Hiking in Banff

There’s no better place and time to discover nature’s wonders than in Banff National Park during a hiking tour of the area.

Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and also the world’s third, covering magnificent terrain in the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. There are several exciting hiking tours in Banff available for you to explore this beautiful part of Canada, with its striking rivers, lakes and mountainous backdrops.

Here's all you need to know about hiking tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Banff.

What are the best hiking tours in Banff?

Banff National Park guided hike

Explore the beauty of Banff National Park on a 7-hour guided hiking tour, where you can choose from among four of the park’s most iconic trails.

The trails vary from 7 to 10.6 kilometers in distance, and you can pick the one to suit your level of ability and hiking experience. But no matter which one you select, you will always enjoy the spectacular Canadian Rockies scenery.

The small and personalized hiking tours with gourmet picnic lunch include walks through Larch Valley, Stanley Glacier, Consolation Lakes or the Plain of Six Glaciers. You can experience the exquisite beauty of high mountain peaks, sky-blue lakes, glaciers and waterfalls on these trips of incredible scenery.

The Stanley Glacier hike (Sunday and Thursday): This is a moderate trail in Kootenay National Park following a forest path with great views of Stanley Glacier. Kootenay National Park is one of seven parks constituting the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. The Continental Divide is the border between the Kootenay and Banff National Parks.

Larch Valley hike (Monday and Saturday): This hike starts from the Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake and ascends to the stunning Larch Valley. You'll stroll through a larch forest and marvel at the views of Sentinel Pass, Minnestimma Lakes and Mount Temple, which towers at over 3,000 meters high.

Consolation Lakes hike (Tuesday): This is an easy trail beginning in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, where you will hike to Consolation Lakes. You will then explore Moraine Lake and visit the Rockpile.

The Plain of Six Glaciers hike (Wednesday and Friday): The moderate hike kicks off at Lake Louise and climbs up a valley to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. Here you will enjoy views of the glaciers that lead into the valley and Lake Louise.

Sunshine Meadows easy guided hike

Go on a stunning hike through Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park, one of the most beautiful locations in the Canadian Rockies. These meadows are usually only accessible to mountain climbers, but with the Sunshine gondola and Standish chairlift to the top, you can experience it too.

Learn about the alpine ecology from your knowledgeable guide and also be on the lookout for the wildlife of the Sunshine Meadows. The meeting and pickup point is in Banff and you’ll get a ride from your Banff hotel to the base of Sunshine Meadows.

Sunshine Meadows are generally known as the most beautiful alpine setting in the Canadian Rockies. The meadows lie at an average elevation of 2,200 meters, surrounded by some of the Canadian Rockies' highest peaks.

In the summer, admire the dazzling flowers. Come autumn, the changing larches make for some of the most photographic scenery. There’s abundant wildlife in the meadows as well. You might see elk, moose, bighorn sheep, coyotes and beavers, as well as bald eagles and ospreys. The hiking time is about 5-6 hours over a 12-kilometer roundtrip trail.

How much do hiking tours in Banff cost?

Hiking tours in Banff National Park cost from around US$90 and up to US$160 per person for group tours.

For a guided hike of one of the Banff National Park trails, you can expect to pay about US$100 per person, with a packed lunch included.

The Sunshine Meadows guided hike costs about US$110 per person and includes gondola tickets. Lunch, drinks and hotel pickup and drop-off are also included.

The longer 8-hour tours in Banff cost from around US$120 to US$130 per person.

What is included?

The hiking tours include a professional guide who will expertly lead you on your tour, with some additional benefits ranging from lunch to transport.

The Banff National Park guided hike includes packed lunch, hiking poles which you can use, pickup from the meeting point and return transport.

The Sunshine Meadows vistas guided hike includes a sandwich, drinks and snacks. Also included is the price of the Sunshine Meadows gondola and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Where does it start?

The meeting points for Banff hiking tours are usually in downtown Banff, such as the Mount Royal Hotel on Banff Avenue, Fairmont Banff Springs on Spray Avenue, the Fortress Junction Service Centre, and on Bear and Caribou Streets.

How long does it last?

The duration of the Banff hiking tours vary according to the nature of the tour, from 4 hours to 8 hours. The Banff National Park guided hike with lunch lasts 7 hours. The Sunshine Meadows guided hike lasts from about 5 to 7 hours including the gondola or chairlift ride.

When is the best time for a hiking tour in Banff?

The best time of year for hiking in Banff is between the late spring and early fall. Weather-wise, the best time for hiking is the summer, but there will be more hikers on the trails. If you prefer more tranquil conditions, the spring and fall will suit you better.

Are there any combos available with hiking tours in Banff?

Hiking and e-biking tour to Johnston Canyon

To see more of the Canadian Rockies in a shorter amount of time, combine your hiking excursion with an e-bike tour. On your e-bike, you can move quickly and easily and visit locations such as the Vermilion Lakes and Bow Valley Parkway.

Afterwards, you can hike to Johnston Canyon and marvel at the Lower Falls. The entire journey takes approximately 4 hours, covering up to 30 kilometers.

Is it safe?

Hiking in Banff is very safe. However, these tours are not recommended for people with back or heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

Children are allowed on hiking tours in Banff. There are, however, restrictions depending on the tour. Some tours allow children as young as 8, while others only allow children aged 13 and above. Make sure you check these limits before booking.

What happens in case of bad weather?

A hiking tour in Banff depends on good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date, or request a full refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Banff?

• Horse riding in Banff
• Wildlife tours in Banff
• Rafting in Banff
• Canoeing in Banff
• Canyoning in Banff

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your hiking tour in Banff in advance, especially if you want to attend in summer.
• Hiking shoes or boots are required as you will be walking on some more difficult terrain.
• Dress in layers, and bring a rain jacket to protect yourself from the elements.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water and snacks.