With more than 1,000 miles of trail, Banff National Parks offers plenty of paths. For a relatively easy hike, we like the Tunnel Mountain trail. Accessible from the town of Banff, the 1.4-mile trail leads to the mountain̢۪s summit, providing great views of the Bow Valley. Both Emerald Lake and Lake Louise offer additional easy family hikes with little elevation gain but with gorgeous scenery. In July and August wildflowers lace the Garden Path Trail, at Sunshine Village ski area.

For more difficult hikes, a favorite of ours is the half-day, 4-mile round-trip trek up to Lake Agnes and the Tea House, accessible from Lake Louise. On the half-day, 4-mile Stanley Glacier hike, much of the 750-foot gain in elevation is near the beginning. The 15-mile trail through narrow Johnston Canyon leads you across wooden footbridges and past waterfalls.

Several outfitters offer guided hikes within the park, including the Mountain Heritage Guide Program at the Chateau Lake Louise.