Banff National Park boasts jaw dropping views of incredible mountain vistas. The park covers over 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of pristine wilderness. There are easy hikes that are perfect for families that will allow you to summit mountains, view glaciers, meander through meadows, and swim in lakes.
10 Easy Hikes in Banff National Park
There is a good chance that you will encounter wildlife, most often a squirrel, marmot, or mountain goat. But, like all the other hikes, make sure that you have bear spray. There is a national park fee to access these hikes and the pass can be purchased upon entering the park.
Banff National Park is a short distance from Canmore, Alberta and within an hour and a half of Calgary. There are many beautiful easy hikes near Canmore.
To explore the Canmore area then try these 12 Easy Hikes Near Canmore.
BIG NEWS… We launched an app!
Enjoy hiking with your family? We launched an app called TrailCollectiv to help families get outside, find trails, and connect!
Download it on the Apple Store here and on Google Play here.
Lake Louise Shoreline Trail
Lake Louise Shoreline Trail is a 4km (2.5 mi) out and back trail with minimal elevation that starts from Chateau Lake Louise. The easy, stroller-friendly trail follows the sparkling turquoise lake up to where the creek descends to meet the glacier.
Insider Tip for Families: This trail gets very busy. Going early in the morning or late afternoon can sometimes mean shorter shuttle times or if your really lucky, a parking spot at Lake Louise.
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies Moderate
Trailhead Address on Google: CQ8M+J4 Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Agnes Tea House
Lake Agnes Tea house follows a steep 7 km (4.3 mi) out and back trail up 400 m (1312 ft) of elevation to a backdrop of mountains over top of Lake Agnes. There is a tea house located at the lake the showcases an assortment of desserts and teas. This trail has no shortage of views and features. Along the trail you will see three mountain lakes, have mountain views, and a waterfall!
Insider Tip for Families: Bring cash as the tea house does not accept any cards.
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies Challenging.
Trail head Address on Google: CQ84+FC Lake Louise, Alberta
Fairview Lookout
Less busy than other trails at Lake Louise, Fairview Lookout follows a 3.6 km (2.2 mi) and 145 m (475 ft) trail through the trees. The trail has only a few glimpses of Fairview Mountain before looping to a viewing deck that overlooks Lake Louise and the Chateau Faimont.
Insider Tip for Families: Fairview Lookout is a stunning winter wonderland during snow season.
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies Moderate.
Trail head Address on Google: CQ8M+H2 Lake Louise, Alberta
Tunnel Mountain
Tunnel Mountain follows a short but steep 4.3 km (2.6 mi) trail up 300 m (984 ft) to a summit that overlooks the Town of Banff. During the summer months, the trail can be very busy.
Insider Tip for Families: Tunnel Mountain is a great first summit for kids that are up for a challenge!
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies Challenging
Trailhead Address on Google: 5CGQ+RX Banff, Alberta
Bow Falls
A popular tourist attraction, Bow Falls can be accessed from a parking lot or by hiking a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) trail from the town of Banff. Combining Bow Falls with a trip downtown to ice cream at COWS is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Insider Tip for Families: The trail has minimal elevation but does have a few sets of stairs to traverse.
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies Moderate
Trailhead Address on Google: 5CFH+6G Banff, Alberta
Johnston Canyon
*ACCESS TO TRAIL RIGHT NOW IS ONLY BY BIKE. HIGHWAY IS CLOSED.
Johnston Canyon Trail follows a catwalk that juts out of the canyon walls and continues up to not one but two waterfalls. Only .8 km (.5 mi) from the trail head, the first waterfall can be viewed from a bridge or through a cave. The second waterfall falls over 120 m and is located 2.4 km (1.5 mi) from the trailhead.
Insider Tip for Families: During the winter months, Johnston Canyon Trail is extremely slippery. It is recommended to wear ice cleats to prevent from slipping.
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies
- Lower Falls – Easy
- Upper Falls – Moderate
Trailhead Address on Google: 65W6+62 Massive, Alberta
Silverton Falls
There is currently a 200 m walk to the parking lot since the road is closed due to everything going on right now.
Less touristy than Johnston Canyon, Silverton Falls is also altogether larger than the waterfall at Johnston Canyon. Silverton Falls hike follows a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) trail up 60 m (197 ft) through the trees up to a staircase waterfall.
Insider Tip for Families: There are cliff areas on the hike so use caution.
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies Moderate.
Trailhead Address on Google: 739M+FR Castle Junction, Alberta
Fenland Loop
Fenland Loop is a short, flat, 2.54 km (1.6 mi) trail located on the edge of the Town of Banff. The trail is stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible but the ground is not paved. A stunning summer and winter hike, the family friendly trail follows a Echo Creek before looping back to the parking lot.
Insider Tip for Families: In the winter, consider bringing a small sled to pull kids on.
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies Easy
Trail head Address on Google: Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2
Johnson Lake
A family favourite, the trail follows a 3 km (1.8 mi) and 50 m (164 ft) loop around Johnson Lake. Offering spectacular views of Mt. Rundle and the Cascade Mountains, Johnson Lake is found in the lower elevation Montane eco-region that takes up only 3% of Banff National Park.
Insider Tip for Families: In the summer, pack beach towels, sunscreen, life jackets and enjoy a day on the sandy beach!
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies Moderate
Trail head Address on Google: Johnson Lake Rd, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2
Cascade Ponds
Located near Johnson Lake and just outside the Town of Banff is Cascade Ponds. The 1 km (.62 mi) trail has zero elevation gain. Aside from a small hill to maneuver Cascade Ponds is stroller friendly, and wheelchair accessible.
Insider Tip for Families: There are other trails to explore at Cascade Ponds and it is a great place for a picnic.
Rating in the Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies Easy
Trail head Address on Google: Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, 110 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1A1
BIG NEWS… We launched an app!
Enjoy hiking with your family? We launched an app called TrailCollectiv to help families get outside, find trails, and connect!
Download it on the Apple Store here and on Google Play here.
I wrote a book!
Want more hikes like the ones listed in this post?
Buy the paperback book Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies here.
Purchase (Ebook) Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies here.
How current are your books?
I just had the first print came out in June 2020. That being said, there have been a few changes like the new construction at Troll Falls. However, the trail and trailhead is still the same. Let me know if you have ay questions.
What is the difference between volume 1 and 2
Hi Wendy,
I don’t have two volumes. I just have the one volume here https://payhip.com/b/eXaS
Then I also have an ebook verson here https://payhip.com/b/lUmQ
I signed up for the 22 page free book when will that come to my email? Does your book include maps of the trails? Is it sold In Stores or just through the website.
Hi Wendy,
The free 22 page download does not come in the mail but should come to your inbox. It is a sample of the inside of the book and includes a few hikes. If it does not work let me know and I can send you it to you.
Annika