Top Things to do in Banff National Park
The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies
With Cascade Mountain to the north and Sulphur Mountain to the south, the town of Banff boasts a magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountain setting. Travelers are spoiled for choice by the irresistible combination of luxury lodges, perfect powder, renowned restaurants and energetic nightlife on offer. With both summer and winter appeal, Banff lures visitors to its stores, spas and slopes year-round.
Restaurants in Banff National Park
1. Beehive
2. Egypt Lake
3. Parker Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 554 reviews
Reviewed By hp_hphan - Ontario, Canada
I was very fortunate to see mountain goats. They were running from one side to the other. It was quite windy at the too but the View was amazing. Definitely recommend this hike.
4. Cory and Edith Passes
5. Sentinel Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
I hiked the 8.5 km Larch Valley Trail at Moraine Lake on the morning of September 28, 2020 (did not go all the way to Sentinel Pass). It was an amazing larch hike! The trail began along the flat lakeshore path and then branched to the right. It climbed for 2.4 km, along steep, long switchbacks through the forest. There were some views of Moraine Lake through the trees which was gorgeous. The climb up was hard and I took it slow and steady. At the junction, the trail continued to the right (Eiffel Lake is to the left). It was a gradual but steady (and less steep) climb through the beautiful larch forest! The trail opened up to a clearing where there were stunning panoramic views of the mountains and larches! It then climbed some more through larch forest, steep at times, and opened up again above the trees with even more breathtaking views from a higher perspective. You could see all ten mountain peaks and the larches were plentiful. I continued on a little ways further but turned around before Sentinel Pass. This hike was incredible and one of my favourites so far for larches! I took the Roam Transit from Banff to Moraine Lake to arrive just after sunrise. This was such a good option to avoid waking up super early to find parking. The trail was not that busy when I started at 8 am or when I was on my way down. It was very nice!
6. Helen Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Pinkdresses - Edmonton, Canada
Please be prepared with bear spray and bells. We heard a bear on the beginning of our hike and luckily were close by to other groups who also wore bells and visible spray. Better to be over-prepared than risk it! There have been sightings over the last few weeks as per All Trails as well. Not a path for simply running shoes but we did see it. Blizzard at the top of Cirque peak (beyond Helen lake). You should definitely continue on to get a beautiful view of Helen Lake.
7. Mount St. Piran
8. Banff National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
Banff National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, together with the other national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. There are beautiful mountain landscapes to explore with tall peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, canyons, limestone caves and fossil beds. There is a lot of wildlife in the forested regions which include Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Wolves, Cougars, Wolverine, Red Fox, Weasel, River Otter, Coyote, Elk, Moose, Deer, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep and many other smaller animals like Beaver, Squirrel and Chipmunks. We took a guided coach tour and first visited the photogenic lakes; Emerald, Louise and Moraine stopping the night in Banff town. Next day we visited Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and drove up to the Columbia Icefields and Jasper National Park via the Icefields Parkway, which is supposedly one of the most scenic motorways in the world, and justifiably so. The scenery on both sides of this Highway No. 93 was spectacular with snow capped peaks even in summer, and many sparkling lakes and waterways glinting between the tall trees in unique shades of blue, green and indigo. It was a truly memorable trip in which we picked up a canvas of beautiful landscape paintings that will forever remain etched in our minds as long as we live.
9. Plain of Six Glaciers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By Sophie_12341369 - Saint Jerome, Canada
This is a truly amazing hike that gets you up close to the glaciers with the option to eat a snack at the tea house. The trail itself is challenging but very doable for someone of average fitness. It is uphill but never gets too steep. The views are amazing all the way up. Highly recommend
