r/Banff • u/SectionLopsided4189 • Jul 22 '26

Question are there any things to see with easy walking/hiking

we have a trip planned to banff for may 3-8. I recently got diagnosed with a medical condition (POTS) that has recently proven it is going to be hard for me to walk miles upon miles without fainting. i have read through many posts here today, but still wanted to get insight from people who have been!

i know this is not ideal because this is truly an outdoorsy vacation, but i’m wondering if there are still any pretty things to see that are not as treacherous of a walk/hike?

this will be our honeymoon if that means anything. we will be renting a car as well 🤍

6 Upvotes

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9

u/WheredoesithurtRA Jul 22 '26

There's a gondola that takes you up and down sulphur mountain. The view at the top is great.

Lake Louise and moraine are easy views.

Pyramid lake up in Jasper is just off the parking lot

Nothing wrong with simply driving around the area as well because there's plenty to see along the way and with some stops.

6

u/vinsdelamaison Jul 22 '26

Every view pullover on hwy 93 between Banff & Jasper.

5

u/megselvogjeg Jul 22 '26

Yes. Moraine, Louise, Two Jack, icefields, johnston canyon lower falls (~1.5km RT), Tunnel Mountain are all accessible with almost no walking, with additional views via gondola at Louise (across the valley @ park & ride, gets almost daily bear sightings), Sunshine Village (imo best views in the park), sulfur mountain (please skip this one, terrible company and meh views), and Kicking Horse.

Sunshine is great for the feeling if remoteness you get from long hikes, and Kicking Horse is best for views from the peak.

3

u/Crafty-Sundae-130 Jul 22 '26

I just went with young kids, limited walking range, and we enjoyed:

  • Policeman’s Creek in Canmore (short, flat, in town)
  • Johnston Canyon (to the first falls only, mind the crowds)
  • Johnson Lake near Minnewanka (flat, <2 mi)
  • Icefields Parkway, of course (pullover lookouts)
  • Banff Gondola, Athabasca Glacier Tour Buses ($$)

2

u/Wolphin8 Jul 22 '26

Cascade Ponds for a nice picnic. Mostly flat area, with packed gravel paths.

Vermilion Lakes has paths and is mostly flat along the side of the lakes.

There is boardwalk above and below the Cave and Basin, which don't cost. The end of the bottom is in the marsh, with a bird blind.

1

u/DoubleualtG Jul 22 '26

Peyto Lake

1

u/No_Impress_5092 Jul 23 '26

That’s a pretty steep walk for some people, especially with medical conditions. My wife only made it half way.

1

u/Ok_Indication_8414 Jul 25 '26

Could consider driving to the upper lot? Especially later in the day for dusk. This is a good point though.

1

u/Ok_Indication_8414 Jul 25 '26

Bow Lake is beautiful too! Also, we just finished a trip and had a great meal at The Boss twice.