Top Things to do in Banff
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10 Hiking Trails in Banff That You Shouldn't Miss
Flanked on all sides by the Rockies, Banff offers an irresistible combination of perfect powder, luxury lodges, fine dining and lively nightlife. A thriving arts scene and proximity to Lake Louise and Kananaskis County add to its allure. Don’t miss the hoodoos, intriguing rock spires, in Banff National Park.
Restaurants in Banff
1. 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.
2. Cory and Edith Passes
3. 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.
4. Cascade Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By AndrewR396
My Sister Dad and I went here for the Very First time and we had a half day and Just Skied to the First Cascade Bridge but just as Fun and Skied a few Minutes Beyond the Bridge and Beatuiful but might Still Climb Easy but Didn't make it to the Cabin as that was 12 to 13 km One way and First Bridge only 6.6 Km but Return trip would take too long and a full day ski. The Downhill on Return near t Bridge and was fun you can ski just to the first one and go a little distance and turn back Anytime. But the First Bridge area and through the forest is just as interesting trail starts at lake Miniwanka Parking lot Area at Locked gate on the left.
5. Banff Legacy Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By adbjf
Nice ride along the trail to CAnmore and it was safe trail and maintained good. If you are looking for things to do in town.
6. Tunnel Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 752 reviews
Reviewed By triedandtestedtravel - Mansfield, United Kingdom
If you can spare a couple of hours on your trip to Banff, this walk up the Tunnel Mountain Trail, provides excellent views both across the gorgeous town of Banff as well as the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and Bow Valley River. We did this walk in the winter and experienced a winter wonderland walk, with amazing views of the frozen river and the town of Banff under a blanket of snow. Top tip: If you're on a budget, this is a great way of getting glorious aerial views across Banff, without paying to go up the Banff Gondola. However if you do have the time and budget, there's a lovely restaurant at the top of the Banff Gondola which truly provides a meal with a view. The Tunnel Mountain Trail is easy to access and signposted from the main high street in Banff. There's also a car park at the bottom of the trail if you have a car, helping to make the walk shorter.
7. C Level Cirque Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By BenLar137 - Calgary, Canada
This is a great hike! It's relatively easy, with a good trail on an easy grade leading to a lovely open Cirque. There's a good amount of parking and adequate pit toilets. There are picnic tables at the trailhead, but they have closed the picnic shelter for COVID. We love this hike in the spring for the wildflowers. For more intrepid hikers, a steep hike beyond the Cirque leads to a great viewpoint of the stunning Lake Minnewanka. On this last visit, we saw lots of wildlife and wildflowers.
8. Hoodoos Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By MartinDee - London, United Kingdom
I started from the town centre taking the Bow River trail to Surprise Corner and then picked up the Hoodoo Trail towards Tunnel Mountain, finishing the 5km journey in about 3 hours, with dozens of photo stops along the way. You can take the No.2 bus from the camping ground back down the hill to town. It is free in that direction. The Bow River trail (on the opposite side of the river to the Bow Falls trail) gives nice views of the Banff Springs Hotel from across the Bow River. I also spotted some Elk on the side of the road. The Hoodoos trail section sees the river meandering through meadows and woods with more ease than me, as the last part is quite steep up towards Tunnel Mountain campsite. But it is worth it for the view at the top from any of the several viewing points. In the foreground are the strange rock formations known as the Hoodoos, but the backdrop of glistening water and towering mountains is quite possibly the most spectacular mountain view I have ever seen.
9. Twin Lakes
10. Bow River Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By bucketlisttravellers - Sydney, Australia
We had a wonderful afternoon walk along the Bow River Trail a couple of days ago. The trail takes you along the Bow River and through adjacent forest. We only came across a handful of other people along the trail and so it was also very peaceful. It is a relatively easy walk to the Bow Falls, with some stairs, and it takes around 20 min to walk from the Banff pedestrian bridge to the Falls.
