This document provides information on day hikes in Banff National Park, including trails in the Banff, Lake Minnewanka, and Bow Valley areas. It lists over 20 hiking trails of varying distances and difficulties, highlighting trailheads, elevation gains, estimated completion times, and points of interest along each route. Safety tips are also provided to help hikers plan successful and responsible outings in the national park.
This document provides information on day hikes in Banff National Park, including trails in the Banff, Lake Minnewanka, and Bow Valley areas. It lists over 20 hiking trails of varying distances and difficulties, highlighting trailheads, elevation gains, estimated completion times, and points of interest along each route. Safety tips are also provided to help hikers plan successful and responsible outings in the national park.
This document provides information on day hikes in Banff National Park, including trails in the Banff, Lake Minnewanka, and Bow Valley areas. It lists over 20 hiking trails of varying distances and difficulties, highlighting trailheads, elevation gains, estimated completion times, and points of interest along each route. Safety tips are also provided to help hikers plan successful and responsible outings in the national park.
This document provides information on day hikes in Banff National Park, including trails in the Banff, Lake Minnewanka, and Bow Valley areas. It lists over 20 hiking trails of varying distances and difficulties, highlighting trailheads, elevation gains, estimated completion times, and points of interest along each route. Safety tips are also provided to help hikers plan successful and responsible outings in the national park.
BANFF, LAKE MINNEWANKA AND BOW VALLEY AREAS parkscanada.gc.ca 1 1 5 4 3 1 2 6 9 7 10 11 8 19 H G E A B F C 2.1 km 7 .1 k m 1 .1 k m 3.1 km 8.1 km 1 . 5 k m 1 .3 k m 3.0 km 1.2 km 0 .6 k m 2 .0 k m 4 .2 k m 1.1 km 1 .1 km 0 .6 km 4.3 km 4.9 km 5.5 km 0.5 km 0.7 km 4.2 km 1.6 km 1.4 km Two Jack Lake First Vermilion Lake Second Vermilion Lake Third Vermilion Lake J o h n so n L a k e C a s c a d e C a s c a d e F o r ty M ile C r e e k River R i v e r B O W B O W RIVER R I V E R Stoney Squaw Mountain 1868 m 6129 Mount Rundle 2949 m 9675 Tunnel Mountain 1650 m 5410 Sanson Peak 2256 m 7402 Sulphur Mountain 2451 m 8042 Cascade Mountain 2998 m 9836 M in n e w a n k a Mountain Ave C a v e A v e V e r m ilio n L a k e s D r i v e L a k e R o a d Canmore Calgary Lake Louise 0 1 2 Kilometres C o v e r p h o t o : H e a ly P a s s a r e a Plan Ahead and Be Prepared Remember, you are responsible for your own safety Get advice from Parks Canada Information Centre staff. Study trail descriptions and maps before starting. Check the weather forecast and current trail conditions. Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in your group. Pack adequate food, water, clothing, maps and gear. Carry a frst aid kit and bear spray. Tell somebody where you are going, when you will be back, and who to call if you do not return. Travel with a friend or group. Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather. Stay on maintained trails To prevent damage to vegetation stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts. Leave what you nd, and take what you bring 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. Natural and cultural resources such as rocks, fossils, artifacts, horns, antlers, wildfowers and nests are protected by law and must be left undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy. Backcountry A backcountry camping permit is required for any overnight trip. Reservations can be made up to three months in advance by calling 403-762-1556. Random camping Non-designated or random camping may be permitted. Ask Parks Canada Information Centre staff for details. Cycling Mountain biking is only allowed on trails designated for cycling. Pick up a cycling guide at Parks Canadas Information Centre. Fishing A National Park fshing licence is required which may be purchased at Parks Canada Information Centres and at participating stores. Banff Area Johnson Lake 3 km loop; no elevation gain; 1 hour round trip Trailhead: Johnson Lake picnic area. Circle this lake which is nestled amongst some of the oldest Douglas fr trees in Alberta and experience the richest ecoregion in our park the montane zone. Take in unique views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. Fenland Trail 2.1 km loop; no elevation gain; 1 hour round trip Trailhead: Fenland Trail parking lot. Travel under a canopy of old-growth spruce trees on this peaceful interpretive trail. Bow River / Hoodoos 4.2 km one way; 60 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip Trailhead: Surprise Corner parking lot on Buffalo Street. Though it is close to the Banff townsite, you will feel like you are far away as you explore this forest and meadow trail. Keep an eye out for elk and birds of prey as you climb from the rivers edge to the Hoodoos viewpoint. Spray River Loop 11.4 km round trip; 65 m elevation gain; 3 - 4 hour round trip Trailhead: Spray River loop parking lot behind the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This forested loop is popular with cyclists and horse users and offers rolling terrain on a tributary of the Bow River. To complete the loop, cross the bridge at km 7 and come back down to the Golf Course Road. Sundance Canyon 4.3 km to end of pavement, plus 1.2 km loop through canyon; 145 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip Trailhead: Cave and Basin parking lot. Take a peaceful stroll through the woods on this mostly paved trail before you reach an inviting creek and canyon. C-Level Cirque 4.2 km one way; 455 m elevation gain; 3 hour round trip Trailhead: The Upper Bankhead day-use area is 3.5 km from the Trans-Canada Highway on the Lake Minnewanka road. Hike back in time as you walk past old coal mine shafts before reaching a dramatic basin on Cascade Mountain. Tunnel Mountain 2.4 km one way; 260 m elevation gain; 2 hour round trip Trailhead: Located on St. Julien Road near The Banff Centre. Climb to the summit of a mountain in the heart of the Banff townsite! Although less daunting than the surrounding peaks, Tunnel Mountain still provides breathtaking views of the Bow Valley via a series of well-graded switchbacks. This trail can be icy in spring and fall. Upper Hot Springs 1.1 km one way; 170 m elevation gain; 1 hour one way Trailhead: Spray River Loop parking lot behind the Banff Springs. Climb through a spacious lodgepole pine forest on your way for a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a ride on the Banff Gondola or for further hiking up Sulphur Mountain. Sulphur Mountain 5.5 km to top of gondola, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak; 655 m elevation gain; 3 - 4 hour round trip Trailhead: Banff Upper Hot Springs parking lot at the end of 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 1 km side trip on the boardwalk trail that departs from the Observation Deck and you will fnd more great views, remnants of the Cosmic Ray Station, and the Sanson Peak Weather Observatory. Stoney Squaw Mountain 2.1 km one way; 190 m elevation gain; 2 hour round trip Trailhead: Mount Norquay ski area parking lot. Hike through a dense forest of pine and spruce for a unique view of Cascade Mountain and the peaks of the Fairholme Range. This trail is also popular with mountain bikers. Cascade Amphitheatre 7.7 km one way; 640 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip Trailhead: Mt. Norquay ski area parking lot. Beyond the downhill ski runs of Mount Norquay you will hike across a magically forested valley before entering a massive natural amphitheatre.
Easy Moderate Difcult BANFF AREA Interpretation on Johnson Lake trail 1 2 3 4 10 9 8 7 6 5 11 Hiking Trail Highway Road Park Boundary Park Information Centre Backcountry Campground Campground Warden Ofce RCMP Viewpoint Parking Pay Parking Hot Springs Horse Stables Train and Bus Station Hospital Gondola Banff Park Museum Cave and Basin Sulphur Mountain Gondola Lake Minnewanka Cascade Ponds Vermilion Lakes Hoodoos Viewpoint Bow Falls Legend A B C D E F G H 1 1 1 1A 1A 1A 93 12 13b 13a 17 16 19 18 15 14 9 .0 k m 2 .3 k m 3 .0 k m 0 .5 k m 1 .2 k m 1 .2 k m 7.7 km 0.7 km 7 .2 k m 3 .1 k m 8 .1 k m 1 .1 k m Castle Mountain 2766 m 9076 Mount Ishbel 2908 m 9541 Copper Mountain 2795 m 9170 Pilot Mountain 2935 m 9630 Mount Bourgeau 2930 m 9613 Mount Cory 2800 m 9186 Cockscomb Mountain 2777 m 9111 Mount Norquay 2522 m 8275 Storm Mountain 3100 m 1071 Lake Louise Radium Banff Bow Valley Parkway Johnston Canyon Castle Mountain RIVER J o h n s t o n
C r e e k BOW Rockbound Lake 0 1 2 Kilometres ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA 19 1 L A K E
M I N N E W A N K A Cascade Mountain 2998 m 9836 L a k e R o a d M in n e w a n k a Mount Girouard 2995 m 9827 Mount Astley 2869 m 9413 2 .8 km 1 .5 k m 2 .3 km 6 .4 k m 1.6 km 1.6 km 1.4 km 4 .2 km Two Jack Lake Johnson Lake e d a c s a C R i v e r Banff Canmore Calgary 0 1 2 Kilometres 20 1 D E 6 21b 21a More Information Safety Banff Information Centre: 403-760-1550 Website: www.pc.gc.ca/banff Banff Trail Conditions Report: www.pc.gc.ca/banfftrails Weather: www.weatheroffce.gc.ca Avalanche Reports, Information and Training: www.avalanche.ca Maps and Guide Books: Friends of Banff National Park at 403-762-8911 or www.friendsofbanff.com Emergency Call 911 or, if using a satellite phone, call the park dispatch offce 403-762-4506. Cell phone reception is unreliable. Keep wildlife wild, and yourself safer Travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprise encounters. Do not feed, touch, or approach wildlife. Stay at least 30 to 50 metres away from most animals, and 100 metres away from bears. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Pets must be on a leash at all times.
Avalanches The right combination of snow cover and slope angle can produce avalanches. Be careful when crossing snow slopes or when exposed to avalanche paths. galement offert en franais Bear Warnings, Closures and other hiker restrictions commonly occur in the Lake Minnewanka area. Obtain up-to-date information by contacting a Parks Canada visitor centre. The front ranges of the Canadian Rockies are sandwiched between foothills and the continental divide. Here, mountains have thrust themselves sideways leaving overhanging precipices on one side and gentle slopes on the other; some peaks are so folded and compressed its as though theyve been squeezed like an accordion into an overstuffed closet. The valleys here are home to an assortment of wildlife elk, deer, sheep, black bears and grizzly bears. Areas around the town of Banff offer a variety of shorter hikes as well as challenging trails that will reward the seasoned hiker. Easy Moderate Difcult Lake Minnewanka Area Stewart Canyon 1.5 km to junction east of bridge; no elevation gain, 1 hour round trip Trailhead: The Lake Minnewanka parking lot is located 5.5 km off the Trans-Canada Highway on the Lake Minnewanka road. Hike along Lake Minnewanka before turning left along an unusual smooth-walled canyon of the Cascade River the main source of Banff National Parks largest lake. Aylmer Lookout 11.8 km one way; 560 m elevation gain; 7 - 8 hour round trip Trailhead: The Lake Minnewanka parking lot is located 5.5 km off the Trans-Canada Highway on the Lake Minnewanka road. Less strenuous than Aylmer Pass, this trail follows the shores of Lake Minnewanka on the same approach as the Aylmer Pass trail. The trail offers a panoramic view from the site of an old fre lookout and is one of the frst high elevation trails to be snow free in the early summer. Aylmer Pass 13.0 km one way; 810 m elevation gain; 8 - 9 hour round trip Trailhead: The Lake Minnewanka parking lot is located 5.5 km off the Trans-Canada Highway on the Lake Minnewanka road. Hike above the blue water of Lake Minnewanka before climbing high into the front ranges of the Rockies to a stunning 2285 m alpine pass. It is possible to mountain bike the frst 8 km of this trail. Done with this brochure? Please return for re-use to a park facility or share it with others. How was your trip? Please send us your comments at banff.vrc@pc.gc.ca and report trails problems to park staff. Silverton Falls 1.0 km one way; 60 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip Trailhead: Rockbound Lake parking lot, 0.2 km east of Castle Junction on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). Often overshadowed by Johnston Canyon, this short exploratory hike is a local secret and takes you right up to a series of elegant waterfalls. Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Lower Falls - 1.2 km one way; 30 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip Trailhead: 22 km west of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway (1A Highway). Banff National Parks most popular hiking destination takes you into the depths of a canyon along catwalks and amongst spectacular waterfalls. See the impressive lower falls and walk through a tunnel to get an even closer look at the powerful effects of water. An early morning start may help you avoid the crowds. Johnston Canyon Upper Falls Upper Falls - 2.4 km one way (from parking lot); 120 m elevation gain; 2 hour round trip Trailhead: 22 km west of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). On the complete Johnston Canyon trip you will see even more waterfalls, the most impressive of which is the 30 m high Upper Falls. Ink Pots 5.4 km one way (from parking lot), 215 m elevation gain; 4 hour round trip Trailhead: 22km west of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). After experiencing the waterfalls along the Johnston Canyon trail, continue beyond its Upper Falls to reach a set of brilliantly coloured pools. Healy Pass 9.0 km one way; 655 m elevation gain, 6 - 7 hour round trip Trailhead: Sunshine Village parking lot, 9 km from the Trans- Canada highway. From the far end of the Sunshine Village parking lot you will follow Healy Creek as it leads towards the continental divide. This classic hike provides expansive views, vast alpine meadows and larch trees. Bourgeau Lake 7.2 km one way; 725 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip Trailhead: South side of the Trans-Canada Highway, 13 km west of the Mt. Norquay Interchange. Rise through the dark mossy forests of the Bow Valley to a rock-rimmed alpine lake. The cliff face of Mt. Bourgeau provides a dramatic backdrop, making it a picture-perfect spot for lunch. Rockbound Lake 7.7 km to Tower Lake, 8.4 km to Rockbound Lake; 760 m elevation gain; 6 - 7 hour round trip Trailhead: Rockbound Lake parking lot, 0.2 km east of Castle Junction on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). A long, steady climb through the woods takes you to Castle Mountains other side where you will be treated to a pair of beautiful lakes you will not soon forget. Bow Valley Area Harvey Pass 9.5 km one way; 1035 m elevation gain; 7 - 8 hour round trip Trailhead: South side of the Trans-Canada Highway, 13 km west of the Mt. Norquay Interchange. The hike begins with a climb to Bourgeau Lake and continues beyond it along a steep route that follows a faint, unmarked trail to the pass. Alpine views across the Lost Horse ridges and the continental divide are spectacular. Cory Pass Loop 12.3 km loop; 915 m elevation gain; 6 hour round trip Trailhead: The Fireside Picnic Area at the eastern end of the Bow Valley Parkway. This is the most strenuous day hike in the Banff area, but the views of the limestone monolith of Mount Louis are worth the effort. Complete the loop by hiking around Mount Edith and descending the Edith Pass trail. This trail is best done in mid-season when the snow is gone. There is no water along the trail and route fnding can be challenging. BOW VALLEY AREA LAKE MINNEWANKA AREA Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Catalogue No: R64-408/2011E ISBN: 978-1-10018371-8 Photo: Lake Minnewanka trail 18 16 15 14 13b 13a 12 21b 21a 20 17 19 Bighorn sheep on Sulphur Mountain