You don’t have to climb a mountain to get incredible views in Banff. Some of our family’s favourite outings are short walks and easy hikes we’ve returned to again and again. I love thinking about how our kids went from being carried on these trails as babies to hiking them on their own.
If you’re travelling with children or grandparents, don’t want an all-day hike, or simply need something shorter between sightseeing stops, these are some of the trails I’d consider. Remember that it’s the mountains, so even easy hikes may have some difficult sections.
Listen to Episode 16 of The Banff Travel Podcast
3 Key Takeaways
- Start with the scenery you most want to see. Choose the right lake, trail, drive or attraction for your available time and energy.
- Compare your choices honestly. Think about timing, seasonal access and how much driving each experience adds to the day.
- Allow time for the unexpected. Leave flexibility for weather, wildlife and the places you decide are worth a longer stop.
My Favourite Easy Hikes Around Banff
1. Tunnel Mountain Trail (4.5 km Return)
Tunnel Mountain is a short summit hike right beside the Town of Banff. The trail climbs steadily on switchbacks, so it is more work than a lakeshore stroll, but it offers beautiful summit views over Banff and the Bow Valley.
If you’re staying in Banff and don’t mind walking a little farther, you can reach the trailhead from town without a car.
2. Johnson Lake Loop (3 km Loop)
Johnson Lake is one of our family favourites. The path circles the lake through forest with lovely views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. There are benches where you can stop for a snack and a little secret to look for along the way: an old hermit’s cabin tucked into the trees. It’s a nice easy hike to combine with other stops on the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive.
3. Johnston Canyon to the Lower Falls
The Johnston Canyon trail follows catwalks secured to the canyon walls, with waterfalls and pools along the way. It’s popular for good reason, and our kids have always enjoyed it. The Lower Falls is the easier destination, while continuing to the Upper Falls means more distance and a steeper section. If you’re comfortable with a small section of steeper terrain, I’d definitely continue to the Upper Falls. Our Johnston Canyon hiking guide describes the entire trail and what to expect.
4. Sunshine Meadows (Summer Only)
Sunshine Meadows is special because the gondola and Standish chairlift take you into the alpine without the big climb you’d normally need. There are easy hiking options at the top, incredible mountain scenery and often stunning wildflower meadows in midsummer. You still want decent shoes and layers because you’re high in the mountains. See our Sunshine Meadows hiking guide for the trail options.
5. Fenland Trail (2 km Loop)
The Fenland Trail is an easy forest loop close to the Town of Banff. It’s peaceful, shaded and especially enjoyable in the early morning when you might spot deer or elk. This is a great option if you want a quiet walk rather than a big viewpoint.
6. Stewart Canyon (Approximately 3–3.5 km Return)
From the Lake Minnewanka parking area, follow the lakeshore toward Stewart Canyon. The path is relatively easy and leads to a bridge over the canyon. It’s one of my favourite short walks to add to the Minnewanka Loop.
Important Tip: The route beyond Stewart Canyon continues along the Lake Minnewanka Trail, where seasonal restrictions are in place from July 10 to September 15. During this time you need a close-knit group of four hikers with bear spray, and no dogs or bikes allowed.
7. Grassi Lakes (About 4 km Return)
Just outside Banff in Canmore, Grassi Lakes is one of the area’s most rewarding shorter hikes. You climb to two brilliant turquoise lakes surrounded by rock walls and forest. There’s an easier route and a more challenging one. If you’re comfortable on both, I like doing the route as a loop so you can experience the different scenery. Swimming is not permitted in Grassi Lakes. Our Grassi Lakes hiking guide has the route details.
8. Marble Canyon (About 1.6 km Loop)
Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park is a short walk across a series of bridges above a narrow limestone gorge. It’s well worth a stop if you’re driving Highway 93 South. Pair it with the nearby Paint Pots, or connect the two for a longer but still manageable hike.
9. Lake Louise Lakeshore (About 4 km Return)
If you want a relatively flat trail with fantastic scenery, the Lake Louise lakeshore is an easy choice. It’s wide, with mountain and glacier views over the water. It’s a good walk for families and visitors who don’t want a steep climb.
10. Fairview Lookout (About 2 km Return)
Fairview Lookout is short but uphill. It begins behind the Lake Louise boathouse and climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the lake and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. I’d suggest it if you want a different perspective on Lake Louise and don’t mind a little effort.
11. Moraine Lake Rockpile and Lakeshore (Approximately 5 km Combined)
The Rockpile gives you the famous view of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. If you have the time, also visit the lakeshore path. It’s is a peaceful place to walk away from the viewpoint crowds. For a longer outing, consider Consolation Lakes. Remember you’ll need to plan your Moraine Lake shuttle if you aren’t staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge.
More Short Hikes and Viewpoints Worth Adding
I could keep going. Emerald Lake Lakeshore is lovely, particularly the wide, flatter first portion. Toe of the Athabasca Glacier is an interesting short walk if you’re stopping at the Columbia Icefield rather than booking an Ice Explorer tour. Peyto Lake viewpoint is a must-see along the Icefields Parkway, even though I’d call it more of a viewpoint walk than a full hike.
Silverton Falls is a short waterfall hike off the Bow Valley Parkway, and Lower Bankhead offers an easy interpretive walk among the remains of the old mining town. If hiking isn’t the goal at all, make yourself a mini-tour of the Parks Canada red chairs; many are placed near wonderful viewpoints, although some require a short walk.
Easy Walks for Strollers and Travellers With Limited Mobility
Some walking routes are better suited to strollers and mobility needs than the hikes above. The Lake Louise lakeshore trail is wide and relatively flat. The paved Bow River paths around the Town of Banff are another option, as is the short lakeside area at Lake Minnewanka.
Beyond Banff, the first part of the Emerald Lake path is wide and relatively level, the approach to Takakkaw Falls has a paved section, and there are pleasant riverside paths from downtown Canmore toward the Engine Bridge.
What to Bring on an Easy Banff Hike
For most of these trails you don’t need a huge amount of hiking gear, but I’d still take comfortable supportive shoes, bear spray, water, snacks, sunscreen and layers. AllTrails can be useful for navigation, especially if you download maps offline beforehand.
In spring, late fall or winter, ice can make even easy trails slippery, and microspikes become a must.
If you’re looking for more options, see our full lists of easy hikes in Banff and family-friendly hikes.
Helpful Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Johnston Canyon hiking guide
- Sunshine Meadows hiking guide
- Grassi Lakes hiking guide
- Moraine Lake shuttles
- Easy hikes in Banff
- Family-friendly hikes
Need Help Planning Your Banff Trip?
If you are having trouble choosing which Banff experiences deserve your time, my Banff & Jasper Planning Hub includes practical itineraries and planning resources to help you prioritize.
