Hiking Event SOLD OUT
The hiking in Banff and Lake Louise is among the most scenic and inspiring in the world. Ranging from walks and easy hikes to multi-day backcountry epics, hiking is an accessible way to immerse yourself in the spectacular landscape of Banff National Park. Wander along the shore of glittering blue-green lakes, trek up a mountain pass, hike across a frozen lake, and be amazed by the glowing larches in the fall. With a little effort and a dose of adventurous spirit, hiking in Banff and Lake Louise is your chance to step outside of your norm and into a truly magical world.
Each hike includes a guided hike, lunch and transportation to and from the hotel.
Choose your hike from the options below. (NOTE: We will make every effort to provide your chosen hike difficulty level, however there are limited spots available for each hike. If your chosen hike difficulty level is not available, we will try to place you in the next lowest difficulty level hike available.)
Johnston Canyon / Marble Canyon (Easy)
6.5 km (4 mi) total
150 m (492 ft) elevation gain
Hiking: 2 hours total
Driving time: 1 hour return
Weather Backup: none – suitable for any weather
Johnston Canyon is an unusual hike, with a trail built over, around, and into the walls of a river-carved canyon. Following the creek upstream leads to two large waterfalls and several small ones along the way. Highlights include ducking under a rock to get up close to the lower waterfall, and taking the catwalk to view the upper falls from below and above.
Marble Canyon is a short walk over and around another canyon, even taller and tighter, so the trail crosses the top on bridges, rather than fitting inside. The water far below is a glacial green.This will be an easy trip with minimal elevation gain, suitable for any level of fitness and experience, including about 2 hours of hiking time and some sightseeing in the area between.
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Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse (Moderate 1)
11 km (6.84 mi) return
400 m (1,312 ft) elevation gain
Hiking: 4-5 hours return
Driving time: 1.75 hours return
Weather Backup: Boom Lake
The Plain of Six Glaciers trail starts at popular Lake Louise, walking the length of its milky waters, then continuing upstream. A steady trail follows the source of the water upward to a view of the many glaciers that feed the lake.
Near the viewpoint, a teahouse dating to 1924 continues operation today. If time permits, we may return via an alternate trail for a different view of the lake. A moderate hike, suitable for those who are generally active.
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Helen Lake (Moderate 2)
12 km (7.46 mi) return
450 m (1,476 ft) elevation gain
Hiking: 4-5 hours return
Driving time: 2 hours return
Weather Backup: Ribbon Falls
Helen Lake is a pretty alpine lake, but only the bonus view on top of the trail to reach it. We’ll drive up the Icefields Parkway past the village of Lake Louise to the headwaters of the Bow River at Bow Lake. The trail leads up through a young forest with a fantastic view of glaciers across the valley, then leaves the trees behind to cross rolling alpine meadows and reach the lake. A moderate hike, suitable for those who are generally active.
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