The best short spring and fall hiking trails in Banff offer amazing views for minimal effort and are less than 5.5 kilometres round trip.
Johnston Canyon, Johnson Lake, Fenland Loop & Vermilion Lakes Drive
Banff is beautiful year-round, but the off-season is a special time to visit when there are fewer people on the trails and no bugs. I love how the snowcapped peaks look against blue skies too. Bring a down sweater, hot drink, headlamp, and traction devices so you can enjoy the trails safely. Here are our top picks for the best fall and spring hikes in Banff:
1. Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is a gorgeous trail along Johnston Creek with catwalks (raised walkways along the cliffs) and waterfalls. It’s easily one of the best short hikes in Banff, which is why it’s so busy! 10-metre high Lower Falls boasts two viewing platforms, one of which is at the end of a small tunnel. Upper Falls is about 30-metres tall and is popular with ice climbers. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some climbers in action! Please stay on the trail for your safety (the creek does not freeze solid and snow bridges can collapse at any time) – and to avoid a hefty fine (up to $25,000 fine for going offtrail from May 1 – November 15 as endangered black swifts nest in the canyon). For more information on Johnston Canyon, please see our story: Exploring Johnston Canyon
AREA CLOSURE: There is an area closure from Lower Falls to Upper Falls and the east side of P1 parking lot from August 15, 2022 until further notice. As of November 5, 2022 the trail is still closed past Lower Falls.
- Distance: 1.1 km to Lower Falls, 2.7 km to Upper Falls.
- Elevation gain: 50 metres elevation gain to Lower Falls, 130 m gain to Upper Falls.
- Washrooms? Flush toilets and outhouses at trailhead.
- Stroller friendly? No. Baby carrier recommended as the catwalks are quite narrow.
- Know before you go: On weekends and holidays, there is a LONG wait for the little viewing platform in the cave at Lower Falls. Go early or late, or midweek to avoid the crowds.
2. Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is a fun and scenic loop around the lake. Highlights include a swing, hermit cabin, hoodoos and mountain views, and rope swing! Read out story: Exploring Johnson Lake for details.
- Distance: 2.8 km loop.
- Elevation gain: n/a
- Washrooms? Yes, outhouses at trailhead.
- Stroller friendly? Yes, but some sections are rooty, so a baby carrier may be preferred.
- For ice safety tips, please see this post: Pond and Lake Ice Safety.
3. Tunnel Mountain
Tunnel Mountain is a short but rewarding hike near downtown Banff. Learn how this outlier of Sulphur Mountain got its name, look for geocaches, and get a selfie at the red chairs near the summit. For more information, please read: Tunnel Mountain | Hike to the top of a mountain from town!
- Distance: 3.4 km round trip.
- Elevation gain: 300 m
- Washrooms? No, nearest washrooms are at the Banff Centre.
- Stroller friendly? No.
4. Fenland Trail & Vermilion Lakes Drive
Fenland Trail is a forested nature trail near Vermilion Lakes. Follow Echo Creek through old growth forest, watching for beavers, and read the interpretive signs to learn about the plants and animals that live there. Before completing the loop, take a short detour to Vermilion Lakes Drive for picture-perfect views of Mount Rundle (we recommend walking to the first dock).
- Distance: 2.6 km (includes 2.1 km Fenland loop and walk to the dock)
- Elevation gain: n/a
- Washrooms? Yes, outhouses at trailhead.
- Stroller friendly? Yes.
Know Before You Go
- A Parks Canada Discovery Pass / daily admission fee is required to stop in Banff National Park.
- You are in bear, wolf, and cougar territory (Bears have been spotted in the town of Banff and on busy trails! Wolves are often seen on Tunnel Mountain too.). Review our Bear Safety Tips and keep bear spray accessible. Bears are active until mid-November but often emerge from their dens when disturbed. Wolves and cougars do not hibernate.
What To Bring
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Good hiking boots and a windproof/waterproof shell are must-haves. Trekking poles are recommended for the descent, especially if you are carrying a heavy pack.
You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a headlamp, GPS/compass and map of the area, bug spray (this one contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray.
In spring and fall, traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon and MEC), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Amazon and Sport Chek) are recommended.
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