For those looking to spend a full day hiking in Banff, Aylmer Lookout is a highly rewarding hike that is easily accessible from downtown Banff (there are even buses to the lake) and offers rare views of both sides of Lake Minnewanka.

Aylmer Lookout is not a hard or technical hike, but its lenght of over 23 km makes for a very long day. However, Parks Canada has multiple backcountry campgrounds along the shoreline for those looking to turn this into a multi-day trip (they're also not as competitive as many other campsites in Rockies).

Note that there are annual trail restrictions in place every summer between July 10 and September 15 due to bear activity in the area:
- Hikers must be in a group of 4 or more people and must carry bear spray
- Pets, including dogs are not allowed even if on a leash
- Biking is not allowed

Outside of these dates, you can actually bike part of this trail which will save tons of time, but you'll need a mountain bike.