Banff National Park Canada

Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

From 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.

  • 11.2 km
  • 4.5–5.5 h
  • challenging
  • Best Jul–Sep

Photo: Wilson Hui · CC BY 2.0

At a glance

Moraine Lake (trail starts just past Moraine Lake Lodge) through Larch Valley and past the Minnestimma Lakes to Sentinel Pass, and back the same way

Distance
11.2 km · 7.0 mi
Elevation gain
750 m · 2,461 ft
Highest point
2,611 m · 8,566 ft
Time
4.5–5.5 h
Difficulty
Challenging
Route
Out and back

Plan your trip

Best months: Jul–Sep

Permits & fees
No trail permit is needed, but you need a national park pass to visit Banff; shuttle tickets do not include park entry. Parks Canada often puts a restriction on the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass trails in summer to protect grizzly bears: while it is in effect you must hike in a tight group of four or more. Check current bulletins before you go. Checked October 2026.
Getting there
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. As published for 2026 (checked October 2026): the Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake ran from June 1 to October 12 (weather permitting), reservation only, from the Lake Louise Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Fares were CA$12.75 per adult, CA$6 per senior and CA$4 per youth, plus a CA$3.50 online reservation fee. Roam Transit Reservable Super Pass holders could also ride the Lake Connector shuttle.
Good to know
  • Larch season (weekends in September) is one of the busiest times at Moraine Lake; book the shuttle early.
  • The trail is exposed to avalanche hazard, and Parks Canada does not recommend it from mid-October to mid-June.
  • The alpine vegetation in Larch Valley is fragile; stay on the trail.
  • Turning around in Larch Valley (4.5 km one way, 570 m gain, 3.5–4 h return) makes a shorter, moderate hike.

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Sources

Official figures where published; other numbers are measured on the map and approximate. Conditions and rules change — confirm with the official source before you go.