The Ultimate Guide to the BEST Banff Hikes [2024]

Everything you need to know to discover the best Banff hikes in our ultimate trekking guide!

Banff National Park may just be the most beautiful place in all of Canada, and if you love getting outdoors as much as I do, then you’ll absolutely need to have a read of this guide to the best hikes in Banff National Park!

I have to admit, the first time I went to Canada I fell instantly in love. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

Mountains pierced the sky as snow glistened on top while steep slopes of lush forests met with fields of wildflowers as waterfalls with an endless supply of crystal clear water cascaded past me.

Hiking in Canada is becoming increasingly popular, even more so in Banff National Park, as it is becoming the ‘go to’ place for those seeking a heavy dose of nature.

My comprehensive guide to the best hikes in Banff National Park includes these epic trails:

  • Consolation Lakes Trail
  • Bow Falls Trail
  • Brewster Glacier Skywalk
  • Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
  • Karst Spring Hiking Trail
  • Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
  • Redearth Creek to Shadow Lake
  • Sunshine Meadows
  • Johnston Canyon
  • Wapta Icefield Hike
  • Parker Ridge Trail
  • Tunnel Mountain Trail
  • Sulphur Mountain Trail
  • Stanley Glacier Trail
  • Cascade Amphitheatre
  • Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass
  • Helen Lake Trail
  • Centennial Ridge Trail
  • Cory Pass and Mount Edith Circuit
  • Mount Assiniboine

Don’t miss our complete list of the best things to do in Banff while you’re in town.

Best Banff Hikes Lake Louise
Our guide to the best Banff hikes! Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.

The Best Banff Hikes for Every Traveller

Why is Banff National Park the place to go for hiking and trekking you may be asking?

Banff is literally like a slice of heaven on earth. That might be the best way to describe this place as lakes of turquoise water reflect perfect mountains upon their surface while trails endlessly take you from waterfall to waterfall via blankets of wildflowers.

If you like a thing called ‘switchbacks’ then Banff is the place for you as they are bound to test out your hiking abilities.

I have put together a comprehensive list of hikes in Banff, and hikes around Banff National Park, ranging from a simple 2-hour stroll to the more demanding full-day treks which can be found within the park and its surrounds.

Hiking In Banff National Park Larch Valley
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.

Best Time to Go Hiking in Banff National Park

It’s always nice to go hiking in good conditions such as blue skies and a nice cool breeze, but the problem with this is that trails and huts often become severely overcrowded.

The high season runs from June to August when you can expect a whole lot of sunshine and warm weather.

Shoulder season is the best time to go hiking in Banff National Park as you will find temperatures a few degrees below what you would experience during the high season.

As an added bonus accommodation is slightly cheaper and easier to book for most places like the town of Banff, while you are less likely to see hordes of people on trails in the national park giving, you a bit more peace.

For those who love the snow and colder conditions, some hikes are open all year round. The low season begins in November and ends in April.

Hiking in Banff National Park is something that can be enjoyed all year round so it’s completely up to you when you go or how you want to enjoy your time on the trails of Banff.

Larches Lake Hikes Near Banff
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka.

The Best Day Hikes in Banff National Park

There’s no shortage of day hikes in Banff National Park, and you could literally spend years trying to explore all of them.

However, I’m going to take a guess and say you probably don’t have years. So in that case let me narrow down some of the best Banff day hikes for you.

These hikes are the best ways to see the beauty and views surrounding some of Banff’s most famous sights, like Moraine Lake, Bow Lake, the Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Agnes, Lake Louise, Helen Lake, Tunnel Mountain, and more.

READ NEXT: While you’re here, be sure to enjoy one of the most amazing road trips by driving the Icefields Parkway!

Consolation Lakes Trail

Distance – 5.8 kilometres
Start / Finish – Moraine Lake Parking Lot
Time – 2 hours
Difficulty – Easy

This hiking trail from Moraine Lake is easy and beautiful. An even easier alternative is the Moraine Lakeshore Trail, which just curves around Moraine Lake. But for a bit of elevation gain and better views over Moraine Lake and the mountains, the Consolation Lakes Trail is a great option.

From Moraine Lake, head to the famous Moraine Lake Rockpile. From here it’s a non-strenuous, 2.9 km hike. Winding through Old Growth Forest, wetlands, mountain peaks, and glacial lakes, this trail is scenic and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

There is no better way to enjoy the iconic scenery of Moraine Lake.

Bow Falls Trail

  • Distance – 3 kilometres
  • Start / Finish – Bow River Bridge
  • Time – 1 to 2 hours
  • Difficulty – Easy

Bow Falls Trail is rapidly becoming a popular hike in Banff and that’s because this place is just incredible!

Most of Bow Falls Trail is an easy stroll along with the calm, emerald Bow River with a backdrop of native pines and rocky peaks.

There are so many photo opportunities along this trail; the walk for some may take longer than the recommended 1 hour if you are taking photos along this stunning Banff hiking trail.

At the end of the trail, Bow Falls makes itself prominent but don’t expect anything too big. Bow Falls is only 9 metres high but in winter, things freeze over making it even more spectacular!

Hiking In Banff National Park Bow Falls
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.

Brewster Glacier Skywalk

  • Distance – 500 metres
  • Start / Finish – Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre
  • Time – 1 hour
  • Difficulty – Easy

This may be one of the hikes on this list that’ll get your legs shaking (if you are scared of heights) but don’t let that put you off, the views which can be seen from along the Brewster Glacier Skywalk are seriously incredible.

The platform puts you right over the Sunwapta Valley, which gives life to stunning lakes, forests of pines and some of the most majestic mountains you will see in Canada.

If you are pressed for time while in Alberta and want to catch a glimpse of what Alberta is all about, take this stroll.

This is one of the easy hikes in Banff National Park, and is sure to give you a buzz whether it is the sheer height or the view of the mountains you are going to see!

READ MORE: Once you’re finished hiking in Banff, check out the official NOMADasaurus guide on how to design the best Banff itinerary!

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail

Distance – 10.3 kilometres
Start / Finish – Lake Louise Parking Lot
Time – 2-4 hours
Difficulty – Easy/Moderate

Visiting Lake Louise along the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff is one of the best things to do in the area. After enjoying the lake, consider hiking up to the Lake Agnes Tea House for even more incredible views.

This is a pretty busy hike, as Lake Louise is one of the most touristy spots in Banff National Park. But the views of Lake Agnes are worth it.

Just head up the Little Beehive Trail behind Lake Louise for 7.6 km until you find the tea house and Lake Agnes. The tea house is temporarily closed, but the views over Lake Agnes, Lake Louise, and the forests are spectacular.

Karst Spring Hiking Trail

  • Distance – 9.5 kilometres
  • Start / Finish – Mount Shark trailhead
  • Time – 4 to 5 hours
  • Difficulty – Easy

This is just another one of those hikes where mountains and lush forests dominate the Canadian landscape. It has often been described as the most scenic place in North America.

This is one of the easy hikes near Banff National Park that you can try, but sometimes easy is a good thing.

Karst Spring Trail is full of goodies such as wildflowers (Canada is full of them) to endless forest trails which lead to Karst Spring which originates from Shark Mountain.

This hike is a must during the winter months due to the magnificent ice sculptures that form on the sides of the trail.

Best Banff Hikes Fenlands Trail
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.

Plain of Six Glaciers Trail

  • Distance – 13.8 kilometres
  • Start / Finish – Lake Louise Lakeshore, look for signs for the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
  • Time – 3 to 5 hours
  • Difficulty – Moderate

Definitely one of the best hikes in Banff National Park is the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail near Lake Louise.

The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail offers a captivating journey through some of the Canadian Rockies’ most breathtaking landscapes.

Beginning at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail meanders along the glacial-fed Lake Louise before ascending into a world of towering peaks and pristine alpine scenery.

As hikers traverse the well-maintained path, they are treated to panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains, turquoise waters, and cascading waterfalls.

Along the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, the sight of six majestic glaciers, including the renowned Victoria Glacier, adds a sense of awe-inspiring grandeur to the experience. Hence the same, Plain of Six Glaciers!

The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail near Lake Louise promises unforgettable moments amidst the untamed beauty of Banff’s wilderness.

Redearth Creek to Shadow Lake

  • Distance – 14.5 kilometres
  • Start / Finish – Redearth Creek carpark to Shadow Lake Lodge
  • Time – 3.5 to 4.5 hours
  • Difficulty – Easy

This is not one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park, which means that you get a bigger dose of nature all to yourself!

The Redearth Creek to Shadow Lake is an impressive 14.5km slog through forest trails, where glimpses of the 3,311 metre Mount Ball peak in and out of the tree line as you get closer and closer to Shadow Lake.

This hike is awesome because you do not need to do it all in one day. Instead, you can stay at a true Canadian log cabin called Shadow Lake Lodge which is a series of cabins surrounded by stunning forests.

After sunrise, make your way back the way you came. Despite the lack of people on this trail, it could be considered one of the best day hikes in Banff National Park.

Sunshine Meadows

  • Distance – 8 kilometres return
  • Start / Finish – Sunshine Village
  • Time – 2 hours
  • Difficulty – Easy

The Sunshine Meadows hike lives up to its name, with fields of alpine wildflowers to Golden Larches reaching from the lakes right to the alpine line in winter.

Want an easy day hike near Banff? Sunshine Meadows is the one!

Sunshine Meadows is a hike you will just want to take your time with. You will be mesmerised by Mount Assiniboine, which is a spire type mountain reaching a staggering 3,618 metres.

It’s pretty much guaranteed that this will be the most scenic hike you will do in Banff National Park.

Johnston Canyon

  • Distance – 5 kilometres return
  • Start / Finish – Johnston Canyon parking lot
  • Time – 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Difficulty – Easy

This short hike in Banff can be used as an information walk to gain knowledge of the area. Or it can be used as an access hike to some of Banff’s hidden waterfalls which in winter are quite popular with ice climbers.

The Johnston Canyon hike winds its way to one of the most photographed places in the world…you know that massive cave with a big chunk of rock surrounded by cascading water?

Well if you don’t know what I am talking about then you must see this place for yourself, it’s breathtaking!

Johnston Canyon is truly amazing and is even better during the off-peak season. If you could only do one hike near Banff this would be it!

Johnston Canyon Bow Valley Hikes Around Banff
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.

Wapta Icefield Hike

  • Distance – 13 kilometres
  • Start / Finish – Numtijah Lodge to Peyto Lake
  • Time – 3 days
  • Difficulty – Moderate

This is one of the few hikes in Banff that will allow you to actually go and stand on an icefield. The majority of this trek consists of snow trails and ice, which makes it all the more fun!

What makes this trek even more stunning is the surprise that you get towards the halfway mark.

As you ascend through stunning forests you eventually find yourself in an alpine zone completely surrounded by glorious mountains.

At the top of the trail is Bow Hut sitting at an altitude of 2,350 metres. You can stay the night here if you plan to continue towards Peyto Hut.

From Bow Hut there are a few short side treks that you can take including Polaris Peak which offers fine views of Canada’s finest mountains.

If you decide to venture on to Peyto Glacier, you’re going to need experience with crampons and mountaineering equipment.

If you have mountaineering experience, you can continue onto Peyto Glacier followed by a tricky traverse leaving you at Peyto Lake.

Parker Ridge Trail

  • Distance – 5 kilometres
  • Start / Finish – Parker Ridge trailhead
  • Time – 2 hours
  • Difficulty – Easy to moderate

The Parker Ridge Trail, although not very long and demanding, is a must-do hike if you are in the northern areas of Banff National Park.

Why so? The Parker Ridge Trail is full of switchbacks (sharp turns in the track) which are surrounded by patches of wildflowers often left with old patches of ice scattered throughout.

Banff hikes don’t get much better than the Parker Ridge Trail.

Once you leave the forest, you enter the higher alpine zone and head towards a ridgeline in a pretty harsh environment.

The higher you climb, the chillier it can get so always be prepared for mountain climates as they can change quickly.

At the end of the trail, you get spectacular views of Saskatchewan Glacier, which is a massive 9 kilometres in length that feeds into the North Saskatchewan River.

And if you are lucky enough, the viewpoint allows you to see Castleguard Mountain and an array of smaller peaks which is quite a beautiful spot to capture stunning sunset and sunrise photos.

Definitely bring your camera on this stunning Banff hike.

Tunnel Mountain Trail

  • Distance – 4.8 kilometres
  • Start / Finish – St. Julien Road at the Banff Centre
  • Time – 1 to 2 hours
  • Difficulty – Moderate

Tunnel Mountain Trail is a relatively easy hike that is also one of the best hiking trails in Banff National Park. With a few steep climbs and switchbacks, this small hike takes you to an epic view over the town of Banff while producing stunning views of Mount Bourgeau.

If you are thinking of getting a bit closer or want to summit Mount Bourgeau, opt for the hike that takes you to Harvey Pass which is listed a bit further down in the article.

Best Banff Hikes Cascade Mountain
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka

Sulphur Mountain Trail

  • Distance – 11 kilometres return
  • Start / Finish – Banff Upper Hotsprings Parking Lot
  • Time – 4 hours
  • Difficulty – Moderate

Want some stunning views of Bow Valley? This beauty of a trail takes you right to the most scenic spot. But first, you have to take on switchback after switchback as it weaves its way up the mountainside, through the forest, and across alpine sections to an altitude of 2,451 metres.

Sulphur Mountain trail is one of the best hikes in Banff National Park that gives you stunning views all year round of The Bow Valley.

Once you are at the top, be sure to visit the Cosmic Ray Station which is a World Heritage Site. Next, complete a short stroll along a boardwalk that explains the importance of the mountain and the man behind the Cosmic Ray Station.

When it comes to Banff walks that are decent and beautiful, this one is a must.

Stanley Glacier Trail

  • Distance – 10.5 kilometres
  • Start / Finish – Stanley Glacier carpark
  • Time – 3 hours
  • Difficulty – Moderate

I couldn’t help but include this one when talking about where to hike in Banff!

This is a stunning 3-hour hike through pristine forests leading to High Mountain trails. The Stanley Glacier Trail has since recovered from terrible wildfires which occurred both in 1993 and 2003.

One of the factors leading to wildfires in Canada is climate change. The warmer and dryer our National Parks get, the higher the chance of wildfires. There is an opportunity on this trail to see how these forests recover from such natural disasters.

Hiking to Stanley Peak is challenging. The trail is about 10.5 kilometres return, and you have to endure quite a few switchbacks and loose rocky trails which makes it all the more fun. But if you’re up for the challenge, this hike is well worth checking out.

Cascade Amphitheatre

  • Distance – 15.5 kilometres return
  • Start / Finish – Mount Norquay ski area
  • Time – 4 to 6 hours
  • Difficulty – Moderate

If you are keen to get some solid kilometres under your feet, hit the trail to the Cascade Amphitheatre. You will find yourself at the heart of towering limestone cliffs, surrounded by meadows of wildflowers.

There are a few options for extending the hike, and if you are the really adventurous type then definitely have a crack at Cascade Mountain. This peak is 2,998 metres in height, making this particular trail one of the best day hikes in Banff.

If you plan to head to the summit, make sure to be well prepared as some of the ridges can be quite narrow with a few sketchy drop-offs. Otherwise opt to sit back and watch the sunset around you.

Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass

  • Distance – 14.5 kilometres return
  • Start / Finish – 13 kilometres west of the Mount Norquay Interchange on Trans-Canada Highway
  • Time – 5 to 6 hours
  • Difficulty – Moderate

This hike is another opportunity to view the majestic Mount Assiniboine from a whole new angle. Harvey Pass is a culmination of forested tracks, lush meadows of wildflowers, crystal blue lakes such as Bourgeau Lake and a fair few steep sections which eventually take you to Harvey Pass.

Despite taking 5 to 6 hours to complete the return trip, why not set out in the early morning for one of the best sunrises from Harvey Pass?

If you are looking for a bit of inspiration and want to know what Banff National Park hiking looks like, there is a photographer named Paul Zizka whose photos are guaranteed to have you booking a one-way ticket to Banff.

Hikes In Banff And Lake Louise
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.

Helen Lake Trail

Distance – 16.7 kilometres return
Start / Finish – Helen Lake Parking Lot
Time – 4 to 6 hours
Difficulty – Moderate

One of the most beautiful lakes on the iconic Icefields Parkway drive from Banff, Helen Lake is home to an awesome hiking trail.

The Helen Lake trail is moderate in difficulty, and very well maintained. There are stunning alpine views and lots of wildflowers along the way.

Helen Lake is perfect for travelers who want to escape the tourist crowds of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. This bright blue alpine lake is just as gorgeous as Lake Louise but it’s much quieter and more peaceful.

For an extra challenge, continue hiking past Helen Lake and up to Dolomite Pass or Cirque Peak. These are higher in altitude and can test your limits a bit more than just hiking to Helen Lake and back.

The Best Difficult Hiking in Banff National Park

Some of the below hikes in Banff National Park are more difficult and take much longer.

Depending on the season you decide to attempt these treks, there is always an option to camp or stay in huts if available.

I have listed the below hikes as ‘multi-day’ even though they are under 12 hours (apart from Mount Assiniboine).

Centennial Ridge Trail

  • Distance 16 kilometres
  • Start / Finish – Ribbon Creek Trailhead
  • Time – 10 hours
  • Difficulty – Hard

Hiking this trail means you will be surrounded by a cathedral of snow-covered mountains, and it is certainly one of the best Banff hikes.

The Centennial Ridge Trail is one of Canada’s highest ridge treks, taking you over 16 kilometres of meadows full of wildflowers and up to alpine environments.

Hiking the Centennial Ridge Trail is going to leave you wanting more trail time under your feet. Centennial Ridge Trail is one of the most appealing treks you can do in Alberta and probably the best Banff day hike.

This is quite a challenging hike especially for your knees with lots of loose rock and switchbacks to tackle, so watch out for those! Other than that, this hike is truly captivating from start to finish and is a must-do hike in Banff!

Cory Pass and Mount Edith Circuit

  • Distance – 13 kilometres return
  • Start / Finish – The Fireside Picnic Area
  • Time – 5 to 6 hours
  • Difficulty – Hard

Getting to Cory Pass can be a bit tricky so come prepared and make sure you are up to the challenge with nearly 1,000 metres of elevation gain over the course of 5 hours.

Cory Pass can turn into a scramble in some parts followed by long lengths of rocky, loose tracks. As long as you are careful, it’s a super fun challenge.

From Cory Pass, you can choose to return the same way you came or descend down to the Mount Edith Circuit Track to complete your hike in Banff National Park from a different point to where you started.

Cory Pass Hiking In Banff National Park
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.

Mount Assiniboine

  • Distance – 30 kilometres return
  • Start / Finish – Mt Shark or Sunshine Meadows
  • Time – 12 to 15 hours from Hind Hut
  • Difficulty – Expert

Before starting this section, please keep in mind that climbing Mount Assiniboine is some serious stuff and should NOT be taken lightly, previous experience in the mountains is a must.

Climbing Mount Assiniboine can be done through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides who are qualified mountain guides.

The climb begins at Hind Hut near the North Ridge of the mountain, which requires a series of difficult ridge climbs although not technical.

The main components of this climb are trekking through steep gullies, and rock climbing some sections followed by the summit ridge taking you to an altitude of 3,618 metres.

It’s a difficult one, but definitely one of the best hikes near Banff if you have the experience to attempt it!

Day Hikes In Banff National Park Mistaya Canyon
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Jake Dyson.

Banff Hiking Tips

Hiking in the mountains is probably one of my favorite things to do. I always go prepared even if I plan to go on a small 5 to 10 kilometre hike.

Mountains are notorious for changing weather. At one moment there can be clear skies with gorgeous temperatures and the next moment it could be snowing or you could become inundated with thick fog and mist.

Here are a few tips to ensure your hiking experience in Banff National Park is a safe one!

  • Invest in an Eperb which is a small device that in an emergency you can activate to let emergency services know your location.
  • Write a note or text someone on whereabouts you are going with a date, time and location.
  • Always carry a sufficient supply of water and snacks.
  • Pack an emergency blanket. You know those things that look like tin foil? They are brilliant at keeping you warm at night when things get chilly.
Best Day Hikes In Banff Sentinel Pass
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Jake Dyson.

Packing List for Banff Hikes

From short 1 hour hikes to multi-day hikes, it is always important to sit down, write a list and discuss what you will need for your adventure well in advance.

The below list is based on hiking in the colder months. Remember, when hiking in mountainous and alpine areas, weather can change almost instantly. It’s better to be marginally overprepared than to be underprepared.

  • Tent – sometimes huts can be full so a light and compact tent is ideal
  • Sleeping bag and silk liner
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Hiking pants and shorts
  • Breathable shirts
  • Down jacket for cold nights
  • Wind breaker jacket
  • Emergency blanket – super compact sheet that looks like tin foil
  • Rain jacket
  • Thermals both top and bottom layers
  • Lots of socks – you can never have enough when hiking
  • Underwear
  • A hat for sun protection (UV is stronger the higher you are up)
  • Buff for protection from the wind and sun
  • Hiking poles come in handy when hauling larger loads to help distribute weight
  • Camera gear – pack extra batteries and memory cards
  • Portable power packs including portable solar panel, GoalZero products are the best
  • Emergency beacon – you never know when one of these will come in handy
  • Portable gas burner with compact pots and pans
  • Cutlery
  • Coffee cup
  • Enough food for the hike (I like to throw in a few extra meals in case the hike is extended)
  • Water – 2-3 litres must be on you at all times
  • Trail maps
Skoki Lake Best Banff Hikes
Photo Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.

Going Beyond The Banff Hiking Trails

Banff is a mecca for serious mountaineers, alpinists and rock climbers and there’s almost certainly a few of you reading this post looking for the next extreme adventure.

All year round, Banff National Park boosts amazing trails to run, mountains to climb even waterfalls to climb when they freeze over.

If you are considering doing anything that is beyond the trail itself, always check with local guides before heading out on an adventure.

I have listed 3 links that are derived from Parks Canada which relate to warnings and trail conditions within Banff National Park.

That’s it for my list of the best Banff hikes! If you found this article useful, or have some other top hikes in Banff you want to add, leave a comment below and let me know!

Sentinel Pass Best Day Hikes In Banff
Photo Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism / Noel Hendrickson.
About the Author - Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

3 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to the BEST Banff Hikes [2024]”

  1. The pictures on your blog are incredible very high quality. Do you have a background of photography. Really appreciate the time and effort you put into the posts on this site great job, bookmarked.

  2. Hiking in the canadian rockies is such a magical experience. We’ve been three times now and still so many hikes we haven’t done. Thanks for the list, it’s inspirational and ready to tick off some more.

  3. Love most of the information in here, but your Mt. Assiniboine information doesn’t seem quite correct. The hike is in the 30km range, not 13km and doesn’t leave from Canmore at all, unless you’re flying in via helicopter. You either hike in from Mt. Shark or Sunshine Meadows. I would recommend updating this information before someone gets themselves into trouble and takes on more than they’re prepared for. Also the Crypt Lake Hike is in Waterton National Park (a 4 hour drive from Banff), so not sure why it’s in a Banff hikes post – aside from it being an awesome hike! Otherwise thanks for writing such a great, informative post!

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