Banff – Canada

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Canada, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Calgary. It’s well connected to Europe and the Americas, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. The meeting point, where we will start our journey to the mountains is in the city centre. The transfer will leave at 3pm and takes around 1,5 hours. If you arrive before this time there are several luggage storage places so you can use the time to explore Calgary. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in the town of Canmore, surrounded by mountains and national parks. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of Canada’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Click for Route Map :  12 km  4–5 h  ~600 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

A classic hike near Barrier Lake, the Prairie View Lookout Trail offers some of the best panoramic views in Kananaskis, just a short drive from Banff.

The trail begins at the Barrier Lake parking area and climbs steadily through mixed forest with occasional glimpses of the turquoise lake below. As you ascend, the trees thin out and the views open dramatically toward Mount Baldy, Yamnuska, and the Bow Valley. The main lookout sits atop a rocky bluff with wide, open vistas — a perfect spot for lunch or photos.

For those wanting a bit more challenge, the route can be extended to the Barrier Lake Fire Lookout, adding an extra climb and even broader views across the front ranges. The descent follows the same route, with sunlight often glinting off the lake below. It’s a rewarding half-day hike that combines forest, ridge, and big-mountain scenery in one balanced outing.

Click for Route Map :  15 km  5–6 h  ~475 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The Burstall Pass Trail is a Kananaskis classic, leading through forest and meadows to a broad mountain pass with panoramic views of the Spray Valley and the towering peaks of the Continental Divide.

Starting from the Burstall Pass trailhead near the Smith-Dorrien Highway, the route begins gently on an old fire road through dense forest before opening into a wide valley crossed by shallow streams and wetlands. This middle section can be a little wet underfoot, but the scenery — with Mount Sir Douglas and Robertson Glacier rising ahead — is spectacular.

Beyond the flats, the trail climbs steadily through subalpine forest and wildflower meadows to the open expanse of Burstall Pass. From the top, the view stretches into British Columbia and across a sea of rugged summits. It’s a perfect balance of effort and reward, with big alpine scenery, varied terrain, and that unmistakable feeling of standing high in the Rockies.

Click for Route Map :  20 km  6–8 h  ~800 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

The Iceline Trail is one of the great day hikes of the Canadian Rockies, offering an unforgettable mix of glaciers, waterfalls, and high alpine views. Starting from the Takakkaw Falls trailhead, the route climbs steeply through forest before breaking above the treeline, where the scenery opens dramatically across the Yoho Valley.

Once on the Iceline, the trail traverses a barren, glacial landscape beneath the Emerald and Daly glaciers, with sweeping views of Takakkaw Falls plunging from the cliffs below. Every turn reveals another striking vista — turquoise lakes, sharp peaks, and endless layers of ice and rock.

Many hikers complete the classic Iceline Loop, which descends through alpine meadows and past Laughing Falls before returning to the starting point. It’s a demanding day out, but the combination of rugged terrain, glaciers within arm’s reach, and the constant backdrop of Yoho’s peaks makes it one of the most rewarding hikes in the Rockies.

On a rest day in Banff, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the mountains at an easier pace. You could wander through the town’s shops and galleries, visit the Whyte Museum, or relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs with views of Mount Rundle. For something scenic, take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain or drive the Bow Valley Parkway for wildlife sightings and photo stops. Canoeing on the Bow River or Lake Louise is a peaceful way to stay close to nature, while local cafés and restaurants make for a cozy afternoon in town. Whether you’re after culture, relaxation, or gentle exploration, Banff has plenty to fill a free day without lacing up your boots.

Click for Route Map : 11 km  5–6 h  ~725 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

One of the most iconic hikes in the Canadian Rockies, the Sentinel Pass Trail takes you through the breathtaking Valley of the Ten Peaks, surrounded by towering summits and turquoise lakes.

Starting from the Moraine Lake trailhead, the route climbs steadily through larch forest to Larch Valley, a golden wonderland in autumn. The trail then ascends more steeply on switchbacks toward Sentinel Pass, tucked between Mount Temple and Pinnacle Mountain. The final section opens to sweeping alpine views, with Ten Peaks rising dramatically above Moraine Lake on one side and Paradise Valley stretching out on the other.

The pass itself feels wild and otherworldly, a high saddle framed by rock spires and glacier-streaked slopes. After soaking in the views, return the same way, passing through meadows often dotted with marmots and wildflowers. This is Banff at its best — big scenery, crisp mountain air, and a sense of scale that stays with you long after the hike ends.

Click for Route Map : 16 km  5–6 h  ~400 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

One of Banff’s most celebrated hikes, the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail offers a stunning mix of alpine scenery, history, and glacier views, all starting right from the shore of Lake Louise.

The trail follows the lake’s edge before gradually climbing through forest and into the upper valley, where the crowds thin and the scale of the surrounding peaks becomes immense. Along the way, you’ll pass beneath Mount Lefroy and Mount Victoria, with hanging glaciers spilling from their cliffs. The trail ends near the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, a rustic alpine stop serving tea and fresh-baked treats since the 1920s.

Those with extra energy can continue a short distance beyond the teahouse to the viewpoint overlooking the Victoria Glacier and the seracs of Mount Lefroy — one of the most dramatic vistas in the Rockies. The return along the same trail offers new perspectives of Lake Louise glowing below, framed by soaring cliffs and ice.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of Banff, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you back to Calgary.

If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave Banff behind, you’ll take with you memories of dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and unforgettable adventures in one of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!