There are so many great hikes that you can do in Banff National Park, which aren’t too far from the Town of Banff. Here’s five of my favourite ones:
1. Sulphur Mountain
View from the top of Sulphur Mountain
Sulphur Mountain is a classic hike to do when you’re staying in town. You can start at the base station for the gondola, or it’s possible to start in town. I like to do it as a loop starting in town and heading up the old cosmic ray station road and the down along the trail under the gondola line. If you do it this way then it’s a little more effort, but on a hot summer day a stop off at the Banff Springs Hotel is a good idea on the way back into town.
The meteorological station at the top of Sanson’s Peak on Sulphur Mountain
2. Tunnel Mountain
Looking northwards up the Bow Valley from the top of Tunnel Mountain
If you’ve only got time for a short hike, then Tunnel Mountain is ideal. It doesn’t take long to get to the top and you can walk from town. It’s a popular hike, and you’ll get excellent views over the Bow Valley.
Banff Springs Golf Course
Mount Rundle seen from Tunnel Mountain
3. Mount Rundle Lookout
Looking back towards the Bow Valley, you can see the Banff Gondola Base Station
Mount Rundle, along with Cascade Mountain is one of the more visible mountains from the Banff town site. There’s a marked trail partway up it’s slopes which gives you a nice view of Sulphur Mountain.
The day turned pretty hazy
The view from Cory Pass over the Bow Valley
Though it’s billed as one of the toughest day hikes in the Banff area, it is a great hike with excellent views. Take your time and include lots of stops on the way up to the pass. The trailhead starts at the Fireside Picinic Area on the Bow Valley Parkway, so it’s possible to cycle there along the Legacy trail from Banff.
5. Cascade Mountain
View of Banff Avenue and Cascade Mountain from Cascade Gardens
Banff, seen from the summit of Cascade Mountain
This is an incredibly rewarding hike/scramble – you hike the view that you see from the end of Banff Avenue. It is a long day out, and needs good weather to do it in. However once up the top there are truly amazing panoramic views over the surrounding area, so don’t forget your camera.
© RockiesOutdoors 2015.
rockiesoutdoors 
Looks like I am going to have to give Banff a little visit!
LikeLike
Thanks for reading! There are so many super hikes, I can’t wait for summer to get out on the trails! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah I have been going, actually went yesterday. It’s been pretty cold though and before yesterday it has always been windy. Excited for there to be more heat when I go during the summer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great hikes – I love hikes that are easy to do from wherever you’re staying!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic photograph. Ahh memories …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading! 🙂
LikeLike
seriously want to get over to Canada and of course Banff, so different to the Australian Mountains!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading! I hope you get to go soon! Your photos of Australia are awesome – I think I really need visit there soon! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going to share this in my Friday findings if you don’t mind. 🙂 I’m going to have a little free time between tours there this summer and I’m thinking Tunnel Mountain might be an option. Great pics as always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I hope you have fun on your tours! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Got to check out Banff early last year for a couple of days and had the chance to hike Sulphur mountain. Great day hike while people ride up the gondola over your head. Banff Bison steaks are where it’s at. Great list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! Sulphur mountain is such a great hike to do. I’ve been up using the gondola too, but it’s really rewarding doing the hike instead! The Bison is great – the Bear Street Tavern downstairs from the Bison has the best pizza in town 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Friday Findings 03.06.2015 – There Goes Casey·