The Best Views in Canmore & Banff (as Voted by Locals)

After a global survey named a few Bow Valley spots—like Ha Ling and Tunnel Mountain—as some of the “best views in Canada,” our readers weren’t exactly blown away. The list leaned heavily on tourist-friendly viewpoints and didn’t go much beyond the obvious.

So we launched a far superior survey, asking our 10,000+ Bow Valley Insider readers to nominate the real best views in the valley (no secret gems, of course—we’re not here to blow up anyone’s hideaway).

Naturally, some of these spots are a bit further off the beaten path. But we’ve included easier-to-reach options and, at the end, a few restaurant patios locals say offer the best views in the Bow Valley—perfect if your idea of a summit involves a cocktail.

Beginner Hikes

Surprise Corner

It’s very easy to get to Surprise Corner from central Banff — just a matter of walking down Buffalo Street for half an hour, which will take you alongside the Bow River on one side and Tunnel Mountain on the other. 

It really is a surprise; suddenly, you’re greeted with a view of the majestic Banff Springs Hotel and the Spray Valley. 

It’s easy to get to the Bow Falls viewpoint from here, which takes another 30 minutes. 

I’d also recommend adding on the Hoodoos Trail, for another two or three hours. End up by Tunnel Mountain campground, where you’ll be rewarded with the eerie rock formations and a view down the Bow Valley. 

West Wind Pass

This route begins near Spray Lakes. You’ll travel away from Spray Lakes and ascend steadily until the top of the pass, where you’ll be greeted with jaw-dropping views of the Windtower and Rimwall, which rise up on both sides of you. 

At the same time, you’ll be able to look down at Spray Lakes. 

The pass lives up to its name and gets very blustery (so bring a jacket–even in the heat of summer). 

The way up is steep in parts but very manageable, and the whole thing is less than 5km, so it’s a great payoff for a relatively short route.

Note: There are a few turnoffs from the main West Wind Pass trail that take you on other mountain objectives. Be sure to download the offline map from Alltrails and stick to the route. 

Larch Valley and Eiffel Lake

This is an excellent option if you’re heading to Moraine Lake, as it’s much quieter than the lakeside. In fact, if you go to Moraine Lake and you don’t do this hike, you’re honestly missing out.  

You need to get to Moraine first — book the Roam no.10 bus (in the fall only) or the Parks Canada shuttle, as private cars aren’t allowed — and then leave the crowds behind to get up to these bonus viewpoints. 

Take the Larch Valley trail, and after some switchbacks, take the left Eiffel Lake trail (if you take a right, you can reach Minnestima Lakes). 

The view opens up over the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s around four hours there and back, so you should be in time to get transit both to and from Moraine.

For the slightly more adventurous and experienced hiker, you can carry on to Eiffel Peak from Eiffel Lake–this is a full day and involves route finding and scrambling. 

Peyto Lake Lookout

Peyto Lake offers a stunning view with its vivid, almost unreal blue waters that perfectly capture the magic of the Bow Valley.

However, the lookout is an especially good way to really take in the landscape. 

You’ll be able to look down on the lake from above and see the mountains rise behind it with the tree-filled valley and Peyto Glacier. 

Get there by driving along the Icefields Parkway from Banff (about an hour) and take the trail for just half a kilometer from the parking lot. 

You can also carry on to less well-trodden viewpoints by following dirt trails from the first.

Alymer Pass

At nearly 27km at 1250m of elevation gain, this all-day route isn’t to be taken lightly.  

We still consider it a “beginner hike” as there’s nothing technical or steep about the trail, but it is a long day, so go prepared. 

Drive up from Banff on Lake Minnewanka Road and take the trail from the lakeside. 

It’ll lead you alongside Minnewanka’s waters, then alongside Alymer Ridge and towards the mountain itself. 

You can also turn off the trail to the Lookout, giving you another perspective on the lake. 

If you’re into mushroom hunting, you’ll most definitely see some unique varieties on this hike. 

Intermediate Hikes

Tent Ridge

This route starts just off Highway 742, below Spray Lakes. The 10km clockwise loop has steep sections and scrambling, which can be intimidating on a ridge with a drop on either side. 

However, the panoramic views are obscene. The Spray Lakes and mountains in all directions, including Mount Nestor (one of the biggest mountains in the region), will come into view. 

The ridge itself is stunning to look back at, and it’s always great seeing the forested valley floor from up high. In fact, the forest sections of this hike also provide a chance to see larches if you go at the right time (September-October).

However, do not attempt this hike when there’s snow.  This mountain is infamous for sliding and has been the site of many accidents over the years. 

Cirque Peak

Cirque Peak is not a super technical hike (compared with others in the intermediate section), but at more than 16km and 1100m of elevation gain, prepare to be going all day. 

Plus, it’s also a little far from Banff: take Icefields Parkway from Banff and keep driving past Lake Louise to the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint on Bow Lake. 

From the lakeside, take Helen Lake Trail, which turns off into the Dolomite Ridge Trail and, finally, the Cirque Peak Trail. 

The climb features scree slopes and some light scrambling. 

From the summit, you’ll see awesome views of the Wapta Icefields, where four glaciers converge.  What more could you want?

Devil’s Thumb

The walk to Devil’s Thumb is a smart way to see views of Lake Louise away from the hellish crowds outside the hotel. 

Really, any hike that leaves this area will immediately lose a lot of visitors, meaning you can appreciate the lake in a nicer environment. 

Take the Lake Agnes trail from the lakefront, which will bring you to Mirror Lake, the teahouse, and Big Beehive trail. 

Instead of turning off for the Big Beehive viewpoint, you can lose what remains of the crowds and go to the higher Devil’s Thumb viewpoint. 

It’s a steeper, less marked route, and some light scrambling awaits. From here, you’re treated to a look down at Lake Louise and Mirror Lake.

Don’t forget to look behind you, though, as you’ll see beautiful views of the Plains of the Six Glacier. 

Mount Bourgeau

Summiting this one is another long day, at 22km and 1800m of elevation gain. However, it’s not very technical; it's simply a slog. 

A short drive from Banff, the trailhead is off the Trans Canada Highway. The Harvey Pass Trail will take you past several very beautiful tarns (alpine lakes) before you turn off onto the Mount Bourgeau route to the summit. 

Expect to see over the whole of Banff and the mountains beyond, including Assiniboine (one of the most famous peaks in the region). 

And even if you don’t make it to the top, you’ll get very good views of and from the tarns, larches, and waterfalls on the trail.

Difficult Hikes

Smutwood Peak

This is honestly the chef’s kiss when it comes to mountain views. 

The 18km route starts near the Tent Ridge trail, off the 742 near the Spray Lakes. After following the creek, the trail becomes much steeper, with more scrambling, until the summit. 

While you’ll need to be prepared and experienced for the slog and the more technical aspects, you’ll get a view of endless peaks stretching off into the distance. 

However, it’s not just the summit that’s beautiful.  Around every corner is something majestic to look at. You’ll even get two awesome alpine lakes on this hike.  So even if you don’t make it to the top, no matter where you stop, you’ll be rewarded. 

Cascade Mountain

This is the famous mountain that you can see in every photo backdrop from Banff Avenue. However, the route is another big one, and you need stamina and time. 

To get to the 19km trail, take Mount Norquay Road up from downtown Banff to Cascade Lodge.

After a long walk through the trees, it will take you past the amphitheater, up into a boulder field, and onto some steep scrambling sections. 

The vistas that await you are incredible: you’ll see over the entire Bow Balley, including the town of Banff, a multitude of mountains, and the serpentine Lake Minnewanka.

Mount Temple

Like the Eiffel Lakes route, this trail begins at Lake Moraine and is another good option for experiencing the beauty of Moraine away from throngs of visitors. 

However, this is a true alpine objective.  It’s not just a matter of putting your boots on and setting off — Temple is dangerous and requires technical, exposed climbing, with helmets recommended. 

Take the Larch Valley Trail, but instead of turning off for Eiffel, keep on Sentinel Pass Trail. The pass itself offers astounding views. And from the peak, you’ll see across to Eiffel and down to Moraine. 

Do a lot of research before attempting this objective, and consider hiring a guide. Here’s the info from Parks Canada on Mount Temple as a starting point. 

Fun fact: Mount Temple is the 6th highest peak in Alberta. 

Lady MacDonald

It’s very easy to get to Lady Mac’s 10km trail from Canmore, but the going gets hard fast. 

You’ll need to have the experience to deal with scrambling — and particularly for the stomach-churning knife-edge ridge. 

Get on the trail from Cougar Creek, then take the steady incline up to the “helipad” (the helipad doesn’t exist anymore, it’s just a park bench now). 

After the “helipad,” the gnarly part really starts. To reach the true summit, you’ll have to tackle a windy, exposed ridge. 

However, from the top, you’ll be able to look across to Grotto Mountain and down over the whole of Canmore.

If Hiking Is Not Your Jam…

If the only summit you’re interested in is having a little summit to drink, then fear not. 

Our readers have also thrown some restaurant patio views into the ring so you can see the best vistas the valley has to offer without breaking a sweat. 

Juniper Hotel

This hotel near the Vermilion Lakes in Banff offers an imposing view of Mount Rundle. The restaurant features a tasting menu, so this is undoubtedly a way to add a touch of class to your view-seeking. Bask in the knowledge that those actually on Mount Rundle won’t be eating anything half as fancy.

Silvertip Resort

Part of the golf resort nestled on the edge of Canmore, the two Silvertip restaurants give you the chance to take in some absolutely ridiculous scenery. You’ll see all of Canmore's greatest hits: the Three Sisters, Mount Lawrence Grassi, and the Rundles.

Iron Goat

Find Iron Goat grill in Canmore’s Cougar Creek. Despite its fairly central location, it's very easy to see why this was some readers’ best Bow Valley view. The Three Sisters are a welcome sight as you kick back and eat on the patio.

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