Must-Do Hikes in Jasper and Banff National Parks
- Georgia Ristivojevic
- Sep 26, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Banff and Jasper National Parks are a top destination for nature lovers and enthusiasts alike. From stunning glacial lakes and thunderous waterfalls to lush boreal forests and the striking high alpine, each park is vast and has so much on offer.
Plan your next trip to the Canadian Rockies with these must-do hikes in Jasper and Banff National Parks, and tick off as many bucket list views as you can.
Must-Do Hikes in Jasper National Park
A good hike to ease into is the Sunwapta Falls hike. A shorter route, at approximately 3km long, offers multiple vantage points to admire the mighty Sunwapta Falls.
The trail takes hikers alongside the falls from the top to the bottom. Terrain varies but is a low incline, making it a nice and easy sightseeing stroll. The trailhead is about 45-minutes by car from the town of Jasper, making it an easy morning or afternoon trip.
The Wilcox Viewpoint hike is one of the most spectacular hiking routes in Jasper National Park (in my humble opinion). See the incredible Athabasca Glacier front and centre on this moderate hike.
Skip the Ice Explorer Expedition and do this instead, you'll feel like you've earnt the view and it's totally free!
This is a moderate hike with some steeper incline but nothing a regular person with moderate fitness can't conquer. The hike is approximately four hours in and out.
Follow the steps of the early settlers in Jasper National Park along the Overlander Trail. This 15.5km hike takes you through alpine meadows, dense forests and alongside the mighty Athabasca River on the way to the town of Jasper.
This is a good option for intermediate hikers who can handle long distances but don't want a lot of incline on their travels. The trail begins a 20-minute drive away from town at Morrow Peak and ends at Sixth Bridge approximately 8km from town.
Saturday Night Lake is a hike which may not be as well-known as other hikes in the area, but that's what makes it special! Avoid the crowds and get some fantastic views down the Icefields Parkway from the Pyramid Bench!
This hike is easily accessible from town and has a campground for those wanting to make it into an overnight adventure. It's a moderate/difficult hike around 7km each way but well worth the trek.
The Tonquin Valley is likely on most adventurers bucket lists when they visit Jasper. This area is incredibly remote and untouched, giving a glimpse into the mountains like nowhere else.
I recently attempted to hike to Amythest Lake which is well into the valley, but only made it to Portal Creek campground due to weather. This area is very unforgiving, which is what makes it so exhilerating at the same time!
For those looking for a challenge, you can try the 8km trek (one-way) to Portal Creek campground. See stunning vistas, hike along mountain ridges and enjoy the wilderness but be sure to prepare! This is one of the more difficult hikes in the park.
Must-Do Hikes in Banff National Park
Skip the crowds of Lake Louise and see the best view from the Big Beehive. Whilst a more difficult hike with elevation, this hike whisks you away from the big crowds at the lake shore and takes you to the hidden gem of Lake Agnes and the secluded tea house on the way up.
The hike starts off with a gradual incline up to Lake Agnes and past a spectacular waterfall, before progressing into some intense switchbacks up the Beehive. The best times to conquer this hike are early morning or late afternoon to avoid the big crowds and intense heat of a summer's day, plus you'll find being able to get a parking space easier!
Note: parking at Lake Louise is expensive, from $37 for the day. Save some money by getting a Parks Canada shuttle from the Park n Ride near the Lake Louise Ski Resort instead.
An honourable mention goes to Mosquito Creek, another great hike to enjoy, that has less elevation and a reasonably flat path into the valley. See the vast mountain landscape and wilderness from the valley floor here.
The trailhead for this hike is about 20-minutes up the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise and across from the Mosquito Creek HI Wilderness Hostel. Parking may be limited so plan accordingly.
Author's Note
When hiking in the Canadian Rockies, always be prepared with appropriate gear and supplies, including bear spray! This can be purchased at most supermarkets, gas stations and pharmacies. Do not travel without it.
Ensure that you have plenty of food and water to last the duration of your journey and plan for no phone signal. Make sure you have adequate navigational skills and equipment, and plan your trip with plenty of time to spare. Most importantly, have fun!
These are some of the must-see hikes in Jasper and Banff National Parks. Plan your trip to Jasper and Canada’s Rocky Mountains with The Departure Desk - where every trip takes off.
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