Trail conditions
ATTENTION: There are closures and restrictions in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Please review these changes before visiting the park.
Important information
Please be aware that your experience in Banff National Park will differ from previous years. Only places and activities where health and safety risks can be managed will be available for visitation. We are asking visitors to be cautious and conservative in their use of these places, to observe travel restrictions, respect closures, follow the guidance of public health experts, and to make every effort to keep one another safe.
Be extra cautious when engaging in any activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
CAUTION! Avalanche danger
You are responsible for your own safety. Check the Avalanche Bulletin for the latest conditions.
Vehicle parking is limited to designated areas only. Roadside parking is prohibited. Signage and monitoring will be used throughout the park to inform the public of parking restrictions and encourage compliance.
Dogs are not allowed on some of the groomed ski trails. Refer to the information below for restrictions. Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times.
Wildlife and people
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. Travel in groups, make noise, carry bear spray and know how to use it. Know before you go!
Closures and restrictions
For a complete list of ongoing closures and restrictions, please visit our Important Bulletins page.
For more information, please contact us:
Banff: 403-762-1550
Lake Louise: 403-522-3833
Share your trail pictures
Have you been hiking in the last few days? Share a few pictures with us as well as your impressions. This will help us keep this report accurate for other hikers.
Banff Area Cross-Country Ski Trails
Recent tracksetting: – Feb 28 - Cascade Valley Trail (Lake Minnewanka to Upper Bankhead, Lake Minnewanka to Cascade River bridge - 6km, Cascade River bridge to Stoney Creek); Feb 27 - Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails; Feb 27 - Spray River West, Spray River East, Goat Creek; Feb. 25 - Redearth Creek up to Shadow Lake Lodge. Feb 24 - Healy Creek; Feb 16 - Brewster Creek.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Easy |
Spray River Winter: West Trail | Good. | 28-02-2021: Double trackset classic and skate; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River Winter: East Trail | Good. | 28-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails | Fair. | 01-03-2021: Double trackset classic and skate; Dogs not allowed; Tracks filled in with wind blown snow; Debris on trail; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Lake Minnewanka Parking to Upper Bankhead | Good. | 26-02-2021: Double trackset classic and skate; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Lake Minnewanka Parking to Cascade River Bridge | Good. | 26-02-2021: Double trackset classic and skate; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Cascade River Bridge to Stoney Creek | Good. | 26-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Healy Creek Winter Trail | Good. | 26-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
 Moderate |
Goat Creek Winter Trail | Good. | 26-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Brewster Creek Winter Trail | Fair. | 26-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; Dogs on leash permitted; Fresh snow covering track set; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Redearth Creek Winter Trail | Good. | 26-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
Banff Area Winter Walking Trails
Bow Valley Parkway: Closed. The Bow Valley Parkway, from the Fireside Day Use area to east of the Rockbound Lake Trailhead, near Castle Junction is closed. The west section of the parkway from Lake Louise to Castle Junction remains open. The additional 6 km of road to access the Johnston Canyon Trailhead from Rockbound Lake Parking lot is NOT RECOMMENDED. Snowplows and other service vehicles active on road.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Marsh Winter Loop | Good. | 28-02-2021: Partially closed; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Fenland Winter Trail | Some icy sections. | 28-02-2021: Please follow directional arrows and respect physical distancing; Snow covered sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Stewart Canyon Winter Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 28-02-2021: Cleats recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray Winter Connector | Snow covered with icy sections. | 28-02-2021: Cleats recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sundance Canyon Winter Trail | Partially closed, check trail details for additional information. | 28-02-2021: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Johnston Canyon Winter Trail | Road access closed | 28-02-2021: No vehicle access; Respect all posted notices and signs; Pedestrian use of the road is strongly discouraged.; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Mountain Summit Winter Trail | Good. | 01-03-2021: Cleats recommended; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Winter Trail | Good. | 28-02-2021: Cleats recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
Banff Area Snowshoeing Trails
Bow Valley Parkway: Closed. The Bow Valley Parkway, from the Fireside Day Use area to east of the Rockbound Lake Trailhead, near Castle Junction is closed. The west section of the parkway from Lake Louise to Castle Junction remains open. The additional 6 km of road to access the Johnston Canyon Trailhead from Rockbound Lake Parking lot is NOT RECOMMENDED. Snowplows and other service vehicles active on road.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Drive - Winter | Good. | 01-03-2021: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Winter Trail | Good. | 01-03-2021: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Johnson Lake Winter Trail | Good. | 28-02-2021: Please follow directional arrows and respect physical distancing; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Upper Stoney Winter Loop | Good. | 28-02-2021: Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Ink Pots Winter Trail | Road access closed | 28-02-2021: No vehicle access; Respect all posted notices and signs; Pedestrian use of the road is strongly discouraged.; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Westside Winter Trail | Closed. | 28-02-2021: Closed until further notice; Respect all posted notices and signs; | Trail details |
Banff Area Fat Biking Trails
CLOSED: Tunnel Technical trails (Star War, Return of the Jedi, Topp Notch)
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails (Multi-use) | Fair. | 01-03-2021: Studded tires recommended; Trail groomed; Debris on trail; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Banff Avenue Winter Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 28-02-2021: Studded tires recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River East Winter Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 28-02-2021: Flat packed; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Dogs not allowed; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Sundance Winter Trail | Partially closed, check trail details for additional information. | 28-02-2021: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lake Minnewanka Winter Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 28-02-2021: Studded tires recommended; Numerous trees down on trail; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Bench Winter Loop | Snow covered with icy sections. | 28-02-2021: Studded tires recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
Bow Valley Parkway Cross-Country Ski Trails
Recent tracksetting: Feb 27: Castle Junction Cross-country ski trail #1, #2 and #3; from Castle Junction to Castle Mountain Lookout; Baker Creek to Protection Mountain Campground; Protection Mountain Campground to Castle Mountain Lookout.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Baker Creek to Protection Mountain Campground | Good. | 27-02-2021: Trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Protection Mountain Campground to Castle Mountain Lookout | Good. | 27-02-2021: Trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #1 - Castle Junction to Castle Mountain Lookout | Good. | 27-02-2021: Trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #2 | Good. | 27-02-2021: Trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #3 | Good. | 27-02-2021: Trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
Lake Louise Area Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Trails
Avalanche risk! When travelling beyond the marked trails, or past an avalanche danger sign, assume that you are in avalanche country - your group should be prepared with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment. For more information on winter travel and how to stay safe in the mountains, visit parksmountainsafety.ca
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate |
"Highline" trail to Paradise Creek | Snow covered. | 25-02-2021: Avalanche Risk rated as Simple Class 1 terrain - at km 1, the trail crosses the runout zone of an avalanche path which rarely runs; Dogs on leash permitted; Snowshoes recommended; Deadfall on trail; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lake Louise Lakeshore | Snow covered. | 25-02-2021: Dogs on leash permitted; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Fairview Lookout | Snow covered. | 25-02-2021: Dogs on leash permitted; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Louise Creek | Snow covered. | 25-02-2021: Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Mirror Lake, via Lake Agnes Trail | Snow covered. | 25-02-2021: Avalanche risk: Sections of this trail cross avalanche terrain. Beyond Mirror Lake, the trail is rated as Challenging Class 2 for avalanche exposure and travel requires appropriate avalanche training and equipment; Dogs on leash permitted; Snowshoes recommended; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
 Difficult |
Taylor Lake | Snow covered. | 25-02-2021: Dogs on leash permitted; Snowshoes recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Laggan's Loop | Snow covered. | 25-02-2021: Dogs on leash permitted; Snowshoes recommended; | Trail details |
Lake Louise Area Cross-Country Ski Trails
The cross-country ski race "Lake Louise Virtual Loppet 2021" will run from Feb. 20th to March 7th. For information, visit www.calgaryskiclub.org. General Conditions: Good/Fair. Recent tracksetting: Feb. 28: Pipestone; Hector; Drummond; Merlin; Campground Loop; Bow River Loop; Townsite. Feb 27: Great Divide; Lower Telemark; Moraine Lake Rd; Upper & Lower Tramline. Feb 25: Upper Telemark; Peyto. Feb 24: Fairview; Lake Louise surface. Feb 23: Lake Louise Shoreline.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Moraine Lake Road | Good. | 27-02-2021: Double trackset classic and skate; Avalanche risk: Beyond the viewpoint the trail crosses large avalanche paths.; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lower Tramline | Good. | 27-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Fairview Loop | Good. | 24-02-2021: Double trackset classic; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Townsite | Good. | 28-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Upper Tramline | Good. | 27-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lake Louise Loop | Fair. | 24-02-2021: Lake Louise Loop is made up of two separately maintained trails: Lake Louise shoreline and Lake Surface ; Lake Louise shoreline - good; Lake Louise surface is fair due to icy and slushy conditions; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Upper Telemark | Good. | 25-02-2021: Double trackset classic; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Great Divide | Good. | 27-02-2021: Double trackset classic and skate; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Dogs not allowed; | |
| Moderate |
Peyto | Good. | 25-02-2021: Double trackset classic; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lower Telemark | Good. | 27-02-2021: Double trackset classic; Dogs not allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Bow River Loop | Good. | 28-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Campground Loop | Good. | 28-02-2021: Double trackset classic and skate; Dogs on leash permitted; Please walk or snowshoe beside tracks set, not on tracks; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Pipestone Loop | Good. | 28-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Hector | Good. | 28-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Drummond | Good. | 28-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Merlin | Good. | 28-02-2021: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
Bow Summit Area on Icefields Parkway
Peyto Lake trail and viewpoint are closed. The lower parking and toilets are open. For information regarding Peyto lake, please see: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/construction-banff/peyto
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Peyto Lake Viewpoint | Closed for the season. | 25-02-2021: Construction work in progress; Respect all posted notices and signs; | Trail details |