Winter
With hundreds of hiking trails how do you know which one to choose? Come with us! Our guides have picked their four favourite ‘signature’ trails.
We have selected what we consider the best of the best when it comes to getting out there and spending time in the backcountry of the Rocky Mountain National Parks. From the explosion of wildflowers in the spring, to the clear glacier views in the summer, to the brilliant golden of the larch trees in the fall, hiking in the Rockies should not be missed.
Our Interpretive Guides’ priority is having a safe, fun and informative tour that connects you more to where you are visiting. We hike in small groups which is recommended for safety to reduce wildlife encounters. Hiking time is between four and six hours, which includes an alpine picnic lunch. Please note that you must have sturdy footwear and we recommend dressing in layers to adapt to constant weather changes.
Hiking Trail Schedule*
Refer to the Trail Routes tab for the full details on the distance, elevation, hiking time and difficulty rating for each trail.
| Sunday | Stanley Glacier (Moderate) |
| Monday | Larch Valley (Moderate) |
| Tuesday | Consolation Lakes (Easy) |
| Wednesday | Plain of Six Glaciers (Moderate) |
| Thursday | Stanley Glacier (Moderate) |
| Friday | Plain of Six Glaciers (Moderate) |
| Saturday | Larch Valley (Moderate) |
* Early/late season hikes are subject to itinerary changes due to trail conditions, please refer to the information in the Trail Routes tab or enquire for further details.
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Rob's Pick
"There's never a bad view on the Plain of Six Glaciers hike, and you're walking in the footsteps of the legendary Swiss Guides." - Rob , Hiking Guide, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Guided Hike Reviews
Regular Hiking Schedule*
| Hike | Days of Operation | Rating |
| Stanley Glacier | Sunday & Thursday | Moderate |
| Larch Valley | Monday & Saturday | Moderate |
| Consolation Lakes | Tuesday | Easy |
| Plain of Six Glaciers | Wednesday & Friday | Moderate |
* Early/late season hikes are subject to itinerary changes due to trail conditions, please see enquire for further details.
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, 8:45am from the Samson Mall in Lake Louise
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, 8:45am from the Samson Mall in Lake Louise
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, 8:45am from the Samson Mall in Lake Louise, 9:00am at the Chateau Lake Louise
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Rob's Pick
"There's never a bad view on the Plain of Six Glaciers hike, and you're walking in the footsteps of the legendary Swiss Guides." - Rob , Hiking Guide, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Guided Hike Reviews
Choose from the following lunch options:
- Chicken Club Wrap: mayo, chicken, bacon, lettuce and tomato on a tortilla wrap
- Roast Beef Sandwich: premium roast beef slices with lettuce, tomato, swiss cheese and horseradish mayo on a kaiser bun
- Vegetarian Wrap: tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, lettuce and hummus on a tortilla wrap
- Green salad with chicken (gluten-free): romaine lettuce, tomato, green onion, cucumber and diced chicken with french dressing
Lunches also include fruit, juice, salted potato chips and two bite brownies.
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Rob's Pick
"There's never a bad view on the Plain of Six Glaciers hike, and you're walking in the footsteps of the legendary Swiss Guides." - Rob , Hiking Guide, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Guided Hike Reviews
Most guests choose to self-drive into Banff, although please note that you will need to find parking in Banff that exceeds the duration of the tour. Please refer to the Town of Banff website for general parking information, or the banffparking.ca website for live parking availability. For guests staying in Canmore, you can also use the Roam bus service and disembark at the Banff High School. The closest pick up point to the Banff High School is across the road at the Elk and Avenue Hotel.
To ensure that you enjoy the day, please wear/bring:
- Photo ID for each adult (18+) for waiver verification
- Lightweight hiking pants
- A breathable shirt (not cotton!)
- A warm layer (like a fleece jacket)
- A waterproof jacket
- A hat and sunglasses
- Hiking shoes – sturdy, ideally waterproof or water resistant hiking boots or shoes (Trainers or runners are okay, but boots are better)
- A small backpack
- A water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Your camera
You may also like to bring snacks (to supplement lunch if required). Your guide will bring bear spray and a first aid kit, so you will not need to bring these items.
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Rob's Pick
"There's never a bad view on the Plain of Six Glaciers hike, and you're walking in the footsteps of the legendary Swiss Guides." - Rob , Hiking Guide, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Guided Hike Reviews
- The minimum age is 13 years.
- All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
- All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any child under the age of 18 years.
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
- Early and late season itinerary changes may apply, please enquire at the time of booking.
- Due to weather and trail restrictions, we reserve the right to change the location of any of our hikes for the safety of our customers.
- By participating in a tour with Discover Banff Tours, guests are acknowledging that they understand that we may take video and photographs of them during their tour. These videos and photographs may be used in promotional materials including, but not limited to, social media.
- Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 4 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
| Included |
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| Meal |
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| Transport Options |
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Rob's Pick
"There's never a bad view on the Plain of Six Glaciers hike, and you're walking in the footsteps of the legendary Swiss Guides." - Rob , Hiking Guide, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Guided Hike Reviews
