Great Runs in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise, Canada
Note: For the Full Guide to Running in Banff/Canmore/Lake Louise, see the GR Website
An outdoor recreation mecca in all seasons exists in the Canadian Rockies just a couple of hours northwest of Calgary. Banff is the historic ‘center’ of Banff National Park, with the gateway city of Canmore 25 km to the east and Lake Louise 50 km west. These are are major destinations for winter and summer sports. There’s something for every runner here, with scenery featuring spectacular mountain and lake views, to rivers, woodlands, and flower-filled meadows. Our guide to running in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise spotlights the most interesting and scenic roads, multi-use paths, and moderate trails for running, including the famous Icefields Parkway.
Icefields Parkway Running Highlights: The 233 km Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Runnable even though it’s a highway, since there’s a decent shoulder. We highlight some of the best sections for running.
Legacy Trail, Canmore to Banff: A gorgeous, relatively flat trail with fabulous views, popular with runners and cyclists. Parallels the Trans Canada Highway. Runs for 27 km from Canmore to Bow Valley Parkway at Banff Park east gate.
Canmore, Roads and Paths: Our guide to the best roads and multi-use paths for running in the outdoor recreation mecca of Canmore, which is the eastern gateway to Banff National Park. Top spots: Legacy Trail, Three Sisters Trail, Bow River Paths, Harvie Heights Trail, AB-742.
Canmore, Best Trails for Running: Canmore sits between Calgary and Banff and is a major outdoor recreation center and gateway. This is a guide to some of the best easy-to-moderate trail running in the area, including the Bow River Paths, Nordic Center, and Goat Creek Trail.
Banff, Vermilion Lakes Road: One of the best options for a flat and scenic road run in Banff. The road runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway, featuring wonderful views of the Vermilion Lakes and nearby mountains. Up to 12 km out and back, including a section of Legacy Trail.
Historic Downtown Banff: Create your own route around historic downtown Banff. Use Banff Ave., festive at any time of year as the anchor, and then run the grid-like side streets (named after animals), making sure to incorporate the Bow River Trail. Good option at night, and in winter.
Bow River, Fenland, and Hoodoos Trails: Three very pretty, somewhat interconnected trails for running, all accessible from downtown Banff. They can be run standalone or combined in multiple was to make for a longer run. Flat and fairly easy, more path than ‘trail’.
Banff, Golf Course Loop: This 11 km loop has everything: pretty paved road along the famed Banff Springs Golf Course, then sections through woods, past meadows, and along the Bow River with great mountain views. Can do shorter 6k out and back. Note: closed Nov.-May.
Banff, Cave and Basin Run: A wonderful run on a paved road and path that’s car-free after the first mile. Run from town to site of hot mineral springs in a cave, and then along a lovely and fairly flat path/road for 2.5 km before it becomes more rugged and hilly.
Banff, Mt. Norquay Scenic Drive: If you want a 10-mile road run with killer hills and views, this is is the one to do in Banff. Mt. Norquay Scenic Drive climbs steadily for 320m (1,077 feet), ending at Mt. Norquay Lodge. NOTE This road can be very busy and there is no shoulder.
Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive and Trail: Some goof running options in this area northeast of Banff include the Lake Minnewanka Trail, and sections of the 13 km Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive loop, especially between Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. NOTE BEAR PRECAUTIONS
Lake Louise, Best Trails for Running: Our recommendations for the most scenic, accessible, and modest trails/paths for running in Lake Louise: the Lake Louise Shoreline Trail, Bow River Loop, Great Divide/Highway 1A, Tramline, and Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail.
For the full running guide to Banff/Canmore/Lake Louise, see greatruns.com.
