A Local’s Guide to Banff Hiking: The 10 Best Hikes and Scrambles in Banff and Kananaskis

Are you searching for Banff hikes with the most epic views? This Banff hiking guide breaks down my favorite trails in Banff and Kananaskis, and is aimed towards experienced hikers.

As a local who was born and raised in Banff, I’ve had the privilege of exploring its trails, scaling its peaks, and creating memories against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes on a variety of Banff hikes. From childhood adventures, solo summits, and self-induced challenges (including the Four Peaks Challenge: to summit Cascade, Rundle, Sulphur, and Tunnel in one day), the trails of Banff and Kananaskis have been my playground, my sanctuary, and my home.

Reflecting on my time in the mountains, I find myself coming back to certain scrambles time and time again. These trails hold a special place in my heart, having shaped my love for the outdoors and fueled my sense of adventure. In this post, I invite you to join me on a journey through the top ten Banff hikes and scrambles, Kananaskis hikes and scrambles, and encourage you to venture out and fall in love with these experiences as much as I have.

Distance: Around 16 km round trip
Length: 8-10 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,700 meters
AllTrails: Mount Temple

Starting from picture-perfect Moraine Lake and passing through Larch Valley on the way up, you get incredible views before the grind starts. From the summit, you can see 360 views of Moraine Lake, the Valley of Ten Peaks, Hungabee Lake and Horseshoe Lake. Mount Temple is also the highest peak you can summit in the Rockies without any mountaineering experience, making it a fun challenge for those who have already bagged some peaks in the Rockies.

Distance: Around 19 km round trip
Length: 5-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 900 meters
AllTrails: Smutwood Peak

Smutwood Peak provides hikers with a breathtaking view of a jagged Mount Birdwood and two lakes. Crossing through grizzly territory offers a true wilderness experience for scramblers seeking adventure.

Distance: Around 8 km round trip
Length: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 850 meters
AllTrails: Jimmy Simpson Jr

Jimmy Simpson Jr. offers the same stunning views as some of the bigger objectives in the Bow Valley Parkway area, despite a much shorter approach. You will be rewarded with views of Bow Lake the whole way up, and can enjoy a legendary scree ski on the route down.
Tip: I recommend you download the GPS track for this one, as the trail involves a lot of route finding.

Distance: Around 5 km round trip
Length: 3-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 550 meters
AllTrails: Tower of Babel

Tower of Babel offers stunning panoramic views of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. A short but steep scramble, it’s a good challenge for those with a head for heights or adventurers seeking an unforgettable sunrise experience.

Distance: Around 12 km round trip
Length: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 690 meters
AllTrails: Sarrail Ridge

Sarrail Ridge offers stunning vistas of Upper Kananaskis Lake and surrounding peaks. It’s a great option for hikers that are looking to dip their toes into the world of scrambling.
Tip: Check the trail reports here (of Rawson Lake) before going. Bear closures are common in this area.

Distance: Around 18 km round trip
Length: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 750 meters
AllTrails: The Onion

The Onion has varied terrain and unique geological features to keep the route exciting. There’s not much loose scree, as much of the scramble can be done on rock or climbing boulders. You also get to enjoy incredible views of the Wapta Icefield.

Distance: Around 11 km round trip
Length: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 800 meters
AllTrails: Tent Ridge

Tent Ridge offers a unique ridge walk experience with stunning views of Spray Lakes Reservoir.

Distance: Around 12 km round trip
Length: 3-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 880 meters
AllTrails: Devil’s Thumb

Devil’s Thumb starts from Lake Louise, and takes you to the iconic Lake Agnes Teahouse. Following a well-maintained path for most of the journey up, it is an ideal choice for those new to scrambling.
Tip: Add in stops at the Lake Agnes Teahouse and Little Beehive. If you’re feeling up for a solid day in the mountains, you could add in the Big Beehive and the Plain of Six Glaciers as well.

Distance: Around 6 km round trip
Length: 3-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 770 meters
AllTrails: Little Lougheed

Little Lougheed is a short but steep adventure that provides hikers with panoramic views of Spray Lakes.

Distance: Around 20 km round trip
Length: 6-9 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,450 meters
AllTrails: Cascade

Arguably the most iconic mountain in Banff, Cascade is a rite of passage for locals. Although it is the longest of the Big Three (Cascade, Rundle, and Temple), Cascade should be the first to tackle as it has the easiest scrambling.

Have any questions? Leave them in the comments and let me know what your favorite hikes in Banff and Kananaskis are!