The Aylmer Lookout hike is one of the most rewarding full-day trails in Banff, and it starts right at the edge of Lake Minnewanka. It’s long, forested, and finishes with aerial views of the lake that are genuinely impressive. If you’re okay with eight hours on your feet, this one is worth every minute. Additionally, its one of Banff’s first hikes to become free of snow in the spring, making it a wonderful early summer choice.
Trail Stats
8 to 9 Hours out and back.
Approximately 24 km/15 miles roundtrip
560 m/1,837 ft
Difficulty is moderately strenuous. It’s not technical, just long and requires endurance.
May to October
Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park
Parking: Available at Lake Minnewanka day use area
Transit: Roam Bus Route 6 from Banff townsite, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Permit: Banff National Park Pass required
Bear Group Rule: In July, the Aylmer Lookout trail requires groups of four or more, all with bear spray. No dogs or bikes permitted during this period.
Getting There
From Banff townsite, the easiest way to reach the trailhead is the Roam Bus Route 6. The ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes and passes Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake along the way before ending at Lake Minnewanka, the last stop on the route. It’s a straightforward, cheap option and far less chaotic than trying to catch the more popular Lake Louise bus. If you’re driving, there is a parking lot at the Lake Minnewanka day use area.
On the way out to the lake, the bus passes the Johnson Lake Loop Trail, which is a completely different kind of day if you’re looking for something short and easier in the same area.
Once you arrive at the lake, a bathroom and water bottle filling station are right across from the bus stop. Fill up here. I didn’t bring quite enough water on my May hike and felt it by the afternoon.
The Hike
Where does the Aylmer Lookout trail start?
From the bus stop, head right along the paved path toward Stewart Canyon Trail. You’ll cross the Stewart Canyon bridge and from there the route is signed and easy to follow. I always carry an offline AllTrails map regardless, since cell service is limited out here. You might get one bar along the lakeshore, but don’t count on it.
What is the lakeshore section like?
After the bridge, you follow the lakeshore trail for a long stretch. And it is long. This section is mostly flat and heavily forested, but the trail runs close enough to the water that you catch views of Lake Minnewanka’s blue water through the trees pretty much the whole way. It’s peaceful and quiet and I passed very few other hikers here. Most people visiting Banff don’t know about this lake and those that do are deterred by the 8 hour length of this trail.
Eventually you reach a small narrow bridge and a trail sign. Cross this bridge to continue toward Aylmer Lookout. If you’re carrying a water filter, this is a good fill spot. In late May the water levels here were good, though I can’t speak to what they look like later in summer or fall.
What is the climb to the lookout like?
The upper section gets exposed as you gain elevation, so sun protection is worth thinking about. You’re outside for eight hours on this hike. I wore my favorite Columbia UV protective hiking shirt instead of relying on sunscreen alone and it made a real difference.
About partway up you get your first real aerial view of Lake Minnewanka below. It’s a good enough reason to stop and catch your breath. The view from the actual lookout is even better.
What can you see from Aylmer Lookout?
The top is the payoff for all of it. From the lookout you can see both sides of Lake Minnewanka stretching out below, with Mount Inglismaldie visible across the lake. The whole scene is genuinely stunning. I’d rate this a 10 out of 10 hike. The views are top tier, the trail is safe and non-technical, and the only real requirement is that you’re comfortable with a full day on your feet. It’s definitely my favorite hike at Lake Minnewanka.
If you want to work up to a hike like this, the Tunnel Mountain Trail is a great place to start. It’s short, accessible, and gives you a taste of Banff’s scenery without committing to a full day out.
Alternatively, if you’re driving on the Icefields Parkway road and want another easier option, Boundary Lake is an incredible choice.
Tips
Bring more water than you think you need. The lakeshore section feels easy but it’s deceptively long, and the climb to the lookout is exposed in places.
Bear spray is non-negotiable on this trail regardless of the time of year. Check the Parks Canada website before you go to confirm whether the July bear group rule is currently in effect. During this window you must hike in a group of four or more, everyone must carry bear spray, and no dogs or bikes are allowed on the trail.
Download an offline map before you leave. Cell service is minimal and mostly limited to one bar along the lakeshore portion of the trail.
The Roam Bus Route 6 makes this hike very accessible from Banff townsite. The Lake Minnewanka bus is much easier to board than the Lake Louise route since it sees far less tourist traffic.
Start early if possible. Eight to nine hours is a full day and you don’t want to be finishing in the dark, or miss the last bus out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Aylmer Lookout hike?
The Aylmer Lookout hike is 23 to 24.8 km round-trip, which takes most people 8 to 9 hours. It’s an out and back trail with a total elevation gain of roughly 590 to 968 metres. Plan for a full day and don’t start too late.
Can you do the Aylmer Lookout hike without a car?
Yes. The Roam Bus Route 6 runs from Banff townsite to Lake Minnewanka and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Lake Minnewanka is the last stop on the route. It’s one of the more transit accessible full-day hikes in Banff National Park. The bus runs from mid-May to early October, I recommend checking the Roam Transit website for the exact dates as it changes year to year.
For more Banff hiking options without a car, check out my list here.
What is the bear group rule on the Aylmer Lookout trail?
Starting in July, Parks Canada requires hikers on the Aylmer Lookout trail to travel in groups of four or more, with every member carrying bear spray. Dogs and bikes are not permitted during this period. The rule is implemented annually due to concentrated bear activity in the area. Check the Parks Canada website for current seasonal restrictions and exact dates before you go.
Is the Aylmer Lookout hike difficult?
The trail is rated moderate to strenuous. It’s not technical and the route is easy to follow, but the distance and elevation gain make it a genuinely tiring day. The biggest challenge is the length rather than any specific steep or exposed section.
When is the best time to do the Aylmer Lookout hike?
Late spring through early fall works well, roughly May through October. Snow can linger on the upper sections earlier in spring, so check conditions if you’re going before June. Summer is busy in Banff but the Aylmer Lookout trail sees far fewer people than many other hikes in the park. Bring crampons if there may be snow.
Is there parking at Lake Minnewanka for the Aylmer Lookout trail?
Yes, there is a parking lot at the Lake Minnewanka day use area. There is also a bathroom and a water bottle filling station near the parking lot, as well as a few shops selling snacks and ice cream.
