Here is a list of Top 5 easy hikes in Banff National Park (till the Banff National Park border in Ice Fields Parkway).
The Lake Louise shore line trail (2 km one way ) and Moraine Lake Shoreline trail (1.5 km one way) are also extremely easy hikes. One needs to walk along the shore line to appreciate the beauty of the said Lakes; hence not included. Get the trail guide from from Parks Canada.
This list does not include Sunshine Meadow Hikes, which the Lonely Planet named as the No.1 Hike In Canada. See the link for details.
Hoodoos/ Bow River
How long ?
4.2 km one way; 1 and a half hours one way & elevation gain of 60 m
Where ?
Hoodoos Bow River Trail head directions/location
Trail head: Surprise Corner parking lot.
GPS: 51.160887,-115.559742
Direction : Travel up Buffalo Street toward Tunnel Mountain drive and come across the view. The trail starts near the parking lot across the viewing platform.
How to do ?
Go down the trail to Bow River and follow the river till you reach a meadow. Start ascending on the trail till you reach the Hoodoos – a spire of rock made of limestone. See wildlife on the meadow.
You have the option of going back on the trail or climb up to road (you can see the ledge from the Hoodoos) and walk to Tunnel mountain Campground to get the Roam bus.
When to do?
Late Spring to Fall
Stewart Canyon trail
How long ?
3 km round trip (till the bridge); Half an hour one way & with no elevation gain
Where ?
Stewart Canyon Trail head directions/location
Trail head: Lake Minnewanka Parking lot
GPS: 51.247461,-115.499612
Direction : Head north on Banff Ave and then continue onto Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive to reach the Lake.
How to do?
Follow the well maintained wide trail along Lake Minnewanka , turn left and reach the bridge built across Stewart Canyon, named after George Stewart, first Park superintendent. The distance of 1.5 km one way is calculated till here, but do continue along the Cascade river for a lovely hike for another half a mile or so. This trail is child friendly till the bridge. Continuing along from the canyon bridge maybe subjected to group access restriction during bear activity times.
When to do?
Year round. Winter walking trail in winter.Trail can be icy during early spring.
Fairview Lookout
How long ?
2 km round trip with 100 m elevation gain; 20 minutes one way.
Where ?
Trail head : Lake Louise Boat house
GPS: 51.413454,-116.23083
Direction: From Lake Louise Parking lot, follow the trail on the left to the boat house around the Lake to till the glacier. Fairview Mountain and Saddleback trails also has the same Trail head.
What?
Climb the trail for approximately half a kilometre, till you reach a junction of trails. Take the left most trail for an amazing view of Lake Louise with the Chateau on the background.
When to do?
Late Spring to Fall
Bow Summit Lookout
How long ?
5.6 km round trip with 250 m elevation gain and 2 and a half hours round trip time.
Where ?
Trail head : At the Peyto Lake parking lot, on Ice fields Parkway.
GPS : 51.7167,-116.498684
Direction: The Peyto lake Parking lot is 43 km from Lake Louise. If traveling from Lake Louise, the parking lot is on the left.
How to do?
From the parking lot, ascend the paved path to the Peyto Lake lookout. Take the left trail (other one leads down to the lake) which leads to Bow Lake Lookout. Continue on till you see the extraordinary view of Peyto Lake flanked by Peyto glacier.
When to do?
Late Spring to Fall
Parker Ridge
How long ?
2.4 km one way with 220 m elevation gain and 2.5 hours round trip
Where ?
Parker Ridge Trail directions/location
Trail head : On Ice Field Parkway, 8.8 km South of Columbia Ice field Discovery Centre.
GPS:52.191845,-117.11533
Direction: Located on the northern border of Banff National Park. Travel North on Ice fields Parkway from Lake Louise for 120 km, turn left to the Parking lot on the left.
How to do?
From the parking lot, Climb up passing through meadows and thin forest of Engelmann spruce . After crossing a talus slope at about 2 km mark, take the left trail to see the breath taking view of Saskatchewan Glacier and Castleguard mountain. Remember to stay on the trail as you hike along reveling in the beauty of the blooming meadows creating a multi-hued carpet of flowers.
When to do?
Mid July to Mid September.
You may be interested in
Best Moderate Hikes in Banff National Park
Best Hard Hikes in Banff National Park
Attractions in Banff National Park