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.
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 you
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.
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: Mar. 16 -Tunnel Mountain Winter trails; Redearth Creek; Mar. 15 - Cascade Valley - Lake Minnewanka parking lot to Upper Bankhead, Lake Minnewanka parking lot to Cascade River bridge; Feb. 25 - Cascade Valley - Cascade River bridge to Stoney Creek; Feb. 23 - Sundance, Healy Creek, Brewster Creek; Feb. 21 - Spray River West, Spray River East, Goat Creek.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Easy |
Spray River Winter: West Trail | Snow covered. | 21-02-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River Winter: East Trail | Snow covered. | 21-02-2023: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; No dogs allowed; Please walk or snowshoe beside tracks set, not on tracks; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails | Good. | 21-03-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; No dogs allowed; Tracks filled in with wind blown snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Lake Minnewanka parking lot to Upper Bankhead | Good. | 16-03-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; No dogs allowed; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Lake Minnewanka parking lot to Cascade River bridge | Good. | 19-03-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; No dogs allowed; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Cascade River bridge to Stoney Creek | Snow covered. | 25-02-2023: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Healy Creek Winter Trail | Snow covered. | 23-02-2023: Single trackset classic; | Trail details |
 Moderate |
Brewster Creek Winter Trail | Snow covered. | 23-02-2023: Snowmobile packed; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Sundance Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 23-02-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Goat Creek Winter Trail | Snow covered. | 21-02-2023: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; No dogs allowed; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Redearth Creek Winter Trail | Good. | 23-03-2023: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; No dogs allowed; Freeze / thaw cycle; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
Banff Area Snowshoeing Trails
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Westside Winter Trail | Closed. | 24-03-2023: Closed until further notice; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Drive - Winter | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Compact snow; Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Compact snow; Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Johnson Lake Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Compact snow; Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Snow covered sections; Wet and muddy sections; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Upper Stoney Winter Loop | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Compact snow; Cleats recommended; Icy sections.; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Ink Pots Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Compact snow; Cleats recommended; Icy sections.; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
Banff Area Winter Walking Trails
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Marsh Winter Loop | Variable conditions. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; Compact snow; Icy sections.; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Fenland Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; Compact snow; Icy sections.; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Stewart Canyon Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; Compact snow; Icy sections.; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray Winter Connector | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; Icy sections.; Compact snow; Please walk or snowshoe beside tracks set, not on tracks; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Johnston Canyon Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Icy sections.; Compact snow; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Mountain Summit Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; Icy sections.; Compact snow; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; Icy sections.; Compact snow; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sundance Canyon Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; Please walk or snowshoe beside tracks set, not on tracks; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Compact snow; Icy sections.; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
Banff Area Fat Biking Trails
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Multi-use Winter Trails | Variable winter conditions. | 16-03-2023: Studded tires recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River East Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 16-03-2023: Flat packed; No dogs allowed; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Studded tires recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Sundance Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 16-03-2023: Flat packed; No dogs allowed; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Studded tires recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Bench Winter Loop | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Studded tires recommended; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Compact snow; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Banff Avenue Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Studded tires recommended; Compact snow; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lake Minnewanka Winter Trail | Variable winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Studded tires recommended; Numerous trees down on trail; Compact snow; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
Bow Valley Parkway Cross-Country Ski Trails
Closure in Mt. Protection campground area due to wildfire risk reduction activity.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Baker Creek to Protection Mountain Campground | Variable conditions. | 15-03-2023: Icy sections.; Slushy sections ; Track set; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #1 - Castle Junction to Castle Mountain Lookout | Variable conditions. | 15-03-2023: Icy sections.; Slushy sections ; Track set; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #2 | Variable conditions. | 15-03-2023: Icy sections.; Slushy sections ; Track set; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #3 | Variable conditions. | 15-03-2023: Icy sections.; Slushy sections ; Track set; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Protection Mountain Campground to Castle Mountain Lookout | Variable conditions. | 15-03-2023: Icy sections.; Slushy sections ; Track set; | Trail details |
Lake Louise Area Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Trails
Winter conditions. 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 | Snowshoe packed | 24-03-2023: Avalanche Risk rated as Simple Class 1 terrain - at km 1, the trail crosses the runout zone of an avalanche path which rarely runs; Deadfall on trail; Dogs on leash permitted; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail | Snow covered with wet, muddy and slippery sections. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Fairview Lookout Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 24-03-2023: Cleats recommended; Compact snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Louise Creek Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 24-03-2023: Compact snow; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Mirror Lake, via Lake Agnes Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 24-03-2023: 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; Compact snow; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Laggan's Loop | Snowshoe packed | 24-03-2023: Compact snow; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
 Difficult |
Taylor Lake Trail | Winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Snow covered; Snowshoes recommended; Avalanche danger beyond reaching the lake; | Trail details |
Lake Louise Area Cross-Country Ski Trails
Recent tracksetting: March 19 - Moraine Lake Road (skate lane only); Great Divide (skate lane only). March 17 - Upper Telemark; Peyto. March 16 - Pipestone, Hector, Merlin, Drumond; Fairview. March 15 - Moraine Lake Road (to the viewpoint). March 14 - Great Divide; Lower Telemark; Upper and Lower Tramline; Bow River Loop; Campground Loop; Townsite; Lake Louise Lake shoreline, Lake Louise surface.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Moraine Lake Road | Icy conditions | 19-03-2023: 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; When trailhead parking is full, access Moraine Lake Road via Upper Tramline trail and park at Lake Louise parking lot.; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Fairview Loop | Icy conditions | 16-03-2023: No dogs allowed; Double trackset classic; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lower Tramline | Icy conditions | 14-03-2023: Single trackset classic; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Upper Tramline | Icy conditions | 14-03-2023: Single trackset classic; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lake Louise Loop | Icy conditions | 14-03-2023: Lake Louise Loop is made up of two separately maintained trails: Lake Louise shoreline and Lake Surface ; Lake Louise surface is fair due to icy and slushy conditions; Lake Louise shoreline - fair; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Upper Telemark | Icy conditions | 17-03-2023: Single trackset classic; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Great Divide Trail | Icy conditions | 19-03-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Peyto Trail | Icy conditions | 17-03-2023: Single trackset classic; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lower Telemark | Icy conditions | 14-03-2023: Single trackset classic; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Bow River Loop | Icy conditions | 14-03-2023: Single trackset classic; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Campground Loop | Icy conditions | 14-03-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; Dogs on leash permitted; Please walk or snowshoe beside tracks set, not on tracks; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Pipestone Loop | Icy conditions | 13-03-2023: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Townsite | Good. | 14-03-2023: Single trackset classic; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Hector | Icy conditions | 13-03-2023: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Drummond | Icy conditions | 13-03-2023: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Merlin | Icy conditions | 13-03-2023: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
Bow Summit Area on Icefields Parkway
Winter conditions. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Peyto Lake Viewpoint | Winter conditions. | 24-03-2023: Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
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