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, a popular center for skiing and tubing in winter, and other recreational activities in summer. Starting in downtown Banff, the run starts flatly and innocently enough, with a pretty path along the Bow River, and then crossing the train tracks on Mt. Norquay Rd. Cross the highway, and then begin the long, steady climb for 5.7 km (or as much as you like), with grades averaging 5-6%. The reward, of course, is the run back down, with great views. NOTE: No shoulder and can be very busy.
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Essentials
- Full out and back is 15.7 km (9.7 miles)
- 328m (1077 feet)
- Downtown Banff - Banff Ave. & Bow River Trail
Current Weather & Forecast
Banff, CA
12:24 pm,
Jun 12, 2026
light rain
7°C
L: 7°
H: 7°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
Today
3:00 pm
33° / 33°°C
0.26 mm
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10 mph
63 %
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Tomorrow
3:00 pm
25° / 35°°C
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12 mph
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Sunday
3:00 pm
26° / 33°°C
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3:00 pm
26° / 32°°C
0.99 mm
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Tuesday
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25° / 31°°C
1 mm
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Today
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0.26 mm
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10 mph
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Other Routes in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise
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.
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.
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
Banff/Canmore/Lake Louise, Alberta
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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
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.
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