Two Banff Hikes Rank Among the World’s Most-Used Trails, New Data Shows

Two of Banff’s most recognizable hikes are now being counted among the most heavily used trails on the planet.

New data released by AllTrails shows that Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls and Tunnel Mountain Summit ranked among the world’s most popular trails in 2025, based on how often users actively navigated the routes in real time. The ranking draws from more than 500,000 trails worldwide and activity by over 90 million trail users.

The data was released as part of AllTrails’ annual Year on the Trails report, a global snapshot of where people are hiking, walking, and exploring outdoors most frequently.

“This is a global compilation of more than 90 million trailgoers’ favorite places to spend time outside,” said Christina Saint Louis, a public relations associate with AllTrails. “Year on the Trails isn’t limited to North America, but that’s where many AllTrails members explored in 2025.”

How the Rankings Were Determined

Unlike rankings based on reviews or scenic value, the “Most Popular Trails” list is built around usage of AllTrails’ Navigate feature, which allows users to track their route live on the app. In short, the list reflects where people actually went, not just what they bookmarked.

That methodology placed two Banff trails alongside some of the most heavily traveled hiking routes in the world. The global top 10 spans North America, New Zealand, and Wales, combining iconic national park hikes with short, high-traffic routes close to major tourism hubs.

AllTrails’ Most Popular Trails of the Year:

1. Skyline Loop (Washington, United States)

2. Delicate Arch Trail (Utah, United States)

3. Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail (Utah, United States)

4. Roys Peak Track (Otago, New Zealand)

5. Avalanche Lake (Montana, United States)

6. Snowdon via Llanberis Path (Gwynedd, Wales)

7. Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (California, United States)

8. Devil’s Bridge via Mescal Trailhead (Arizona, United States)

9. Tunnel Mountain Summit (Alberta, Canada)

10. Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls (Alberta, Canada)

A First for These Banff Trails

While Canadian hikes have appeared in previous AllTrails year-end lists, this marks the first time Johnston Canyon and Tunnel Mountain have ranked among the world’s most-used trails.

“In 2023 we released a slightly different selection, featuring five Canadian trails, including one in Yoho National Park, the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit,” Saint Louis said. That year’s global rankings were based on average star ratings from AllTrails community members, rather than real-time trail usage.

This year’s appearance reflects a shift in methodology and highlights the role of accessibility. Both Johnston Canyon and Tunnel Mountain are located close to town and are among Banff’s most heavily trafficked routes year-round.

A Window Into Broader Outdoor Trends

The rankings come amid explosive growth in trail use globally. According to AllTrails’ 2025 data:

• Users navigated 993 million kilometers on trails this year, a 216% increase over last year

• Trail users spent 113 million hours outside, up 74% year over year

• Members shared 24 million trail photos, a 33% increase

Search behavior on the platform also points to shifting priorities. Hiking remained the most searched activity, followed by mountain biking and trail running. When filtering for suitability, users most often looked for dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and paved trails.

Popularity and Pressures

The global ranking also aligns with patterns previously observed on the ground. During the summer season, Bow Valley Insider reported on a viral Facebook post describing congestion, parking conflicts, and litter along the Johnston Canyon trail, offering a firsthand snapshot of how heavy visitation can shape the experience on peak days.

Online search behavior reflects similar awareness. Queries such as “Johnston Canyon busy” and “Johnston Canyon crowds” now appear among the most common autocomplete results on Google, suggesting that questions around timing and volume have become part of how visitors research the trail.

That visibility is not unique to Banff. Across the AllTrails list, many of the most-used routes share similar traits: proximity to population centres, strong name recognition, and ease of access relative to the landscapes they offer. In that context, Johnston Canyon and Tunnel Mountain function less as hidden gems and more as global reference points for front-country mountain hiking.