Sundance Canyon - Family fun away from the Crowds
The stats
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Distance: 9 km to cover the loop and the out and back section
Elevation Gain: I’ve hiked this trail a couple of times and measured around 180 m of elevation gain. AllTrails would have you thinking it’s about twice that which I’m not sure it is!
How to Get to Sundance Canyon Trailhead
One of the best things about this hike is its easy access. You can either walk straight from town if you want to add some distance or drive to the Cave and Basin car park and start the trail from there.
The hike
Sundance Canyon is a little secret oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the often overcrowded Banff Avenue. The hike itself is pretty easy going with minimal gain and a well maintained trail with the first half of it accessible by foot, bike or even horse! Perfect for a family trek! Although it’s popular I wouldn’t say it was busy, every time I’ve hiked this trail we’ve only really come across a few others on our way round.
The first section of the trail, the Sundance Trail, is paved and follows the Bow River spanning from the Cave and Basin car park to the Sundance Canyon trail head whilst also giving you views of wetlands and the Sundance range. This paved trail makes the first couple of kms easy going and perfect if you want to make it a multi-sport day and take bikes along for the first section and save the legs for the off road section of the trail.
Once you reach the true trail head you’ll see a toilet block and a great location to lock up your bikes. Here you cross the wooden bridge and you’ll be on the Sundance Canyon Trail. This section of the trail is a loop so it doesn’t really matter which way around you go but I’d recommend going clockwise as this gets the main elevation gain out of the way early on.
The trail follows the Sundance creek up stream past cascading waterfalls, then uphill with a little more rugged terrain until you cross the river again over another wooden bridge and follow the trail through the woods. Your hard work will be rewarded with a few more views of the valley! The Sundance Canyon loop is only around 2 km for the loop itself and around 3.5 km each way on the easier, flatter, paved road.
Once back at the trail head you can either jump back on your bike or continue your hike back down the paved Sundance Trail but this time you’ll be walking back towards town with stunning views of Cascade Mountain as you go.
Once back at the Cave, and if you still have some energy, you can walk the board walks around the hot springs that feed in to the hot pools below. These pools are what kick started Banff’s rise as a tourist hotspot after they were discovered in 1883 by 3 railway workers.
Alternatively pop on into the Historical Site itself and learn more about Banff’s history as well as getting to see the actual pools, it’s well worth it at $10 an Adult and free for under 17s.
Things to know Before You Go
Family Fun: This is a great hike for all the family. The first section of the trail is easy, paved and follows the river so even if you don’t make it all the way you’ll still get a good bit of adventure time away from the gift shops and crowds of Banff Avenue. Almost any age and ability can enjoy the first few kms.
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.
Even though you’re close to town and on a paved trail wildlife is still 100% a possibility. In fact this trail is where I’ve been closest to bears on any hike in the Rockies and on multiple occasions, the only time I’ve taken my bear spray out and had it at the ready is on this trail! Bears aren’t normally too interested in humans and try their best to avoid us so if you’re worried about it hike in groups, at busy times of day and make noise. Practice bear safety and carry bear spray with you whenever you’re hiking in the Rockies, you can buy or rent it in pretty much any outdoor or corner store in Banff.
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?
