Cascade Ponds Bankhead
Near Anthracite · Banff National Park
Trail score 73 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality
About this trail
Cascade Ponds Bankhead is a 3.1 km out and back trail near Anthracite in Banff National Park. It runs 1.6 km each way. It is close to flat, staying between 1,411 m and 1,418 m. Hike Alberta rates it easy, and Parks Canada rates it easy. Allow about 50 minutes of moving time. At 1.2 km the trail forks. This route keeps right; the left fork is a 0.3 km side branch with the same name. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Also used for walking, trail running and mountain biking.
- Length
- 3.1km
- 1.6 km each way
- Elevation gain
- 20m
- Estimated time
- 50min
- Moving time
- Route
- Out and back
- Highest point
- 1,418m
- Lowest point
- 1,411m
Elevation profile
1,411 m to 1,418 mHighest point 1,418 m, lowest 1,411 m, 20 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 4% over 100 m.
Predicted coverage: 100% of route
0% LTE · 100% 5G
- Longest modelled gap
- 0.0 km
- Model
- 2024 · Natural Resources Canada
Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.
Good for
- Hiking, Walking, Trail running, Mountain biking, Horseback riding
- Dog friendly (on leash), Kid friendly
- Waterfall
Rankings
Trailhead
The trail starts at 51.2291° N, 115.5243° W.
Banff National Park admission
National park admission required
Pass details
Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.
Information checked October 21, 2026.
Before you go
Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:
Nearby trails
- Water Tower to BankheadEasy · 7.0 km · 134 m gain · 0.3 km away
- Lower Bankhead InterpretiveEasy · 0.9 km · 12 m gain · 0.3 km away
- C Level CirqueModerate · 9.3 km · 770 m gain · 0.9 km away
- Tessa Falls TrailEasy · 1.4 km · 38 m gain · 1.8 km away
- Water TowerEasy · 7.9 km · 172 m gain · 1.8 km away
- Two Jack LakesideEasy · 3.2 km · 61 m gain · 1.9 km away
All 588 trails in Banff National Park
Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30