Spray River Trail Loop
Spray River Trail Loop
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
26 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
9
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Justin C
Alberta, Canada212 contributions
Oct 2020
My wife and I walked this trail on a weekday during an Alberta staycation while staying at the Banff Springs. The trail was easily accessible within walking distance, as the trailhead was just to the south of the hotel parkade.
The trail is a 12km loop around the Spray River, with a clearing and picnic area at a bridge at the half way mark. There was a fair amount of elevation gain/fall with the walk. We walked the trail in late October, there was a thin layer of packed snow on the trail from frequent use and occasional bare areas of gravel.
Lots of signs of wildlife around - human footprints were interspersed with lots of footprints of other fauna. Two other hikers waved us off from doing the east side of the trail after showing us a picture of a rather fresh looking bear footprint!
I look forward to doing this trail again in the future either on my mountain bike or a rented fat bike!
The trail is a 12km loop around the Spray River, with a clearing and picnic area at a bridge at the half way mark. There was a fair amount of elevation gain/fall with the walk. We walked the trail in late October, there was a thin layer of packed snow on the trail from frequent use and occasional bare areas of gravel.
Lots of signs of wildlife around - human footprints were interspersed with lots of footprints of other fauna. Two other hikers waved us off from doing the east side of the trail after showing us a picture of a rather fresh looking bear footprint!
I look forward to doing this trail again in the future either on my mountain bike or a rented fat bike!
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scottloves2golf
Heber City, UT328 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
We rode our bikes on this Trail and it was wonderful. We have a 12 year old, a ten-year-old, and an 8 year old and by the end of the ride that they were all successful in climbing the hills and staying on their bikes. it really was in the top 3 mountain bike rides I've ever done with my kids. long enough to be a challenge, but short enough to know the end was in sight. we actually stopped at the bridge and waited in the river a little bit and just enjoyed the peace and quiet. We only saw five or six other people on the trail all day. It was wonderful to get away from the crowds :-). I must do if you are in Banff with children
Written July 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chickandbeast
Southgate, Canada8,550 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Spray River Trail Loop in Alberta's Banff National Park is a great place tomtry and spot the elusive wildlife. I saw more signs to watch for deet, elk, near and moose than any actual creatures in fact I only saw elk, deer and an otter.
You have to buy the Banff day pass to be able to walk this loop then parking is included.
You have to buy the Banff day pass to be able to walk this loop then parking is included.
Written June 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter R
Calgary2,134 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
Tried this well marked trail ; a shared trail used by hikers, bikers and horses. The trail head begin in one of two starting points --- one just past the Banff Springs Hotel parkade or from another -- approximately 200 M,across the bridge and by the golf course (please avoid the green and follow the path). Both areas have ample parking.
The trail, an old fire road, travels along the Spray River, through wooded area. The gently rolling terrain (on a gravelled path) offers many nice views of the mountains. It is a good beginners hike with a modest climb -- its length is 12 Km . At roughly the half way point the trail opens up into a clearing with a picnic table. You could, if you choose, continue along the same path ; or you could branch off to take the Goat Creek Trail.
The trail took us 3 hours to complete -- this included stopping along the way. It is a pretty scenic hike, with ample photo opportunities. There are no bathroom facilities along the way (so relieve yourself before departing). At the Banff Springs Hotel parkade trail head , they have a bicycle pump so that you may adjust your tire pressure.
Try this easy hike, I am sure you will enjoy it.
The trail, an old fire road, travels along the Spray River, through wooded area. The gently rolling terrain (on a gravelled path) offers many nice views of the mountains. It is a good beginners hike with a modest climb -- its length is 12 Km . At roughly the half way point the trail opens up into a clearing with a picnic table. You could, if you choose, continue along the same path ; or you could branch off to take the Goat Creek Trail.
The trail took us 3 hours to complete -- this included stopping along the way. It is a pretty scenic hike, with ample photo opportunities. There are no bathroom facilities along the way (so relieve yourself before departing). At the Banff Springs Hotel parkade trail head , they have a bicycle pump so that you may adjust your tire pressure.
Try this easy hike, I am sure you will enjoy it.
Written May 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
39abbey
Halifax, UK38 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We rented snow shoes from bactracks for 20CAD each for 6hrs which was plenty time. This trail was perfect for the cold weather but with a good opportunity to get out and see a little bit of the wildneress.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie J
Rock Creek, Canada757 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
We did not know that this trail would lead us to seeing big horn mountain sheep to seeing the old boss man him self . He is the biggest grizzly bear we seen and Banffs icon . The amazing views and the majestic mountains covered in snow here and there and the green emerald waters dancing in the sun with the ice unthawing on them . Can we say breath taking
Written April 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy V
28 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
We rode this trail a number of times in our car.
The scenery is breathtaking along spraylake and the spray river. It offers a galore of wildlife on a quiet day,or when the weather is rainy.
You can walk it also,but it is very long. It takes us about an hour to drive.
The trail is not paved,but sometimes kept wet in summer,to keep the enormous amount of dust at bay.
Take extra precoutions when driving on ice and snow,the road is full of holes and tricky corners,so it is wise to keep the speed limit.
The trail also offers many picknick opportunities along the lake,there is a seclusive camping ground and a cute as a button bed and breakfast,where you can observe moose from your window.
The trail ends in Canmore,high above the town. You will see Canmore below you and the view is breath taking. An absolute must,but if you bike or hike,be sure to deal with a lot of dust and if you drive,don't take an expensive car.
The scenery is breathtaking along spraylake and the spray river. It offers a galore of wildlife on a quiet day,or when the weather is rainy.
You can walk it also,but it is very long. It takes us about an hour to drive.
The trail is not paved,but sometimes kept wet in summer,to keep the enormous amount of dust at bay.
Take extra precoutions when driving on ice and snow,the road is full of holes and tricky corners,so it is wise to keep the speed limit.
The trail also offers many picknick opportunities along the lake,there is a seclusive camping ground and a cute as a button bed and breakfast,where you can observe moose from your window.
The trail ends in Canmore,high above the town. You will see Canmore below you and the view is breath taking. An absolute must,but if you bike or hike,be sure to deal with a lot of dust and if you drive,don't take an expensive car.
Written January 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren B
Calgary, Canada47 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Nice trail for easy hiking. It took us just under 3 hours which included a stop have way for lunch (we packed and brought in). It was relatively easy and not a lot of people on the trail. There is a small area with one picnic table and one little hut for lunch half before you start the east part of loop. We walked west - east but you could go either way. Lots of horse poop on the east section.
Written August 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanc;
British Columbia, Canada30 contributions
Jun 2017
A great getaway for something different than what Banff mostly is...busy! Great place to walk, camp and picnic!
Written April 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Verna Y
28 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
This was our first time here for cross country skiing. We generally ski in Canmore at the Nordic center so this was a delightful change. The trails are well groomed with good tracks and it is not that difficult. There are some uphills and downhills but if I can do it, anyone can do it. The snow was well packed and luckily, it was snowing so we had some fresh snow. The view was fantastic - will definitely come back again both in winter and summer.
Written March 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Spray River Trail Loop (Banff) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Spray River Trail Loop
- We recommend booking Spray River Trail Loop tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Spray River Trail Loop tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Spray River Trail Loop:
- (0.02 mi) Deluxe Rockies Suite | soak in Grotto Hot Pools!
- (0.02 mi) Fantastic Banff Getaway with Incredible/Hot Pools
- (0.02 mi) Fox Hotel and Suites
- (0.02 mi) Rockies Getaway + Grotto Hot Pools
- (0.02 mi) Fox Hotel and Suites
- Restaurants near Spray River Trail Loop:
- (0.03 mi) Chili's
- (0.04 mi) The Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge
- (0.06 mi) Carlito's Pizzaria
- (0.12 mi) The Beaver Bar
- (0.15 mi) El Toro
Spray River Trail Loop Information
Excellent Reviews | 13 |
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Very Good Reviews | 9 |
Spray River Trail Loop Photos | 27 |