Regardless of the season, there are a multitude of hikes in Banff you can do without a car. I’ve lived in Banff for ten years and for a number of those years didn’t have a vehicle but still managed to get out and enjoy the trails the park has to offer. These include hikes which can be done straight from my own door, as well as using public transport and shuttle services to access trails outside of town.
We’ve done the hard work and compiled a list of our favorite hikes in Banff that can be done without a car, as well as the transport options you need to get to the trailheads. We’ve even included a few of our favorite multi day backpacking trips which can be accessed using shuttle services.
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Table of Contents
Getting To Banff Without A Car
If you are flying into Calgary for a trip to Banff, there are a number of awesome airport shuttle options which will take you from the airport straight to your hotel. You’ll want to reserve your seat ahead of time to guarantee your spot.
The Red Arrow and Flix bus services also have regular services from downtown Calgary to Banff daily. From there you can hop on a bus to a number of different places, allowing a reasonably priced option for getting to and from Banff. I’ve used the Red Arrow bus from downtown Calgary to Banff and it was such a great experience with comfortable seats and plenty of space to relax.
Hikes In Banff Without A Car
You can do so many hikes in Banff without a car, here is a quick run down of some of our favorites and how to access them!
Tunnel Mountain
Distance: 2.4km one way
Elevation: 260m gain
Hiking up Tunnel Mountain involves some elevation gain which is mostly in the form of long switchbacks. This super popular trail offers stunning views over the downtown area and the Fairmont Golf course on the backside.
The Tunnel Mountain hike is so close to town, you can walk to the trailhead from almost anywhere.
Sundance Canyon
Distance: 9km round trip
Elevation: 155m gain, 60m loss
Located on the outskirts of town, the Sundance Canyon hike is a pretty trail which follows an old road from the Cave and Basin Historic Site, winds through the forest before reaching a waterfall. From here there is a short loop trail through the forest. The old road is a multi use trail and it is also possible to cycle a large part of this trail if you would rather.
You can easily walk to the Cave and Basin which is where the trailhead is from downtown. However if you want a shorter hike, hop on the summer only Route 4 Roam Bus which runs between the Elk Street stop and the Cave and Basin.
Sulphur Mountain
Distance: 5.5km one way
Elevation: 655m gain
If you are looking for a workout, the Sulphur Mountain trail might be just what you are looking for, The trail switches back and forth from the base of the gondola to the top station. Once at the top you are rewarded with beautiful views of the town.
Located outside of the town the best way to access the Sulphur Mountain hike is using the Route 1 Roam Bus. Note in the summer this bus gets very busy.
Aylmer Lookout
Distance: 11.8km one way
Elevation: 560m gain
For a bigger day, the Aylmer Lookout trail is a beautiful option. Follow the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka for around eight kilometres before turning on to the Aylmer Lookout trail. The lookout offers incredible views of Lake Minnewanka below.
The route 6 Roam bus operates in the summer months and gets you from Banff townsite out to Lake Minnewanka and back.
Johnston Canyon
Distance: 5.7km one way to the Ink Pots
Elevation: 330m gain, 140m loss
Easily the most popular hike in Banff, the Johnston Canyon hike takes you along a series of catwalks to see numerous different waterfalls. For a bigger day, continue on after the upper falls to the paint pots.
Hop on the Route 9 Roam bus to Johnston Canyon for an easy way to access the area from Banff.
Cascade Amphitheater
Distance: 7.7km one way
Elevation: 640m gain, 150m loss
The Cascade Amphitheater trail is one of the harder trails on the list. Hike up through the forest to a beautiful natural amphitheater. For those looking for a full day scramble, continue on to Cascade peak.
The trailhead is located at the Mount Norquay Ski Resort, hop on their shuttle when it is operating during the summer months to get to the trail.
Healy Pass
Distance: 8.8km one way
Elevation: 655m gain
A lot of steady elevation gain through the forest will get you up to Healy Pass. The best time to hike this trail is July when the wildflowers are in full bloom or in mid September when the larch trees are golden.
The trailhead is just behind the base lodge of Sunshine Village Resort, hop on their free seasonal shuttle to access the trail.
Getting To Lake Louise Without A Car
Lake Louise gets very busy in the summer, hopping on the Roam Bus is the perfect option to guarantee your spot to this gorgeous area. You’ll need to make a reservation for the 8X route to Lake Louise. Most of the hikes we’ve listed below, start at the Lakeshore, so make sure to get off at this stop in Lake Louise.
Hikes In Lake Louise
There are so many incredible hikes in Lake Louise and there is really something for every ability range and any time frame you have to work with.
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
Distance: 2km one way
Elevation: minimal
Enjoy a leisurely hike along the Lake Louise lakeshore trail. This fairly flat, easy trail, follows the lake shore, offering up some beautiful views of the lake without having to work too hard.
Lake Agnes and The Big Beehive Hike
Distance: 3.4km one way (add 1.6km one way to get to the Big Beehive)
Elevation: 385m gain (add 135m gain to get to the Big Beehive)
One of the most popular hikes in the Lake Louise area is to Lake Agnes, this beautiful spot also has a summer operated tea house, located right on the lake shore. For those looking for bigger views, follow the trail around Lake Agnes and then up the steep switchbacks to the Big Beehive.
Plain Of Six Glaciers trail
Distance: 5.3km one way
Elevation: 365m gain
Another tea house from Lake Louise, take the lakeshore trail and continue on through the valley behind, slowly gaining elevation. You won’t notice because there is so much to look at and take in. Stop at The Plain Of Six Glaciers tea house for a drink and a spot of lunch before going to the glacier viewpoint.
Getting To Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake isn’t open to private cars at all, so everyone has to take a form of public transport. The Roam Bus operates a service during the Fall for larch season from Banff. Outside of this there are a number of great companies operating hiker shuttles to get you in to this stunning area to enjoy the hiking it has to offer.
Hikes At Moraine Lake
There is an abundance of hiking opportunities in the Moraine Lake area, from following the lakeshore trail and heading up to the rockpile for a great view of the lake, to bigger, longer hikes, our favorites are below.
Larch Valley And Sentinel Pass
Distance: 5.8km one way
Elevation: 725m gain to Sentinel Pass
The Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass hike is especially popular in the Fall when the larch trees around the area glow golden yellow. However it is a stunning hike at any point in the summer with incredible mountain views.
Consolation Lakes
Distance: 2.9km one way
Elevation: 65m gain
Fairly easy hiking, following a well worn trail from Moraine Lake to Consolation Lakes is a perfect option for those looking for a hike which takes a few hours and offers beautiful mountain views.
Tower Of Babel Scramble
Distance: 2.9km one way
Elevation: 520m gain
The Tower Of Babel is a scramble with no maintained trail, you fight up a scree slope to reach the top of the tower and enjoy a birds eye view of the Moraine Lake. This is not a hike but a scramble and there is lots of loose rock, make sure to wear a helmet if attempting this one.
Getting To Canmore
Canmore is a slightly larger town than Banff, located around 20 minutes away. There is a regular Roam Bus service which connects the two towns, Route 3. From the downtown stop, it is possible to connect to local routes to access more of town.
Hikes in Canmore
Canmore is home to lots of scramble routes although many aren’t accessible without a car. Below we’ve highlighted our two favorite hikes in the area.
Grassi Lakes
Distance: 2.1km one way
Elevation: 200m gain
The Grassi Lakes trail is popular for good reason. There is a wide trail route and another smaller trail which winds up beside a waterfall before reaching the lakes. The lakes themselves are a stunning colour and there are benches to stop, rest and enjoy the view.
Hop on the summer only Roam Route 12 bus to get direct access to the Grassi Lake trail. It also stops at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Mount Lady Macdonald
Distance: 7.9km one way to site of old teahouse on the shoulder
Elevation: 976m gain
For a leg burner, try out the Mount Lady Macdonald trail, this steep hike, takes you up through the trees and eventually the views open up. For the brave and skilled there is a scramble section to reach the true summit, although most people turn around on the shoulder below.
From downtown Canmore, take the Roam Bus Route 5C for Cougar Creek.
Guided Hike Options
A number of companies offer guided hikes in Banff National Park, they are typically small groups, they pick you up from your hotel and take you to the trailhead before taking you on an incredible hike where you will get to know all about the trail, history, plant and wildlife. This is a perfect option for those who feel unsure of hiking in the mountains or if you are traveling alone. Discover Banff Tours offers a number of these hikes, chose from one of four amazing hike options!
Backpacking Trips Without A Car
If overnight hikes are more your thing, there are a number of options for backpacking trips without a car in Banff. Some of our favorites are below.
Egypt Lake
Distance: 12.4km one way
Backpacking to Egypt Lake is one of the most popular overnight trips in the park. It starts off at Sunshine Village and follows the Healy Creek hike up to Healy Pass, from here the trail descends steeply down to Pharoah Creek, cross the river and a short way up on the bank opposite is the Egypt Lake backcountry campground.
Take the free Sunshine Village shuttle to the resort to backpack to Egypt Lake.
Minnewanka Lakeshore
Backpacking Lake Minnewanka can be a pick your own adventure trip, as there are a number of different backcountry campgrounds which line the lakeshore at different distances. The closest one is around eight kilometres from the trailhead, while the furthest away is over 20 kilometers from the trailhead. Spend one night or more exploring the lake.
In the summer, get to Lake Minnewanka by taking the Route 6 Roam Bus from Banff.
Mystic Lake – Norquay To Johnston Canyon
Spend two nights in the backcountry on this stunning Banff backpacking trip. Start from the Mount Norquay ski resort and follow the trail out to the Mystic Valley or Mystic Pass backcountry campground. The following day head up and over Mystic Pass and down into Larrys Camp backcountry site. The third day head out along the Johnston Canyon trail.
To get to the start of this backcountry hike, take the Mount Norquay shuttle to the ski resort. On the way back get the route 9 Roam Bus from Johnston Canyon back to Banff.
Tips For Getting Public Transit In And Around Banff
- Plan ahead and make reservations
- Carry change, for most routes within the town of Banff, the bus costs $2.
- Know where the bus stops are and make sure to arrive early
- Have a backup plan, some buses are very busy especially in the summer
Where To Stay In Banff
- If you are looking to camp in Banff, both the Tunnel Mountain Campground and the Two Jack Lakeside campgrounds have bus stops incredibly close by. Either of these would be a great option to camp at if you are exploring Banff without a car.
- For a little more luxury while staying in Banff, check out the new Canoe Hotel and Suites at the top end of Banff Avenue.
- Looking for something more centrally located, my go to favorite hotel is the Mount Royal, right in downtown Banff.
