10 Hidden Gems in Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada's oldest and most visited national park, drawing millions of visitors each year to its turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and abundant wildlife. While Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Banff Gondola are must-see attractions, the park's 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) hide countless less-visited treasures. Here are ten hidden gems that will help you escape the crowds and experience the park's pristine wilderness.

1. Johnston Canyon's Secret Cave

Johnston Canyon is one of Banff's most popular attractions, with its catwalks and waterfalls drawing large crowds. However, few visitors know about the hidden cave between the Lower and Upper Falls. Look for a small unmarked trail branching off to the left about halfway between the two falls. Follow it carefully (stay on the established path to protect the fragile ecosystem) until you reach a stunning cave formation with a perfect view of the cascading water. Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.

2. Silverton Falls

Located just down the road from the popular Johnston Canyon, Silverton Falls receives just a fraction of the visitors. The short 1 km (0.6 mile) hike takes about 30 minutes round-trip and rewards with a stunning 50-meter cascade. The trailhead is located at the Rockbound Lake parking area on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).

3. Lake Agnes Teahouse Back Route

The Lake Agnes Teahouse is a popular destination, but most hikers don't know there's a back route that offers solitude and spectacular views. From the main Lake Agnes trail, continue past the teahouse and the Big Beehive, then follow the trail connecting to the Plain of Six Glaciers. This high alpine traverse provides stunning vistas of Lake Louise from angles few tourists ever see.

4. Bow Glacier Falls

While crowds gather at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake along the Icefields Parkway, few continue to the magnificent Bow Glacier Falls. This 9 km (5.6 mile) round-trip hike starts from Bow Lake and follows the shoreline before climbing to a close-up view of the falls cascading down from the Bow Glacier. The relatively gentle terrain makes this an accessible hike for most fitness levels.

5. Sunshine Meadows' Hidden Valley

Most visitors to Sunshine Meadows stick to the main trails around Rock Isle, Larix, and Grizzly Lakes. However, if you continue on to Simpson Pass, you'll find yourself in a hidden valley with expansive alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer (mid-July to mid-August is peak bloom). Fewer than 5% of Sunshine visitors make it this far, guaranteeing solitude amid spectacular scenery.

6. C Level Cirque

This moderately challenging 7.8 km (4.8 mile) round-trip hike near the town of Banff leads to a stunning mountain amphitheater with panoramic views of the Bow Valley. The trail begins at the Lake Minnewanka parking lot and passes historical mine sites before climbing to the cirque. Despite its proximity to town, this trail sees relatively few hikers.

7. Healy Pass Wildflower Meadows

While many hikers tackle the popular Cory and Edith Pass trails, nearby Healy Pass offers equally spectacular scenery with significantly fewer people. The 18 km (11.2 mile) round-trip route requires a full day but rewards with vast alpine meadows that burst with wildflowers in late July and early August. The panoramic views of the surrounding peaks make this well worth the effort.

8. Herbert Lake at Sunrise

Located just north of Lake Louise, tiny Herbert Lake is often overlooked as visitors rush toward more famous destinations. However, on calm mornings, it offers perfect reflections of Mount Temple and the surrounding peaks. Arrive at dawn when the water is most still, and you'll likely have this photographic gem all to yourself.

9. Larch Valley's Lesser-Known Neighbor: Eiffel Lake

When the golden larches draw crowds to Larch Valley in late September, escape by taking the fork in the trail that leads to Eiffel Lake instead. This moderate 11 km (6.8 mile) round-trip hike offers spectacular views of the Ten Peaks without the extreme crowds that flock to Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass during the brief larch season.

10. Marble Canyon's Rockbound Lake Extension

While many visitors stop at Marble Canyon's impressive limestone gorge in neighboring Kootenay National Park, few continue up the trail to Rockbound Lake. This challenging 8.4 km (5.2 mile) extension climbs through forest to an open subalpine basin with an aquamarine lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The additional effort ensures you'll find solitude even on the busiest summer days.

Tips for Exploring Banff's Hidden Gems

Timing is Everything

Visit during shoulder seasons (late May to mid-June or September to early October) to avoid peak summer crowds. Additionally, starting hikes very early (before 8 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3 PM) can help you avoid the busiest periods on even the most popular trails.

Weekday Wilderness

If possible, plan your hikes for weekdays when visitor numbers drop significantly, especially on the lesser-known trails mentioned in this article.

Pack Appropriately

Even on short hikes, carry the essentials: water, high-energy snacks, layered clothing, bear spray, and a basic first aid kit. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas of the park.

Leave No Trace

Help preserve these hidden gems by practicing Leave No Trace principles: stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, observe wildlife from a distance, and respect other visitors' experience by keeping noise levels down.