Small Group Signature Banff Iconic Hike

What your day looks like

We've chosen a handful of easy to moderate iconic hiking trails in and around Banff, Lake Louise, and Kootenay as of the best hikes for scenery, distance, and elevation. Join our small group guided hikes and enjoy a safe, fun, and informative day, as well as an alpine picnic lunch! Regular Season Hikes: Hike to Stanley Glacier – Sunday & Thursday Journey through a land sculpted by fire and ice in Kootenay National Park. The trail switchbacks moderately for the first half of the hike, through regrowth from the most recent fire, allowing for unparalleled views down over Vermillion Pass back to Castle Mountain. You then follow the trail between sheer towering walls of Mount Stanley and Storm Mountain until you leave the forest behind to emerge in a land of ice and rock and may even find some fossils! You will be treated to views of Stanley Glacier creeping down the side of Mt. Stanley towards the valley bottom. Rated: Moderate Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Return Distance: 8.4kms (5.25 miles) Elevation Gain: 395m (1,285 ft) Departs: 8:00am from Banff Hike to Larch Valley – Monday & Saturday Trail restrictions due to bear activity make this an ideal hike to take with a guided group. Beginning from the Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake, the trail climbs, really climbs, up 10 switchbacks to Larch Valley on a well maintained trail. After reaching the Valley, the trail easily ambles through a larch forest and then begins to gain elevation again towards Sentinel Pass and the Minnestimma Lakes. Towards the Pass, views of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake and gigantic Mt. Temple (3,543 m/11,625 ft) will complete your experience. Please note that this hike does not continue to the top of Sentinel Pass. Rated: Moderate Hiking time: 4-5 hours Return Distance: 9.0kms (5.6 miles) Elevation gain: 535m (1,500 ft) Departs: 8:00am from Banff Hike to Consolation Lakes – Tuesday This trail begins in the Valley of the Ten Peaks at stunning Moraine Lake. The drive alone to this location is worth it in itself. We’ll spend our time hiking leisurely along a old growth forest trail to Consolation Lakes, where you’ll see the Fay Glacier atop Mount Babel. Upon our return, explore around Moraine Lake, including a trip to the top of the Rockpile. Due to bear restrictions this is a great trip to do in a guided group. Rated: Easy Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Return Distance: 5.8kms (3.6 miles) Elevation Gain: 255m (837 ft) Departs: 8:00am from Banff Hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers – Wednesday & Friday Your hike starts by hiking along the Lake Louise shoreline to the back of the lake before ascending up an ancient glacial valley. As you get higher, the colour of the lake becomes even more stunning and the crowds begin to disappear. The trail turns into single track and the immensity of the the valley and its peaks becomes even more apparent. Near to your final destination is the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House where cakes and tea are served all day long – be sure to bring some cash! Just past the teahouse you will be treated to views of the six glaciers feeding into the valley and Lake Louise. If time and group ability allows you may be able to hike further to view historic Abbot Pass. Rated: Moderate Hiking time: 5 hours Return Distance: 10.6kms (6.6 miles) Elevation gain: 340m (1,100 feet) Departs: 8:00am from Banff