First time snowshoeing? Try one of the best snowshoeing trails near Banff. This easy 3-kilometre trail is a Kootenay National Park hike to see the historical Paint Pots.

Snowshoe on an easy trail along a bridge across the frozen Vermilion River and along the snowy path winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure within our National Park.
Learn about the history of the fur trade as you explore the fascinating Paint Pots, which are mineral deposits once used by First Nations people for rock painting.
Along the way, you will hear stories of Banff’s indigenous people, explorers, and fur traders who lived in and traveled through the Rockies. After this crisp winter walk, enjoy a uniquely Canadian treat: hot maple taffy poured into snow to make a sweet frozen dessert. Plus try a crazy carpet slide down the hill while it’s being made – kids and adults alike love this part of the tour!
This is an excellent trip for beginners as it covers a mainly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, and also suits anyone wanting a pleasant activity outdoors and explore one of the Kootenay National Park hikes.

Anick's Pick
"On this Kootenay National Park hike, we can be free… we snowshoe anywhere we want, run around, play in the snow, slide on the crazy carpets and eat maple taffy. It's like being a kid again. It's a fun tour every time." - Anick , Senior Guide, Discover Banff Tours
The best parts of this tour and snowshoe trail near Banff for most people include the following:
Paint Pots
Crazy carpet slide
Maple Taffy treat

Anick's Pick
"On this Kootenay National Park hike, we can be free… we snowshoe anywhere we want, run around, play in the snow, slide on the crazy carpets and eat maple taffy. It's like being a kid again. It's a fun tour every time." - Anick , Senior Guide, Discover Banff Tours
The tour includes the use of snowshoes and we have hiking poles for extra stability if you would like to use them.
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 tour, please wear/bring:
- Photo ID for each adult (18+) for waiver verification.
- Thermals/base layers/long johns.
- Snow pants are essential as we will be walking in deep snow. Snow pants can be rented from stores in Banff such as Snowtips-Bactrax.
- A warm shirt or sweater.
- A winter jacket, ideally waterproof. Ski jackets can be rented from stores in Banff such as Snowtips-Bactrax.
- A hat and mitts.
- A neck warmer or scarf.
- Sturdy waterproof boots, ideally ones that go over the ankle as we will be walking in deep snow. Winter boots like Sorel, Baffin etc are great. No trainers, sneakers, vans, ugg boots, or “dressy” boots. If you do not have waterproof boots, please contact our Reservations Team and we will check our stock levels or recommend a rental store such as Snowtips-Bactrax.
- A water bottle.
Please note that safety is our first priority. If the guide thinks your attire or footwear isn’t appropriate and compromises your safety on the tour, you may not be able to participate.

Anick's Pick
"On this Kootenay National Park hike, we can be free… we snowshoe anywhere we want, run around, play in the snow, slide on the crazy carpets and eat maple taffy. It's like being a kid again. It's a fun tour every time." - Anick , Senior Guide, Discover Banff Tours
- The minimum age for this tour is 8 years.
- Children aged 15 and under must have a parent or legal guardian with them.
- All adults must sign a waiver, which will be sent through upon booking. 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.
- 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.

Anick's Pick
"On this Kootenay National Park hike, we can be free… we snowshoe anywhere we want, run around, play in the snow, slide on the crazy carpets and eat maple taffy. It's like being a kid again. It's a fun tour every time." - Anick , Senior Guide, Discover Banff Tours


Anick's Pick
"On this Kootenay National Park hike, we can be free… we snowshoe anywhere we want, run around, play in the snow, slide on the crazy carpets and eat maple taffy. It's like being a kid again. It's a fun tour every time." - Anick , Senior Guide, Discover Banff Tours