommend getting there as early as you can to avoid the crowds, or even trying late in the day – as most tourists flock to other places during these times. Or, skipping it and enjoying other hikes!
Hikers can choose to continue on to the Ink Pots from the Upper Falls – but this is considered backcountry so make sure you are prepared with water, snacks, and bear spray, etc.
Note: This parking lot fills up very fast during peak season as well. Either get there early, have a back up plan in mind (I love nearby Silverton Falls!), camp at the Johnston Canyon Campground or stay at the Lodge and walk, or take Roam Transit.
7. Peyto Lake
Length: 2.4 km
Elevation Gain: 84 m
Typical Time to Hike: 45 minutes
Peyto Lake is another popular, easy hike near Banff. It is located on the Icefields Parkway, which is the road between Banff and Jasper (and is absolutely stunning!), so if you’re planning to drive this road, hiking to Peyto Lake is the perfect place to stop on the Parkway (find other great places to stop here).
It’s a relatively short hike and there is ample parking at the trailhead, and the views are so pretty! There is a newly built viewing platform for visitors to admire the wolf-shaped lake, and although some hikers go off the path, remember to leave no trace and help prevent erosion by staying on the platform!
Note: The sign to turn off the Icefields Parkway to access Peyto Lake is called “Bow Summit”, so make sure you watch for this while driving and don’t miss it!
8. Bow Falls Viewpoint
Length: 2.7km
Elevation Gain: 66m
Typical Time to Hike: 45 minutes
The trailhead for Bow Falls actually leaves from the Town of Banff, which makes it a great addition if you’re planning to stop downtown at some point! This easy hike will bring you through a forest along the riverside of the Bow River (be careful along the edge), until you arrive at Bow Falls viewpoint, which is a wide waterfall but not super tall (but still pretty!). The Canadian Rockies has so many amazing waterfalls, so make sure to see as many as you can during your visit. On this trail, you’ll also get a nice view of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, which makes for great photos.
Note: Wear bug spray because the bugs are bad on this one!
9. Sunshine Meadows
This is a combination of a couple of hikes, so it’s hard to give exact stats on the hike overall. But, it is relatively flat (some very minor hills), and we spent around 3 hours exploring Sunshine Meadows – but stopped a lot to take pictures.
Hiking around Sunshine Meadows is a great option for those looking for amazing views without hiking up a steep mountain. Hikers gain all of their elevation by taking a gondola and chair lift up to the top, where they will be greeted with stunning meadows and the most beautiful viewpoint ever (it’s one of my favourite views in the Rockies). There are a few different hiking trails here, but to get the most bang for your buck (the gondola costs money!) I recommend combining the trails to make one big hike.
It’s easy to combine the trails as they are all relatively flat. Starting at Standish Viewing Deck, hike to Rock Isle Junction, continue to Grizzly/Laryx Junction and hike the loop, returning back to Rock Isle Junction and continue hiking down Rock Isle Road back to the gondola. If you’re tired, instead of taking Rock Isle Road down, head back to Standish Viewing Deck and take the chairlift back down to the gondola!
Tip: Get to Sunshine early so you have enough time to enjoy this incredible place – this is one of my favourite easy hikes in Banff!
10. Silverton Falls
Length: 1.8 km
Elevation Gain: 112m
Typical Time to Hike: 45 minutes
This easy hike is a short drive from Johnston Canyon located on the Bow Valley Parkway. It is a short hike with a small parking lot and quite a few switchbacks, but Silverton Falls is so pretty and is a great choice if you’re after a short hike with a pretty endpoint.
The area to view the actual waterfall is not maintained and is quite small, so be careful and be respectful of any other visitors there – there are no railings and nobody wants to fall (you are responsible for your own safety)!
You can hike Silverton Falls year round, and see a frozen waterfall during the winter.
11. Policeman Creek (Canmore)
Length: 4.2km
Elevation Gain: 81m
Typical Time to Hike: 1 hour
The Policeman Creek Trail is an easy hike near Banff, as it actually leaves from the Town of Canmore! You’ll find the trailhead downtown, so if you’re already spending time in Canmore this is a super easy activity to add on to your day. Policeman Creek is the most “walk-like” hike on the list, as there is basically no elevation and you can walk across a super cool boardwalk and through a forested area, all without breaking a sweat. There are some great photo opportunities of the 3 Sisters Mountain Range from this hike as well, so bring your camera and an eye for composition!
Easy Hikes Near Banff on my List That I Haven’t Done – But Have Awesome Reviews!
12. Tunnel Mountain Hike
Length: 4.5 km
Elevation Gain: 267 m
Typical Time to Hike: 1 hour 45 minutes
This is typically a more popular hike, which is why I haven’t done this one yet! Reviews and others I’ve spoken to say it can be a little steep, but you’ll be rewarded with amazing views once you get to the top. Park at the Tunnel Mountain Viewpoint parking lot and start your hike from here, or start from Downtown Banff for a slightly longer hike.
13. Boom Lake
Length: 10.8 km
Elevation Gain: 572m
Typical Time to Hike: 3 hours
The Boom Lake Trail is rated as Easy on AllTrails with 4.4 / 5 stars, making it a great option for an easy hike near Banff! I’ve heard the main views are at the end of the hike when you make it to the lake itself and it starts out steep, but evens out after a bit of hiking. Definitely one to add to the list if you’re looking to spend time at a lake, but don’t want a ton of crowds!
14. Grassi Lakes
Length: 3.4km
Elevation Gain: 178m
Typical Time to Hike: 1-2 hours depending on the route
Another hike I wanted to throw on this list as it is technically in Canmore, but isn’t too far a drive if you’re staying in the Banff area. Grassi Lakes is super pretty if you’re after those amazing green lakes in the Rockies, and isn’t difficult for beginner hikers to accomplish. It is quite a popular choice for visitors, so expect at least a little bit of crowds when you go.
This hike diverges at some point in the hike and you can choose to go one of two ways – go right to hike Upper Grassi Lakes Trail which is easier, and go left to hike Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail (closed during the winter).
15. Stewart Canyon (Lake Minnewanka)
Length: 6.8km
Elevation Gain: 260m
Typical Time to Hike: 2 hours
Stewart Canyon trailhead is located at Lake Minnewanka, which is a super popular lake in Banff National Park. For that reason, this trail may be a little busy during popular times (mid-day and weekends). Hikers can park at the Lake Minnewanka parking lot to complete this hike!
A lot of this hike is forested, but if you’re hoping to visit Lake Minnewanka anyways, this is a great activity to add on to your visit! In my opinion (and based on reviews on AllTrails), I would personally prioritize other hikes over this one if I was short on time in Banff. But if you’re looking for something that isn’t strenuous and want a nice walk, then this seems like the perfect option for you!
16. Sundance Canyon
Length: 8.7km
Elevation Gain: 341m
Typical Time to Hike: 2.5 hours
The Sundance Canyon trailhead leaves from the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and is mostly a paved trail which makes it a great option if you’re looking for an easier trail. At the end of the paved section there is an unpaved loop for hikers to continue exploring, so be prepared for this, especially if it rains!
Sundance Canyon has a cool waterfall to see during the hike and some nice views along the river.
17. Fairview Lookout
Length: 2.4 km
Elevation Gain: 145 m
Typical Time to Hike: 1 hour
Hiking Fairview Lookout Loop is a great choice if you are looking for an easier hike from Lake Louise that still has some elevation gain. The Trail leaves near the boathouse at the lakefront, and will take you through the forest to a pretty viewing platform with a view of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
I started this hike this past winter, but turned around because it was icy and snowy and I felt I wasn’t fully prepared to hike! Hopefully I can complete this hike in the upcoming Spring season!
You can take the Lake Louise shuttle to get to Lake Louise and not have to worry about finding (or paying!) for parking if you are visiting Banff in the summer season, or ROAM Transit. In 2024, you can still park at Lake Louise (you just can’t park at Moraine Lake) but prices have gone up to around $36 for the 2024 season. In the off season, parking is free at Lake Louise!
Things to Keep in Mind While Hiking:
- Carry Bear Spray (can rent or buy from local shops)
- Leave No Trace
- Prepare for the weather
- Visitors with a vehicle in Banff National Park need to purchase a Park Pass (at toll booths on the road, or at the Visitor Centre in Downtown Banff)
- Visitors with a vehicle in Kananaskis need to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass (online, at the Kananaskis Visitor Centre, or the Canmore Nordic Centre)
Summary of These Hikes!
There are so many amazing trails in the National Park to explore! My favorite easy hikes from this list are Sunshine Meadows, Peyto Lake, and the Johnson Lake Loop. They are all amazing for different reasons, but I would definitely add those to your list if you have enough time to hike all of them while visiting Banff!
If you’re looking for a few harder hikes in Banff, I like the Healy Pass hike and Chester Lake in Kananaskis!
Some lists I’ve seen about easy Banff hikes include Sulphur Mountain, however, I would disagree! I think that the hike up Sulphur Mountain is a harder hike, and it’s rated as hard on AllTrails! It is up a mountain with an elevation gain of around 750m. But, to make it easier, you could take the Gondola up and hike down (although you would still have to pay full price for the Gondola ticket). I believe you can also hike up and take the gondola down for half price to cut the hike in half!
Remember to hike according to your own personal skill level and comfort level, and know that you don’t need to hike in order to get amazing views in Banff! There are so many stunning viewpoints and lookouts (like Mt. Norquay Lookout) that don’t require hiking.
FAQ About Banff Hikes!
Yes! The Lake Louise Lakeshore is a few minutes from the main parking lot, and the small path there is short, wide, and flat. It is a very small walk to the lake from the parking lot. If you would like to see Lake Louise from above though, you can hike to Fairview Lookout or Little Beehive or Big Beehive.
There is no cost to hike any of the trails in Banff! However you do have to pay for a Canadian National Parks Park Pass while in Banff, and this is something you cannot avoid! If you are wanting to hike at Lake Louise, you will have to pay to park or shuttle there. If you are hoping to hike from Moraine Lake, you will also have to pay for a shuttle to get there. Otherwise, you can park at any other trailhead for free as long as you have your Parks Pass visible. If you don’t want to pay at all, I would recommend checking out the Nordegg area, which doesn’t require a pass to enter or park.
Hopefully this guide on easy hikes helps you to hike Banff!
Have you done any of these easy Banff hikes? Are any on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments or send me a message on Instagram!
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Keep Reading:
- 4 Day Banff Itinerary
- Hiking Healy Pass During Larch Season
- 8 Things to do in Banff This Winter
- Hiking Mistaya Canyon (An Icefields Parkway Hike)
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Hey! I’m Kat. Based in Alberta, Canada I love to travel to the Rockies and explore new places around the world. Follow along on my adventures and find inspiration and tips for your own travels.
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