Trail conditions

Banff National Park

Important information

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.


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 allowed on all trails in the summer unless otherwise specified in trail restrictions and closures. Refer to the information below to find out about any special restrictions. Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times.

 

Wildlife and you

When you see wildlife, give them space for your safety and their survival. If you’re out on the trails, travel in tight groups of 4 or more, stay alert, 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 Visitor Centre

 Lake Louise Visitor Centre

Town of Banff Area

Rating Trail Condition Comment Links
Easy Marsh Loop Fair. 17-09-2023: Frequent Horse Use; Wet and muddy sections; Trail details
Easy Fenland Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Wet and muddy sections; Trail details
Easy Spray River West Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Easy Spray River East Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Goat Creek Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Easy Healy Creek Trail Fair. 17-09-2023: Frequent Horse Use; Trail details
Moderate Sundance Canyon Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Wet and muddy sections; Trail details
Moderate Sulphur Mountain Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Sulphur Mountain Westside Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Easy Tunnel Campground Loop Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Cascade Amphitheatre Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Upper Stoney Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details

Lake Minnewanka Area

Rating Trail Condition Comment Links
Easy Cascade Ponds Loop Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition;  
Easy Johnson Lake Loop Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate C-Level Cirque Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Easy Stewart Canyon Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Lake Minnewanka Trail: Stewart Canyon–Aylmer Pass Junction Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Lake Minnewanka Trail: Aylmer Pass Junction–Devil's Gap Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Difficult Aylmer Lookout Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Difficult Aylmer Pass Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details

Banff Area Biking Trails

Rating Trail Condition Comment Links
Easy Banff Legacy Trail: Banff–Banff East Gate Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Easy Banff Legacy Trail: Vermilion Lakes–Bow Valley Parkway Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Return of the Jedi Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Difficult Topp Notch Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Star Wars Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Tunnel Bench Loop: Coastline Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Tunnel Bench Loop: Teddy Bear's Picnic Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Tunnel Bench Loop: The Spine Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details

Bow Valley/Castle Junction Area

From September 1st to October 2nd, the Bow Valley Parkway Cycling Experience restricts public vehicles on the parkway's 17 km eastern end, from the TransCanada-Highway junction to Johnston Canyon. Vehicle access to the popular Johnston Canyon Trail and campground will remain open during the pilot via Castle Junction (the intersection of Highway 93 and the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), and the west end of the Bow Valley Parkway. Visit parks.canada.ca/Banff-cycling-BVP for more information.

Rating Trail Condition Comment Links
Difficult Cory Pass Loop Good. 17-09-2023: No parking on roadways, or highways; Stream crossings; Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Trail details
Moderate Bourgeau Lake Trail: Trailhead–Bourgeau Lake Good. 17-09-2023: Stream crossings; Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; No parking on roadways, or highways; Trail details
Moderate Bourgeau Lake Trail: Bourgeau Lake–Harvey Pass Good. 17-09-2023: Stream crossings; Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; No parking on roadways, or highways; Trail details
Moderate Healy Pass Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Off Trail Use is Prohibited; Stay on trail; Check the important bulletins for more information; Trail details
Moderate Redearth Creek Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Easy Johnston Canyon Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Off Trail Use is Prohibited; Stay on trail; Check the important bulletins for more information; Trail details
Moderate Ink Pots Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Rockbound Lake Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Easy Vista Lake / Arnica Lake / Twin Lakes Trail: Trailhead–Vista Lake Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Vista Lake / Arnica Lake / Twin Lakes Trail: Vista Lake–Arnica Lake Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Vista Lake / Arnica Lake / Twin Lakes Trail: Arnica Lake–Twin Lakes Fair. 17-09-2023: Wet and muddy sections; Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Trail details
Easy Boom Lake Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Wet and muddy sections; Trail details
Moderate Castle Lookout Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail is in good condition; Trail details

Lake Louise Area

Paid parking is in effect at the Lake Louise Lakeshore from 7:00 to 19:00 daily, May 19 - October 9. Parking is limited and frequently full. Access to Lake Louise by public bus or shuttle is recommended. For information, please see: parks.canada.ca/banff-transit

Rating Trail Condition Comment Links
Moderate Tramline Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Difficult Taylor Lake Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Easy Bow River Loop Partially Closed 17-09-2023: Trail sections along the west side of Bow River CLOSED from May 15 to October 15; Mainly dry; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Attention: It's berry season. Bear encounters are possible; Trail details
Easy Louise Creek Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Easy Fairview Lookout Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Easy Great Divide Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate "Highline" trail to Paradise Creek Good. 17-09-2023: Attention: It's berry season. Bear encounters are possible;  
Moderate Lake Agnes Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Difficult Ross Lake Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate Big Beehive Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Little Beehive Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Mirror Lake Highline Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Mainly dry;  
Moderate Big Beehive to Plain of Six Glaciers Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Plain of Six Glaciers Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Trail details
Difficult Fairview Mountain Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Trail is narrow and steep. ; Trail details
Moderate Saddleback Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Trail is narrow and steep. ; Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Difficult Sheol/Paradise Connector Trail Good. 12-09-2023: Attention: It's berry season. Bear encounters are possible; Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Pipestone Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Easy Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details

Paradise Valley Area

Moraine Lake Road is open to bus and shuttle transportation only. For more information regarding access to Paradise Valley trailhead, please see the FAQs on "Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake" : parks.canada.ca/banff-transit

Rating Trail Condition Comment Links
Moderate Lake Annette Trail Good. 12-09-2023: Mainly dry; Attention: It's berry season. Bear encounters are possible; Trail details
Difficult Sentinel Pass - Paradise Valley Connector Trail Good. 12-09-2023: Attention: It's berry season. Bear encounters are possible; Mainly dry; Trail details
Difficult Paradise Valley and Giant Steps Trail Good. 12-09-2023: Attention: It's berry season. Bear encounters are possible; Mainly dry; Trail details

Moraine Lake Area

Moraine Lake Road is open to bus and shuttle transportation only. For transit information, please see: parks.canada.ca/Banff-transit

Rating Trail Condition Comment Links
Easy Consolation Lakes Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Easy Rockpile Trail Please respect all posted notices and signs. 15-09-2023: Mainly dry; Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Trail details
Difficult Moraine Lake Highline Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Bears frequenting the area; Trail details
Easy Moraine Lakeshore Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Eiffel Lake Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Trail details
Moderate Larch Valley/Minnestimma Lakes Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Mainly dry; Attention: It's berry season. Bear encounters are possible; Trail details
Difficult Sentinel Pass Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Trail is narrow and steep. ; Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Trail details
Difficult Wenkchemna Pass Trail Good. 15-09-2023: Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Route finding may be necessary; Trail details

Icefields Parkway Area

Rating Trail Condition Comment Links
Moderate Mosquito Creek Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry;  
Difficult Molar Pass Trail Fair. 17-09-2023: Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Wet and muddy sections; Trail details
Difficult North Molar Pass Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Helen Lake Trail Fair. 17-09-2023: Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Wet and muddy sections; Dogs on leash permitted; Trail details
Difficult Dolomite Pass Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Bow Glacier Falls Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail washed out in sections; Extensive trail erosion; Mainly dry; Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Trail details
Easy Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Easy Bow Summit Lookout Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Chephren Lake Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Cirque Lake Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Difficult Glacier Lake Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Easy Mistaya Canyon Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Difficult Sarbach Lookout Trail Fair. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Numerous trees down on trail; Trail details
Moderate Sunset Lookout Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Sunset Pass Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Moderate Nigel Pass Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Trail details
Difficult Parker Ridge Trail Good. 17-09-2023: Trail washed out in sections; Extensive trail erosion; Mainly dry; Fragile alpine vegetation, stay on the trail; Trail details

Skoki Area

Rating Trail Condition Comment Links
Difficult Hidden Lake Trail Construction is occurring in the area. Please respect all posted notices and signs. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Trail details
Difficult Boulder Pass Trail Construction is occurring in the area. Please respect all posted notices and signs. 17-09-2023: Mainly dry; Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Trail details
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