Ready for a birds-eye view of Banff and the majestic mountains surrounding the area? No need to…read morehike the switchback trails 3000ft up to the top, there's a fun little gondola ride you can take! We had a group of 8 people, which was perfect to fit into two gondolas. The rides up and down are about 5min long and you get a nice 360 view of the area. Once at the top, there's a few boarded walking paths with overviews to take your pictures. The walk all the way to the opposite point is another 5-10mins. It's a casual walk but it does include about 100 stairs for those who may have difficulty getting around. If you don't want to make the walk, there's a coffee shop and restaurant where you can dine with a view. There's wildlife around to see as well- goats, chipmunks, birds and more. We didn't see any bears but they do advise bear spray. We spent about 45min up top, making the round-trip experience about 1 hour. It was the perfect way to enjoy the crisp morning air on a sunny summer day!

We made reservations in advance via Pursuit Pass for departure time and return time. Print out all…read moretickets in advance in case of SOS before arrival for faster check-in. If you're taking a free shuttle from Brewster Transportation, there are certain areas in Banff where shuttle will pick up and drop off passengers. Allow over an hour before departure time: 1) Park your vehicle in free or paid public parking. 2) Walk to designated shuttle area(s). 3) Shuttle(s) will make multiple stops prior to arriving at Sulphur Mountain. We enjoyed the magnificent scenery from various elevation levels indoors and outdoors. Highest peak at 7,846 ft. There's a plethora of information to read, washrooms, hydration station to refill water flask(s), casual and fine dining, observatory deck, fireplace, gelato cart, gift shop, Starbucks. We spent about a little less than two hours exploring everywhere on upper level before descending and catching the shuttle. Worth the exhilarating and fascinating experience!

Absolutely gorgeous gardens to walk through in downtown Banff. Perfect September weather and not…read moretoo crowded. Absolutely recommend!

Absolutely breathtaking! Pics don't do this garden justice! Definitely one of most beautiful…read moregardens we have been to (and we have been to many many gardens including Buchart in Victoria). Free to enter, free parking too! We spent about 2 hours here just soaking in all the manicured beauty! And an easy walk to all the shops and cafes in Banff Village :)

We did this for our last hike of our trip to Banff. Another couple we had met told us it was pretty…read moretough so I was a little worried, but it really wasn't bad...or perhaps I was just used to it after a week of hiking. It was steep, but not nearly as steep or long as the lake agnes tea house hike. Like everything else in Banff this hike was pretty crowded, but at least i knew we were in good company if a bear decided to join us. I forgot to bring bear spray so assumed one of the other 800 people on the trail had to have it. The view from the top was gorgeous - so we sat for awhile and enjoyed it. My legs were definitely tired when I made it down, but had enough energy to walk back to the Fairmont. For those staying at the Fairmont it's an easy walk to and from tunnel mountain.

Pretty sweet area to do some outdoor activity overlooking Banff and surrounding areas. Windy…read moremountain roads and overlooks are all around this are a.

Fabulous hiking trail, provides great views at the top although you can't go all the way to the top…read morebecause there is a ranger station up there...... Our mutual friend J uses it for training because the driveway to go up to the parking lot is maintained in the winter so it's good for burning lotta calories and running straight uphill while training in cleats if that's your kind of thing....... I should mention that only go this route if your car is in good shape or you have a 4 x 4 because the dirt road is pretty rough on the way up and on the way down. We broker serpentine belt for the second time in a year !

Moose Mountain is fat tire mountain bike freedom. The mountain is host to to countless miles of…read morecommunity maintained gorgeous mountain bike single track. There's a big difference between riding your mountain bike on trails, and riding on trails that were creatively crafted for the sole purpose of mountain biking. These trails have been crafted corner by corner from the dirt up for the very best mountain bike experience. The result is a breathtaking combination of smiles, thrills, and high fives. Respect these trails! If you pack it in, pack it out. If you break it, fix it. If you can't jump it - don't. If it's a downhill trail, use it in the down hill direction. If you don't feel like riding in the uphill direction, the road is open from May 15 - December 1. There's no shame in loading a pickup truck full of bikes and driving to the top. Just make sure to drive with respect and do your best not to dust storm them people who choose to ride up. If you do like pedalling upward and onward, there is a really fun trail (Pneuma) that rides along near moose mountain road. While it's not as efficient as riding up the road, it's a far more enjoyable. Pneuma is possibly the most fun I've ever had riding up a hill. Going for a hike? Great - there's room for that too! Grab your best walking stick and a hiking map so you can stick to the hiking trails. While it may be tempting to walk up the downhill mountain bike trails, please don't. You won't be missing out - trails that are intended for hiking have far more interesting hiking terrain, scenery, and take you locations with gorgeous views. Group hikes up DH mountain bike trails are just detrimental to the trails and dangerous for everyone. Here's your hiking info - http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/trails/moosemtn.htm Directions: Head south on 22 until you reach Bragg Creek. Hang left at the 4-way stop sign until a T intersection with a stop sign. Turn right at the 'T' intersection onto HWY 66. Continue to drive west past McLean Creek, past "Station Flats", the next road on the right side is Moose Mountain Rd. Moose Mountain Road is open Most trails are accessed by driving up Moose Mountain Rd and end out at Canyon Creek/Ing's Mine. There is parking at Ing's Mine and Station Flats.

I would not listen to the other reviews that say Ha Ling Peak "is for everyone!" or that it's…read more"easy". This trail is definitely difficult for a multitude of reasons -- and yes, there are families on the trail but to actually complete the whole trail (which is what my review is about) there is a scramble at the summit which can be terrifying for those afraid of heights and/or inexperienced hikers, especially with the wind (and hail, when we hiked it) blowing at you. Regardless of the fact that we did this hike because we saw other reviews saying it was a trail for everybody, beginners included, we were able to complete most of it. We were a group of 5 (with our parents) who needed some breaks along the way and so our total hike time ended up being 4 hours. It was a great workout with some unparalleled views so I'd attempt at least a portion of it if you can. I'd just say to really watch for the weather forecast before you go. We had a 30 percent chance of rain at a time earlier in the day but we ended up being pounded with hailstorms at the top of the summit where there was literally zero cover. As long as you time your hike correctly, in terms of the weather, I think it'd be a very pleasant experience! Even so, the hail made it an experience that I will never forget. We didn't see much wildlife coming up, probably due to the fact that it's a pretty popular hike. It's also super dog friendly which is wonderful!

To get to Ha Ling Peak: - Drive to Canmore, then drive up…read morehighway #742 (the Smith-Dorrien-Spray Lakes Trail) towards Canmore Nordic Centre. - On Highway #742 pass the Nordic Centre and continue on the gravel road until you reach Goat Creek Parking Lot on the right hand side (there is a sign that says Goat Creek Parking Lot). - Park at Goat Creek Parking lot and cross the gravel road, cross the little bridge and you will find the trail head. Labelled as a moderate / Intermediate hike... I'm outta shape so I found it to be more than moderate as the hill is steep ALL the way up and down, plus there is the scramble at the top! but I made it and so can you! Endurance is your best friend here as you will be walking up a mountain on an incline the WHOLE time with not many (if any) flat areas. With that said, there were grandmas and grandpas, kids, dogs, and even parents carrying babies in backpacks on the trail!!! Wow!!! Be sure to wear layers as you will sweat and get hot while in the trees, but once past the tree line it is windy and chilly....so...tank top, t-shirt, wind breaker, grippy gloves (for scrambling), and a toque! (haha - wish I had brought mine!). Bring a backpack with water and lunch and enjoy the view! It took us just under 5 hrs (round trip) to complete (with my MANY stops and VERY leisurely pace!! Plus lunch near the top). The view was spectacular and well worth the hike up. Once at the top you have a view of the town of Canmore, plus a 360 view all around!! My toes and knees did hurt coming down as it is steep... and I even had good shoes on! So definitely wear good shoes (preferably hiking ones) and bring walking sticks if you have them. Highly recommended! p.s. once called "Chinaman's peak"

Easy and longer walk where you're able to hear the sounds of waterfalls. Calming. Able to take…read morephotos from different vantage points. Spacious area to stop and go at your own pace.

HIKE TO BOW FALLS AND BOW RIVER…read more On our first day in Banff, we joined the Bow Falls Loop Tour hosted by the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The Tour began with a hike down a paved path leading directly from the hotel to the Falls. For those driving, there is a small parking lot that is steps from the Falls. Our guide told us that the Falls can be reached via an easy and scenic walk along the Bow River from downtown Banff. Bow Falls is a beautiful yet powerful waterfall. While Bow River appeared shallow and calm, it was deep enough for scenic float boat tours that began further downstream. A paved promenade runs along the Bow River - we walked up steps for a bird's eye view of the Falls. Our tour finished with a climb up and around the Falls before hiking on a forest trail back to the hotel.

A lovely, easy hike with a HUGE beautiful pay off at the end! It's a family friendly stroll with…read moreplenty of parking at the trailhead and it's easy to do in a couple of hours at most. The elevation is easy, and the stroll through the forest is leisurely and beautiful. In the winter you may want cramp ons or hiking poles since the packed down snow can get slick, but they're not necessary. At the end you'll find the beautiful Troll Falls. In the winter they're frozen the most miraculous bright blue and ice climbers have a great time climbing it's relatively easy verticals. Unlike the Johnston Canyon hike in Banff National Park, the Troll Falls hike allows you to get right up to the water falls, which makes for a truly special experience. Check my photos for proof!

In the mountains and wanna go hiking, but need a spot that's not too difficult and also…read moreentertaining for wee kids? This is it. We were looking at different trail maps and unsure where to take our two year old for a hike that would grasp her attention span and also would be able to drag her along in a sled if she gets tired from all the walking. When Troll Falls popped out and had everything e were looking for. It's right at the bottom of the ski slope so if you find yourself driving up the mountain, you've gone too far. There is a decent sized parking lot by the entrance to the trail. The secret weapon for kids entertainment (aside from nature chats) are the hidden Troll Dolls around. Fun for everyone to try to be the first to spot them along the way! Even in December this was a fantastic crisp walk to do and at the end you come to a frozen waterfall. It was the most amazing thing to see, and to be able to walk on the frozen river. Just breathtaking! My husband is a geologist so he gives me all the geology chat along the way too. Really fantastic walk, I can't wait to do it again in summer and have a totally different experience. We seen a wolf run across the main road as we drove down to the trail so remember to stay safe when you are out there!

Grassi Lakes are amazing!!!! Truly emerald color and crystal clear waters. Since the easy trail was…read moreunder construction and closed, we took the difficult trail, which was much more steep. Totally worth the climb. Loved it.

So grateful for the recommendation we received from a local Calgarian Canadian to try this trail!…read moreThe views are absolutely spectacular!! This hike is located near a residential area in Canmore. Follow your GPS navigation which ultimately will take you down a single road, surrounded by tall evergreen trees, and a small dirt lot on the left for parking before you embark on the trail. A few recommendations: Park on the street as the lot fills up quick, bring sunscreen, and take the harder trail. Initially when starting the hike there will be two signs for the "Easy" and "More Difficult" trail paths. Trust me when I say the more difficult path is worth the extra strenuous steps. We had no idea that halfway through the path you stumble upon a gorgeous waterfall and incredible views of a giant lake surrounded by beautiful mountains. Then as you continue on this trail, you'll ultimately come to a clearing with emerald and turquoise lakes which is the perfect spot to stop, indulge in a quick snack, and soak in all those spectacular views. All in all if you take the not so easy trail you'll complete the entire thing within an hour and a half, including those moments where you stop and contemplate just gorgeous this country is. One final tip: bring Bear spray and attach bells to your hiking gear. The last thing you want to do is startle a bear and end up in a frightening situation. Luckily we did not see any bears on the trail, but we did see a Black Bear crossing the road as we were leaving the parking lot! We heard from locals that Canmore has a lot of Bear sightings so just plan ahead, be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy your fantastic hike on this beautiful trail!