Trails Master Plan

Trails Master Plan Projects

Action 14: Improve the pedestrian and multi-use trail network from Banff Avenue to the Bow River Trail through the following actions: A. Work with the Whyte Museum to create a multi-use trail connection from the intersection of Lynx Street and Bear Street through to Bow Avenue and the Bow River Trail; include wayfinding signage.

Action 29: Creating and promoting well-defined visitor-oriented trails

Action 31: Creating clear and focused wayfinding to key Parks Canada trailheads

Action 35: Adopting signage tailored towards providing information, trail etiquette, and improving accessibility

Action 39: Installing trail mini-maps at key trail intersections

Action 40: Including wayfinding and distance markers along key routes

Action 44, 47: Improving wayfinding to key destinations

Action 48: Improving signage to discourage visitors from going through the Middle Springs neighbourhood

Action 8: Improve the paved pathway alignment and grade on the northeast side of the Banff Avenue Bridge between the sidewalk and the Bow River Trail. This will help to provide a more accessible grade and reduce cyclist speeds at this trail intersection. It also includes a curb cut for cyclists. Work was completed in May 2018.

Action 19: Narrow the painted driving lanes slightly, from approximately 3.75 to 3.3 metre, and repair the asphalt shoulder drainage, in order to create a new 1.5 metre painted cyclist lane from approximately the 400 block of Otter Street to the intersection of Hidden Ridge Way. On the downhill, cyclists would be expected to mix with vehicles, as is currently the case. This was completed in July 2018.

Action 20A: Narrow the painted driving lanes slightly from approximately 3.5 to 3.0 metre in order to create a wider (1.27 to 1.84 metre) multi-use pedestrian/bike lane from the cemetery up to Surprise Corner. Downhill, cyclists would be expected to mix with vehicles, as is currently the case. This was completed in July 2018.

Locations of Proposed On-Road Improvements

• Locations of Proposed On-Road Improvements (PDF)
• Council Report and April 2018 Survey Results (PDF)

Trail Network

Banff has a vast network of trails throughout the town and national park. The following is a list of trails within a walking distance of the townsite or easily accessible by Roam Public Transit.

Download a copy of the Banff Trails Map (PDF)

Hiking Near Banff Townsite

• Bow River Trail
• Fenland Trail
• Hoodoos Trail
• Tunnel Mountain
• Spray River Loop
• Bow Falls Trail
• Mt. Rundle Trail
• Upper Hot Springs Trail
• Sulphur Mountain
• Cave and Basin Trail
• Marsh Loop

Trails in Lake Minnewanka Area and Beyond

• Aylmer Pass
• C Level Cirque
• Cascade Amphitheatre
• Johnston Canyon Trail to the Ink Pots
• Johnson Lake
• Lake Minnewanka to Devil's Gap
• Stoney Squaw

Check Parks Canada's Trail Conditions Report before heading out and Important Bulletins about area closures.

Trails Master Plan

The Trails Master Plan will be used to help guide the development of trails and trail maintenance in the Town of Banff for the next 10 years. Adopted by council on February 23, 2015, the intention of the plan is to help the town create a more robust trails network to support recreational uses, visitor experience and a more sustainable active transportation system.

Download a copy of the Trails Master Plan (PDF)