backpacking trails in Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a stunning natural wilderness in the heart of some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada. You’ll find classic Rocky Mountain landscapes, with soaring, snow-clad peaks, craggy ridges, expansive wildflower meadows and lush forest. Wherever you go, you can be sure that backpacking in Banff will produce jaw-dropping views and wild nature.

Backpacking in Banff National Park is an excellent way to get up close to some of Canada’s magnificent wildlife. The park is home to grizzly bears, black bears, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and whistling marmots. Exploring these wilderness trails is an excellent way to get away from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. This is the perfect place to introduce younger kids to the joys of backpacking, or to take a trip with friends and loved ones. If you’re a first-timer, a backpacking trip will help you relax, unwind, and breathe fresh mountain air, and Banff National Park is the ideal place to start.

There’s never been a better time to start exploring this magnificent, wild country! To inspire your wanderlust, we’ve put together a list of the best backpacking trails in Banff National Park, with plenty of top tips on how to make your backpacking trip a success.

Types of Backpacking Trails In Banff National Park

There are so many types of backpacking trails in Banff National Park you’ll be spoiled for choice! If you’re a novice backpacker, you’ll find Banff is well equipped with moderate, well-marked trails and excellent campgrounds, so it’s a good opportunity to develop your backpacking skills. In addition, many of the trails listed here can be customized to make them slightly easier, so if you’re worried about your fitness or stamina, it’s usually possible to slow the pace and switch in an extra night of camping to make the trail less strenuous. On the other hand, Banff is a dream destination for adventurous hikers. You’ll find some demanding trails over spectacular, diverse terrain, and plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and get out into the wild backcountry. There is a reason why backpacking in Banff is such a popular activity, as this beautiful place has something for everyone!

Easy Backpacking Trails In Banff National Park

Lake Minnewanka Backpacking Trip: The Lake Minnewanka backpacking trail is a relatively easy route and a good option for novice hikers as it’s possible to customize the route according to your fitness. You’ll pass along the serene shores of Lake Minnewanka, navigate the Stewart Canyon, and head up to Aylmer Lookout, where you’ll enjoy some remarkable Rocky Mountain views. This is a classic trip and one of the best easy backpacking trails in Banff National Park.

Family Backpacking Trails In Banff National Park

Glacier Lake Backpacking Trail: Looking for an easy backpacking trail, suitable for the whole family? The trip out to Glacier Lake can be tackled early in the season and is a good option if you’re seeking family backpacking trails in Banff National Park. The trail is gently undulating, so it’s not too much of a challenge, but you’ll soon be plunged into some spectacular backcountry next to one of the largest lakes in Banff.

Challenging Backpacking Trails In Banff National Park

Devon Lakes Backpacking Trail: Looking for a challenging trek in the heart of the Banff wilderness? The trail to the remote Devon Lakes is one of the best challenging backpacking trails in Banff National Park, passing high above the tree line for some truly incredible views. The lakes themselves are stunning, and can be reached in a day hike from the Fish Lake Campground.

Best Backpacking Trails In Banff National Park

Sunshine to Assiniboine Backpacking Trail: The jaw-dropping route from Sunshine to Assiniboine Provincial Park is a bucket-list backpacking trip, and one that will provide plenty of thrills over the 3-5 days it takes to complete the trail. You’ll traverse Citadel Pass before dropping down to Assiniboine Provincial Park, which you can use as a base to explore some of the most exquisite scenery in Banff.

Baker Lake and the Skoki Region Backpacking Trail: The region around Lake Louise boasts a wide range of fantastic backpacking trails, and this route is no exception. You’ll hike to the lovely Baker Lake, which can be used as a base from which to explore the Skoki Lakes, Fossil Mountain or Merlin Lake. It’s also possible to extend the trip to include Skoki Lodge, a charming traditional wooden lodge in a spectacularly beautiful setting.

Gibbon, Whistling and Healy Pass Backpacking Trail: This incredible trek will take you through some classic Rocky Mountain scenery, and is one of the best backpacking trails in Banff National Park. The route passes through wildflower meadows, with views over imposing mountains, serene lakes and high glaciers. Take your time and enjoy the majestic landscapes unfolding before your eyes.

Egypt Lake Backpacking Trail: To get to Egypt Lake you’ll need to traverse the stunning Healy Pass, a hike that is sure to take your breath away. The scenery on this classic Banff backpacking trail just keeps getting better and better, with lush wildflower meadows, and lovely views at Egypt Lake. One you’ve arrived at the lake, it’s possible to take in some of the best hikes in Banff, including Whistling Pass, as a day hike from the campground.

When Is The Best Time To Go Backpacking In Banff National Park?

The backpacking season in Banff National Park is very short, and like other Rocky Mountain destinations, extends from July to mid-September. Many of the high elevation trails are covered in snow until early July, and by mid-September the temperatures are dropping, meaning you’ll be cold if you’re camping out in the backcountry. Otherwise, September is a lovely time to visit, when the larch forests are showing off their autumn colors, and the trails and campgrounds should be relatively quiet.

July and August are the most popular times to go backpacking in Banff National Park, and if you’re planning a trip in the peak of summer, you’ll need to book ahead to secure your place in the campgrounds and on the shuttle buses. It’s also important to check restrictions, as some trails may be closed in July to protect the grizzly bear population. If you’re camping in July you may also be plagued with mosquitos in some areas, so make sure to come prepared with plenty of repellent!

Other Outdoor Activities In Banff National Park

The Canadian Rockies are a paradise for adventure sports, and in addition to backpacking, you’ll find a plethora of other outdoor activities in Banff National Park. Hiking is the main draw here, with countless trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels, from family-friendly lakeside strolls to dramatic ridge walks. The craggy peaks of the Rockies are a good place to try your hand at a little scrambling, an exhilarating way to experience the mountains. In recent years, road biking has also become increasingly popular, and many people see this as one of the best ways to see as much as possible of Banff’s diverse scenery if you’re short on time. In winter, Banff National Park is transformed into one of the best winter sports regions in the Rockies, with opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, in addition to the standard skiing and snowboarding runs.

How To Plan A Trip To Banff National Park

Thinking of planning a trip to Banff? To make sure your trek goes without a hitch, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to backpacking in Banff National Park. We’ve listed the best backcountry campgrounds, made recommendations for all of our favorite backpacking trails, and put together all the important information you’ll need to know before you set out.

Need a bit of guidance while out backpacking in Banff? The 10Adventures trail app is a great resource to have on hand when you are out exploring the wilderness. Safely and easily navigate countless trails offline and track the stats of your hike, bike, or snowshoeing adventure by using the 10Adventures app. We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to – all you need to do is start dreaming of your next adventure!

Frequently-Asked-Questions About Backpacking in Banff National Park

Do you need a permit to hike in Banff?
You won’t need a permit to hike most trails in Banff National Park, but if you’re planning on spending the night in the backcountry, you’ll need to buy a permit in advance. Bookings can be made online on the Parks Canada website, and a backcountry camping permit costs $10.02 per person, per night. Groups are limited to 10 people, and you may only stay three consecutive nights in the same campground.

Can you camp anywhere in Banff National Park?
Banff National Park is a protected area, and as such, backcountry camping is only permitted with a permit, and in designated campgrounds. There are over 50 backcountry campgrounds in Banff National Park, and all the details can be found on the Parks Canada website.

Do you need bear spray in Banff?
Banff supports a healthy grizzly bear population, and although encounters with humans are rare, it’s important to take precautions when you’re camping in the backcountry. Campgrounds should offer secure storage to prevent bears from accessing food, often in the form of a bear cache or a bear pole. Make sure to seek advice from park rangers before you visit, and come prepared in case you do encounter wildlife.

Are campfires allowed in Banff National Park?
Some backcountry campgrounds do allow fires in designated fire pits. They must never be left unattended and kept reasonably small. However, some campgrounds do not allow fires, and you must never light fires outside of the designated areas, so come prepared with a camping stove, just in case.