Best trails in Banff National Park
In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and the world's third. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier destination spots.
Top trails
Visitor info
Banff National Park charges a fee to enter.
Parks Canada offers free admission and access to programs for support persons traveling with a visitor who has a disability and depends on the support person to travel and experience a Parks Canada destination.
The Banff and Lake Louise Visitor Centres are wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and water fountains. They are also equipped with information and resources for individuals with hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive disabilities.
Many museums are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, with accessible restrooms and water fountains. Assisted listening devices and closed captioning are provided for video presentations. The Cave & Basin National Historic Site is a visitor favorite for its accessible features.
Additional information about accessibility at Banff National Park can be found on their website: https://www.banfflakelouise.com/accessibility.
Roam, Banff's public transport service, operates buses that are wheelchair friendly, with a fold-out ramp and low floor to assist in getting on and off. Visit the Roam Transit website for details: https://roamtransit.com/about-us/transportation-policies/.
The Banff Scooter Company at the Banff Train Station offers mobility scooter rentals.
The Banff and Lake Louise Visitor Centres are wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and water fountains. They are also equipped to provide information and resources for individuals with hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive disabilities.
Many of the museums are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. Assisted listening devices are available, and closed captioning is provided on video presentations. The Cave & Basin National Historic Site is a visitor favorite, with facilities for those with hearing and sight challenges, an all-terrain wheelchair surface, a wheelchair-friendly bathroom, and guides upon request.
The Banff Upper Hotsprings has a water-accessible wheelchair. The Banff Gondola is fully wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available throughout the town of Banff, in the picnic areas near Lake Louise, and along the Bow Valley and Icefields Parkways.
All frontcountry campgrounds in the Banff area have accessible facilities except for Two Jack Main, Two Jack Lakeside, Mosquito Creek, and Silverhorn Creek Campgrounds.
All service dogs must have an Alberta Service Dog Identification Card to ensure access to public places.
Trail reviews for Banff National Park
Parking lot was full at 8:20, although when we returned visitors had made themselves parking spots that speaking from experience could’ve been ticketed. Overflow parking is available by the gas station and a close walk to the trailhead. Very well maintained trail to both lakes with consistent moderate incline. Trail to viewpoint above Rockbound Lake is steep, slippery and scrambly, but worth the panoramic views of Castle Mountain. One of the most beautiful hikes in Banff National Park if you can manage the distance! Bring lots of water.
The Big Bee Hive Hike is an absolute must-do if you're visiting Lake Louise or Banff National Park. It offers the perfect balance of challenge and reward, with breathtaking views at every turn. The trail begins at the iconic Lake Louise, which is already a postcard come to life, and winds past Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes both gorgeous spots for a break or photo op. Once you pass the Lake Agnes Tea House, the real climb begins, but the switchbacks are manageable and well maintained. Reaching the Big Bee Hive summit is incredibly rewarding: the panoramic view of Lake Louise from above is nothing short of stunning. You get that perfect turquoise water framed by rugged peaks a view that feels straight out of a dream. I’d recommend starting early to avoid crowds and catch the morning light on the lakes. Bring plenty of water, layers (it can get windy at the top!), and definitely a camera. All in all, Big Bee Hive is one of the most scenic and satisfying hikes I've ever done. Highly recommended for anyone in moderate shape looking for an unforgettable alpine experience!
The Bow River through Banff is one of the most beautiful rivers in the world.
This is one of the best alpine lakes in Banff, complete silence, crystal water, stunning views, no people. I napped here for 2hs. The trail is def steep but very manageable with some good route finding skills.
Amazing bike trail between Canmore & Banff. Not very difficult and the pavement is very good. Lots of tourists on rental e-bikes so be careful when passing or being passed.
Our favorite hike we did in Banff! Absolutely add this to your list! Initial incline (first 2.3km) is very doable, larch valley (2km) is quite flat but beautiful and a great change of scenery to see an alpine meadow. Lots of hikers having lunch at the lake at the base of Sentinel Pass, which was SO COOL. The toughest part of the hike for sure, but totally worth it.