Trail conditions
Banff National Park
Important information
Be extra cautious when engaging in any activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
CAUTION! Avalanche danger
You are responsible for your own safety. Check the Avalanche Bulletin for the latest conditions.
Vehicle parking is limited to designated areas only. Roadside parking is prohibited. Signage and monitoring will be used throughout the park to inform the public of parking restrictions and encourage compliance.
Dogs are allowed on all trails in the summer unless otherwise specified in trail restrictions and closures. Refer to the information below to find out about any special restrictions. Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times. Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times.
Wildlife and you
When you see wildlife, give them space for your safety and their survival. If you’re out on the trails, travel in tight groups of 4 or more, stay alert, make noise, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Closures and restrictions
For a complete list of ongoing closures and restrictions, please visit our Important Bulletins page.
For more information, please contact us:
Banff: 403-762-1550
Lake Louise: 403-522-3833
Share your trail pictures
Have you been hiking in the last few days? Share a few pictures with us as well as your impressions. This will help us keep this report accurate for other hikers.
Town of Banff Area
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Trail | Variable conditions. | 30-04-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail | Spring conditions. | 01-05-2024: Wet and muddy sections; Slushy sections ; Fresh snow; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
 Easy |
Banff Legacy Trail: Banff–Banff East Gate | Fair. | 30-04-2024: Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Banff Legacy Trail: Vermilion Lakes–Bow Valley Parkway | Poor. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Fresh snow; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Marsh Loop | Variable conditions. | 30-04-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Fenland Loop | Variable conditions. | 30-04-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sundance Canyon Trail | Variable conditions. | 30-04-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River East Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River West Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Healy Creek Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Slushy sections ; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Westside Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Cleats recommended; Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Tunnel Campground Loop | Spring conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail | Spring conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Bench Loop: Coastline Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Watch for ticks; Fresh snow; Studded tires recommended; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Bench Loop: Teddy Bear's Picnic Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Watch for ticks; Fresh snow; Studded tires recommended; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Bench Loop: The Spine Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Watch for ticks; Fresh snow; Studded tires recommended; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Technical Trails: Return of the Jedi Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Watch for ticks; Fresh snow; Studded tires recommended; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Technical Trails: Star Wars Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Watch for ticks; Fresh snow; Studded tires recommended; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Goat Creek Trail | Spring conditions | 01-05-2024: Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Cascade Amphitheatre Trail | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Upper Stoney Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Wet and muddy sections; Icy sections; Fresh snow over compact snow ; Cleats recommended; Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; | Trail details |
 Difficult |
Topp Notch Trail | Variable conditions. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Snow covered sections; Wet and muddy sections; Studded tires recommended; Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; | Trail details |
Lake Minnewanka Area
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate |
C-Level Cirque Trail | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Stewart Canyon Trail | Variable conditions. | 30-04-2024: Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Ponds Loop | Spring conditions. | 01-05-2024: Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Slushy sections ; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | |
| Easy |
Johnson Lake Loop | Spring conditions. | 30-04-2024: Wet and muddy sections; Fresh snow; Slushy sections ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lake Minnewanka Trail: Stewart Canyon–Aylmer Pass Junction | Spring conditions. | 01-05-2024: Wet and muddy sections; Deadfall on trail; Watch for ticks; Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lake Minnewanka Trail: Aylmer Pass Junction–Devil's Gap | Spring conditions. | 01-05-2024: Wet and muddy sections; Deadfall on trail; Watch for ticks; Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Aylmer Lookout Trail | Variable conditions. | 30-04-2024: Deadfall on trail; Slippery sections; Cleats recommended; Icy sections; Fresh snow; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Aylmer Pass Trail | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow at high elevation ; Deadfall on trail; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
Bow Valley/Castle Junction Area
From May 1 to June 25, and August 30 to September 30, the Bow Valley Parkway Cycling Experience restricts public vehicles on the parkway's 17 km eastern end, from the TransCanada-Highway junction to Johnston Canyon. Vehicle access to the popular Johnston Canyon Trail and campground will remain open during the pilot via Castle Junction (the intersection of Highway 93 and the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), and the west end of the Bow Valley Parkway. Visit parks.canada.ca/banff-bow-valley-parkway for more information.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Johnston Canyon Trail | Variable conditions. | 30-04-2024: Wet and muddy sections; Icy sections; Fresh snow; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Ink Pots Trail | Variable conditions. | 30-04-2024: Wet and muddy sections; Icy sections; Fresh snow; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Boom Lake Trail | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow covered; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Healy Pass Trail | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow covered; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Bourgeau Lake Trail: Trailhead–Bourgeau Lake | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow covered; Snowbound at higher elevation; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Bourgeau Lake Trail: Bourgeau Lake–Harvey Pass | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow covered; Snowbound at higher elevation; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Redearth Creek Trail | Not recommended. | 01-05-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow covered; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Rockbound Lake Trail | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow covered; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Castle Lookout Trail | Caution. | 01-05-2024: Icy sections; Slippery sections; Deadfall on trail; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Vista Lake / Arnica Lake / Twin Lakes Trail: Trailhead–Vista Lake | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow covered; Snowbound at higher elevation; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Vista Lake / Arnica Lake / Twin Lakes Trail: Vista Lake–Arnica Lake | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow covered; Snowbound at higher elevation; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Vista Lake / Arnica Lake / Twin Lakes Trail: Arnica Lake–Twin Lakes | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; Snow covered; Snowbound at higher elevation; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Cory Pass Loop | Not recommended. | 30-04-2024: Potential stream crossings; Parking lot closed.; Avalanche terrain; Fresh snow; | Trail details |
Lake Louise Area
Snow covering all trails. Depth of snow varies with trail aspect and elevation. Hazards such as treefall, slippery sections, difficult route-finding and avalanche exposure are all possible due to snow coverage.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate |
Tramline Trail | Caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Icy sections; Slushy sections ; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Taylor Lake Trail | Caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Icy sections; Cleats recommended; Avalanche danger beyond reaching the lake; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Bow River Loop | Caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Icy sections; Slushy sections ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Louise Creek Trail | Caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Icy sections; Slushy sections ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Fairview Lookout Trail | Caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Icy sections; Slushy sections ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Great Divide Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 01-05-2024: Slushy sections ; Snow covered; Tracksetting has ended for the season; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
"Highline" trail to Paradise Creek | Caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Icy sections; Slushy sections ; | |
| Moderate |
Lake Agnes Trail | Avalanche risk, use caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Cleats recommended; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Ross Lake Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Big Beehive Trail | Hazardous conditions. | 26-04-2024: Avalanche danger; Snowbound; Not recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Little Beehive Trail | Hazardous conditions. | 26-04-2024: Avalanche danger; Snowbound; Not recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Mirror Lake Highline Trail | Avalanche risk, use caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Cleats recommended; Avalanche terrain; | |
| Moderate |
Big Beehive to Plain of Six Glaciers Trail | Hazardous conditions. | 26-04-2024: Avalanche danger; Snowbound; Not recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail | Hazardous conditions. | 26-04-2024: Avalanche danger; Snowbound; Not recommended; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Fairview Mountain Trail | Hazardous conditions. | 26-04-2024: Avalanche danger; Snowbound; Not recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Saddleback Trail | Hazardous conditions. | 26-04-2024: Avalanche danger; Snowbound; Not recommended; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Sheol/Paradise Connector Trail | Hazardous conditions. | 26-04-2024: Avalanche danger; Snowbound; Not recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Pipestone Trail | Caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Icy sections; Slushy sections ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail | Caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Icy sections; Slushy sections ; | Trail details |
Paradise Valley Area
Moraine Lake road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Shuttle services to Moraine lake begin June 1st. See reservation.pc.gc.ca for Parks Canada shuttle bookings. Snowy conditions on all trails.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate |
Lake Annette Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Sentinel Pass - Paradise Valley Connector Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Paradise Valley and Giant Steps Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
Moraine Lake Area
Moraine Lake road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Shuttle services to Moraine lake begin June 1st. See reservation.pc.gc.ca for Parks Canada shuttle bookings. Snowy conditions on all trails.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Consolation Lakes Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Rockpile Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Moraine Lake Highline Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Moraine Lakeshore Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Eiffel Lake Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Larch Valley/Minnestimma Lakes Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Sentinel Pass Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Wenkchemna Pass Trail | Road access closed | 26-04-2024: Avalanche terrain; No vehicle access; Not recommended; Snowbound; | Trail details |
Icefields Parkway Area
Snow covering all trails. Depth of snow varies with trail aspect and elevation. Hazards such as treefall, slippery sections, difficult route-finding and avalanche exposure are all possible due to snow coverage.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate |
Mosquito Creek Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Sections of deep snow; | |
| Difficult |
Molar Pass Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
North Molar Pass Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Helen Lake Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Dolomite Pass Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Bow Glacier Falls Trail | Safety hazards | 27-10-2023: Not recommended; Snow covered; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail | Caution. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Slippery sections; Sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Bow Summit Lookout Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Chephren Lake Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Sections of deep snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Cirque Lake Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snow covered; Sections of deep snow; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Glacier Lake Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 25-10-2023: Snow covered; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Mistaya Canyon Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 25-10-2023: Snow covered; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Sarbach Lookout Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sunset Lookout Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sunset Pass Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Nigel Pass Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Parker Ridge Trail | Not recommended. | 26-04-2024: Snowbound; Avalanche terrain; | Trail details |
- Date modified :