Come October, Banff National Park transforms into a winter wonderland. It remains draped in a layer of ice till the end of April. If you wish to enjoy winter in its full glory, then winter months is the time to visit Banff. Today we have collated a list of easy banff hikes that can help you enjoy nature from up close:
Easy Banff hikes you can do in winters…
Marsh Loop
Want to observe the vibrant nature along the Bow River while hiking through marked walkways? Try out the 2.8 km Marsh Loop. It starts from the Cave and Basin National Historic Site parking lot. You can complete this hike within 1 hour, and it offers an elevation gain of 80 meters. There are multiple informative hoardings along the way guiding tourists on local birds and fauna. If you are traveling with children and other family members with limited mobility, then the Marsh Loop hike can be a fulfilling choice. Prepare to be mesmerized by the views of Cascade Mountain and Sundance Range as you proceed ahead.
Fenland Trail
Fenland Trail provides an excellent opportunity for taking a nature walk with added possibilities of spotting an elk along the way. The 2.1 km loop starts from the Fenland Trail parking lot and can be easily completed within 30 minutes. You will pass through lush forest with an elevation gain of 55 meters along the way. The trail becomes pretty icy during winter months, and it’s recommended to wear micro spikes for better grip. There are multiple interpretive signs along the flat terrain, making it ideal for novice hikers and ones with kids.
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
While the summer provides a paved path for hiking, winter months at the Peyto Lake viewpoint will take you through snow-covered terrain. It offers an excellent uphill walk experience with an elevation gain of 70 meters. You can complete this 1.3 km loop within 30 minutes. On reaching the viewpoint, you will be treated to beautiful views of a wolf- or fox-shaped lake. Peyto Lake offers excellent photography opportunities especially during sunset.
Tunnel Mountain Hoodoos Trail
Want to experience the excellent geological features of Banff? Head out to the Hoodoos Trail starting at the Douglas Fir Resort parking lot. The trail will take you through beautiful viewpoints like Tunnel Mountain, Bow Valley, and Mount Rundle. Further, for a slightly longer walk, you can start out at the Surprise Corner viewpoint. You can enjoy dramatic views of eroded rock spires at this 5.8 km trail. The trail has an elevation gain of 250 meters, making it perfect for both beginners and families. Moreover, you can complete the hike in less than 2 hours, even on snow-covered terrain.
Lake Louise Lakeshore
The 2 km loop will take you around the frozen edge of the pristine alpine lake. You can enjoy postcard-like views of the Victoria Glacier on this ultra-easy stroll. This is one of easiest Banff hikes with minimal elevation gain can be completed in just one hour. If you travel till the end of the lake, then you can enjoy views of Lake Louise Falls, where you will spot multiple ice climbers. Some trails proceed from here towards the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. However, these trails mostly fall under avalanche territory and should be avoided during winter months except with proper avalanche gear and training.
Fairview Lookout
The 2.4km Fairview Lookout trail is one of the short and sweet banff hikes offering excellent views of Lake Louise. It can help you bask in the beauty of nature sans the heavy traffic at Lake Louise lakeshore. Visitors can also enjoy views of the Chateau Lake Louise Hotel from the lookout platform. Make sure to layer heavily and wear snowshoes or micro spikes for an easy hiking experience.
The 1-hour-long hike with an elevation gain of 165 meters rewards hikers with stunning views of the frozen lake. The trail starts from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and takes you through lush forest before reaching an open viewpoint platform. You will find interpretative signs along the path to help you make the most of the Rocky Mountain escape.
Johnson Lake Trail
You can enjoy mountain scenery by taking a stroll around the beautiful Johnson Lake. Hikers tackle this straightforward trail, gaining 60 meters of elevation, in just one hour. Also, due to close proximity to Banff town and offers excellent morning and evening walk opportunities. The trail will take you through dense forest with the Cascade Mountains looming high above. Johnson Lake freezes during winter, offering an excellent ice skating opportunity. The 3.1 km hike will take you through snow-covered paths. Both casual hikers and those travelling with family can opt for the Johnson Lake Trail given its closeness to the Banff town site.
Also, check out 10 awesome things to do in Jasper in winters.
