Banff Mountain Adventure: Hike Johnston Canyon, Canoe Lake Louise & Rockpile Views
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–13 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in regular walking condition; able to stand and hike on uneven boardwalks for short stretches.
Overview
Spend a long day moving through the Canadian Rockies: walk the catwalks of Johnston Canyon, paddle Lake Louise, and climb the Rockpile at Moraine Lake for postcard panoramas. This guided loop blends geology, local history and straightforward logistics to get you to the best views without the guesswork.
Banff Mountain Adventure: Hike Johnston Canyon, Canoe Lake Louise & Rockpile Views
Select participants and date
The bus eases out of Banff town as pines and peaks close in, and within an hour the soundtrack changes from highway hum to the clipped clatter of crampons and camera shutters. On this full-day loop through the heart of Banff National Park, hikers thread a canyon carved by millennia, paddlers skim a glacial-green lake framed by stepped granite, and every stop feels like a staged postcard—except the smells are real: wet stone, fresh spruce and the iron edge of cold mountain air.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive with layers
Mountain weather flips fast—bring a warm mid-layer and a waterproof shell for canyon spray and sudden showers.
Book canoe early
Canoe rentals at Lake Louise are limited in high season—reserve in advance or be prepared to queue.
Carry bear spray
Bears are active in the park—carry spray in a readily accessible holster and know how to use it.
Start with ample time
This is a 10–13 hour outing with multiple stops—charge devices and pack snacks to avoid running short between meals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Bighorn sheep
History
Banff National Park, established in 1885, is Canada’s first national park; the railway and early tourism shaped much of the park’s infrastructure and trails.
Conservation
Access at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is managed seasonally to reduce crowds and protect fragile shorelines—follow signage, stay on trails and pack out all waste.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Banff, AB
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking shoes
Provides traction on wet boardwalks and rocky shorelines.
Waterproof shell and insulating mid-layer
Keeps you dry through canyon spray and cool alpine winds.
Daypack with hydration
Holds water, snacks, camera and bear spray comfortably for a long day.
Polarizing filter or sunglasses
Reduces glare on the lakes and improves color saturation for photos.
summer specific