The Canadian Rockies are home to several National Parks, but the oldest in Canada, Banff National Park, might be the best for winter hikes. A short flight away from major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, this park spans 6,641 square kilometres, offers more than 1,600 kilometres of hiking trails, and is home to approximately 65 grizzly bears.
However, during the winter months, the bears hibernate so you’re less likely to encounter one than in other seasons, but it’s always a good idea to practice bear safety in the Canadian wilderness. Hike in pairs or groups, carry bear spray and know how to use it, and always tell someone where you are hiking and when you expect to return.
If you’re looking for the perfect trails to explore on your trip to Banff National Park this winter, these are some of my favourites!
1. Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls
A cascading winter wonderland
Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls is a moderate, family-friendly route that is perfect a leisurely day off the Bow Valley Parkway. There are many different loops and routes you can take off the main trail at Johnston Canyon, and it’s worth spending more time here to complete them all. However, the trail to Upper Falls provides the best viewpoint, ending in an impressive cascade through the rocks. The trail is well established with minimal elevation gain.
Length: 5.5 km
Elevation Gain: 274 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog Friendly: No
2. Lake Louise Lakeshore
Icy shores for winter hikers
The Lake Louise Lakeshore trail is more of a walk than a hike, but it’s a must-do in the area for the signature view of Lake Louise. From the parking lot, it’s a short, flat, and easy walk to the lakeshore where you can stroll the board walk, takes photos, or rent a canoe to get out on the water. Note that parking is limited for personal vehicles at Lake Louise and you may need to book a pre-arranged shuttle in order to visit Lake Louise for the day. Be sure to research this before arriving in Banff to avoid disappointment!
Length: 4.5 km
Elevation Gain: 103 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Dog Friendly: Yes
3. Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail
Still worth it in the winter
The Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail is a moderate trek up from the Lake Louise Lakeshore, through the towering forests of Alberta to a charming teahouse. While manageable, this route has a steady uphill incline that requires a moderate fitness level. Trekking poles can be beneficial and make the journey more enjoyable both going up and coming back down. Once you reach the teahouse, plan to take a rest stop at charming Lake Agnes.
The teahouse is only open from June 4 to October 4 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, so during the winter you won’t be able to eat anything here, but in early October there’s a chance of seeing it with snow while it’s still open for dining. The property has no electricity, sitting at 2,135 m, with everything is made by hand. The water boiled in the kettle for the tea actually comes from Lake Agnes!
Length: 7.4 km
Elevation Gain: 435 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes
4. The Big Beehive
One of Banff’s best views
The Big Beehive trail is a continuation of the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail so completing these two trails in one go is the perfect day hike in the Canadian Rockies and makes for one of the best winter hikes Banff National Park. The trail, open in all seasons and dog friendly, is a steep ascent that requires footwear with a proper grip, especially in the winter. Once you reach the highest elevation point of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Lake Louise’s vibrant blue waters down below.
Length: 10.8 km
Elevation Gain: 718 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
Dog Friendly: Yes
5. Larch Valley Trail
Switchbacks and snowshoes
The Larch Valley is the perfect day hike to follow up a sunrise at Moraine Lake. The trail head is accessed from the same parking lot as Moraine, which also requires you to arrange shuttle transportation to avoid parking a personal vehicle. This trail is named and known for its many larch trees, which turn a gorgeous shade of orange in the early fall months. This arguably makes the best time to do this hike mid to late September.
If you’re doing it in the winter, I highly recommend wearing crampons or snowshoes. There are several switchbacks which make it a steep, icy ascent at the beginning of the route.
Length: 8.9 km
Elevation Gain: 564 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
Dog Friendly: Yes
6. Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail
Winter hikes off the Icefields Parkway
The Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail is a short and easy route with incredible payoff, making it one of the best winter hikes in Banff National Park. The view from the lookout is breathtaking, with the wolf’s head shape of Peyto Lake situated among the mountainous landscape. This trail only takes about an hour to complete (out and back) but you’ll want to leave yourself some time to enjoy the area and take photos from the lookout.
Length: 1.3 km
Elevation Gain: 78 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Dog Friendly: Yes
7. Parker Ridge Trail
Rewarding views for winter hikers
Parker Ridge is a quick hike with an unbelievable view and it is one of the best winter hikes in Banff National Park. This trail is located off the famous Icefields Parkway, which is one of the best drives in Canada. If you’re visiting Banff, you are undoubtedly planning to drive this route, so factor in a few hours to stretch your legs along the way with this out-and-back hike to a jaw-dropping viewpoint. The end of this trail looks out over the Saskatchewan Glacier and is fairly moderate, with only short sections of incline to traverse.
Length: 6.4 km
Elevation Gain: 343 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes
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