The spring season of late-March through mid-June can be the perfect time to visit the Bow Valley and start enjoying longer, warmer days in the mountains while still dodging summer crowds. We get so excited when the sun is shining, snow is melting, birds are singing and the valley is waking from winter.
In this article, we share 7 of our favorite family friendly hiking trails that can be snow-free as early as April that you can hike this spring.
Click here to view all these hikes on a Google Map, which you can also save and access in-app.
Stewart Canyon
Distance: 6.6km | Time: 1hr | Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka Day Use Area
This lakeside stroll leads you through forest to a bridge spanning the walls of Stewart Canyon, offering views down the Cascade River, the main source of Banff National Park’s largest lake.
Click here to view on AllTrails
Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots
Distance: 6.6km | Time: 4hr | Trailhead: Johnston Canyon Day Use Area
An incredibly popular hike by summer and frozen ice walk by winter, Johnston Canyon is a destination for travelers and locals year-round. For extra solitude, try continuing up the trail to Ink Pots, a series of spring fed pools bubbling up from deep below the Earth’s surface in an open meadow.
Click here to view on AllTrails
Sulphur Mountain
Distance: 10.1km | Time: 4+hr | Trailhead: Banff Upper Hot Springs Parking Area
Follow the switchbacks to the summit of Sulphur Mountain where you’ll reap the reward of epic panoramic mountain views, a mountain-top boardwalk, interactive exhibits at the Above Banff Interpretive Centre and dining with a view at Sky Bistro. To return, hike back down the way you came or just hop aboard the Banff Gondola for a free ride back down the mountain.
Click here to view on AllTrails
Tunnel Mountain
Distance: 4.5km | Time: 2hr | Trailhead: Lower Parking Area on St. Julien Road
Accessible from downtown Banff, this short trail switchbacks to a low summit with sweeping views across the town, Bow Valley and Mount Rundle.
Click here to view on AllTrails
Sundance Canyon
Distance: 10km | Time: 3hr | Trailhead: Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Follow a paved trail beyond the Cave and Basin National Historic Site into mountainous panorama across the Bow River. After a gentle yet steady climb away from the river, the paved section ends and a moderately difficult trail loops through a water-filled canyon.
Click here to view on AllTrails
Marsh Loop
Distance: 2.8km | Time: 1hr | Trailhead: Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Offering views of Mt. Norquay and the Bow River, this family-friendly loop encircles a wetland filled from hot springs flowing out of the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain.
Click here to view on Parks Canada
Fenland Trail
Distance: 2.1km | Time: 40min | Trailhead: Fenland Trail Parking Area
Learn about the local ecosystem on this self-guided interpretive trail through old-growth spruce. It’s an easy, short loop just outside of town, making it perfect for families with young children.
Click here to view on AllTrails
