North America Canada
Banff National Park
Photo by Jaime Reimer on Pexels
The hike
Canada's Banff National Park is a picturesque haven for hikers, boasting turquoise lakes, rugged peaks, and abundant wildlife. Trails like the Plain of Six Glaciers lead through awe-inspiring landscapes of glaciers and alpine meadows, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and pristine natural beauty. The park's diverse terrain and well-maintained trails cater to hikers of various skill levels, providing ample opportunities to immerse in the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.
Official siteTrails in Banff National Park
- Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers14.3 km · About 5 h · ModerateA loop above Lake Louise that links two classic trails and their seasonal tea houses: up to Lake Agnes beneath tall peaks, across the Highline Trail, and on to the Plain of Six Glaciers before returning along the lakeshore.
- Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass11.2 km · 4.5–5.5 h · ChallengingFrom Moraine Lake, switchbacks climb into a larch forest high above the lake, past the Minnestimma Lakes, then steeply up to Sentinel Pass at 2,611 m, a high point between Larch Valley and Paradise Valley.
Plan your trip
Best months: Jul–Sep
- Permits & fees
- Parks Canada pass required for every visitor.
- Getting there
- Fly to Calgary, then drive about 2 hours to Lake Louise; parking fills by early morning, so use the Parks Canada shuttle.
- Good to know
- The teahouse halfway up serves tea and cake — cash only.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Gallery
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Sources
Checked October 2026. Distances and times are typical for the route above; conditions, permits and fees change — confirm with the official source before you go.