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Banff National Park and neighbouring Jasper National Park are two of Canada’s most beloved national parks, together encompassing more than 17,000 square kilometres of spectacular wilderness in the Canadian Rockies where Alberta meets British Columbia. Their towering peaks, pristine lakes and lush forests provide a haven for wildlife ranging from moose and caribou to black bears and even grizzly bears. The parks are also the setting for some of the world’s most incredible hiking trails, which range from short, family-friendly walks to full-day adventures. These are eight of our favourite hikes:
Following the shoreline of this spectacular blue lake, this easy trail is a wonderful way to sample the incredible scenery for which the Valley of the Ten Peaks is renowned. It’s located a short drive from Lake Louise, but as the access road is not open to private vehicles, you will need to prebook a seat on the park’s shuttle transfer service which operates between June and October. It’s well worth allowing a little extra time to climb the Rockpile trail to the lookout, where you’ll be rewarded with great views of the lake, Mount Fay and the Fay Glacier from a fresh perspective.
Length: 3.7 km return
Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour round trip
Elevation gain: 96 metres
Pro tip: treat yourself to an overnight stay in one of the luxury waterfront cabins at Moraine Lake Lodge, and you’ll be able to explore the tranquil waters of the lake in one of their complementary canoes. Unlike day hikers, guests of the lodge are permitted to drive the access road.
The Valley of the Ten Peaks is renowned for its spectacular larch forests, which transform from verdant green during the spring and summer months to vibrant gold when autumn arrives. The trail starts at Moraine Lake Lodge, leading you through a series of switchbacks as you climb through the forest before emerging above the treeline. You can soak up the unimpeded views of the surrounding peaks while you catch your breath, before continuing further to the pristine Minestimma Lakes.
From here, you can either turn back or continue onwards to tackle the more challenging Sentinel Pass trail.
Length: 8.6 km return
Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours round trip
Elevation gain: 535 metres
Pro tip: the equally scenic Eiffel Lake trail branches off to the left at the top of the switchbacks, leading you through incredible wildflower meadows to reach yet another pristine alpine lake.
One of our favourite ways to spend a day in the Canadian Rockies, the trail begins on the shoreline of Lake Louise, overlooked by the iconic Fairmount Chateau Lake Louise hotel. The first section is one of our favourite easy hikes in the Lake Louise region, following the water’s edge on a path that is wide, well-formed and level. After two kilometres, the trail starts to climb steadily through forest and wildflower meadows, emerging above the treeline at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. This charming log cabin is the ideal spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery, and you can even treat yourself to a cup of tea and a slice of homemade chocolate cake before heading back down the trail.
Length: 10.6 km
Duration: 4 hours round trip
Elevation gain: 365 m
Pro tip: the Teahouse is open throughout the summer hiking season. It operates on a cash-only basis due to its remote location, so be sure you set off on your hike with enough Canadian dollars to finance your scone habit.
This is another popular trail that begins from the Lake Louise shoreline, and in keeping with the charming local teahouse tradition, you can celebrate your arrival at the idyllic Lake Agnes with lakeside refreshments in a spectacular alpine setting. The lake is tucked away in a picturesque, u-shaped valley between two jagged peaks, charmingly named The Big Beehive and The Little Beehive. Both peaks offer short but rewarding side quests for intrepid adventurers, in the form of a short, steep climbs that conclude with stunning views over Lake Louise and Bow Valley.
Length: 6.8 km return
Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours return
Elevation gain: 385 metres
Pro tip: you can combine this trail with the Plain of Six Glaciers hike if you really want to boost your step count – the entire loop is about thirteen kilometres.
This trail, which is located just off the Icefields Parkway about 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, is proof that you don’t have to be an avid hiker can experience the magnificence of the Canadian Rockies. It’s a bit of a climb from the main carpark to reach the lookout, but the paved path means it is both stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. From the viewing platform, you’ll be able to look down the glacier-carved valley to a lake of purest turquoise, surrounded by dense forests that give way to towering granite peaks.
Length: 1.3 km return
Duration: 30 minutes
Elevation gain: 70 m
Pro tip: visitors with mobility issues can use the accessible-only upper carpark, which significantly reduces the distance you will have to walk to reach the viewing platform.
The trail begins and ends near the Old Fort Point parking lot, just a short drive from the town of Jasper. Along the loop, you’ll find several viewpoints where you can catch your breath and enjoy the stunning vistas of the town and the Athabasca River.
Length: 3.8 km loop
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation gain: 130 m
Pro tip: it’s a short but reasonably steep climb to the highest point of the trail, and if you’re not big on climbing stairs, we recommend tackling the loop in a clockwise direction for a gentler ascent to the lookout.
The two national parks are connected by the Icefields Parkway – a spectacular mountain highway that’s considered one of the world’s great bucket list road trips. The Valley of the Five Lakes is just one of the trails accessible from the Parkway, passing through pristine forest and crossing a marshy area before skirting the shoreline of five spectacular, turquoise lakes. You can also extend your hike by adding the loop around First Lake – this section of the trail is less crowded than the main trail but no less spectacular.
Length: 4.6 km loop
Duration: 1½ – 2 hours
Elevation gain: 66 m
Pro tip: keep an eye out for the iconic Red Chairs, which have been thoughtfully placed by Parks Canada in a variety of scenic spots throughout Canada’s most popular hiking trails.
This family-friendly loop track follows the shoreline of the much larger Maligne Lake before heading into the forest, where a massive ancient rockfall has created a natural rock garden of moss-covered boulders. During the winter months, this trail is a popular location for cross-country skiing, while in the summer months, you may be lucky enough to spot wild moose grazing on the tranquil lake’s grassy banks.
Length: 2.7 km loop
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation gain: 59 m
Pro tip: take a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake, which is the largest natural lake in the Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Along the way, your guide will discuss the region’s geology, wildlife and history, and hear stories about Spirit Island, which is deeply significant to the indigenous Stoney Nation people.
Your reward for a challenging climb to the trail’s summit is a panoramic view over the Fiddle River Valley, Utopia Mountain and countless other backcountry peaks. Better yet, the Miette Hot Springs are located right alongside the trailhead, so you can look forward to a relaxing soak in the naturally heated mineral pools when you have completed the return sector of your hike.
Length: 8.8 kilometres return
Duration: 4-6 hours
Elevation gain: 700 metres
Pro tip: although the outbound, uphill section of the trail is aerobically demanding, many hikers find that the long, steep downhill portion presents an even greater challenge. We highly recommend you take hiking poles to stabilising your descent and protect your precious knees!
Our selection of eight favourite hikes in Banff and Jasper National Parks is just a small showcase of what’s on offer in this dramatically beautiful section of the Canadian Rockies. The hiking season typically runs from June to mid-September each year, so if you’re feeling excited to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails, why not give one of our personal travel managers a call and start planning your next Canadian adventure.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
