Banff 
Here is a list of Best Moderate Hikes in Banff National Park. Check for bear activity before hiking and find out the hike requires group access especially near Moraine Lake trails.The detailed hiking map is available at Parks Canada Website.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.
– Don’t want to hike, but still want to enjoy the scenery the hikes presents – Try Horseback Riding
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Top 5 easy hikes in Banff National Park.
Best Hard Hikes in Banff National Park
1. C Level Cirque
How long ?
3 hour round trip with 8 km and an elevation of 455 m.
Where?
Trail Head location: Upper Bank head picnic area parking lot.
GPS: 51.23678,-115.51963
C- level Cirque trail head direction : The trail starts at left corner of the Upper Bnakhead parking lot in Lake Minnewanka Scenic loop parking lot. To reach the parking lot from Banff town, head north on Banff Ave and then continue onto Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive .When the road forks into two, take the left one to Lake Minnewanka. The parking lot is on the left.
How to do?
From the parking lot, follow the trail through the forest which passes along the site of an old mine shaft. Admire the view of Lake Minnewanka as it comes into view with Fairholme Range and Mount Rundle as background. Continue along past old mine remains till you enter a small Cirque carved on Cascade mountain. Go down a bit and enjoy the view of Bow Valley and the snow capped mountain ranges.
When to do ?
Late Spring to Early Fall.
2. Bourgeau Lake
How long ?
6 hours round trip with 15 kms and 730 m elevation gain.
Where?
Trail Head location : On Trans Canada Highway, a signed parking lot.
GPS: 51.168466,-115.730529
Bourgeau trail head direction : The parking lot is located on the right, when traveling east on AB1 towards Calgary. About 18 km from Banff Windermere Parkway & TransCanada interchange.
How to do?
Go along the trail from the parking lot which passes along the shore of Wolverine creek to a small lake. Hike through the forest, and under Mount Bourgeau cliffs. Cross the creek and after a few switchbacks ascend the trail to Bourgeau Lake.
When to do ?
Late Spring to Early Fall.
3. Lake Agnes
7.2 km round trip of 3 hours duration and 400m elevation gain.
Where?
Trail Head location: Lakeshore trail at the right end of Chateau Lake Louise
GPS :51.417308,-116.219217
Lake Agnes trail head direction : From the Lake Louise village , travel southwest on Lake Louise Dr and turn left onto the Parking lot. From the Parking lot, walk towards the Chateau to the Lake shore trail in front at the very far right end of the Chateau. The trail branches off near the Shoreline trail. It is well marked.
How to do?
Ascend the steep trail and follow it almost till you see the Mirror Lake. Follow the left trail at the junction. Continue on and climb the steps besides the Bridal Veil Falls to reach the house facing the Lake Agnes.
When to do ?
Year round
4. Plain of Six Glaciers
How long ?
10.6 km round trip of 4 hours duration and 370 m elevation gain.
Where?
Trail Head location:Lakeshore trail at the right end of Chateau Lake Louise (same as Lake Agnes)
GPS: 51.417308,-116.219217
Plain of 6 Glaciers trail head direction : From the Parking lot, walk towards the Chateau to the Lake shore trail in front at the very far right end of the Chateau. It is well marked.
How to do?
Follow the Lakeshore trail till the end and climb up through the spruce and fir forest. Hike through avalanche slopes filled with colourful flowers. Hike the switch backs through rocky moraines (the trail divides here, take either one) and forests to reach the tea house. Continue on for another km to reach the plain of six glaciers.
To combine Lake Agnes trail hike with this hike, on the way back after about 1.5 km from the teahouse, take the left fork which leads to highline trail. When you reach the next fork, take left for the Lake Agnes tea house or right to reach mirror Lake.
When to do ?
Spring to Fall.
Tea house : July to early September from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
5. Larch Valley to Minnestimma Lake
How long ?
4 hour round trip of 8.6 km (3 km one way to Larch valley) and 535 m elevation gain.
Where?
Trail Head location: Near Moraine Lake Lodge
GPS: 51.327702,-116.183001
Larch Valley trail head direction : From Lake Louise village, head southwest to Lake Louise Drive, turn right onto Moraine Lake Rd, the Moraine Lake is about 12.2 km from the start of the Lake road. From the parking lot, hike along the shoreline and then turn right near the lodge.
How to do?
Take the trail past the lodge and climb through the forest of spruce and fir till you reach a fork in the road. Turn right and pass through the open valley of Larches, which turns golden in Fall. Return back if you do not want to continue till the lakes. Continue along the winding trail through the meadows enjoying the views of mount Temple & Pinnacle Mountain. Soon you will reach the Minnestimma Lakes. Continuing along for another 1.2 km, you will reach Sentinel Pass.
When to do ?
Late Spring to Early Fall. Group access restriction during July 12- Oct 8.
6. Nigel Pass
How long ?
5 and a half hours round trip of 15 km and 365 m elevation gain.
Where?
Trail Head location:On Ice fields Parkway, 950 m north of Bridal Veil Falls lookout.
GPS : 52.185721,-117.068131
Nigel Pass trail head direction : Head north on Ice Fields Parkway towards Jasper. The trail parking is on right after the Bridal Veil Falls lookout, before reaching Ice Fields centre.
How to do?
Follow a gate access gravel road and turn right at the gate. After crossing the Nigel creek bridge, hike through thin forests to a historic camp site used by natives. Climb up steadily to the border of Banff & Jasper National Parks. Climb up the rock pile on the left for a panoramic view of Brazeau valley back dropped by Nigel peak and Mount Athabasca.
When to do ?
Summer
“Best Hike” is subjective ! Consult official guide maps by Parks Canada before venturing on!