There are so many hikes in and around Banff. Be sure to get a map of the trails once you enter the Kananaskis and Banff area. No matter what physical or mental strength you are in, there is a trail for you. Due to Covid, some areas have been closed as a trail for a greener way.
In order to experience the parks you will need a park pass. Banff National Park Pass & Kananaskis Park Pass
Grab your bear spray and head out. Here is a list of some of the greatest beginner trails and more to visit while here.
Grassi Lake Loop
Grassi Lakes trail is located in Canmore, part of the Kananaskis park. There are two areas to hike here. The easy trail or the hard trail. Both are about 4km (2.4miles). The easy has a more relaxed incline, where as the hard has a steep area near the waterfall. Both take you to two stunning lakes “ponds” of emerald blue waters.
At the top of the trail head to the left (rock pile) to get a stunning view of the bow valley and the Rundle Forebay. Next head to your right for the lakes.
This is a very popular place and is heavy trafficked. Want to avoid the crowds? Be early. There are restrooms and the start of the trail.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is an easy trail with gradual climbs and well groomed paths. Get lost in the sounds of the forest, river and 7 waterfalls as you make your way around the limestone cliffs. It is a 1.2km trek to the lower falls, 2.5km to the upper falls. If you are really feeling adventurous head another 3.2km to the Ink Pots. This trail is open 24 hours, however if you want to beat the crowds be there before 8am.
There is no real spot to have a lookout as the entire trail has something spectacular. If you need a cool down, at the first falls, head over the bridge into the tunnel. This will bring you to the side of the waterfall.
Lake Minnewanka to Stewart Canyon
Stewart Canyon is a 3km round trip with minimal elevation. This is the perfect trail for a nice and easy stroll. There are a few great lookout points. First is the end. The Bridge of Stewart Canyon. There is a way to get down to the riverbed but I was not able to find it. Also around the 1.2km mark you will find a rockpile with a stunning view of Mt Inglismaldie.
Have a group of 4? This is the only way you can continue after the bridge to Aylmer Lookout. The Aylmer pass is a difficult trail and will take you around 8-9 hours to complete. It is also mandatory that you are in a group of no less than 4 people. That’s why I didn’t do it, lol, just kidding I’m no expert and way of the shape to attempt that.
Read Lake Minnewanka and Stewart Canyon
Lake Louise
This is the starting point to many trails. Including Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes Tea House, Big and Little Beehive, Devils Thumb, Saddleback, and trials going to Moraine Lake. Lake Louise has two trails that run along the north side and south side of the lake. They are not a loop. The south side is a 1km easy trek. The north side is a 2km trek to the west part of Lake Louise.
These are heavy trafficked areas and with Lake Louise if you want parking be there by 7am.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is a great start to the day. This 2.7 one way trail leads you to the famous Mirror Lake with stunning views of the Beehive. This trek is still considered easy, however there are some rocky areas. The path is well trafficked and well groomed. A small consistent uphill climb but great for families.
Lake Agnes Tea House
Just .8km from Mirror Lake is the Lake Agnes Tea House. The trail here is more narrow and has a much steeper incline than Mirror lake. You will be greeted with a stunning waterfall near the end of the trail to soak your feet or let the dog take a break. After a flight of stairs you are now at the base of the tea house and Agnes Lake.
Take a moment to really let the beauty sink in. Want a tea? Try the Bora Bora Mango, it was amazing in flavor. Be sure to bring cash and also keep in mind what ever garbage you have you will need to bring back down with you.
Big Beehive
Well this was my moment! The Big Beehive trail is just another 1.6km from the tea house. This trail was not easy for me. It uses switchbacks ( zig zag up the side of the mountain) and the path is narrow. With an elevation gain of 520 meters from Lake Louise you will reach the top for some of the most beautiful panoramic shots. Why was this my moment? My fear of heights and complete out of shape body, I made it to the top! This is worth ever muscle ache.
Pro tip. If you didn’t like the steepness on the way there take the easier, yet longer, route back. If you do this loop it is 12.3km round trip. If you head back the way you came, it is roughly 11km.
Devils Thumb
If you are up for more of an adventure and you have the experience, proceed to the Devils Thumb. This is not be done by the inexperienced and should not be taken lightly. Have the energy and hiking experience take a right at the junction. Left to go to Beehive, right to climb another 1km to the summit of the Devils Thumb
Final Thoughts
We all come in different levels of experience. Banff is a great place for anyone to explore. No matter your fitness level there is a trail right for you.
This is not about getting to the top. It’s the journey getting there. You may have to push yourself to limits you didn’t know where there. When you get there it is worth every moment on the way.
Take a moment when you reach the finish line to take it all in.
Have a trail you want to take about? Leave a comment.
Want to know more about Banff? Read: Ultimate Guide To Banff National Park
This is great. I just gotta ask: how does one use bear spray? I’m clueless here. Is it mace for bears or a repellent or more like Calvin klein’s “Eternity.” And is there a bear spray you recommend?
Aaaaa I misspelled my website’s name 🙁