Must-Do Hikes in Jasper and Banff National Parks
- Georgia Ristivojevic
- Sep 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
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.
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. Please 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. Plan your trip with plenty of time to spare, and most importantly, have fun!
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