Best Spring Hikes in Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise

Spring is officially here, and that means the trails are calling! With longer days, warming temps, and waterfalls in full force, it’s time to lace up your boots and hit the best spring hikes in Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. Whether you're after an easy scenic walk, a moderate heart-pumper, or a summit adventure, we've got the perfect hike for you. Plus, we’ve got tips on sunrise and sunset hikes, where to fuel up, and how to relax after your trek.

Spring Hiking Tips:

Park Passes

If you’re visiting both Banff and Kananaskis Country, it’s important to know that these areas require two separate passes. For Banff National Park, you’ll need a National Park Pass, while Kananaskis requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.

Respecting Wildlife & Bear Safety

Spring marks the end of hibernation for bears, so be sure to brush up on bear safety. Always carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and keep a safe distance from all wildlife—never approach or feed them.

Check Trail Conditions

Spring trails can be unpredictable–muddy, icy, or even temporarily closed due to conditions or avalanche maintenance. Before heading out check Parks Canada, Alberta Parks, recent reviews on AllTrails, and the local weather reports.

Gear Recommendations

Be sure to plan for weather of all types, in the spring winter weather can come at any moment. 

• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or trail runners (trails can be muddy/slushy).
• Clothing: Layers, hats, and gloves—mornings are chilly, afternoons warm.
• Essentials: Microspikes (for higher elevations), trekking poles, sun protection, and headlamps.

Spring Hikes in Canmore

Grassi Lakes  

Rating: Easy to Moderate | Out & Back

Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)

Elevation Gain: 233 m (764 ft)

A classic for a reason! This short family-friendly hike leads to stunning turquoise lakes. Opt for the ‘more difficult’ route for better views. 

Trans Canada Trail

Rating: Easy to Moderate | Loop

Distance: Up to 7.6 km (4.1 mi)

Elevation Gain: 286 m (938 ft)

A scenic, multi-use trail that follows the Bow River, offering incredible views of the surrounding peaks and wildlife sightings. 

Grotto Canyon 

Rating: Moderate | Out & Back 

Distance: 7.1 km (4.4 mi)

Elevation Gain: 399 m (1,309 ft)

A unique hike through a narrow-walled canyon with ancient Indigenous pictographs and a small waterfall.

Ha Ling Peak 

Rating: Hard | Out & Back 

Distance: 7.8 km (4.8 mi)

Elevation: 763 m (2,503 ft)

One of the best year-round hikes for an epic summit view of Canmore! It is still snowy in early spring–bring microspikes!

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Best Spring Hikes in Banff National Park

Fenland Trail

Rating: Easy | Out & Back
Distance: Up to 6.8 km (4.2 mi)
Elevation Gain: 180 m (591 ft)
A quiet and scenic trail winding through the forest with excellent views of the Three Sisters and Rundle Range. A great choice for a less-crowded hike.

Stewart Canyon Trail

Rating: Easy to Moderate | Out & Back
Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 mi)Elevation Gain: 70 m (230 ft)A peaceful, family-friendly trail along the shores of Lake Minnewanka leading to a scenic canyon and rushing waters. Great for wildlife spotting.

Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots

Rating: Easy to Moderate | Out & Back
Distance: Up to 11.3 km (7 mi)

Elevation Gain: 563 m (1,847 ft)

A stunning hike past waterfalls and through narrow canyon walls, leading to open meaders with unique mineral pools.

Tunnel Mountain

Rating: Moderate | Out & Back

Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 mi)

Elevation Gain: 262 m (860 ft)

A must-do in Banff! It's a quick, switchback-filled climb with rewarding panoramic views of the Bow Valley. 

Hoodoo Trail

Rating: Moderate | Loop

Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)

Elevation Gain: 316 m (1,037 ft)

A fun, rolling hike with views of Bow River and quirky rock formations known as hoodoos.

Sulphur Mountain

Rating: Hard | Out & Back
Distance: 10.8 km (6.7 mi)Elevation Gain: 755 m (2,477 ft)A long switchback climb up to Banff’s best panoramic views. Take the gondola down for an easier descent!

Best Spring Hikes within Lake Louise

Lake Louise Lakeshore

Rating: Easy | Out & Back
Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)

Elevation Gain: 99 m (325 ft)

Enjoy this easy and flat trail alongside the turquoise hues of Lake Louise, enjoy views of the Victoria Glacier.

Fairview Lookout

Rating: Moderate | Out & Back
Distance: 2.3 km (1.4 mi)

Elevation Gain: 156 m (512 ft)
A well-defined trail that offers a great view point of Lake Louise. 

Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail (Opens June 1st)

Rating: Easy | Out & BackDistance: 3 km (1.9 mi)Elevation Gain: Minimal (about 32 m / 105 ft)A must-do in Lake Louise, this gentle trail follows the shores of the famous Moraine Lake, offering incredible reflections of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Peyto Lake Panorama View

Rating: Moderate | Loop
Distance: 2.4 km (1.5 mi)
Elevation Gain: 93 M (305 ft)

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Peyto Lake.

Where to Catch a Sunrise or Sunset?

There’s nothing quite like watching the mountains wake up–or wind down. For sunrise we recommend Ha Ling Peak or Tunnel Mountain. For sunset, head to Fairview Lookout in Lake Louise or the Hoodoo Trail for those Golden hour hues. Be sure to bring a headlamp for both sunrise and sunset!

Après-Hike

After a full day on the trail, there’s something incredibly rewarding about transitioning from boots to a hot soak or a well-crafted cocktail.

Gather at Rhythm & Howl

Check out Rhythm & Howl for a relaxed and inviting happy hour. Enjoy locally inspired small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and a carefully curated wine list—ideal for unwinding after a day in the mountains.

Unwind at Basecamp Resorts

Ease into the evening with a stay at MTN House by Basecamp or one of our other properties in Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. Whether you’re soaking in one of our outdoor hot tubs or stretching out in a thoughtfully designed suite, it’s the perfect way to restore and recharge for tomorrow’s adventure.

Spring hiking in Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise is all about chasing waterfalls, catching snow-capped peaks, and soaking up the changing seasons. Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or an all-day adventure, these trails deliver stunning views and fresh mountain air. Just remember—spring trails can be unpredictable, so check conditions, gear up properly, and always be bear-aware. And if you’re looking to make the most of spring, grab your crew, load up the car, and hit the trails. Don’t forget to book your stay at one of Basecamp Resorts Properties before May 15th, 2025 to save 20% with code SPRING20!

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