Best fall hikes in Banff for every kind of explorer
4 Minute Read
Banff National Park is a world-class hiking destination for travellers across Canada and abroad. The jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains cut a formidable line across the sky, and lush forests conceal crystalline glacier-fed lakes. In the fall, the landscape becomes a riot of colour, with yellows and oranges complementing the white snow, blue water and stony grey mountaintops.
Hiking in Banff is gorgeous year-round, but especially in autumn. Banff is home to distinctive larch trees, which change colour and drop their needles from September to early October. Trails also tend to be less crowded, so you won’t have to deal with as many tourists on your trip.
No matter what time of year, it’s important to stay safe on the trail, so do your research and be prepared before you go.
If you’re ready to hit the trailhead, here are the best fall hikes in Banff National Park.
Lake Louise Lakeshore
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.6 kilometres round trip (1 hour)
Lake Louise is one of Banff’s most famous vistas. The view is surreal, with glimmering turquoise water in the cradle of enormous snow-capped mountains lined with yellow larch trees in the fall. The Lakeshore walk is ideal for those who want to drink in its beauty but aren’t looking for anything strenuous. The trail has minimal elevation, and the trip only takes about an hour.
Rock Isle Road
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.3 kilometres round trip (1 to 2 hours)
Rock Isle Road trail is part of the Sunshine Meadows loop, a collection of popular trails located near one of Banff’s most famous ski resorts. The scenic gondola ride is just the start of your journey, taking you to the trailhead. You’ll walk through marshy landscapes, rocky lakeshores and yellow trees, spotting unique alpine flowers that have gone to seed as you walk. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and bears, as they frequent the area.
Twin Lakes (Lower Twin Lake)
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Length: 16 kilometres round trip (6 to 7 hours)
The Twin Lakes trail is a day trip for the intrepid explorer, taking you through Vista Lake, Arnica Lake and the Gibbon Pass. It’s a lesser-known larch autumn trail, but it won’t disappoint. You’ll climb among the vibrant larch trees to reach the lakes along the path before eventually reaching the pass in all its golden glory. Remember to bring the right gear, as you’ll be hiking all day.
Larch Valley
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 9 kilometres round trip (3.5 to 4 hours)
Larch Valley is one of Banff’s most famous fall hikes, for good reason. Named for the park’s colour-changing pines, this trail is a panorama of golden treetops. Their bright colours will reflect in the clear bodies of water along the path, creating a picture-perfect moment.
Book a shuttle before you depart, as the trail branches off from Moraine Lake, whose parking lot is now closed to private vehicles.
Lake Agnes
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7.8 kilometres round trip (2.5 to 3 hours)
The trees along the Lake Agnes trail will be in full technicolour glory in the fall, taking you from the shore of Lake Louise to a historic log cabin in the forest. The hike passes Mirror Lake, a small blue body of water with striking views of the Big Beehive rock formation. You’ll journey on, eventually reaching Lake Agnes, with water so clear it looks like glass. Once you arrive, reward yourself with a treat at the tea house!
Healy Pass
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 17.6 kilometres round trip (6 to 7 hours)
As with most Banff hikes, Healy Pass begins with an uphill climb. Although the elevation gain is gradual, don’t be discouraged if this part of the trail starts to feel long—a stunning golden meadow awaits at the top. The larches will frame your view of the surrounding mountain range, and even the alpine grasses will turn a beautiful shade of burnt orange along your path.
Saddleback Pass
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 7.2 kilometres round trip (3 to 4 hours)
Departing from Lake Louise, the Saddleback’s panoramic sights are even more beautiful in autumn. Named for the unique U-shape of the mountain, the trip is uphill most of the way. As you climb, look up to see the bright larches along Saddle Mountain, then keep trekking for a gorgeous forest of yellow trees along Mount Temple and Paradise Valley. Dramatic cliffs surround the winding trail, making this an experience you won’t soon forget.
Hike safely with CAA
Most Ontarians assume that their OHIP card covers them when they travel within the country, but that’s often not the case.
If you get injured on your trip to Banff, CAA Travel Insurance will spare you the stress and financial strain, because planning your trip shouldn’t feel like climbing a mountain.
CAA Travel Insurance offers Canadians comprehensive traveller’s insurance options that go beyond the benefits offered through other group plans or credit card plans. You can visit a CAA Store, call 1-800-705-1803 or get a quote online. CAA Members save up to 20%* on policies.
CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-705-1803. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.
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