Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park
Perfect for families and casual walkers, the Johnston Canyon trail is one of Banff's most popular outings for good reason. A series of catwalks bolted to the canyon walls allows you to walk directly above the rushing turquoise water of Johnston Creek.
The trail leads to two main attractions: the Lower Falls (2.4 km round trip) and the more dramatic Upper Falls (5.4 km round trip). The path is relatively flat to the Lower Falls, making it accessible to almost everyone. Continuing to the Upper Falls involves a bit more elevation gain but rewards you with a view of a much larger, more powerful waterfall. It's a year-round destination, offering a completely different but equally magical experience when the falls freeze into giant pillars of ice in the winter.
Lake Agnes Teahouse, Banff National Park
This classic Lake Louise hike combines stunning scenery with a delightful reward. The 7.2 km round-trip trail climbs through a dense evergreen forest, passing the beautifully reflective Mirror Lake before arriving at Lake Agnes. Tucked beside the lake is a rustic teahouse, built in 1901, where you can purchase tea and snacks. The trail is consistently uphill but well-maintained, making it a moderately challenging but achievable goal for most hikers. From the teahouse, you get incredible views of the surrounding peaks and the valley below. For those with more energy, the trail continues to the Big Beehive or the Little Beehive for even more expansive vistas of Lake Louise's iconic turquoise water.
Plain of Six Glaciers, Banff National Park
For a truly immersive glacier experience, the Plain of Six Glaciers trail is unparalleled. Starting from the far end of the Lake Louise shoreline, this 14.6 km round-trip hike takes you deep into the valley, with ever-improving views of the glaciers clinging to Mount Lefroy and Mount Victoria. The trail is mostly flat for the first few kilometers before a steady but manageable climb into a rocky moraine. Along the way, you’ll hear the cracking of glaciers and may even witness small avalanches from a safe distance. Like the Lake Agnes hike, this trail also features a historic teahouse where you can rest before the final push to a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking panorama of the six glaciers that give the area its name.
Valley of the Five Lakes, Jasper National Park
This gentle loop in Jasper National Park is an explosion of colour. The 4.5 km trail winds through a forest before opening up to a series of five stunning lakes, each with its own unique shade of jade and blue. The trail offers several loop options, allowing you to make the walk as short or as long as you like. With minimal elevation change, it’s an ideal hike for families or those looking for a relaxing afternoon in a spectacular setting. Red Parks Canada chairs are strategically placed at some of the lakeshores, inviting you to sit and soak in the serene beauty of the crystal-clear water and surrounding forest.
Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park
Often considered one of the premier hikes in the entire Canadian Rockies, the Iceline Trail is a strenuous but incredibly rewarding adventure. This high-alpine route offers non-stop, jaw-dropping views of glaciers, towering peaks, and the expansive Yoho Valley. One popular route is a 17 km loop that starts near Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's tallest waterfalls. The initial climb is steep and demanding, but once you reach the alpine shelf, the trail levels out, and you'll spend several kilometers walking alongside and above massive glaciers. It's an unforgettable experience that makes you feel like you are on top of the world.
Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass, Banff National Park
If you're visiting in the autumn, the Larch Valley trail is an absolute must-do. Starting from the magnificent Moraine Lake, the trail climbs through a series of switchbacks before emerging into a valley filled with Larch trees. In late September, their needles turn a brilliant gold, creating a surreal and magical landscape set against the backdrop of the iconic Valley of the Ten Peaks. The hike to the valley is moderately difficult, but for a true challenge, you can continue another 2.5 km up a steep scree slope to Sentinel Pass. The panoramic view from the pass, looking back over Larch Valley on one side and into Paradise Valley on the other, is one of the most celebrated in Banff National Park.
