Best Banff National Park Hikes Without a Car

While in the past we’ve recommended visiting Banff National Park with a car, the increasing competition for parking has us rethinking that recommendation. Instead we challenged ourselves to come up with the best Banff National Park hikes without a car.

Sure, it’s easier, more convenient and more flexible to travel through Banff National Park with a car. On the flip side, what we often see is overcrowded parking lots, people frustrated about parking and people making bad decisions about where they park. Or worse yet, visitors don’t get to visit the places they most hoped to see because it’s too busy.

This is all on top of the environmental concerns with so many cars entering the national park. We often see articles like this one where Banff and Lake Louise are asking visitors to use public transit wherever possible.

We get it! You’ve come to Banff on a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you have places you want to see. And while we always recommend having a backup plan, in case parking is limited, we understand you don’t want to miss out on what you came here to see. And we don’t want you to miss out on anything!

In our post on getting around Banff without a car, you’ll find more suggestions on how to get around. We also have a list of Best Things to do in Banff Without a Car (coming soon). In this post, we want to show visitors to Banff National Park that it is still possible to do some incredible hiking, even without a car!

I’ll admit, when I started this post I had roughly 10 hikes in mind that visitors could easily get to without a car. It didn’t take long before this ballooned to over 30 Banff hikes!

Here are the best Banff hikes without a car:

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33 Banff Hikes You Can Do Without a Car

Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is an easy Banff hike that offers excellent views of the Banff Townsite, the Banff Springs Hotel, the Bow Valley and the surrounding mountains.

The Tunnel Mountain hike leads hikers up the eastern slope of Tunnel Mountain to the summit. You will enter a forest almost immediately, but as you make your way up the switchbacks you will encounter plenty of breaks in the trees to enjoy epic views. On your way up, you’ll enjoy views of the historic Banff Springs Hotel and the mountains surrounding the Bow Valley to the north.

Near the top you will come to a Tunnel Mountain viewpoint where Parks Canada has placed two of the iconic bright Banff red chairs. This is one of the best Banff viewpoints and a highly Instagramable spot that’s perfect for your social media feed.

The main parking lot for the Tunnel Mountain hike is along St. Julien Road, but it is closed until October 2022. To access the Tunnel Mountain trail in 2022, you have two options:

• The best route (which will always be open) is to walk the Ken Madsen Path which can be accessed from this spot on Wolverine St. up to the Banff Centre, and then take St. Julien Way to Tunnel Mountain Drive to access the upper trailhead.
• Alternatively, hikers can begin at Surprise Corner and walk to the Tunnel Mountain trailhead via Tunnel Mountain Drive to an open section of St. Julien Road.

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Sulphur Mountain

The Banff Gondola is one of the top attractions in Banff National Park. It’s no surprise, given the views from the top of Sulphur Mountain are some of the best views in all of Banff. Did you know that you don’t need to take the Banff Gondola to get to the top of Sulphur Mountain? Everyday plenty of people hike to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

As an added bonus, you can hike Sulphur Mountain before the gondola even starts running. You might just get to enjoy those world-class views without another soul around!

The Sulphur Mountain hiking trail is through a dense evergreen forest, with a mossy carpet and Old Man’s Beard lichen dangling from the branches. The forest tends to block your views, but if you keep an eye open you’ll be afforded tons of excellent vistas along the way to the Sulphur Mountain summit.

Sundance Canyon

A paved pathway meandering through the forest doesn’t make for the most exciting hike and while it might seem touristy, we are certain you’ll still love Sundance Canyon.

The paved trail descends gradually towards the Bow River, where it eventually flattens out and the Sundance Trail begins a beautiful stretch along the shores of the Bow River. Once the paved Sundance trail turns inland away from the river, it begins a slow, steady ascent through the forest to the Sundance Canyon hiking trail. Just short of the 4 km mark of this easy Banff hike (or bike), the trail reaches the shores of Sundance Creek.

The next leg of the Sundance Canyon hike is truly spectacular. The trail ascends a relatively steep trail where Sundance Creek violently rages its way through Sundance Canyon. With a beautiful cascading waterfall, followed by dramatic rapids, below a towering canyon wall, this is one of the most scenic spots in all of Banff National Park.

Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail

Just minutes from downtown Banff, Surprise Corner is one of Banff’s most scenic lookouts. From there, the hiking trail descends towards the Bow River along a double-wide hiking trail into a lush evergreen forest.

Throughout the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos hike, you’ll encounter stairs, meadows, mountain scenery (including views of Mount Rundle, Mt. Girouard and Mt. Inglismaldie) and a short, steep section that climbs up to Tunnel Mountain Road. With plenty of variety, this is a very enjoyable hike that leaves right from the Banff townsite.

Eventually, you’ll reach one of the best viewpoints of Tunnel Mountain, where you can see why the Stoney people used to call this small Banff peak, “Sleeping Buffalo”. Looking the other direction, you’ll enjoy unobstructed eastward views down the Bow Valley as far as Pigeon Mountain and Mount Lady Macdonald near Canmore.

The final 600 m of the Surprise Corner to the Banff Hoodoos trail is very scenic. There are no trees obstructing your 180-degree view looking south over the Bow River. When you reach a large parking lot, you’ll know you reached your final destination – the Banff hoodoos!

Fenland Trail

The Fenland Trail loop is a nice escape from the busy Town of Banff. It’s an easy Banff hike through the wooded marshland along the banks of the Forty Mile Creek. This easy hiking trail in Banff can be accessed right from the town of Banff off Mt. Norquay Road.

To extend the walk, you can access Vermilion Lakes Drive (a paved road) from the Fenland loop and extend your walk past the stunning Vermilion Lakes.

Spray River Loop

Starting at the Spray West parking lot, this trail starts on a wide fire road. While the mountains views are only intermittent, it offers a pleasant walk through the forest.

At around the 6km mark, you’ll reach a picnic area. At this point, you cross the bridge and start heading back the way you came. As you near the end, you can take a trail to your left to cross the river and head back up to the parking lot.

Alternatively, if you continue straight, you’ll reach the Banff Springs Golf Course. You’ll need to follow the golf course road for a bit, before you can head back up to the Banff Springs Hotel through to the parking lot.

Sunshine Meadows

Sunshine Meadows offers some of the most remarkable hiking trails in Banff National Park. Sunshine Meadows is actually the Banff Sunshine Ski Resort in the winter. In the summer, these mountain meadows explode with wildflowers and the mountain scenery amongst these alpine lakes is jaw-dropping.

You arrive at Sunshine Meadows by the Sunshine Gondola (one of 4 incredible Banff Gondolas to add to your Banff summer itinerary!) followed by the Standish Chairlift. While you need to wait until at least the end of June to hike at Sunshine Meadows, it’s well worth the wait!

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular places to visit in Banff National Park. There’s a good reason why the Johnston Canyon hike is on everyone’s must-do list for Banff.

Sure, people say Johnston Canyon is too touristy, but it’s one of the best Banff attractions for a reason…  it’s short, easy, beautiful, fun and quite simply one of the best easy hikes in Banff!

The elevated pathways take you through a deep mountain canyon with many beautiful waterfalls along the way. Equally exciting is entering a dark cave to get so close to the Johnston Canyon Lower Falls that you get soaked.

It’s a scenic, fun and unique place that everyone should visit at least once during their trip to Banff National Park.

Ink Pots

The Ink Pots are a collection of 5 blue-green ponds found amongst some incredible mountain scenery. Each time we hike to the Ink Pots we are reminded of what a special place this is in Banff National Park.

The Ink Pots can be reached by hiking past the Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon and joining the trail at the junction. There’s an alternate way to reach the Ink Pots using the Moose Meadows starting point. It avoids the crowds at Johnston Canyon and offers a peaceful walk through the forest.

While it’s entirely possible to hike the Ink Pots as a loop, starting at one trail head and finishing up on the other, it’s important to know that Johnston Canyon is 2 km away from Moose Meadows along the highway. There’s no other way to connect the two parking lots, making this a fairly unenjoyable way to finish up an otherwise beautiful hike.

Cascade Ponds / Lower Bankhead

The walk around Cascade Ponds isn’t necessarily what we would describe as a hike, but it’s so beautiful with some of the best mountain views. From Cascade Ponds, you can take a short 2.6 km hike through the trees to Bankhead Ghost Town. From there you can do the 1 km loop around the Bankhead Ghost Town (this is a favorite Banff kids hike in our family!), then return to Cascade Ponds the same way.

The hiking trailhead is a little hard to find, but it’s just north of the northern-most shelter at the Cascade Ponds picnic area – watch for a Park Canada hiking trail sign in the trees.

Johnson Lake

The Johnson Lake hike is a short and easy hike that takes you all along the shores of this scenic Banff lake. With sections in the peaceful forest included with stunning mountain views, you can’t go wrong with this short hike and even a full day at Johnson Lake.

There’s even a fun offshoot you can take along this hiking trail! Approximately 2/3 the way along the southern leg, there’s a real treat hidden in the forest about 100 feet off the Johnson Lake trail. In 1910, Billy Carver built a cabin near Johnson Lake and lived there as a hermit for 27 years. The lush forest around Johnson Lake has started to grow around this historic two bedroom cabin, but remarkably the cabin remains strong and standing.

Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake has a short hike that takes you from the Two Jack Lake Day Use area past the Two Jack Lakeside campground. It’s a short hike along the shores of Two Jack.

While the lake itself is stunning and worth a stop, you won’t see much more along the hike than you will from the shores of Two Jack. That being said, this is an excellent walk to pair with the Johnson Lake hike or if you are traveling to Banff with kids.

Lake Minnewanka Hikes

Lake Minnewanka offers a few different hiking trails that are easily accessed right from the shores of this scenic mountain lake:

Stewart Canyon

The walk to the Stewart Canyon trailhead is an enjoyable stroll along the shores of Lake Minnewanka. The first kilometre or so is along a paved trail through the day use area.

The still waters of Lake Minnewanka eventually transition to the rapidly flowing waters of the Cascade River. Before long, you’ll be standing on a wooden bridge which spans the Stewart Canyon. Just 200 m past the bridge you’ll leave the Lake Minnewanka hike and transition to the Stewart Canyon hiking trail.

The Stewart Canyon hike runs through a lush forest while following the Cascade River (watch small children as there’s a severe drop off to one side). The trail is often high above the rushing river below, offering excellent elevated views of the canyon. The forest floor is covered with an emerald moss, dappled with wildflowers. In June, there are clusters of delicate purple calypso orchids sitting in the dappled sunlight.

Lake Minnewanka Trail

The Lake Minnewanka hike along the northern shores of Lake Minnewanka is a beautiful walk along the biggest lake in Banff. At the 3 km mark, the trail is getting close to the shores of Lake Minnewanka and the trees become more sparse, allowing for some incredible views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains over Lake Minnewanka.

The majestic group of Mt. Inglismaldie, Mt. Rundle, Sulphur Mountain and Tunnel Mountain can all be seen across the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka.

This is a long trail that meanders along the shore, sometimes fully in the forest and other times closer to the shore. We recommend going as far as you like, then turning back. Unless, you have another hike in mind like Aylmer Lookout.

Aylmer Lookout

If you are looking to experience some of the best scenery in Banff, try the Aylmer Lookout trail. A challenging hike up a river valley along the lower slopes of Mount Aylmer, the payoff is a viewpoint atop a rocky outcrop with outstanding views of Lake Minnewanka and her surrounding mountains.

With Rocky Mountain peaks in all directions, you will need to work really hard to find a more scenic spot in Banff National Park than Aylmer Lookout.

You can also hike to Aylmer Pass from the same trailhead as Aylmer Lookout (look for signs along the way to follow to Aylmer Pass).

Lake Louise Ski Resort Gondola

Aside from a chance to see grizzly bears, which is reason enough, another reason to take the Lake Louise Summer Gondola is for the opportunity to hike.

Visitors to the top of the Lake Louise Summer Gondola do not have to remain within the safety of the enclosed electric fence. There are two enjoyable hikes to choose from.

Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint

The Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint hike is a short 1.7 km out-and-back hike to a viewpoint just northwest of the viewing platform.

Ptarmigan Valley Viewpoint

The Pika Trail to the Ptarmigan Valley Viewpoint is the second hike from the Lake Louise Gondola. This Lake Louise hike is twice as long as the Kicking Horse Pass hike at 3.4 km out-and-back. Hiking to the Ptarmigan Valley Viewpoint can be steep in spots, but it pays off with a viewpoint much different to the one you get from the top of the sightseeing gondola trailhead.

Lake Louise Hikes

Lake Louise hikes will satisfy any hiker! Aside from the popular, flat paved Lake Louise lakeshore trail (4.5 km out and back), there are plenty of amazing Lake Louise hikes for all abilities!

Plain of Six Glaciers

Beginning as an easy stroll along the shoreline of the world-famous Lake Louise, the Plain of Six Glaciers trail is an incredibly scenic and rewarding hike. The Six Glaciers hike then continues beyond the Lake Louise upwards into a stunning natural mountain amphitheater.

Be sure to stop at the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House to marvel at the Lake Louise glaciers while enjoying some coffee and chocolate cake.

Saddleback Pass

The Saddleback Pass hike winds its way from the turquoise shores of Lake Louise, up the forested northern slopes of Fairview Mountain to a beautiful open meadow with spectacular views.

If you time it right (late September), the Saddleback Mountain hike is also an excellent opportunity to walk through golden larch trees.

Sheol Valley Hike

The Sheol Valley hike leads you through some spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. What else would you expect from a Lake Louise valley created in the space between the majestic foursome of Fairview Mountain, Haddo Peak, Saddle Mountain and Sheol Mountain?

In addition to hiking in the shadow of these Lake Louise mountain peaks, you be treated to towering mountain waterfalls, a hike along a mountain stream and, in season, a great opportunity to hike among larch trees without the massive crowds.

Fairview Lookout

The Fairview Lookout hike is uphill the entire way, but don’t let that scare you – it’s short. At the end, you have phenomenal views looking down on Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. If you want views down on Lake Louise but don’t have the time for longer hiking trails like the Big Beehive, this is a great alternative!

Lake Agnes Tea House

The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is one of the most popular of the short Lake Louise hikes in Banff National Park. An easy hike up a mountain slope on the north side of Lake Louise, hikers will be rewarded with stops at two stunning mountain lakes: Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes.

A fun tradition is to reward yourself with a treat from the iconic Lake Agnes Tea House.

Big Beehive

The Big Beehive hike in Lake Louise offers some truly incredible sights. If you have the time and energy after you hike to Lake Agnes, continue on the Big Beehive trail. You’ll enjoy some of the most incredible scenery by hiking the short, but sometimes steep, Big Beehive trail.

Little Beehive

The Little Beehive hike at Lake Louise is accessed from the Lake Agnes trail. Once you have stopped and enjoyed a treat from the Lake Agnes Teahouse, you can enjoy some bonus Banff National Park scenery by adding on a short hike on the Little Beehive trail.

Devil’s Thumb

The Devil’s Thumb hike is more of a scramble route than a hike, so you need to be confident in your abilities. It also leaves from the shores of Lake Louise up to Lake Agnes. Your reward will be incredible views of both famous lakes: Lake Louise and Lake Agnes.

There is no signage for this trail, but you’ll follow the Big Beehive trail to start. Make sure to download a Devil’s Thumb trail map prior to heading out!

Mt St. Piran

This trail follows the Little Beehive trail from Lake Agnes. You’ll enjoy even more incredible scenery on this Lake Louise hike! Watch for a faded Parks Canada sign that leads you to turn left about 500 m in on the Little Beehive trail.

Make sure to download a Mt. St. Piran trail map prior to heading out.

Moraine Lake Hikes

Moraine Lake hiking trails offer something for everyone. Aside from the easy 3.0 km Moraine Lakeshore Trail and 0.8 km Rockpile trail, here are the best hikes at Moraine Lake:

Consolation Lakes

The beginning of the hike to Consolation Lakes has a bit of an uphill climb through a rock pile at the base of majestic Tower of Babel. You may need to step over an uneven rock or two in this section, but most people shouldn’t struggle with this.

This easy Banff hike ends along a very scenic spot along the shores of Babel Creek. Hikers who wish to reach the shoreline of the Consolation Lakes will need to do some minor scrambling for approximately 100 m over some medium-sized boulders. The boulders are a good spot to see a rare marmot – please keep them stay wild by not feeding them.

Larch Valley

The Larch Valley hike is the most famous larch tree hikes in Lake Louise. It’s a bit of an effort to climb from Moraine Lake up the lower slopes of Mount Temple to get to Larch Valley, but the payoff is worth it, no matter the time of year. The stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks you’ll earn on this trail are a big reason why Larch Valley is one of the best Banff National Park hikes.

Don’t think you should only hike to Larch Valley in September. In the spring and summer, you’ll love the views of the incredible mountains surrounding Moraine Lake as you walk through the pleasant larch forest.

Sentinel Pass

For many, the Larch Valley hike ends when they reach the Minnestimma Lakes, but if you still have the time and energy, the Sentinel Pass trail is an extremely fun and rewarding extension to the Larch Valley hike.

The Sentinel Pass trail winds its way up a steep mountain pass in-between Pinnacle Mountain (3,070 m) and Mount Temple (3,544 m). Standing at the Minnestimma Lakes at the bottom of Sentinel Pass, the hiking trail looks like a bolt of lightning – zigging and zagging up the side of these two majestic Lake Louise mountains.

Eiffel Lake

The Eiffel Lake hike starts out on the same trail as Larch Valley. Watch for the signs where you’ll deviate from the trail and where it will get much quieter (especially hiking in fall). The hike eventually levels out and offers incredible views of the ten peaks.

Parks Canada has closed the Moraine Lake Road to private vehicles in 2023. Plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss seeing Moraine Lake during your visit to Banff National Park.

Norquay Hikes

Cascade Amphitheatre

The beginning of the Cascade Amphitheatre trail starts out easy, but don’t get too comfortable. You’ll be climbing soon enough! Once you pass over the bridge at the 40 Mile Creek (which offers some impressive views), you’ll start climbing up. Eventually, you’ll begin the switchbacks, but it will all be worth it when you enter the Cascade Amphitheatre!

Stoney Lookout

The Stoney Lookout hike is a short, easy hike in Banff. Sure the climb in the first half will get your heart pumping, but once you reach the top then it’s all downhill.

This hike is predominantly in the trees, but you will get some nice views of Cascade Mountain and down the valley at the top.

Via Ferrata

We understand that this isn’t a hike, but we love that you can enjoy this assisted climbing experience without needing a car. We felt it was worth including!

The Norquay chairlift offers some incredible views on your way up to the Via Ferrata!

Trail Conditions for Banff Hikes

The best place to check trail conditions for hiking in Banff is on the Parks Canada trail conditions page. This page is updated with both closures and trail conditions.

This is especially important in early spring, when there are still several areas that are prone to avalanche danger.

Please always check Banff hiking trail conditions before heading out.

Packing for Hiking in Banff

The weather in Banff can be quite unpredictable. Here’s a short list of what we recommend packing for hiking in Banff:

• Bear Spray
• Backpack with a water reservoir for plenty of water
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Layers (including a warm hoodie and a rain jacket)
• Plenty of food or snacks
• Power bank
• First Aid Kit
• Camera
• Insect Repellant
• Garbage bag (leave no trace)
• Banff Park Pass

While we recognize that it would be nearly impossible for Parks Canada to check everyone that comes to Banff for their Banff Park Pass, it is still required (even if you don’t drive into the park). It’s very likely you’ll come to Banff and never get checked. Please keep in mind that the money from the Banff passes goes back into Banff National Park which help to maintain the scenic parkways, trails, and day use areas we love so much!

We share all the details about the Banff National Park Pass here.

Getting to Banff National Park

You’ll notice that most of the hikes above have public transportation routes or tours that leave from the town of Banff. If you aren’t staying in Banff, you still need to get to Banff.

Staying in one of the best Canmore hotels is a popular option for many. Rest assured that you can get from Canmore to Banff fairly easily! The Roam Route 3 Canmore to Banff bus can get you to Banff in nearly the same amount of time it would take you to drive.

Even for those traveling from Calgary, there are plenty of ways to get from Calgary to Banff without renting a car.

Where to Stay in Banff National Park

The best places to stay in Banff National Park when you are visiting with a car are centrally located accommodations that are close to the Banff High School Transit Hub.

Find even more of the best hotels in Banff for visiting without a car here.

Moose Hotel & Suites

The Moose Hotel & Suites offers guests complimentary Banff Roam passes! It’s only a three-minute walk from the Banff High School Transit hub.

See location, availability and rates for Moose Hotel & Suites on Booking.com.

Banff Aspen Lodge

Banff Aspen Lodge is also only a 3-minute walk along Banff Avenue to the Banff High School Transit hub.

See location, availability and rates for Banff Aspen Lodge on Booking.com

Banff Ptarmigan Inn

Also conveniently located on Banff Avenue, the Banff Ptarmigan Inn offers free transit passes, free breakfast, a steam room and two hot tubs. Bike rentals are also available.

See location, availability and rates for Banff Ptarmigan Inn on Booking.com.

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