1
11
Banff Area
2
Fenland Trail
2.1 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip
Trailhead: Fenland Trail parking area, off Mount Norquay Road
This short self-guided interpretive trail under a canopy of
old-growth spruce is a pleasant escape from the bustle of
town. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the local
ecosystem—and maybe view wildlife such as elk which call the
area home.
P. Zizka
3
Welcome to Banff National Park!
Rushing rivers, snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows,
and glacially-carved cirques make the wilderness
surrounding the Town of Banff a popular destination
with hikers. Hiking trails lace the Banff area, ranging
from low-elevation strolls along boardwalks to more
strenuous full-day outings that lead seasoned hikers
to alpine passes framed by mountains permanently
mantled in snow. One element all the trails have
in common is that they provide an opportunity for
everyone to enjoy the natural wonders of Banff National
Park—with the prospect of observing wildlife such as
elk, bears, and deer an added bonus.
Surprise Corner to Hoodoos
4.8 km one way; 90 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip
Trailhead: Surprise Corner, east end of Buffalo Street
You can drive to the hoodoos, but don’t. Instead, take this
pleasant trail that passes below the steep cliffs of Tunnel
Mountain and meanders along the Bow River. As the final section
of trail ascends, views open up across the Bow Valley to Mount
Rundle. In summer, the Roam bus provides an easy option for
returning to town.
4
Spray River West and East
5.6 km one way from Spray River East trailhead (Golf Course Road) to
Spray River Bridge
5.7 km one way from Spray River Bridge to Spray River West trailhead
65 m elevation gain, 3 - 4 hour round trip
Popular with hikers, cyclists and horseback riders, these two
lengthy but relatively easy trails traverse rolling terrain along
either side of the Spray River and are generally hiked together.
A short walk around The Fairmont Banff Springs will link the
east and west trailheads.
5
Sundance Canyon
3.9 km to end of pavement, plus 1.6 km loop through canyon;
145 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip
Trailhead: Cave and Basin NHS, south end of Cave Avenue
Follow the paved trail beyond the Cave and Basin National
Historic Site and within a few minutes of easy walking, views
open up to a mountain panorama across the Bow River. After a
steady climb away from the river, the paved section ends and a
narrow trail loops through a water-filled canyon.
6
Silverton Falls
1 km one way; 60 m elevation gain; 40 minute round trip
Trailhead: Rockbound Lake trail, Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A),
0.2 km east of Castle Junction
While nearby Johnston Canyon gets most of the attention, this
short trail ends at the base of a waterfall that cascades over a
series of narrow ledges surrounded by forest.
7a
Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
1.2 km one way; 30 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip
Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Banff
Johnston Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural features
in Banff National Park. Rather than running along the rim, a
catwalk leads through the depths of the canyon and through a
low tunnel to emerge at the impressive Lower Falls, where the
cool mist of Johnston Creek lingers in the air.
2
Fenland
P. Zizka
7b
Featured Hike
20
2.4 km one way (from parking area); 120 m elevation gain;
1.5 hour round trip
Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 22 km west of Banff
Beyond the Lower Falls, this trail switchbacks up to a string of
waterfalls along Johnston Creek, including the 30 metre-high
Upper Falls. For a unique perspective, continue to the viewpoint
at the top of the falls.
8
Sunshine Meadows/Rock Isle Lake
1.8 km to Rock Isle Lake; 105 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip
Trailhead: Sunshine Village, accessed by a 6.5 km trail or a fee-based
shuttle service
Reward to effort ratio doesn’t get much better than this trail
which crests the Continental Divide and then descends to a
viewpoint above Rock Isle Lake, one of the most photographed
backcountry scenes in the Canadian Rockies. From the
viewpoint, the 4.9 km Grizzly-Larix Lakes Loop (allow two
hours) is a natural extension for exploring the Sunshine
Meadows region. The circuit follows the shoreline of two lakes,
crosses an open forest of alpine larch, and passes a viewpoint
where the panorama extends across the mountainous
wilderness of Kootenay National Park.
Johnston Canyon Upper Falls
13
12 Tunnel Mountain Summit
Boom Lake
10 km round trip; 175 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hours round trip
Trailhead: Boom Lake picnic area and parking lot located 7.5 km west of
Castle Junction on Hwy 93S
If you are looking for a rewarding trail-Boom Lake is it. This
gradual elevation trail leads hikers through a picturesque forest to
a large alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Do not
forget to pack a shore lunch.
14
Stoney Squaw
2.1 km one way; 190 m elevation gain; 1.5 hour round trip
Trailhead: Mount Norquay ski area parking
The best-known view of Cascade Mountain is from Banff Avenue,
but for a close-up experience, plan on hiking to the summit of
Stoney Squaw, across the valley from the town. Along the way, the
trail passes through a forest of trees covered in wispy lichen.
15
Cascade Amphitheatre
6.6 km one way; 640 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip
Trailhead: Mount. Norquay ski area parking
One of the longer hikes close to town, allow a full day to reach
this hanging valley that is carpeted with wildflowers in July
and August. Pick up the Scrambler’s Guide to Cascade Mountain
for information on route to the summit.
16
9
23 Aylmer Lookout/ Aylmer Pass
11.8 km one way; 560 m elevation gain; 7 to 8 hour round trip
Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road.
The trail to Aylmer Lookout follows the western shoreline of Lake
Minnewanka for 8 km before beginning a steady 3.8 km climb
to the site of a decommissioned fire lookout. From the end of the
trail, the panorama extends in all directions, with the lake itself,
over 500 metres below, an intense blue colour. An optional hike is
to backtrack 1.7 km from the lookout and the Aylmer Pass trail that
spurs upwards for 3.4 km to open meadows of wildflowers
and views to the slate-grey Palliser Range.
Bear warnings, restrictions and closures are common throughout summer along the Aylmer Lookout/ Aylmer Pass Trail. Obtain up-to-date trail information by contacting the Banff Visitor Centre.
The Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks are an
important part of the remaining grizzly and black bear
habitat in North America. Even in protected areas, bears
are challenged to avoid people. Think of what it would
be like to be a bear travelling through the mountain
national parks in midsummer – trying to bypass towns,
campgrounds, highways, railways, and busy trails – and
still find enough food to survive.
Safety
To successfully raise cubs and sustain a healthy
population, bears need access to as much quality
habitat as possible over a short period of time, with few
human surprises.
Before you hit the trail, think about the time of year, what
the bears are doing, and give them the space they need
to survive.
17
• Carry bear spray with you at all times, ensure it is at hand, and know how to use it.
• Make noise. Being quiet puts you at risk for sudden bear encounters. Be alert through shrubby areas
and when approaching blind corners. Travel in groups
and always look ahead.
• Report bear sightings and encounters to Parks Canada staff at 403-762-1470, when it is safe to do so.
pc.gc.ca/banff-bears
• At the Banff Visitor Centre ask staff for advice regarding current trail conditions, weather, and
trail classifications.
• Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather. Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced
member in your group.
• Bring extra food, water and clothing. Surface water
may be contaminated and unsafe for drinking.
Mountain weather changes quickly and it can snow
any month of the year.
• Tell somebody where you are going, when you will be back, and who to call if you do not return.
• Carry a first aid kit and bear spray.
Show courtesy to fellow outdoor enthusiasts!
• Leave what you find. Natural and cultural resources
such as rocks, fossils, artifacts, horns, antlers,
wildflowers and nests are protected by law and must
be left undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy.
• Take out what you bring in. Pack out all garbage, including food waste.
• Dispose of human waste at least 100 m from any water source. Bury solid human waste in a hole 15 cm deep. Pack out your toilet paper.
• To prevent damage to vegetation stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts.
• These trails are used by a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Be sure to yield to others.
Wildlife
Healy Pass
9.0 km one way; 655 m elevation gain, 6 to 7 hour round trip
Trailhead: Sunshine Village parking lot behind the main gondola station
This trail follows sparkling Healy Creek to its source amid open
meadows above the treeline. Wildflowers bloom profusely from
mid-July to late August, and in late September scattered alpine
larch turn a magnificent golden yellow.
18
Safety is your responsibility. There are always hazards
involved with outdoor recreational activities. Be
prepared. Even short trips from the Town of Banff can
have serious consequences. Minimize your risk by
planning ahead.
Trail Etiquette
Tips:
Ink Pots
• Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife. Stay at least
30 to 50 metres away from most animals, and 100 metres away from bears.
• Travel in groups of 4 or more and make noise to prevent surprise encounters with wildlife.
Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass
7.2 km one way; 725 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip
Trailhead: Trans-Canada Highway, 13 km west of Banff
A steady climb through lush forest and across rushing mountain
streams leads to Bourgeau Lake, the closest subalpine lake to the
town of Banff. A glacially-carved amphitheatre provides a dramatic
backdrop to the lake, with large boulders providing the perfect
perch for a picnic lunch. Although most hikers make Bourgeau
their final destination, a 2.2 km difficult trail continues upwards to
Harvey Pass, from where exceptional views extend to snowcapped
peaks along the Continental Divide.
• If you are planning to take your dog out on a trail,
please respect the following. Dogs can stress wildlife as they can remind them of predators such as wolves and coyotes. Keep your dog under control and on a leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted on trails
with seasonal restrictions.
19
The right combination of snow cover and slope angle
can produce avalanches. Be careful when crossing
snow slopes or when exposed to avalanche paths.
Check the avalanche bulletin before heading out
www.avalanche.ca.
Avalanches
Rockbound Lake
8.4 km one way; 760 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip
Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 0.2 km east of Castle Junction
A long, steady climb through a mixed forest leads behind the
distinctive cliffs of Castle Mountain to open meadows and
flower-fringed Tower Lake, 7.7 km from the trailhead. The trail
then climbs a low cliff band and emerges in a glacial cirque filled
by Rockbound Lake.
8 Stewart Canyon
Common Critters, Birds And Wildflowers
Marsh Loop
2.8 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip
Trailhead: Cave and Basin NHS, south end of Cave Avenue
Marsh Loop is an enjoyable trail that encircles a wetland filled by
water from hotsprings flowing out of the lower slopes of Sulphur
Mountain. The unique environment is best observed below the
Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where exotic plant species
such as orchids thrive. An additional 1.1 km stroll on the Marsh
Boardwalk will take you over pristine marshland and bubbling
thermal waters.
Tunnel Campground Loop
22 Cory Pass Loop
13 km loop; 915 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip
Trailhead: Fireside day-use area, off the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A)
The strenuous uphill trek to Cory Pass from the Bow Valley
Parkway takes around two hours. It is worthwhile for the
unobstructed view of Mount Louis, an imposing limestone
monolith that rises from the forested valley floor far below. Rather
than returning to the trailhead from the pass, energetic hikers have
the option of descending into the Gargoyle Valley before returning
to their vehicles via Edith Pass. Route finding can be challenging
beyond Cory Pass.
Be A Mountain Park Steward
5.4 km one way (from parking area); 330 m elevation gain; 4 hour round trip
Trailhead: 22 km west of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A)
Beyond Johnston Canyon, a lightly travelled trail continues up and
over a forested ridge to emerge in an open meadow where warm
water bubbles up from deep below the Earth’s surface into
shallow pools.
Stewart Canyon
6.5 km one way, 60 m elevation gain, 1.5 hour round trip
Trailhead: corner Tunnel Mountain Road and Tunnel Mountain Drive
The perfect place for an evening stroll, this lightly forested trail
remains in sight of the campground at all times. Although the
trailhead kiosk is along Tunnel Mountain Road, the trail can be
joined at any number of points from within the campground.
S. Gignac
Tunnel Mountain Summit
1.5 km one way; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip
Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road
This low-elevation trail leads to a bridge spanning the smooth
walls of Stewart Canyon, through which the Cascade River flows
into Lake Minnewanka. But there’s no rush to reach the
canyon—along the way are pebbly beaches strewn with driftwood
and a number of enticing picnic spots.
10
20 Sunshine Meadows/Rock Isle Lake
12
2.4 km one way; 260 m elevation gain; 2 hour round trip
Trailhead: St. Julien Road (take Wolf Street east from Banff Avenue)
Accessible from downtown Banff, the switchbacking trail to this
low summit provides sweeping views across the town and Bow
Valley, with Mount Rundle rising dramatically to the south. The
trail can be icy October through April (cleats recommended).
17 Healy Pass
21
Sulphur Mountain
S. Gignac
Day Hikes in the
4.2 km one way; 455 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip
Trailhead: Upper Bankhead day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road
Hike past concrete foundations and vents from the abandoned
Bankhead mining operation to a massive glacially-carved cirque in
the cool northern face of Cascade Mountain.
Bears And People
S. Gignac
3 km loop; no elevation gain; 1 hour round trip
Trailhead: Johnson Lake day-use area, off Lake Minnewanka Road
Walking in a counter-clockwise direction, the trail winds
through a lush montane forest before emerging at the far end of
Johnson Lake. From this point, views extend across the water
to the distinctive profile of Cascade Mountain. To complete the
circuit around the lake, the trail crosses open slopes, passes
some of Alberta’s oldest Douglas fir trees, and detours around a
shallow bay where waterfowl are often sighted.
C-Level Cirque
P. Zizka
Johnson Lake
Difficult Trails
D. Volkers
Moderate Trails
D. Volkers
Easy Trails
5.5 km to top of gondola, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak; 655 m elevation gain;
4 hour round trip
Trailhead: Upper Hot Springs, Mountain Avenue
The switchbacks on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain provide
a steady grade for the hike to a summit renowned for its
breathtaking mountain views. Take a 0.5 km side trip on the
boardwalk trail that departs from the top of the gondola along a
ridge ending at Sanson Peak and you will find more great
views, remnants of the Cosmic Ray Station, and the 1903
weather observatory.
While exploring the park on
foot, take a moment to smell,
hear and look around you to
discover nature at its best!
Wonder what the difference
is between a chipmunk and a
ground squirrel? Wondering
why the raven stays here
year-round? What is that
pretty red flower, and why is
it called Indian Paintbrush?
Challenge yourself to answer
your curiosities by learning
more about the living things –
big and small – that call Banff
National Park home. There are
a variety of sources to help
you learn from, such as local
experts, books, interpretive
programs, and the internet.
More Information
Banff Visitor Centre:
403-762-1550
224 Banff Avenue
Prairie crocus
Columbian ground squirrel
Common raven
Banff National Park Website:
pc.gc.ca/banff
Trail Conditions Report:
pc.gc.ca/banfftrails
Heart-leaved arnica
Red squirrel
Black-billed magpie
Weather:
weatheroffice.gc.ca
For Banff area maps and guidebooks, visit a
retail outlet in the Town of Banff.
Indian paintbrush
Least chipmunk
Grey jay
In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or, if using a
satellite phone, call the park dispatch office
403-762-4506. Cell phone reception is limited
within Banff National Park.
Photos: Parks Canada
Fireweed
Golden-mantled ground squirrel
Clark’s nutcracker
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada
Catalogue No: R64-422/2014E
ISBN: 978-1-100-23256-0
Également offert en français
3.0 km
km
m
6
1A
*
+
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(
7a
Castle Junction
Bow Va lley Par
kw
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1A
*
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Bo w Rive
1 Johnson Lake
Muleshoe
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Pilot Mountain
2 935 m
9630'
Ro
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Copper Mountain
2 795 m
9170'
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18
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2
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1.5
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3.9 km to end of pavement, plus 1.6 km loop through canyon;
145 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip
93
*
+
ad
"
)
23
0
km
2.
1
2
To Calgary
È!
B
2
3
km
7a Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
1.2 km one way; 30 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip
ad
Casc
`
1. 5
1 km one way; 60 m elevation gain; 40 minute round trip
Mount Bourgeau
2 930 m
9613'
Calgary
À
N
To Radium
À
!
(8
6 Silverton Falls
18
"
)
River
e
Kilometres
11
"
)
1.5 km one way; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip
nk
Two Jack Lakeside
Upper
Bankhead
a
8 Stewart Canyon
km
ew
Two Jack
Main
oa
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!
(1
Tu
3k
Ba
nff
3
Fairmont
Banff Springs
Golf Course
km
È!
C
N
6.5 k
m
11 C-Level Cirque
Cascade Ponds
20
"
)
E
km
Cascade Mountain
2998m
9836'
10
Tunnel Mountain
Campground
Cascad e River
6.5 km one way; elevation gain 60 m; 1.5 hour round trip
el M
m
Johnson Lake
10 Tunnel Campground Loop
nn
10
!
(
0
4.2 km one way; 455 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip
1
2
15 Cascade Amphitheatre
0.
"
)
m
4k
Fo
rt
y
M
e
Stoney Squaw Mountai
1868m
6129'
1. 7
km
!
(
16 Ink Pots
5.4 km one way (from parking area); 330 m elevation gain;
4 hour round trip
2.1 km
!
(15
17 Healy Pass
9 km one way; 655 m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip
ta i n D
6.6 km one way; 640 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip
M
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1
6.1
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7.2 km one way; 725 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip
oa
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2 .0
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Easy trail
km
2.7k
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19 Rockbound Lake
1.4 km
4.3 km Goat
0.8 km
A
ve n u e
Cr
4.9
4
km
0.7
eek
a
Backcountry campground (wilderness permit required)
km
Banff Visitor Centre
1.8 km to Rock Isle Lake; 105 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip
D
22 Cory Pass Loop
Av
Second
Vermilion
Lake
G
5.5
I
km
Parking
Police
21
Viewpoint
m
0.6 k
ke
sD
Sanson Peak
2256m
7402'
La
Sulphur Mountain
2451m
8042'
Washrooms
Sulphur Mountain
2451 m
8042'
Dog Park
A
Banff Park Museum NHS
B
Lake Minnewanka
C
Cascade Ponds
D
Vermilion Lakes
E
Hoodoos Viewpoint
F
Bow Falls
G
Upper Hot Springs
I
Cave and Basin NHS
R
iv
er
Ve
rm
ilio
n
11.8 km one way; 560 m elevation gain; 7 to 8 hour round trip
Day-use area
m
Mount Norquay
2522m
8275'
23 Aylmer Lookout / Aylmer Pass
Banff
Gondola
Hospital
r ive
13 km loop; 915 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip
ta i n
1.3 k
HOW WAS YOUR TRIP? Please send your
comments to banff.trails-sentiers@pc.gc.ca
un
Mo
9
DONE WITH THIS BROCHURE? Please
return to a park facility or share it with others.
5.5 km to top of gondola, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak;
655 m elevation gain; 4 hour round trip
First
Vermilion
Lake
km
21 Sulphur Mountain
ve
Av
en
Campground
m
e4k
e nu
1. 5
20 Sunshine Meadows/Rock Isle Lake
Ca
Partageons les sentiers
Bow Valley Parkway
Park Boundary
Fairmont Banff
Springs Hotel
ue
2.
m elevation gain; 6 to 7 hour round trip
4
eet
F
2 km
1
Bo w
Mount Louis
2682m
8800'
Mount Fifi
2621m
8600'
Third
Vermilion
Lake
Mount Edith
2554m
8381'
5
2.6 km
1.6 k
m
S. Gignac
0
Fireside
To Lake Louise
To Bow Valley Parkway
À
3
1.1
22
km
N
4.7 km
Difficult trail
Road
Buffalo Str
B ow A
Moderate trail
Trans-Canada Highway
12
e
Fenland
Share the trails
18 Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass
Tunnel
Mountain
1650 m
5410'
Legend
Mount Rundle
2949 m
9675'
0.4km
14
6.6 km
ri v
Rive
r
il
3
l M ou n
"
)
1. 4 k
m
ek
W
ol
f
2.1 km one way; 190 m elevation gain; 1.5 hour round trip
re
T u n ne
14 Stoney Squaw
C
Avenue
Banff Area
!
(
o u rs
Banff
!
(
10 km round trip; 175 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hours round trip
eR
10
Bow
13 Boom Lake
km
4.1km
4.8
2.4 km one way; 260 m elevation gain; 2 hour round trip
1 Johnson Lake
3
Kilometres
12 Tunnel Mountain Summit
8.4
17
"
)
1.8
2.8 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip
3.0 km
Cascade Mountain
2998m
9836'
Lower
Bankhead
9 Marsh Loop
aR
tain Road 6.6 k
m
ou n
9.
0
4.2
C
nn
2.4 km one way (from parking area); 120 m elevation gain;
1.5 hour round trip
Mi
Two
Jack
Lake
km
La k e
7b Johnston Canyon Upper Falls
Mount Brewster
2859m
km one9380'
way; 760
km
h Cr
a
5 Sundance Canyon
n 17
Ro
11.3 km round trip; 65 m elevation gain; 3 to 4 hour round trip
a ny o
7.2
k
4 Spray River West and East
ton C
eart
4.8 km one way; 90 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip
Mount Inglismaldie
2964m
9725'
4.1k
m
R ed
3 Surprise Corner to Hoodoos
Bow Valley
Area
Mount Girouard
2995m
9827'
ank
2.1 km loop; no elevation gain; 40 minute round trip
6.5 km
2 Fenland Trail
s
John
À
July 10 to Sept 15 Trail
Restriction
Hikers must travel in tight
groups of 4+ and carry bear
spray on the Minnewanka
and Aylmer trails. During the
restriction, dogs and bikes
are not permitted on the trails
and the LM8 backcountry
campground is closed.
Lake Mi
nnew
3 km loop; no elevation gain; 1 hour round trip
22
"
)
km
!
(
To
Lake
Louise
0.5
2.1
k
Johnston Canyon
1
Kilometres
2
À
To Banff
4.7 km
Mount Cory
2 800 m
9186'
1.1
"
)
23
km
"
)
23
7b
km
1.7 km
!
(
19
"
)
1.2
3.0 k
m
Mount Norquay
2 522 m
8275'
Cockscomb Mountain
2 777 m
9111'
7.2
7.7 k
m
Castle Mountain
2 766 m
9076'
Mount Ishbel
2 908 m
9541'
ek
16
"
)
À
Easy
Moderate
Difficult
Rockbound
Lake
1 km
re
ston C
Lake
Minnewanka Area
km
J ohn
Ratings
1.7