What’s up guys? It’s Zac and Ine from
World Wild Hearts and today we’re going to
do a video on the best hikes in Banff
National Park. Yeah, so we spent two
Summers in Banff and we hiked tons of
trails… like hundreds of trails… and so we
have a really deep insight on what the
best trails are. So enjoy this video!
So here is the best hiking in Banff
National Park. These hikes are ranked
in order of our personal favorites.
We also cover the route overview, difficulty
level, how long it takes to get there from
Banff, and other essential facts you need
to know for each hike.
Starting off at number eight, we have the
Tunnel Mountain hike. This out-and-back trail
is located right in the town of Banff! It’s the
smallest summit around, with switchbacks
up the forested side of the mountain.
This makes it the perfect hike for families
with kids. It’s easy, safe, and straightforward,
with clear signs along the whole way.
Coming in at number seven, we have the
C Level Cirque hike. This is one of the best
hikes that is the closest to the Banff town center.
Not only does it offer breathtaking views
of the immense Lake Minnewanka, but it also
passes old mine buildings and shaft holes.
This makes for an interesting hike all the way through!
And while the first four kilometers is a steady
uphill through the forest, the final two kilometers
are out in the open with views down the Bow Valley
to Mount Rundle and Canmore! If you’re lucky,
you’ll be able to spot wildlife such as mountain goats,
marmots, pikas, and bears.
At number six is Moraine Lake. This is the most
iconic lake in all of Canada and you’ll soon
understand why if you hike these trails.
Not only does it have the most impressive mountain
backdrop and turquoise color of all the lakes,
but it is also very accessible during the summer.
You can park your car right next to the lake,
allowing you to spend all your time at this
beautiful lake itself! And while the very short
Rockpile Hike offers the best view of the lake,
the lakeshore trail shows you its grandeur
and different perspectives. So take in both angles
by combining these trails and you’ll be left speechless.
At number five we have Healy Pass Trail.
This is a hike that you should only pursue when
the wildflowers are in bloom in our opinion,
which is usually from the end of July until mid-August.
Whereas the majority of the hike winds through
the forest, the final stretch goes through the meadows.
This part is filled with fields of colorful wildflowers,
incredible views of the surrounding mountains,
and Egypt lake! These views make the hike totally worth it.
And besides the summer, the fall offers something
spectacular as well… the larches are in full color.
The fourth best hike in Banff is the Big Beehive trail.
This was one of our favorite hikes in Banff for good reason.
Not only does it offer the most impressive view
of Lake Louise, but it also takes you along multiple
lakes and viewpoints. From the Mirror Lake to
a waterfall, Lake Agnes, the famous teahouse,
and to the final viewpoint from the Big Beehive.
While the trail up until Lake Agnes and the
teahouse was very busy, the final and most rewarding
push to the summit was relatively quiet.
From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular
views of the world-famous Lake Louise,
which looks electric blue from above!
At number three, we return to the magical Moraine Lake,
but this time with the Larch Valley Trail.
The hike starts at Moraine Lake, making for a perfect
combination of both the lake views and the
glacial views in the area. The tracks start from the
eastern side of the lake and wind through a
pretty dense forest. But it’s when you reach the
valley when it starts to get really interesting.
With views of the famous Ten Peaks, evergreen conifers,
and the mesmerizing Larch trees, you’ll realize how
magical this hike is. In fall, when the larches turn
vivid yellow, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale.
Coming in at number two, we have Cirque Peak.
This trail isn’t the nearest to the Banff town center,
but it’s an absolute must-do! It’s located in Banff
National Park along the Icefields Parkway,
which is the highway you’d take if you’re going to Jasper
or Mount Robson Provincial Park.
This makes it the perfect stopover on your way there!
The Helen Lake and Cirque Peak hike is one of
our all-time favorite hikes in the Canadian Rockies,
so it’s no surprise that we’ve completed it twice.
The hike starts near the deep-blue Bow Lake and
winds through a forest for about three kilometers.
But then it opens up to a valley with stunning views
all around you. From fields of wildflowers to river streams,
rugged mountain peaks, and multiple little lakes.
This trail has it all!
And our favorite hike in Banff is Mount Assiniboine.
Starting at sunshine village in Banff National Park,
this route actually takes you across the British Columbia
and Alberta border a couple of times and then finishes in
Kananaskis Country. Filled with sparkling lakes,
impressive glaciers, rugged mountain peaks, and
awe-inspiring alpine meadows, hiking Mount Assiniboine
is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The hike can be completed in three days if you hike through the area.
However, we don’t recommend that.
We spent five days in the area and used these two extra
days to hike around Lake Magog and Mount Assiniboine itself.
Alright, thanks for watching the video guys!
That’s it for our best hikes in Banff National Park.
Make sure you subscribe to our channel below
and you’ll have access to more videos,
like the individual ones for each hike, um,
that you saw in this video today.
And also definitely check out the description below
because we have a free packing list for the
Canadian Rockies and that’s all you will need to
bring with you on your hiking trip to the Canadian Rockies.
All right, enjoy! See you on the next adventure.