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Panther River Trail

Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 25 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

2 km Open the map

About this trail

Panther River Trail is a 22.6 km out and back trail in Banff National Park. It runs 11.3 km each way. The route gains 518 m in total and tops out at 1,750 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 7 hours of moving time. It passes one mapped trail junction, at 7.4 km. Three side branches with the same name split off the route, at 3.3 km, 3.4 km and 7.3 km. The map also shows two separate sections with the same name that are not part of this route. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Much of the route follows Panther River. Also used for mountain biking, horseback riding and backpacking.

Length
22.6km
11.3 km each way
Elevation gain
518m
Estimated time
7h
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
1,750m
Lowest point
1,606m

Elevation profile

1,606 m to 1,750 m
1,7501,607 0 km11.3 km

Highest point 1,750 m, lowest 1,606 m, 518 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 30% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 83% of route

83% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap
1.9 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, Mountain biking, Horseback riding, Backpacking
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • River or creek

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.5975° N, 115.5161° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual pass

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.

Official details

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

All 588 trails in Banff National Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Government of Alberta, Open Government Licence Alberta
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30