Roam Glade Editorial · Updated November 2026
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon, the busiest sights in Banff, are all on short, gentle trails, so you can see them without serious climbing.
Distances below are approximate round-trip figures. Parks Canada and trailhead signs give the official numbers, which vary slightly with the starting point.
At a Glance
| Walk | Distance | Climb | Time | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnston Canyon: Lower and Upper Falls | About 2.4 km (1.5 mi) return to the Lower Falls; about 5 km (3.1 mi) return to the Upper Falls | About 50 m (160 ft) to the Lower Falls; about 120 m (390 ft) to the Upper Falls | 1 hour (Lower); 2–2.5 hours (Upper) | Easy |
| Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail | About 4 km (2.5 mi) return | Flat | 1–1.5 hours | Easy |
| Moraine Lake Rockpile and Lakeshore | Rockpile: under 1 km (0.6 mi) return; Lakeshore: about 3 km (1.9 mi) return | About 30 m (100 ft) to the top of the Rockpile; lakeshore flat | 30 minutes to 1 hour | Easy |
| Fenland Trail | About 2 km (1.2 mi) loop | Flat | 30–45 minutes | Easy |
| Bow River Trail and Bow Falls | About 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) return from downtown | Minimal | 45 minutes | Easy |
| Lake Agnes Tea House | About 7 km (4.3 mi) return | About 400 m (1,300 ft) | 2.5–3.5 hours | Moderate |
The Walks
Johnston Canyon: Lower and Upper Falls
Easy- Distance
- About 2.4 km (1.5 mi) return to the Lower Falls; about 5 km (3.1 mi) return to the Upper Falls
- Climb
- About 50 m (160 ft) to the Lower Falls; about 120 m (390 ft) to the Upper Falls
- Time
- 1 hour (Lower); 2–2.5 hours (Upper)
- Best season
- May–October; icy in winter (ice cleats needed)
Highlights: Steel catwalks bolted to the canyon walls above a turquoise creek, a short tunnel to a close-up view of the Lower Falls, and a taller fall higher up.
Start and parking: Johnston Canyon car park on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), about 25 km from Banff. The car park is full by mid-morning in summer; Roam Transit runs a seasonal route from Banff. Parts of the parkway have had seasonal vehicle restrictions in recent years, so check current access.
Families: The catwalks have railings; between them the path is wide but has some unfenced drops. Children who can walk 2–3 km manage the Lower Falls.
Dogs: Yes, on a leash.
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
Easy- Distance
- About 4 km (2.5 mi) return
- Climb
- Flat
- Time
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best season
- June–October (the lake is usually ice-free from June)
Highlights: A level path along the north shore of the lake to the far end, where the glacier-fed inflow and Victoria Glacier views are much quieter than the busy front.
Start and parking: Lake Louise lakeshore, in front of the Fairmont Chateau. Paid parking fills before sunrise in summer; the Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride is the easier option (reservation recommended).
Families: Flat and wide; fine for buggies on the first part.
Dogs: Yes, on a leash.
Moraine Lake Rockpile and Lakeshore
Easy- Distance
- Rockpile: under 1 km (0.6 mi) return; Lakeshore: about 3 km (1.9 mi) return
- Climb
- About 30 m (100 ft) to the top of the Rockpile; lakeshore flat
- Time
- 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Best season
- June to mid-October
Highlights: The Rockpile is a short climb up a stepped path to the view of the lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The lakeshore trail follows the west shore to the inflow.
Start and parking: Moraine Lake, reached only by Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Transit or licensed tour (the road is closed to private vehicles).
Families: Short and well made; steps on the Rockpile path.
Dogs: Yes, on a leash (check shuttle rules for pets before booking).
Fenland Trail
Easy- Distance
- About 2 km (1.2 mi) loop
- Climb
- Flat
- Time
- 30–45 minutes
- Best season
- All year; seasonal closures for wildlife can apply
Highlights: A shady loop through spruce forest beside Forty Mile Creek, with chances of seeing birds, beavers' work and, occasionally, elk. Combine with the Vermilion Lakes for sunset views of Mount Rundle.
Start and parking: Fenland trailhead on Mount Norquay Road, a short walk or cycle from downtown Banff.
Families: Easy and close to town; a good first walk on arrival day.
Dogs: Yes, on a leash.
Bow River Trail and Bow Falls
Easy- Distance
- About 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) return from downtown
- Climb
- Minimal
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Best season
- All year
Highlights: Riverside path with views of Cascade and Tunnel Mountains, ending at a wide, low waterfall.
Start and parking: Banff Avenue bridge in downtown Banff; walk east along the river to the Bow Falls viewpoint below the Banff Springs Hotel.
Families: Mostly paved or packed gravel.
Dogs: Yes, on a leash.
Lake Agnes Tea House
Moderate- Distance
- About 7 km (4.3 mi) return
- Climb
- About 400 m (1,300 ft)
- Time
- 2.5–3.5 hours
- Best season
- Usually June–early October (the tea house is seasonal)
Highlights: A steady forest climb past Mirror Lake to a historic tea house beside a small alpine lake. It is the natural next step once the flat walks feel easy.
Start and parking: Lake Louise lakeshore (see above).
Families: For active families; the climb is steady. Bring some cash in case the tea house cannot take cards.
Dogs: Yes, on a leash.
Shuttles and Parking
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the busiest places in the park. Parks Canada runs reservable shuttles from the Lake Louise Park and Ride, usually from mid-May (Lake Louise) and June (Moraine Lake) to mid-October. Reservations open in spring and popular times sell out. Roam Transit runs public buses from Banff and Canmore, including seasonal routes to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon.
Park Pass and Safety
- Everyone stopping in Banff National Park needs a valid park pass: a daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
- Carry bear spray, make noise on the trail and never approach wildlife. Some trails near Lake Louise have seasonal group-size rules when bears are active; read the trailhead signs.
- Weather changes fast in the mountains, even in summer. Bring a warm layer and rain jacket.
When to Go
July and August have the most reliable trail conditions and the longest days, and also the biggest crowds. The lakes are usually ice-free from early to mid June. Mid to late September brings golden larches and fewer people. From November to April most trails are snowy; Johnston Canyon can still be walked with ice cleats.
Questions People Ask
What is the easiest hike in Banff?
The Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail and the Fenland Trail in Banff town are both almost flat. Johnston Canyon to the Lower Falls is also easy, on paved paths and steel catwalks.
Can I drive to Moraine Lake?
No. Since 2023 the Moraine Lake Road has been closed to private vehicles. You get there on the Parks Canada shuttle (book ahead), Roam Transit, or a licensed commercial tour. The road is usually open to these from June to mid-October.
Are dogs allowed on Banff trails?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on most trails in Canada's national parks, but they must be on a leash at all times. This protects wildlife and keeps dogs safe from bears and elk.
Do I need bear spray for easy hikes in Banff?
Parks Canada recommends carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it on any trail, even busy ones. Make noise and keep children close.
Check before you go
Trail conditions, closures, fees and transport change. Distances and times here are approximate round-trip figures; confirm details with the official sources: