Easy Hikes Near Banff That Anyone Can Do Without Experience

These easy Banff hikes can all be done in under two hours and, for the most part, are flat or have a gradual incline, so no serious elevation gain to worry about. You don’t need any fancy hiking gear or expert backcountry skills either. The trails are well-maintained, easy to follow, and pretty popular.

But don’t take “easy” to mean “boring.” These hikes still deliver. You’ll get awesome views, peaceful forest stretches, and signature Banff moments. Whether you're short on time, bringing the kids, easing into hiking, or just want something light between bigger adventures, these trails are worth your time.

Vermilion Lakes

Difficulty: Very easy, flat, some paved
Distance: 5km there and back
Getting There: Banff train station is a good option for parking in town. From Canmore take the no.3 Roam bus to the Banff High School. 

The great thing about this route to the Vermilion Lakes is you don’t need to park or catch a bus — if you’re living or staying in Banff, you can just leave from your front door. Turn on to Mt Norquay Road until you reach your first view: Echo Creek, which forks off the Bow River.

Then take part of the Fenland Trail: an interesting path through forested, marshy terrain. Finally turn off for the lakes themselves. There is an official viewpoint, but you won’t be short of spots, and there are plenty of benches. 

Take in the imposing Mount Rundle, looming over the water, and then retrace your steps. Go on a weekday evening for a quieter experience and killer sunset.

Bow Falls Viewpoint

Difficulty: Very easy, flat, and mostly paved, though there are steps.
Distance: 3km there and back
Getting There: Another downtown Banff hike, this one starts closer to  the Banff Museum, which has parking. Again you can take the no.3 bus.

This route is one of my go-to downtown walks. It still blows my mind that you can be strolling about somewhere as busy and commercial as Banff and suddenly a vista opens up that takes your breath away.

Take Banff Pedestrian Bridge then follow the Bow River. You’ll end up with a great vantage on the falls, and you’ll be near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. While the hotel looks great lit up on the hillside at night, go earlier so you can actually see the falls!

There are benches along the route so you can take your time. And instead of turning round at the end, you can get the Roam. no 2 bus back, from Rundle Avenue. 

There are public restrooms near the start of the trail, by Central Park’s parking lot. And if it’s summer, you can grab a chimney cake from the same area!

Bonus option here: Banff’s Art in Nature Trail

If you’re on the Bow Falls trail anyway, consider this outdoor art exhibition, up and running from July through September, which uses part of the route. The 3km (an hour tops) loop is paved and flat. But the best bit is you’ll see artwork from dozens of local and regional artists  on the way.

Stewart Canyon

Difficulty: Easy if stopping at the bridge, rougher terrain and uphill after that
Distance: 6km there and back
Getting There: Lake Minnewanka offers parking, but in summer you can take the Roam no.6 bus from Banff.

Start from Lake Minnewanka’s dock. This site offers washrooms and parking — and, in summer, a cafe and boat ride option.

The trail follows the shoreline and offers plenty of places to sit down and admire the iconic long, winding lake. You’ll come to a bridge after moving away from the water, and have the choice to turn back or carry on to the more difficult half.

Once you turn off on to the Stewart Canyon trail, the way does tend noticeably uphill. You’ll have lake, canyon, and mountain views throughout, but have to navigate forest terrain — meaning roots and rocks in your path.

If you carry on over the bridge after the first lakeshore section, you must be in a group of at least four and carry bear spray as there are frequently bears in the area. 

Consolation Lakes

Difficulty: More challenging due to length, uphill sections and a rougher path
Distance: 7km there and back
Getting There: Moraine Lake isn’t accessible by car; you need to take the  Roam 8X bus to Lake Louise then a Parks Canada shuttle. The bus only runs until mid-October.

So this one does involve a bit of planning because the trail for Consolation Lakes begins at Moraine Lake. But once, you get yourself there, this is a very worthwhile hike that goes beyond the tourist crowds at the lakeshore. 

Start from the Rockpile viewpoint, showcasing a row of mountains in front of the water.

From the Rockpile, the walk to the Consolation Lakes is the longest one on this list, taking around two-and-a-half hours. It does have some uphill sections, with some clambering over large rocks at the end. The glacier views will make it all worth it.

Marsh Loop at Cave & Basin 

Difficulty: Very easy, flat, mix of boardwalk and gravel/dirt
Distance: ~2.8 km loop
Getting There: Park at the Cave & Basin Historic Site (there’s a small lot, but it fills early). Or walk from downtown Banff in about 25 min along Cave Ave. Also, the roam bus #4 drops off right at the trailhead.

Start from the Cave & Basin parking lot or a 2 km walk from downtown Banff. 

The loop circles a naturally formed wetland fed by thermal springs. Wooden boardwalks and bridges swoop over shallow pools and tall marsh grasses. Look for interpretive platforms where you can spot tiny fish, birds, and perhaps a glimpse of the endangered Banff springs snail. 

The sulphurous spring scent is faint but unmistakable. In one hour, you’ll stroll through swaying reeds, cross the Bow River’s edge, and pass interpretive panels explaining this unique ecosystem. It’s an immersive, unhurried encounter with Banff’s lesser-known wetland habitat—natural, educational, and delightfully calm.

Spray River East or West

Difficulty: Easy, flat to gentle rolling (green/easy mountain bike track)
Distance: ~5.6–5.7 km one-way each side (~11–12 km full loop)
Getting there: Park at the Spray River West trailhead (just past Fairmont Banff Springs on Spray Ave); you can start from either West or East end.

Depending on whether you do the full loop, this one could be a bit longer (3+ hours), but if time isn’t a concern, it’s still a mellow walk.  

The trail skirts the Spray River’s crystal-clear banks, framed by forest and intermittent openings to views of Mount Rundle overhead. The West side is wide and mellow; the East is narrower singletrack but still relaxed. 

You’ll cross a sturdy bridge mid-loop, with picnic tables beside the river—great for a rest or lunch. Along the way, you’ll pass a small backcountry campsite tucked into the trees, and wildlife sightings (elk, birds) are common. Though the views aren’t towering alpine, the serene river valley and soft, constant flow make this a satisfying route.

Siffleur Falls

Difficulty: Very easy to easy, mostly flat with a few gentle grades

Distance: ~7 km return to the first falls (~4 km), or ~13 km to all three falls (~8 km)

Getting there: Park at the Siffleur Falls staging area directly off Highway 11, 22 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing—there’s an outhouse and interpretive panels at the trailhead

So yes, this one involves a bit of driving from Banff, but here’s why I still recommend it: 

First, you get to drive half of the Icefield Parkway on route to the trailhead, so you can pair this with other sightseeing adventures.  And second, it’s off the beaten path so it’s highly unlikely it’ll be as busy as the Banff trails. 

The trail begins in open grassland before dipping into a forested valley. Within the first few kilometers you cross a suspension bridge over the North Saskatchewan River, then follow boardwalks through a sensitive meadow area—dust can kick up on windy days. 

At about 3.5 km you reach the first waterfall, cascading into a dramatic canyon. If you push on another 3 km (total ~13 km return), you'll find two more falls and a primitive backcountry campsite. Rain or snow can make the final sections muddy or icy. With only ~70 m elevation gain, it’s a scenic, quiet hike through a wilderness reserve.

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