Recommended winter walking trails in the Banff area

Winter Safety

Safety is your responsibility. There are always hazards associated with outdoor recreation. Even short trips from the town of Banff can have serious consequences.

• Ask for advice at a Parks Canada Visitor Centre for help with trip planning.
• Check current trail conditions, warnings and closures.
• When trails are icy, hiking poles and ice cleats can make winter hiking much more safe and enjoyable.
• Study descriptions and maps before heading out. Always choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in your group.
• Tell somebody where you are going, when you will be back and who to call if you do not return.
• Expect that trail conditions and winter hazards may change throughout the day. Consult weather forecasts and be prepared for changing weather and emergencies.
• Winter hazards include avalanches, disorientation, thin ice, hypothermia and frostbite.
• From November to March, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Snow tires are mandatory on some roads. Consult the winter driving safety information and visit 511.alberta.ca for road reports
• In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or satellite phone: 403-762-4506. Cell phone coverage is not reliable throughout the national park.

Recommended Packing List 

• Trail guide and map: guidebooks and topographic maps are available at the Banff and Lake Louise visitor centres, and retail outlets in Banff and Lake Louise.
• Full water bottle or thermos
• High energy food
• Bear spray
• Hiking poles and ice cleats
• First aid kit and repair kit
• Lightweight emergency blanket, candle and lighter or waterproof matches
• Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
• Toque or winter hat and gloves
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Hand and toe warmers
• Extra warm clothing in case of an emergency
• Cell phone or satellite emergency communication device

Visit parksmountainsafety.ca  for additional information on winter packing.

Ice Cleats

Trails can be icy in the winter. Hiking poles and ice cleats are recommended when exploring. Cleats are designed to fit over shoes or boots and can be purchased at the Banff Visitor Centre, 224 Banff Avenue, and most outdoor stores in the town of Banff.

Wildlife

Although bears are denning during the winter, they can awaken at any time for short periods. Cougars, wolves and other wildlife remain active throughout the year. If you see wildlife, do not approach; give them lots of space and observe from a distance with binoculars or a telephoto lens. If tracks are observed, do not follow them towards the animal.

Be alert, make noise, carry bear spray and know how to use it. Learn more about keeping yourself safe.

Report wildlife encounters and sightings of bears, cougars, wolves and coyotes: 403-762-1470.

Avalanche Risk

 

Avalanche season in the mountains extends from November to June, and even a short walk can take you into avalanche terrain. Trails on this page with a known hazard are identified with an avalanche symbol. When travelling beyond marked trails, or past an avalanche danger sign, assume you are in avalanche country – your group should be prepared with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment.

Check the current avalanche forecast at a Parks Canada visitor centre or avalanche.ca. Visit parksmountainsafety.ca for more information on backcountry travel and how to stay safe in the mountains.

Trail Etiquette

Trails are shared in the national park, which means you could see people fat biking while you are winter hiking, or people skiing while you are snowshoeing.

• The track-set portion of the trail is for classic skiing only. The flat, groomed lane is for other users.
• Walk only on hard-packed trails to prevent ruts. If your feet sink deeper than 2.5 cm (1 inch) conditions are too soft.
• When climbing, please yield the right of way to descending skiers and fat bikers.
• When taking a break, step to the side, leaving room for others to pass.
• Leave no trace. Pack out everything you pack in.
• Read the trail descriptions as dogs are not allowed on some trails. Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times.

Roam Public Transit

 

Trails identified with a bus symbol indicate that the trailhead is accessible by public transit. Limited bike rack space available on buses. Skis and snowshoes are welcome inside buses. Visit the Roam Public Transit desk at the Banff Visitor Centre or visit roamtransit.com for fares, maps and schedules.

Recommended winter walking trails in the Banff area

Trail	Distance	Activity recommended
Fenland Trail	2.1 km one way
Marsh Loop	2.8 km loop
Spray Connector	2 km one way
Stewart Canyon	1.5 km one way
Johnston Canyon	1.2 km one way to the Lower Falls  2.5 km one way to the Upper Falls
Tunnel Mountain Summit	2.4 km one way
Sulphur Mountain	5.5 km one way
Sundance Canyon	3.7 km one way + 2.1 km loop

 Easy trails

 Fenland Trail

2.1 km loop
No elevation gain
Trailhead: Fenland Trail parking lot, west of Mount Norquay Road. Trailhead is a 20 minute/1.5 km walk from downtown Banff.
  

This interpretive trail under old growth spruce trees is great for families with young children. For a longer walk from the Banff townsite, start at Central Park and follow the Bow River to the Fenland trailhead. Walk east, just over the railway tracks on Mount Norquay Road (0.9 km one way).

 Marsh Loop

2.8 km loop
Minimal elevation gain
Trailhead: Cave and Basin National Historic Site parking lot
 

This trail is located in the wide expanse of the Bow Valley and circles around a marsh. It comes alive with birds in the winter and is a great place to see animal tracks.

 Spray Connector

2 km one way
Minimal elevation gain
Starting point: Park at the Bow Falls Day-use Area, walk past the gate and across the bridge. Follow the Golf Course Road 350 m to the Spray River East trailhead kiosk on your right. Go past the kiosk, head southwest and take a left on the trail closest to the Spray River.
     

This short outing close to town links the Spray River East Trail to Spray River West Trail via a small scenic bridge. If conditions are icy, ice cleats are strongly recommended.

 Stewart Canyon

1.5 km one way
Minimal elevation gain
Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka Day-use Area, kiosk at the far end of picnic area
 

Explore the Cascade River which feeds Banff National Park’s largest lake. This trail can be very icy, especially during the spring.

 Johnston Canyon

1.2 km one way to the Lower Falls
Elevation gain 50 m
2.5 km one way to the Upper Falls
Elevation gain 120 m
Trailhead: Johnston Canyon Day-use Area
 

Travel in the depths of the canyon on wide trails and narrow bridges with railings that lead to the Lower Falls or to the spectacular 30 m high frozen Upper Falls. The trail is usually very icy – ice cleats are strongly recommended. Travel an additional 3.2 km beyond the Upper Falls to reach the Ink Pots.

 Moderate trails

 Tunnel Mountain Summit

2.4 km one way
Elevation gain 260 m
Trailhead: Lower parking lot on St. Julien Road. Trailhead is a 15 minute/1 km walk from downtown Banff.
 

Reach the summit of a mountain in the heart of the Banff townsite. Take in breathtaking views of the town and Bow Valley. This steep trail can be extremely icy. Hiking poles and ice cleats are strongly recommended.

 Sulphur Mountain

5.5 km to top of gondola, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak
Elevation gain 655 m
Trailhead: Banff Upper Hot Springs parking lot
    Roam Route 1

Switchbacks on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain provide a steady uphill hike to a summit renowned for its stunning mountain views. Take a 0.5 km side trip on the boardwalk along the ridge ending at Sanson Peak. You will find more great views, the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and the 1903 weather observatory. If conditions are icy, ice cleats are strongly recommended.

Avalanche hazard: There is hazardous avalanche terrain adjacent to this trail. Stay on the trail at all times.

 Sundance Canyon

3,7 km one way plus 2.1 km loop
Elevation gain 155 m, elevation loss 60 m
Trailhead: Cave and Basin National Historic Site, start at Sundance Trail west of building

Follow the Sundance Trail to this moderately difficult canyon loop. Bikes are not permitted past the bike racks. This trail can be icy – ice cleats are strongly recommended.