Five Easy Hikes in Banff National Park and Canmore

Banff and Canmore are renowned around the world for their beautiful mountain scenery and network of hiking trails for every skill level. These two cities found in Alberta, Canada, have plenty of uniquely different trails to explore ranging from forest walks to secluded mountain lakes. Here is a list of five easy hikes in Banff and surrounding areas, including Canmore.

How to Get to Banff and Canmore

Canmore is located approximately 120km west of the Calgary International Airport (YYC). Banff is an additional 20 minute drive from Canmore, along the Trans Canada Hwy.

Plan your route here!

Visitor Passes

There are no passes required to enter and explore the town of Canmore. However, the areas surrounding it require a Kananaskis Conservation Pass which costs $15 CAD per day (per vehicle). If you frequent the area, an annual pass may be more beneficial and costs $90 CAD/year. Passes can be purchased online or at the following location in Canmore:

Canmore Nordic Centre

• Address: 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB

Those wanting to visit Banff National Park, will also have to purchase another park pass to access surrounding areas. Daily prices for adults are $10.50 CAD or $21 CAD for families/groups. These tickets can only be bought at the kiosks entering the park. Yearly Discovery Passes, which provide access to over 80 destinations within Canada, including Banff, can be bought online.

Tunnel Mountain

• Trailhead Location: 190 Tunnel Mountain Dr, Banff, AB T1L 1K2
• Distance: 4.5km
• Elevation Gain: 267m
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Washroom Facilities: None at trailhead. Public washrooms found on Wolf Street

Parking: From Banff, head east on Wolf Street until you reach Otter Street (turn left). Continue on Otter Street/Tunnel Mountain Rd for 1.1km. Turn right onto Tunnel Mountain Drive and the parking lot for the trailhead will be found after 1.5km.

Tunnel Mountain is conveniently located a few minutes away from the Banff town centre. This 1.5-2 hour long hike is a perfect introduction to hiking in the national park.

The trail begins up a slightly steep slope and ventures into a thick rooted forest. The switch back route makes for an easy adventure. There are several viewpoints along the way, including views of the mountains, gold courses and valleys.

Lake Agnes Tea House

• Trailhead Location: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0
• Distance: 7.4km
• Elevation Gain: 435m
• Trail Type: Loop or Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Washroom Facilities: At Lake Louise parking lot

Parking: From Banff, continue along the Trans Canada Hwy. Take exit 1A Bow Valley Parkway. Follow Lake Louise Dive through the town towards the Fairmont Château Louise. Parking will be on the left hand side.

Fees: $12.25 CAD/day/vehicle

Lake Agnes Tea House is one of two tea houses located at Lake Louise. The trail starts along the perimeter of Lake Louise, before climbing into a forest. This route passes by many smaller lakes including Mirror Lake and a large waterfall. Watch out for horses and riders, as the trail is popular with horseback riding

On the descent back to Lake Louise, take the path to the left to avoid the crowds and horses. The mountains views will also be a lot better on this side.

Grassi Lakes

• Trailhead Location: Ken Richie Way, Canmore, AB T0L 2C0
• Distance: 3.4km
• Elevation Gain: 178m
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Washroom Facilities: At trailhead parking lot

Parking: From Canmore, head along the 742 Three Sisters Parkway. Turn left on Ken Richie Way and the parking lot will be on the right hand side.

Closures: Grassi Lakes Trailhead and parking lot was closed for construction from April 2022-December 2022. Reopening summer 2023

Turquoise coloured lakes draws thousands of visitors each year to Grassi Lakes. This super easy hike can be walked as an out and back or a loop. The loop offers a slightly more challenging ascent to the lakes, passing along an exposed rocky climb.

Grassi Lakes is extremely popular, so it is advised to get to the parking lot before 9 or 10am to avoid disappointment.

Grotto Canyon

• Trailhead Location: Bighorn No. 8, AB T0L 0C8
• Distance: 4.4km to Inukshuk Garden, 7.1km to end of canyon
• Elevation Gain: 115m
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Washroom Facilities: At parking lot

Parking: Heading towards Canmore on the Trans Canada Hwy, take exit 91 towards Bow Valley Trail. Follow signs for Exshaw and continue for another 10.5km. Parking will be on the left hand side.

Grotto Canyon is a unique hike that is also popular with rock climbers. The route leads through a canyon and dry riverbed. The terrain is quite rocky and depending on the time of year, a little damp.

Most people stop the hike at the rock cairns and return the way they came. There is an option to continue further past the rocks, but the path isn’t maintained as nicely.

Heart Creek

• Trailhead Location: Bow Corridor Link Trail, Alberta, AB T0L 2C0
• Distance: 4.8km
• Elevation Gain: 307m
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Washroom Facilities: At trailhead parking lot

Parking: Follow the Trans Canada Hwy southeast for 13.6km. Take exit 105 and watch for trailhead signs. The parking will be on the right hand side.

Heart Creek is a super easy hike. With boardwalks and bridges to pass by, this hike it best suited for families with small children or those wanting to take a break from some more extreme summits/hiking.

The path follows the creek and showcases several little waterfalls throughout the journey.

Further Exploring

Kananaskis Country is an underrated hiking paradise in Alberta. Varying levels of hiking trails can be found in this area, including the moderately challenging Moose Mountain and the family friendly Fullerton Loop.