My Top 3 Favourite Hikes in Jasper and Banff National Parks
- Georgia Ristivojevic
- Sep 27
- 2 min read
Banff and Jasper National Parks are vast and cover plenty of square mileage with plenty to do and see. It would be easy to spend weeks exploring all the different trails and sights! But, if you only have a short amount of time, here are three hikes I really enjoy in Jasper and Banff.
Lets start with an easier hike. The Sunwapta Falls hike is a short route, offering multiple vantage points to admire the mighty Sunwapta Falls. The route is approximately 3km long and takes you alongside the falls from the top to the bottom of the falls. There is varying terrain but not a significant incline. The trailhead is about a 45 minute drive from the town of Jasper, making it easy to do in a morning or afternoon.
This hike is easily one of my most favourite hikes in the Canadian Rockies, as it finishes with a straight-on view of the Athabasca Glacier. Skip the Ice Explorer expedition and do this instead. You’ll get uninterrupted views and it’s totally free! This is a moderate/hard hike with elevation and lasting around 4 hours but it’s super rewarding.
When going to Lake Louise, you cannot miss the Big Beehive. This hike takes you away from the crowds, up past Lake Agnes and the secluded tea house, and finishes with a birds-eye view of Lake Louise. This is a hard hike with some gnarly switchbacks but the view is truly worth it. I recommend doing it early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid big crowds and the heat of the day.
An honourable mention goes to Mosquito Creek, another great hike to enjoy, with minimal elevation and a reasonably flat path into the valley. See the vast mountains and landscape and enjoy the wilderness here.
When hiking, always be prepared with appropriate hiking shoes and gear, snacks, plenty of water, and most important, bear spray! Enjoy the vastness of the Canadian Rockies and a rewarding activity with these hikes.
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