by Turo
posted on May 17, 2025
Banff is one of the best places in Canada to step out of the car and straight onto a trail. With turquoise lakes, forested paths, and high alpine viewpoints just minutes from town, it’s a dream location for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Whether you’re planning a short walk or a full-day climb, these five trails are among the best Banff hikes, and a great place to start if you’re looking for things to do in Banff beyond the usual stops.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail
- Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls
- Lake Agnes and Big Beehive
- Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
- Hiking to Helen Lake
- Best hikes in Banff: FAQs
- Get out and explore the best Banff hiking trails
What to do in Banff: must-visit Banff hiking trails
If you’re deciding what to do in Banff National Park, starting with the trails won’t steer you wrong. These five must-visit Banff hiking trails show off some of the most iconic views in the park – no major gear or planning required!
Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail
This short, scenic hike climbs above the Banff townsite and ends with sweeping views of the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle and the impressive Sulphur Mountain. It’s a local favourite for good reason – close to town, not too steep, and packed with photo-worthy stops, including the red Parks Canada chairs at the summit.
- Distance: 4.6 km round-trip
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Elevation: 266 m
Why it’s great
You don’t need to leave town to get a great view. The Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail is a perfect introduction to Banff – quick, rewarding, and great for beginners or families.
Practical tips
Wear sturdy shoes for rocky sections and bring a light layer to stay warm on this moderate hike. The lot fills fast, especially on weekends, so start early to avoid the crowds.
How to get there
Drive just 3 minutes from downtown Banff to the trailhead on St. Julien Road. A compact car rental, like a model from Toyota or Nissan, will be perfect for getting around and parking in town. Book your Calgary airport car rental with Turo and hit the road as soon as you land!
Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls
The Johnston Canyon hike follows suspended catwalks through a deep limestone canyon, right above the rushing waters of Johnston Creek. Along the way, you’ll pass Lower Falls and eventually reach the dramatic Upper Falls, where water plunges some 30 meters from a sheer rock wall.
- Distance: 5.8 km round-trip
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Elevation: 215 m
Why it’s great
You’ll see waterfalls and narrow canyons and the thrill of walking above the water – all on a relatively gentle path.
Practical tips
Wear waterproof layers and good shoes. The catwalks near the falls are often wet. In peak season, aim to arrive before 8 AM to beat the crowds.
How to get there
The trailhead is a 25-minute drive from Banff. The hike is great for families, and choosing a minivan as your Banff rental car gives you and the kids extra space for snacks, gear, and strollers. A Chrysler or a Honda rental will give everyone the room they need to explore the park comfortably!
Lake Agnes and Big Beehive
This hiking trail near the Lake Louise ski resort starts with a steady forest climb to the famous Lake Agnes Tea House. From there, you can push on to Big Beehive – a rocky outcrop with panoramic views over the Victoria Glacier and the Lake Louise area. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, it’s one of the most rewarding trails in Banff National Park.
- Distance: 10.4 km round-trip
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 776 m
Why it’s great
You get two highlights in one hike: the charming tea house and one of the best viewpoints in the Rockies. The route is varied and scenic, with a great mix of forest, lake, and open summit.
Practical tips
Book a shuttle to Lake Louise in advance – personal vehicles aren’t allowed during the summer. Bring cash for the tea house, wear layers, and carry bear spray for safety.
How to get there
Lake Louise is about 45 minutes from Banff. For a quieter ride and easy parking at the shuttle station, consider an electric vehicle or Tesla rental. Enjoy an eco-friendly Alberta road trip, with plenty of charging stations nearby.
Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
Starting from Moraine Lake, this stunning trail leads through golden larch forests before opening into alpine meadows beneath the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Continue to Sentinel Pass for one of the most impressive views in Banff National Park.
- Elevation: 725 m
- Distance: 11.6 km round-trip
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Why it’s great
Larch Valley is famous for its fall colours, but it’s just as beautiful in summer. You’ll hike through scenery straight out of a postcard, with glaciers, lakes, and dramatic rock walls all around.
Practical tips
Group size restrictions (minimum four hikers) may be in place due to bear season. Reserve your Moraine Lake shuttle early – no personal vehicles are allowed.
How to get there
Drive 55 minutes from Banff to the Lake Louise Park and Ride, then take the shuttle to Moraine Lake. An all-wheel drive vehicle is a good idea for early-morning departures and mountain weather. An SUV rental from Jeep or Ford will give you the traction you can depend on.
Hiking to Helen Lake
A quieter trail off the Icefields Parkway, the Helen Lake hike climbs steadily through alpine meadows to a scenic lake below Cirque Peak. Wildflowers line the trail in summer, and the glaciers stretch out before you across the Wapta Icefield.
- Distance: 12 km round-trip
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 455 m
Why it’s great
Helen Lake is just far enough from the crowds to feel remote, but still easy to reach. The views are wide open, and the trail is especially beautiful in July when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Practical tips
Bring sun protection and layers – there’s little shade, and the wind can whip up fast. Start early to enjoy the trail before others arrive.
How to get there
Helen Lake is about a 70-minute drive from Banff along the famous Icefields Parkway – a perfect route if you want the journey to stand out as much as the destination. Book something extra special as your rental car in Banff, like a sports car, luxury car, or convertible, and make the trip there part of the adventure!
Best hikes in Banff: FAQs
Where is Banff?
Banff, Alberta, is inside the world-famous Banff National Park – Canada’s oldest national park. It’s about 130 km (80 miles) west of Calgary and sits along the Trans-Canada Highway, surrounded by the impressive Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Most visitors fly into Calgary International Airport, then drive into the park. Turo’s convenient airport rental car delivery lets you get off the plane and straight into the driver’s seat without even getting in line at the rental counter.
How many hiking trails are in Banff National Park?
There are over 160 hiking trails in Banff National Park, ranging from short walks to multi-day backcountry routes. Trail maps and difficulty ratings are available online or at visitor centres in Banff and Lake Louise.
What is the easiest hike in Banff?
Tunnel Mountain is one of the easiest and most popular hikes. It’s short, well-maintained, and starts right from the edge of town. You’ll get a taste of what makes these trails so special without heading too far out.
Where can I hike in Banff for free?
All trails in Banff National Park are free to access with a valid Parks Canada pass. You don’t need to pay extra for individual hikes – just display your park pass and you’re good to go!
Do I need bear spray to hike in Banff?
Bear spray is strongly recommended on all trails, even near town. Banff is grizzly and black bear country, so it’s important to stay alert, hike in groups, and carry spray where it’s easily accessible.
Get out and explore the best Banff hiking trails
There are tons of great Banff hiking trails that you just have to see for yourself, and each one offers something different once you get there.
With Turo, it’s easy to pick up a vehicle that fits your plans, whether you’re headed to a lakeside lookout or climbing into the Rockies. Skip the crowds, get there early, and get more out of the day with the freedom to explore on your own schedule!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
