You can’t help but be inspired by the stunning mountain scenery to go for a walk or hike in Banff National Park. Whether that be a short stroll around a turquoise blue glacial lake, or a full day trail into the backcountry.
Q: Where is the best Banff hiking?
A: Everywhere. There are stunning vistas from just 5mins off Banff Ave, and even some of the heritage walks around the townsite offer an interesting insight into the history of the area.
Best to get some professional help, ahead of time. Buy a guidebook. We still use “Don’t Waste Your Time in the Canadian Rockies” by Kathy Copeland, but there are many many more.
The staff at the Parks Canada Info Centres (Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper) are also a great source of Banff and Lake Louise hiking trails, helping you narrow down the section by time, elevation gain, views and proximity. It’s always a good idea to check the conditions of a trail there as well, as they could be closed due to conditions or animal activity.
Q: I still want to see great scenery, but I don’t want to hike strenuously for a full day, what’s the best day hike in Banff?
A: Discover Banff Tours offers a guided Banff hike into Stanley Glacier each Tuesday and Thursday. This moderate hike takes you through a previous fire burn, where shoulder high fireweed paint the forest floor bright pink. Continue into the amphitheatre where you are surrounded by sheer cliffs, a hanging glacier and waterfalls. It’s one of the lessor known (and less crowded) mountain hikes that rewards you greatly for a little effort.
Of course if you want the experience of a true mountain climber, you can cheat a little and take a helicopter to the mountain peaks. The Stoney First Nations Heli Walk Tour takes you by helicopter to mountain peaks where you can enjoy a 1hr stop in a high alpine meadow. A truly memorable experience.
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Q: What about bears?
A: It’s highly unlikely that you will have a bear encounter. Reduce your chances even further by letting them know you are in the area. Bears don’t like to be surprised so holler out as you hike. Don’t bother with those silly bear bells. While they make a nice souvenir, on the trail you always see people wearing them, before you hear any sound. The human voice carries further. You can make a game of it, coming up with different catch phrases – lines from movies are great, “Nachooooo Libre”
Some areas are restricted access, at certain times of the year, only allowing hikers in groups of 6 or more to reduce the chance of animal encounters. That’s another great reason to join up with a small guided hiking tour.
Q: I’d like to camp in the backcountry, but I don’t have the gear?
A: Hmm, comfy bed, hot showers, delicious food and wine, sounds like my idea of roughing it in the backcountry. There are a number of front and backcountry cabins in Banff National Park, that are require short hikes into – around 14km (9miles). Once there they offer all the comforts of home with the scenery and remoteness of the backcountry. Email (mail@banffinfo.com) or call us and speak with a Banff Info expert to help plan this special Banff vacation.
Q: What items should I bring on a hike?
A: A starting list should include – layered clothes. It can rain, snow, hail, be windy and hot, all within one hour, at any month of the year, so best to be prepared with a breathable and a warm layer. A map of where you are heading. Cell phone, bear spray, lots of water, snacks, first aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen and a hat.
Of course don’t forget your camera, the scenery in Banff National Park is some of the most scenic in the world.