Trail conditions
Banff National Park
Whether you're out for a leisurely hike or a longer adventure, make your trip a safe one by checking the latest conditions.
Important information
Be extra cautious when engaging in any activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
Current fire danger
CAUTION! Avalanche danger
You are responsible for your own safety. Check the Avalanche Bulletin for the latest conditions.
Vehicle parking is limited to designated areas only. Roadside parking is prohibited. Signage and monitoring will be used throughout the park to inform the public of parking restrictions and encourage compliance.
Dogs are not allowed on some of the groomed ski trails. Refer to the information below for restrictions. Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times.
Wildlife and you
When you see wildlife, give them space for your safety and their survival. If you’re out on the trails, travel in tight groups of 4 or more, stay alert, make noise, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Closures and restrictions
For a complete list of ongoing closures and restrictions, please visit our Important Bulletins page.
For more information, please contact us:
Banff: 403-762-1550
Lake Louise: 403-522-3833
Share your trail pictures
Have you been hiking in the last few days? Share a few pictures with us as well as your impressions. This will help us keep this report accurate for other hikers.
Fire Danger Rating
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff National Park | Low | 15-11-2025: Not applicable; | Trail details |
Banff Area Cross-Country Ski Trails
*Tracksetting has ended for the season* Recent tracksetting: Mar 29 - Spray River West, Spray River East ; Mar 28 - Cascade Valley Trail (Lake Minnewanka to Upper Bankhead), (Lake Minnewanka to Cascade River bridge - 6km) ; March 13 - Cascade Valley Trail (Cascade River bridge to Stoney Creek), Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails (Roads 500 and 600. Upper loops closed) ; Mar 12 - Goat Creek ; Jan 7 - Healy Creek.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Easy |
Spray River Winter: West Trail | Not recommended. | 17-04-2026: Tracksetting has ended for the season; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River Winter: East Trail | Not recommended. | 17-04-2026: Tracksetting has ended for the season; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails | Partially Closed | 17-04-2026: Partially closed; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Tracksetting has ended for the season; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Sundance Winter Trail | Not recommended. | 17-04-2026: Check the important bulletins for more information; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Healy Creek Winter Trail | Not recommended. | 17-04-2026: Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Lake Minnewanka parking lot to Upper Bankhead | Not recommended. | 17-04-2026: Tracksetting has ended for the season; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Lake Minnewanka parking lot to Cascade River bridge | Not recommended. | 17-04-2026: Tracksetting has ended for the season; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Cascade River bridge to Stoney Creek | Not recommended. | 17-04-2026: Tracksetting has ended for the season; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
 Moderate |
Goat Creek Winter Trail | Not recommended. | 17-04-2026: Tracksetting has ended for the season; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Brewster Creek Winter Trail | Not recommended. | 17-04-2026: Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
Banff Area Winter Walking Trails
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Fenland Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Marsh Winter Loop | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray Winter Connector | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Stewart Canyon Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Johnston Canyon Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Winter Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 17-04-2026: Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sundance Canyon Winter Trail | Closed. | 17-04-2026: Closed until further notice; Check the important bulletins for more information; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Mountain Summit Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Stay on trail; Freeze / thaw cycle; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
Banff Area Snowshoeing Trails
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Johnson Lake Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Winter Trail | Partially Closed | 17-04-2026: Partially closed; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Check the important bulletins for more information; Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Upper Stoney Winter Loop | Snow covered with icy sections. | 17-04-2026: Cleats recommended; Trekking pole(s) recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Westside Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Snowbound at higher elevation; Risk of post-holing; Snowshoes recommended; Trekking pole(s) recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Ink Pots Winter Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 17-04-2026: Cleats recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; | Trail details |
Banff Area Fat Biking Trails
Recent grooming: Mar 13 - Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails (Roads 500 and 600. Upper loops closed) ; Mar 12 - Spray River East ; Feb 21 - Banff Avenue Winter Trail ; Tunnel Bench Winter Loop
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Multi-use Winter Trails | Partially Closed | 17-04-2026: Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; Studded tires recommended; Partially closed; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River East Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; Studded tires recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Sundance Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed; Studded tires recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Banff Avenue Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed; Studded tires recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Compact snow; Icy sections; Wet and muddy sections; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Bench Winter Loop | Partially Closed | 17-04-2026: Partially closed; Check the important bulletins for more information; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; Biking including pedal-assist e-bikes is allowed; Studded tires recommended; Freeze / thaw cycle; Icy sections; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lake Minnewanka Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 17-04-2026: Biking excluding e-bikes is allowed; Studded tires recommended; Icy sections; Freeze / thaw cycle; | Trail details |
Bow Valley Parkway Cross-Country Ski Trails
*Tracksetting has ended for the season* Recent tracksetting: March 28 - Baker Creek to Protection Mountain
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #1 - Castle Junction to Castle Lookout trailhead | Snow covered with icy sections. | 05-04-2026: Dogs on leash permitted; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #2 | Snow covered with icy sections. | 05-04-2026: Dogs on leash permitted; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #3 | Snow covered with icy sections. | 05-04-2026: Dogs on leash permitted; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Protection Mountain Campground to Castle Mountain Lookout | Snow covered with icy sections. | 05-04-2026: Dogs on leash permitted; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Baker Creek to Protection Mountain Campground | Snow covered with icy sections. | 05-04-2026: Dogs on leash permitted; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
Lake Louise Area Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Trails
Winter conditions. Avalanche risk! When travelling beyond the marked trails, or past an avalanche danger sign, assume that you are in avalanche country - your group should be prepared with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment. For more information on winter travel and how to stay safe in the mountains, visit Parks Canada - Mountain Safety - Winter Activities.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 03-04-2026: Caution; Slippery sections; Cleats recommended; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Fairview Lookout Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 03-04-2026: Caution; Slippery sections; Deadfall on trail; Cleats recommended; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Louise Creek Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 03-04-2026: Caution; Slippery sections; Cleats recommended; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Laggan's Loop | Snow covered. | 03-04-2026: Slippery sections; Dogs on leash permitted; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
 Difficult |
Taylor Lake Trail | Snow covered. | 24-03-2026: Snowshoes recommended; Dogs on leash permitted; Deadfall on trail; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Loop C (#27) | Snow covered. | 24-03-2026: Dogs on leash permitted; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; |
Lake Louise Area Cross-Country Ski Trails
*Tracksetting has ended for the season* Recent tracksetting: March 30 - Lake Louise surface; Peyto; Upper Telemark. March 25- Lake Louise shoreline; Moraine Lake road; Upper Tramline; Lower Tramline; Great Divide (from Lake Louise to Yoho border); Campground loop; Bow River Loop. Mar 14 - Lower Telemark.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Moraine Lake Road | Snow covered with icy sections. | 01-04-2026: Avalanche risk: Beyond the viewpoint the trail crosses large avalanche paths.; When trailhead parking is full, access Moraine Lake Road via Upper Tramline trail and park at Lake Louise parking lot or Great Divide parking lot; No parking on roadways, or highways; No dogs allowed; Deadfall on trail; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Fairview Loop | Snow covered with icy sections. | 29-04-2026: Double trackset; No dogs allowed; Please avoid walking or snowshoeing on set ski tracks; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lower Tramline | Snow covered with icy sections. | 27-03-2026: The Lower Tramline "3B" is single trackset classic from the Bow River parking lot on Sentinel Road; CAUTION! - The Tramline section "3A" (trail between the Lower Tramline and the Bow River bridge on Lake Louise Drive) is steep, narrow, has sharp turns and is not trackset; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Upper Tramline | Snow covered with icy sections. | 27-03-2026: Please avoid walking, cycling or snowshoeing on set ski tracks; No dogs allowed; Single trackset; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lake Louise Loop | See comment section | 03-04-2026: Lake Louise Loop is made up of two separately maintained trails: Lake Louise shoreline and Lake Surface ; Dogs on leash permitted; Lake Louise shoreline - poor; Lake Louise surface is fair due to icy and slushy conditions; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Upper Telemark | Caution. | 03-04-2026: Caution; No dogs allowed; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Great Divide Trail | Snow covered with icy sections. | 27-03-2026: Please avoid walking, cycling or snowshoeing on set ski tracks; No dogs allowed; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Peyto Trail | Caution. | 03-04-2026: Caution; No dogs allowed; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lower Telemark | Snow covered with icy sections. | 27-03-2026: No dogs allowed; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Campground Loop | Snow covered with icy sections. | 27-03-2026: Dogs on leash permitted; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Bow River Loop | Snow covered with icy sections. | 27-03-2026: Dogs on leash permitted; Snow covered with variable spring conditions: ice/snow crust/slush/fresh snow ; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Pipestone Loop | Trail Closed. | 24-11-2025: Trail closed November 24 - spring 2026 due to fire management operations; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Drummond | Trail Closed. | 24-11-2025: Trail closed November 24 - spring 2026 due to fire management operations; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Hector | Trail Closed. | 24-11-2025: Trail closed November 24 - spring 2026 due to fire management operations; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Merlin | Trail Closed. | 24-11-2025: Trail closed November 24 - spring 2026 due to fire management operations; | Trail details |
Bow Summit Area on Icefields Parkway
Winter conditions. Avalanche risk! When travelling beyond the marked trails, or past an avalanche danger sign, assume that you are in avalanche country - your group should be prepared with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment. For more information on winter travel and how to stay safe in the mountains, visit parksmountainsafety.ca
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Peyto Lake Viewpoint | Snow covered with icy sections. | 05-04-2026: Stay on trail; Dogs on leash permitted; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; Slippery sections; | Trail details |
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