7 Hikes in Banff Accessible Without a Car
Love hiking? Visiting Banff? Don’t own a car or can’t drive?
Canada is a big place with contrasting landscapes and vast distances between provinces and towns. Sometimes visiting this beautiful country can seem almost impossible without a car.
Although Canada’s public transport options are put to shame by almost anywhere in Europe it doesn’t mean you necessarily need a car to make the most of the hiking Banff has to offer.
Luckily there are several amazing hikes, including one I’d say is the best in Banff, which you can access without ever needing to drive even a single km.
1) Tunnel Mountain
A favourite for any visitor to the town of Banff Tunnel Mountain offers some fantastic views over the town of Banff and the Bow Valley without being overly strenuous at about 4.5 km return. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land, see some wildlife and stretch those legs after a long flight.
Getting There
The trailhead is an easy 1 km from the main road, Banff Avenue, making it an incredibly easy trail to access on foot. Even if you have a car with you I’d still leave it at home!
Walking from Banff Avenue to the trailhead and back also gives you the excuse to grab a beer or a well earned bite to eat in one of Banff’s many restaurants on the way home!
You can check out the trail map on All Trails here.
2) Sulphur Mountain
Another crowd favourite! Sulphur Mountain is a little more of an effort being just over 11km return with a decent 700 m of elevation gain.
However those efforts are definitely well rewarded with one of my favourite views over the town of Banff with Cascade Mountain looming overhead.
Once up top there are also plenty of other activities and cafes to keep you entertained and fulled up!
Getting There
To get to the trailhead here you’ll need to take the Roam bus. Route 1 runs every 20 to 30 minutes from most hotels in downtown Banff and drops off at the Banff gondola which operates right next to the trailhead. The buses even run until just after 11:00pm meaning you can hit sunset up top at certain times of year and still make it back down to get the bus home.
When tickets are only $2 each way for an adult or $5 for a day pass it doesn’t even make sense to bring the car along anyway!
You can check out the trail map here on All Trails.
3) Sundance Canyon
A quieter local hike tucked away on the south side of the Bow River Sundance Canyon offers a great opportunity for wildlife spotting (I’ve seen several bears on this trail in the past) as well as some waterfall viewing away from the crowds.
The hike offers a great opportunity for a multi day activity with the first couple of kms being on a paved path perfect for cycling or strollers making it family friendly too!
Getting There
The trailhead starts at the Cave and Basin just the other side of the bridge from the main part of town. It’s a 2 km scenic walk from Banff Avenue so only adds about 30 minutes on to your hike each way.
You can check out the trail map here on All Trails.
4) Johnson Lake Loop
The loop around Johnson Lake is another overlooked leisurely trail not far from town. It’s often by passed for it’s larger, more famous cousins down the road - Two Jack and Minnewanka.
However the 3 km loop around this lake gets you some great views of Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle with them both reflecting in the lake below if you’re lucky enough to get a windless day.
Getting There
To get here take Roam Bus route 6 (operates May to October) for the same great price! Jump off at Johnson Lake and start the trail heading round the lake.
You can check out the trail map here on All Trails.
5) Alymer Lookout
On this trail you get to see Lake Minnewanka from an angle which the majority of sightseers never will. Starting at the Black Anchor cafe this 24 km out and back trail hugs the shoreline of Minnewanka before heading uphill just past the campground until you get to the look out.
From here the trees open up and you get views back down the valley of Lake Minnewanka from above. As mentioned there is also a campground on trail so if you’re lucky enough to book a pitch you can extend the trip to a couple of days!
Getting There
To get here take Roam Bus route 6 (operates May to October) for the same great price! Follow along the lake away from where the bus dropped you and you’ll be on the trail soon enough!
You can check out the trail map here on All Trails.
6) Healy Pass
Healy Pass is one of the best trails in the Banff region to see wild flowers or larch trees so makes for an excellent hike throughout the summer. Doing the hike as a straight out and back is around 18 km return, however there is again a campsite out at Egypt Lake. So if you want to extend your hike and stay overnight you can certainly do so!
At 8 km west of Banff the trail is a little further out of town and a great way to get away from the crowds.
Getting there
With this trail being further from town you might feel it’s impossible to reach without your own transport, however there’s a great little hack.
The trailhead is right next to the Sunshine Meadows gondola and when the gondola is operating there’s a free shuttle bus from the town of Banff right to your start point! You can find more info about it here!
You can check out the trail map here on All Trails.
7) Cory Pass
Now this is the big one! I’d rate Cory Pass as the best hike close to Banff and it’s one that goes relatively unnoticed. You’re a stones throw from the town but will most likely get this trail all to yourself.
This 13 km loop goes through striking mountain passes with towering spires either side as well as getting you some great views towards Mount Rundle at the start of the trail.
Getting there
Now getting to the trailhead of this one takes a little more commitment but it is well worth it! Realistically you’ll most likely want to rent a bike to get here as the trail head lies about 7 - 8 km west of town.
Luckily though there is a great bike trail called ‘The Legacy Trail’ that runs parallel to the main highway. You simply head west towards Vermilion Lakes and follow the road past all 3 lakes until in turns into a bike path. The trail eventually joins the Bow Valley Parkway as it cuts underneath the highway. Take the first right and you’ll be at the Fireside Day Use area where the trail officially starts.
You can check out the trail map here on All Trails.
Things to know Before You Go
Check Trail Conditions Before You Go: Trail conditions in the Rockies can change month to month and year to year. Trails close for wildlife, weather and avalanche hazards. Be sure to double check trail conditions before heading out to avoid any disappointment. You can do so here!
Leave No Trace: When hiking anywhere in the world it’s important that you practice a leave no trace philosophy. This means whatever you hike in to a trail or campground you have to be able to hike out too. There won’t be trash cans or waste disposal in the backcountry and you should never throw trash in any out houses or pit toilets. In recent years, as trails and parks become busier, litter is becoming more of a problem. Don’t add to that problem!
Bears and Wildlife! Wild life is everywhere in the Canadian Rockies, even on trails that are close to town. People and animals have been attacked by bears and other wild life on popular trails in the past so don’t take it for granted.
Most wildlife is looking to avoid human contact so no matter what type of wildlife you see be sure to keep your distance. 30 metres is the minimum recommendation for most species but under any circumstance don’t approach wildlife. Even the cuddliest of critters can be dangerous!
So as always be bear aware, make noise, hike in groups, carry bear spray and, if they’re allowed on trail, keep your dog on a leash!
Offline maps knowing where you’re going is super important as to not get lost. I recommend All Trails Plus for finding routes and offline mapping allowing you to safely find your way home.
Interested in other multi-day hikes in the Canadian Rockies or maybe day hikes?
Gear Recommendations
After 10 years living in the Canadian Rockies, years working in retail and years reviewing outdoor gear I’ve dialled in my backcountry kit! And on all day hikes there are definitely a few things I always take with me to make my trip safer, easier and more enjoyable.
Merino Socks
Merino socks are a must for any hike. They keep you dryer, warmer and smelling better!
Once you go merino you never go back!
My socks are now 100% Smartwool!
Get them at Smartwool.com
Hiking Poles
Poles are often overlooked by new hikers and seen as unnecessary. However once you use them you’ll never go back! They make you more efficient and take the weight of your knees!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Down Jacket
No matter what the weather I carry a lightweight down jacket. The Arcteryx Cerium is light and very warm! Perfect for keeping you toasty when you take a break or if you were injured and awaiting help.
Get it on REI.com
Comfortable Day Pack
The Osprey Mutant is my favourite day bag. Even though it’s designed more for scrambling or mountaineering this bag is one of the most comfortable bags I own and has enough space for everything I need.
Get it on Backcountry.com
Water Filter
A Katadyn BeFree has to be the easiest filtration system to use. When out on the backcountry you want to be able to filter and refill your water along the way.
This filter packs down small and filters fast. It’s in my bag on every hike!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Capture Clip
Another item that comes on every hike with me and a must own for every photographer.
Keeps your camera close at hand making capturing moments much faster!
Get it on Peakdesign.com
