Banff National Park was Canada’s first national park and the world’s third! It is home to mountains, glaciers, meadows, wildlife and wildflowers galore! It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a hiker’s paradise with a multitude of hiking trails. There's something for everyone in Banff which has hundreds of hiking trails ranging from short wheel chair accessible and children friendly interpretative hikes to hard core hikes and scrambles.  There are so many great hikes in Banff that I’ve taken the guess work out of trying to choose by identifying 3 of my moderate to difficult favourite hikes in Banff.

This hiking trail is located on what is frequently called the “most scenic highway in the world” on the Ice fields Parkway connecting Banff and Jasper; you will be engulfed in wildflowers and meadows, some of the most beautiful scenery in Banff. It is also a good place to spot Canadian wildlife, especially bears. While resting at Helen Lake, you likely won’t be alone; marmots (cute little rodents) may try and beg you for part of your lunch,(note feeding wild animals is illegal in Banff National Park) or at the very least won’t let you disturb their daily activities. If you’re feeling energetic, I would highly recommend continuing on to Cirque Peak which is another 493 m (1617 feet) of elevation gain and technically a scramble (you have to use your hands and your feet) but the route is obvious and is just less than half of what you’ve already climbed to get to Helen Lake. It’s steep, but not technically difficult. From the peak you will look down on what looks like a moonscape, but is really the remains from a melted glacier. Sound cool? Look out and you will see my favourite panorama in all of Banff a fantastic view of the Wapta Ice field - a large glacier and mountains that rivals as one of the most scenic views on earth. The entire hiking trail is 14 km (8.7 miles) round trip, rated moderate. If you only did one hiking trail in Banff, my recommendation would be Helen Lake and Cirque Peak.

Fairview Mountain is the highest maintained hiking trail (other hiking trails are higher, but are not maintained) in the Canadian Rockies and located beside the famous Lake Louise that is featured on many postcards is Fairview and the trail head is in walking distance from the Chateau Lake Louise, and several smaller hotels and cabins. As a result, it is a popular hiking trail and for good reason, the panorama is stunning! You won’t be alone but an early start can help ensure more solitude if you’re seeking it. The first point of interest you will reach after gaining 600 m (1970 feet) of elevation is Saddleback, a mountain pass filled with wildflowers that will give you a bird’s eye view of imposing Mount Temple. The view is so good, it’s tempting to stop, but continue another 414 m (1358 feet) to Fairview Mountain on a well maintained hiking trail. You will be greeted by Victoria Glacier looming from across the valley. It’s truly a spectacular site to have such a magnificent view of the glacier from that height. Another bonus of this hiking trail is that on your way back down to Saddleback, for only another 45 minutes you can scramble Saddleback Mountain in another direction, be greeted by another spectacular view and have a two peak day which is hard to beat! All for ~11 km (7 miles) of distance, most of it moderate.

This hiking trail offers 3 great stopping points if you get tired, but I’d suggest eating your wheaties and hiking to Mt Bourgeau, the real show stopper. At a total round trip distance of 24 km (14.9 miles) and 1530 m (5018 feet) of elevation gain you’ll be working for your reward, as such it’s rated difficult, but is not technically difficult. Once you’re past Bourgeau Lake, there’s views to keep you motivated and it doesn’t disappoint. Hiking to Bourgeau Lake you will be engulfed in trees for part of the way but the meadow at Bourgeau Lake is beautiful and with all the berry bushes a prime example of grizzly bear habitat. I used to volunteer for a bear tracking project and this hiking trail was one of the trails we monitored for bear activity but don’t let this deter you. Engulfed in mountains, you won’t have a panorama view, so keep hiking up to Harvey Pass. At Harvey Pass the view starts to open up and it’s tempting to stop, but keep going, if you think this view is outstanding, you haven’t seen anything yet. En route to Mt Bourgeau, you will pass by several small lakes and have a stunning vista to keep you motivated. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by a 360° panoramic view of some of Banff’s finest scenery, a reward that’s definitely worth it.

Banff National Park has many great hiking trails; these are just 3 of them, which are among my favourites. If you have your own favourite hiking trail in Banff, please share it in the comments below. Happy Hiking! If  you're looking for a quieter hiking destination, than Banff, I would recommend hiking in Kananaskis, a beautiful area just a short drive from Banff Nationl Park.