Choose from 43 Fun Things to Do in Alberta
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Athabasca Falls
Proving that it’s force and not size that matters, Athabasca Falls is a mere 75.5 foot (23 m) tall waterfall in Jasper National Park on the upper Athabasca River just west of the Icefields Parkway. The largest waterfall by volume in Jasper National Park, water cascades over the falls almost constantly, even on cold mornings when river levels are at their lowest.
Thundering through a narrow gorge, Athabasca Falls has both smoothed the rock walls it travels past and potholed them with the sand and rock it carries. It’s easy to admire Athabasca Falls from various viewing platforms and walking trails around the falls. Considered a Class 5 waterfall, Athabasca has a drop of 80 ft (24 m) and a width of 60 ft (18m).
Practical Info
Athabasca Falls is located approximately 18.6 miles (30 km) south of Jasper; park at the Athabasca Falls parking lot on Highway 93A. There are several lookouts and a paved trail that leads to other lookouts, but be sure to stay on the path and inside of the railing as the rocks can be extremely slippery—several people have fallen to their deaths.
Address: Highway 93A, Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: $4.90
From $ 77
Calgary Zoo
Possibly the city’s most popular attraction, Calgary Zoo has been caring for animals and animal lovers since 1929. Canada’s second largest zoo is home to animals from all over the world, from Asian elephants to African giraffes and Australian kangaroos.
Divided into geographical regions, the zoo’s highlights include the elephant encounter, Canadian wilds and Eurasia. For something different, Safari Brunch is served in Destination Africa.
The zoo is surrounded by lush botanical gardens featuring rainforest, arid gardens and a butterfly enclosure. Prehistoric Park is a favorite with kids, home to life-size dinosaurs and fossil displays.
Divided into geographical regions, the zoo’s highlights include the elephant encounter, Canadian wilds and Eurasia. For something different, Safari Brunch is served in Destination Africa.
The zoo is surrounded by lush botanical gardens featuring rainforest, arid gardens and a butterfly enclosure. Prehistoric Park is a favorite with kids, home to life-size dinosaurs and fossil displays.
Practical Info
Calgary Zoo is east of downtown on St George’s Island and the eastern bank of the Bow River. Buses run here or you can catch the C-Train to the Zoo stop.
The Canadian Wilds and Prehistoric Park are on the eastern bank of the river, linked to the other exhibits by bridges.
Address: 1,300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary AB T2E 7V6, Canada
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm, closed Christmas Day
Admission: CA$19
From $ 16
Fort Calgary Historic Park
Visit the spot where Calgary was born at Fort Calgary, and explore the city’s formative years from 1875 to 1914. A wooden fort was built here by the North West Mounted Police in 1875, and today, the legacy of those times is re-created with interactive exhibits, replica barracks, guided tours and an interpretive center.
Dine in the former home of a Canadian Mountie, try on an authentic Mountie uniform and explore the fort’s extensive riverside grounds surrounding the meeting point of the Elbow and Bow rivers.
Practical Info
Fort Calgary takes up 40 acres (16 hectares) on the eastern stretch of central Calgary. It's about a 15-minute walk from downtown.
Address: 750 9th Avenue, Calgary AB T2G 5E1, Canada
Hours: Daily 9am–5pm. Closed Easter, Christmas and New Year
Admission: CA$5–CA$11
From $ 65
Glacier Skywalk
Jutting out from the side of a Jasper National Park cliff, the elevated, glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk is an exhilarating—if somewhat unnerving—way to experience the epic, untouched landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. From this vantage point, the view of the park’s ice-hatted peaks and glacial valleys is nothing short of spectacular.
The Basics
At the Glacier Skywalk, make your way along the 1,312-foot (400-meter) Discovery Trail to the Discovery Vista. Here step out onto a curving, open-air observation platform where only a transparent pane of glass underfoot separates you from the Sunwapta Valley floor—918 feet (280 meters) below.
You can purchase an admission ticket and make your own way to the nearby Glacier Discovery Center, from where a shuttle bus transports you to the Glacier Skywalk. Alternatively, visit as part of an organized day tour from Jasper, Banff, or Calgary. Day tours typically combine visits to the Glacier Skywalk with the Athabasca Glacier, part of the breathtaking Columbia Icefield. One-way day tours, running from Jasper to Lake Louise (and vice versa), Banff to Jasper (and vice versa), and Jasper to Calgary are also available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Complimentary audio guides are available to visitors.
- The skywalk is partially exposed and can be windy and cold, so dress warmly.
- The Glacier Skywalk is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Glacier Skywalk experience begins at the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center in Jasper National Park, Alberta. To get there, drive 2.5 hours north from Banff or 1.5 hours south from Jasper along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Free Glacier Skywalk–bound shuttle buses depart from the Discovery Center every 15 minutes. There is no parking at the Glacier Skywalk.
When to Get There
The Glacier Skywalk is open from May through mid-October. The best time to come is directly after opening or in late afternoon, around the bulk of the visitors.
Views from the Skywalk
On a clear day, you will be able to see a portion of the Columbia Icefield, one of Canada’s biggest expanses of glacial ice. The North Glacier of Mt. Athabasca is also visible, as is Mt. Kitchener. If you have a sharp eye, you may even be able to spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats roaming below.
Address: Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Hours: Hours vary by season.
Admission: $34
From $ 28
Maligne Lake
With its vivid aquamarine waters and impressive backdrop of jagged, glacier-studded peaks, Maligne Lake has visitors to the Canadian Rockies reaching for their cameras. The glacier-fed lake is the largest in Jasper National Park. Tiny tree-topped Spirit Island stands in the middle of the lake and is the subject of countless postcards.
The Basics
As one of Alberta’s—and indeed Canada’s—most-hyped beauty spots, Maligne Lake is included on many sightseeing tours of the Jasper and Banff regions. Chauffeured sidecar and coach tours generally make stops at natural attractions such as Medicine Lake, Maligne Canyon, and other Rocky Mountain hot spots. Maligne Lake is also often included on the itinerary.
Some half and full-day sightseeing tours incorporate boat cruises on the lake, and guided nature and wildlife-watching walks around the lake. Several backcountry campgrounds, accessible by canoe, are located on the lake’s edge. Canoes can be rented from the Maligne Lake Boathouse.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Moose, grizzly bears, and caribou are known to roam the regions near the lake, making it perfect for wildlife-viewers.
- Maligne Lake is open to paddlers and electric motor boats only.
- Dress in layers as sudden weather changes are common here.
- Part, though not all, of the Mary Schäffer Loop, which winds around the shoreline, is paved and suitable for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Maligne Lake is at the end of Maligne Lake Road, about 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Jasper. As there is no public transport in the area, the best way for car-free travelers to get here is by organized tour. Driving from Jasper will take about an hour.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Maligne Lake is between late May and early October, when boats and paddlers can go out on the water. Though the north part of the lake can become busy, quieter spots—accessible only on foot or by boat—can always be found to the south. In winter, the frozen lake is peaceful, attracting only a few hardy snowshoers, though road conditions in the park can sometimes make the lake difficult to access.
How to See Spirit Island
In theory, visitors can paddle or kayak to Spirit Island, though it’s about an 8.5-mile (14-kilometer) one-way journey and it can take the best part of a day. Unless you’re a fit, experience kayaker, and have booked a lakeside campsite to stay at, you’re better off doing a Maligne Lake cruise, which will get you out to within view of the island and back in just 90 minutes.
Address: Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: free
From $ 56
Bow Lake
Bow Lake in the Canadian Rockies is one of the smaller lakes in Banff National Park. It is the source of the Bow River and lies along part of the Great Continental Divide, which creates the border between Alberta and British Columbia. As with all of the lakes lining the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, Bow Lake boasts spectacularly colored water and top-notch mountain scenery. One of the most interesting features of these Rocky Mountain Lakes is their differences in color. Some are green, some are bright blue, and sometimes (after a major rain) some of them are brownish. The lake’s colors might even change with the weather. As you continue north along the Icefields Parkway, you will have several different views of the bright-blue waters of Bow Lake, as it lies quite close to the highway. The lake is a great place for a picnic and a stroll, and is especially beautiful at sunrise when the sun shines off of the water and Crowfoot Mountain.
Practical Info
Bow Lake is part of the Icefields Parkway and is at an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,920 meters above sea level). The lake offers impressive vistas of Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, Mt Thompson, and Crowfoot Glacier/Crowfoot Mountain. There is a basic picnicking area with plenty of parking, tables, fire boxes, and public restrooms.
Address: Alberta Highway 93, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
From $ 130
Athabasca River
The Athabasca River originates from the Columbia Glacier on the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. The Athabasca River is Alberta’s largest undammed river and the second-longest river overall in the province. It travels almost 1,000 miles (1,500 km) northeast across Alberta, and drains into Lake Athabasca in the northeast. The Athabasca runs through the glaciers and snow-covered mountains of Alberta’s Jasper National Park, considered to be one of the most beautiful areas in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The river is accessible by both road and by rail from all major centers in Alberta and British Columbia. The river offers excellent canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and hiking with all of the usually services and facilities that are usually found in Canada’s national parks. Beautiful waterfalls and trails to explore abound along the river, and it would be an excellent “home base” for a couple of days for any campers wanting to explore more of Jasper National Park.
Practical Info
Jasper National Park is open all year. Though the major roads are always maintained, some road closures may be in effect in certain weather conditions or during the winter. Backpacking, camping, picnicking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, and ice skating are all activities that can be enjoyed near the Athabasca River in Jasper National Park.
Address: Jasper, Alberta, Canada, Canada
Admission: Jasper National Park entry fee
From $ 56
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Originally called Banff Hot Springs Reserve, Cave and Basin National Historic Site was the birthplace of both Banff National Park and the entire Canadian National Parks system. Today, 43 national parks, 167 historic sites, four marine parks and one national urban park (which make up the largest network of protected lands in the world), can trace their roots back to these warm mineral waters in Banff, Alberta.
Reopened in 2013 after a three-year renovation project, Cave and Basin is now home to an interpretive museum and a boardwalk hike past countless thermal pools, but the short walk down a stone tunnel into the large hot spring cave remains the most spectacular attraction. A waterfall pours down from the ceiling, filling the jade-green hot spring.
The setting is so beautiful that it isn’t hard to believe that when three Canadian Pacific Railway workers discovered the springs, they immediately laid claim to the land and saw its potential as a major tourism draw. Although much has changed in the past century, their quickly built fence and log cabin formed the first protected area in Canada.
Practical Info
Cave and Basin National Historic Site is located on the west edge of the town of Banff, 2.1 kilometers from downtown.
Address: 311 Cave Ave, Banff AB T0L 0C0, Canada
Admission: Adults: $3.90; Children: $1.90
From $ 54
Lake Minnewanka
The glacier-fed Lake Minnewanka lies just minutes from the town of Banff, and the sight of the Canadian Rockies jutting straight up out of the 17-mile-long body of water proves breathtaking. Lake Minnewanka is the perfect location to begin exploring the wilderness protected by both Banff National Park and the larger Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cruises operate around the lake during the summer, but there are plenty of other ways to get out on the water. Minnewanka is the only lake in the Banff area to allow privately operated motorboats, and there are 16-foot aluminum boats available for rental as well. For a more authentic adventure, canoe rentals provide the opportunity to explore for a day or more, as several backcountry campgrounds are located around the lake. Setting out on the area’s trails is definitely worth the effort, too, even if it’s only to complete the two-mile stroll to the Stewart Canyon Bridge that spans the Cascade River. The bridge has no true historical significance, but movie buffs will recognize it from the famous kiss scene in the 1954 blockbuster River of No Return, featuring Marilyn Monroe. Following the same trail, hikers have several options, including a relatively flat 15.5-mile trek to Devil’s Gap and a steep eight-mile hike to Aylmer Pass. Mountain bikers are welcome on the Devil’s Gap trail until mid-June, when grizzly bears become more common in the area.
Practical Info
Lake Minnewanka is located six miles east of the town of Banff. It’s accessible by car year-round, and buses run every 40 minutes throughout summer.
Address: Lake Minnewanka, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 52
Medicine Lake
When is a lake not a lake? When it’s a river. Medicine Lake is a geologic anomaly: though it looks like a long—4.3 mi (7 km)—and relatively shallow lake, it’s actually an area of the Maligne River. During times of glacial melt during the summer, the water backs up and forms the “lake” until it can slowly drain underground again through a series of sinkholes.
Aboriginal people called the lake Medicine Lake because of its incredible disappearing trick, but visitors these days are inspired by the opportunities for wildlife viewing of large mammals like bear, deer, moose and caribou. Fly-fishing is another popular pastime due to the proliferations of trout, but be prepared: Medicine Lake disappears in the fall and winter months, becoming a mudflat.
Practical Info
Medicine Lake is located approximately 12 mi (20 km) southeast of the town of Jasper, Alberta. Entry into Jasper National Park is $9.80 for adults, $8.30 for seniors and $4.90 for youth ages 6 -16. Jasper National Park and Medicine Lake are open year round, but adverse weather conditions may cause temporary closures of some roads.
Address: Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: $4.90
From $ 56
Fraser River
The longest river in British Columbia and the 10th longest river in Canada, the Fraser River rises at Fraser Pass near Mount Robson in the Rocky Mountains and flows for 854 miles (1,375 km) into the Strait of Georgia at the city of Vancouver. Known for white sturgeon and the most productive salmon fishery in the world, Fraser River has supported agricultural and community life for hundreds of years.
More recently, Fraser River has become a host to a wide variety of recreational activities as well. Fishing, boating, whitewater rafting and other activities are common throughout the course of the river. In the basin as a whole, visitors can enjoy other backcountry activities such as hiking, camping, backpacking, cycling, birdwatching, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. As a scenic attraction, the Fraser River commands attention along many public byways including the Trans Canada and Yellowhead highways.
Practical Info
Fraser River is accessible by some of British Columbia’s major highways, as they run parallel to the river. There are many parks and trails that provide recreational access to the river throughout its length. Spring is the best time for activities such as whitewater rafting due to the glacial melt that raises the river’s level, but there are many recreational activities available throughout the year.
Address: Fraser River, Jasper, Alberta, Canada, Canada
From $ 90
Bow Falls
The Bow Falls are located on the Bow River in Alberta's Banff National Park, within walking distance of the Banff Springs Hotel. The short, wide, cascading falls make for a popular sightseeing stop, likely because of how accessible the natural destination is—the falls can be easily enjoyed by people of all abilities and all ages. Trails for pedestrians and cyclists wind along the south shore of the Bow River and its rapids, with the walking trail climbing up to the clifftop where the falls begin (bicycles aren’t allowed at the top).
The viewing areas at Bow Falls offer vistas of the river and the falls themselves, while a cement promenade located at the base of the cascade has a few benches to sit on, though most people sit on the ledge of the promenade and enjoy the views from there. At the far end of the promenade is a small, sandy beach where rafting and kayak tours often begin.
Practical Info
To get to the trails that lead to the falls by car from Banff, drive to Main Street (Banff Avenue) and then cross over the Bow River Bridge. Turn left at the lights and look for parking. The trail sign for the Bow Falls Trail will be on the left. To drive all the way to the falls, turn left onto Glen Avenue after the bridge then continue on Bow Falls Drive and turn left into the parking lot. The clifftop section at the top of the falls is closed during the winter months.
Address: Bow River Ave., Banff, Alberta T0L, Canada
From $ 57
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular day hikes in Banff National Park. It’s a fairly easy hike on man-made trails to reach the canyon’s two waterfalls, making it a great activity for families and people of every fitness level and age. Johnston Creek flows through Johnston Canyon, a deep blue creek that has cut through the limestone rock over centuries on its way to join the Bow River, creating steep canyon walls with waterfalls, pools, and tunnels. The Johnston Canyon hiking trail begins just behind Johnston Canyon Lodge and gets very busy during peak summer hiking hours, with hundreds of hikers following the catwalks and staircases to the canyon’s Lower and Upper Falls. (Try hiking the trail in the very early morning or right before sunset if you’d like to avoid the crowds.) Less than two miles (3km) past the waterfalls are the Ink Pots: several cold, blue-green mineral pools that bubble to the surface in an open meadow beside the creek. During the winter some tour companies offer ice walking tours, and ice-climbing on the falls is also a popular activity.
Practical Info
Johnston Canyon is located on the 1A, about a 30 minute drive from Banff. It is open all year. The campground is usually open from April or May to October, with sites for walk-up campers, vehicles, and RVs. The campground offers showers with hot and cold running water, food lockers, and picnic shelters.
Address: Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Hours: The campground is usually open from April or May to October.
From $ 46
Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola promises gasp-worthy views of the Canadian Rockies. After an 8-minute ride to Sulphur Mountain’s 7,500-foot (2,286-meter) summit, visitors arrive at a complex with several viewing areas, interactive exhibits, and restaurants. Also here are hiking trailheads and access to an elevated boardwalk leading to Sanson’s Peak.
The Basics
The Banff Gondola is the quickest and easiest way to get to the top of a Rocky Mountain peak.
You can purchase tickets in advance, choosing between morning, midday, and evening departures. Journey up via the glass-enclosed, 4-person gondola, then explore the summit at your leisure, enjoying the lofty vantage point of the 360-degree deck, walking the 0.66-mile (1-kilometer) Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, following the South East Ridge Trail to the mountain’s true summit, and browsing the hands-on exhibits at the Above Banff interpretive center. On select winter nights, stargazing sessions are held at the summit’s station. Adventurous visitors can hike 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) of strenuous trail and switchbacks up Sulphur Mountain to the gondola’s upper terminal and take a one-way gondola ride down. You also can visit the summit as part of a broader sightseeing tour that includes other Banff National Park highlights such as Tunnel Mountain Drive, Two Jack Viewpoint, and Lake Minnewanka.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors who hike one way and ride the gondola the other way still have to pay for a round-trip ticket.
- It can be cold at the summit station, even in summer, so bring extra layers.
- The Banff Gondola is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Banff Gondola lower terminal is located about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) south of Banff town center. To get there, take the Route 1 Roam bus from Banff town, which leaves around every 40 minutes. Driving from Banff via Mountain Avenue takes around 10 minutes; parking is available at the lower terminal.
When to Get There
The Banff Gondola is busiest on summer weekends, so if you’re visiting then, arrive early in the day. During the winter months, the snowy vistas are magical and the summit is generally very peaceful. Summer is prime hiking season in this part of Canada; trails can be slippery in spring and fall, and icy in winter. The gondola closes for around two weeks every January to allow for maintenance work.
What You Can See From the Top
Upon arrival at the top of Sulphur Mountain, you are treated to astonishing views encompassing six different mountain ranges. Directly below is the town of Banff itself, the Bow River, and the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Often you can spot shaggy bighorn sheep grazing on the slopes.
Address: Mountain Avenue, Banff AB T1L 1B2, Canada
Hours: Hours vary by season
Admission: CA$62
From $ 34
Maligne Canyon
Carved out of the limestone bedrock by a rushing river, this narrow and steep canyon—which reaches depths of up to 160 feet (50 meters)—is one of the most striking geological features of Jasper National Park. In summer, hikers flock here to follow trails that span the gorge, while in winter, the canyon freezes into an icy wonderland.
The Basics
During summer, Maligne Canyon is a popular hiking spot. Trails lead to footbridges that span the deepest sections of the canyon and offer views of waterfalls, fossils, and rock formations. Many guided summertime tours from Jasper make stops at the canyon, allowing visitors to explore independently or with a guide. Half-day and full-day summer tours often combine Maligne Canyon with other Canadian Rockies highlights, such as Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, and Miette Hot Springs.
In winter, Maligne Canyon ice-climbing tours and ice walks are scheduled, allowing visitors to tread—usually with waterproof winter boots and ice cleats—along the icy surface of the canyon floor, seeing frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and icicles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Maligne Canyon is a must for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.
- Though the hiking trails at Maligne Canyon are not wheelchair accessible, the Maligne Canyon Restaurant and Gift Shop (open May–October) is. An asphalt path near the restaurant leads to an accessible viewpoint.
- The smooth bedrock of the canyon can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.
How to Get There
Maligne Canyon is situated in Jasper National Park, in Alberta, Western Canada. From the town of Jasper, follow Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) north and take the turnoff for Maligne Lake Road. The drive should take 15–20 minutes.
When to Get There
Maligne Canyon is busiest in summer. For a quieter experience, go in the off-season (mid-fall through late spring). In summer, you can avoid throngs of sightseers by hiking as far as the fifth or sixth canyon bridge, where crowds typically dissipate. Alternatively, set off early in the morning before most people arrive.
Hiking Trails at Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is a hiking hot spot, with routes to suit all schedules and fitness levels. From the upper canyon parking lot, follow a short (20- to 40-minute) route that crosses over the first and second bridges. Longer hikes leading through the lower canyon, and to the other bridges, are also possible. Interpretive signs around the canyon explain the geology of the area. If you want to explore the canyon floor, be sure to go with a guide who can ensure conditions are safe.
Address: Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 50
Jasper SkyTram
The Jasper SkyTram (formerly Jasper Tramway) is the longest—and highest—aerial tramway in Canada. Built in 1964, the Tram begins at 4,279 ft (1,304 m) above sea level and transports guests to 7,472 ft (2,277 m) above sea level in an enclosed tram compartment in seven minutes. The SkyTram rises above Whistlers Mountain and provides expansive views of lakes, six mountain ranges, the town of Jasper and Alberta’s longest river, the Athabasca.
A guide answers questions and points out areas of interest, animal life and history of the area during the Jasper SkyTram tour. After reaching the top, guests can stroll boardwalks to view wildlife. Alpine inhabitants include the whistling hoary marmot, white-tailed ptarmigan, ground squirrels, pikas and the occasional bighorn sheep. There are also hiking trails to the summit of Whistlers Mountain for those wanting more of a challenge.
Practical Info
The Jasper SkyTram is a ten-minute drive from Jasper, Alberta and is open during the spring, summer and fall months, from mid-April through mid-October. Rates start at $32 for adults and $16 for children 6-16. Children five years and younger can ride for free.
Address: Jasper SkyTram, Jasper, Alberta, Canada, Canada
Hours: 9am - 6:30pm, depending on season
Admission: Adults: $35; Youth (6-15): $17.50
From $ 38
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of two parks protecting Alberta’s Rocky Mountains bordering British Columbia; the other park is Jasper.
You’ll see some of the most astounding landscapes on the planet in Banff National Park: snowcapped mountains, huge river valleys, alpine forests, ludicrously blue lakes and charming mountain hamlets.
Covering 6,641 square km (2,564 square miles), Banff was the first national park to be declared in Canada, focusing on the area’s famous thermal hot springs.
Most visitors come to Banff National Park for the legendary skiing, spectacular views and peerless rock climbing and hiking. The park has information centers in Banff, Lake Louise and Upper Hot Springs.
Practical Info
Banff National Park is crossed by the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), linking Lake Louise in the south with Jasper in the north.
Hire a car to come here, take an organized tour, catch a bus from Calgary or ride the sightseeing train between Banff and Vancouver.
Address: Icefields Parkway, Banff T1L 1K2, Canada
Admission: CA$9.80
From $ 45
Moraine Lake
Hemmed in by the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park’s glacier-fed Moraine Lake is renowned for its bright blue-green waters. The surreally vivid color results from light refracting off of tiny glacial rock particles. Stunning Lake Moraine was famously featured on the back of Canada’s $20 bill between 1969 and 1979.
The Basics
Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, is a common fixture on sightseeing tours of Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and Yoho National Park. Moraine Lake tours depart from Banff and Calgary, and typically include sightseeing stops at other Alberta beauty spots such as Victoria Glacier, Takakkaw Falls, Lake Louise, and Bow, Emerald, and Peyto lakes. Moraine Lake is also a stop on the hop-on, hop-off Banff bus, which runs between Banff and Lake Louise. Active travelers can opt for a 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) guided hike through Larch Valley, or, in summer, rent a canoe from the Moraine Lake Boathouse and paddle out onto the water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Moraine Lake is a must-see for photographers and appreciators of natural beauty.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the lakeside trail can be uneven.
- Bring warm clothes. Even on pleasant summer days, weather patterns here are unpredictable and can change rapidly.
How to Get There
Moraine Lake is about nine miles (14 kilometers) from Lake Louise. Follow Moraine Lake Road, which branches off from Lake Louise Drive. Parking is limited at the site, and finding a spot can take some time. Private shuttles also depart from Lake Louise, while Parks Canada shuttles run from the Lake Louise overflow parking lot from mid-September to mid-October.
When to Get There
Access to Moraine Lake is available from mid-May through mid-October. The lake is fed by glacier melt, and water levels often remain low until late June. Larch tree viewing season, between mid-September and mid-October, is the busiest period. Sunrise is one of the best times for photographs, when the soft, low-angle light shines on the peaks and sightseers are few and far between.
Where to Find the Best Views of Moraine Lake
For views of Lake Moraine that will have you reaching for your camera, follow the 1,150-foot (350-meter) Rockpile Trail. The trail begins at the parking lot, crosses over a bridge, and connects to a series of stone steps. The steps lead up to the top of some glacial rock, from which elevated viewpoints offer sublime lake vistas. Other trails in the vicinity include the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Lakeshore Trail, a relatively easy lakeside route.
Address: Moraine Lake, Banff, Canada
From $ 46
Banff Lake Louise
The turquoise jewel of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise sits nestled between glaciers, beckoning visitors with its mirror-like waters, serene setting, and plethora of summer and winter activities, from hiking to snowshoeing. The mountain resort town of Banff is just down the Trans-Canada Highway from Lake Louise.
The Basics
Lake Louise is the name of both the lake and hamlet inside Banff National Park, each located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) apart. Part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is near Jasper National Park and glacial attractions like Athabasca Glacier, the Columbia Icefield, and the Glacier Skywalk. You might spend the majority of your time at Lake Louise, or take a tour from Banff that covers Kootenay National Park, Marble Canyon, and the lake. Hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking are popular summertime pursuits, while Lake Louise Ski Resort provides wintertime recreation and some winter tours include snowshoe treks. To see nearby sites without transportation hassles, take a hop-on hop-off bus through Banff, with stops running from Banff townsite to Lake Louise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The elevation of Lake Louise is 5,740 feet (1,750 meters), while Banff is at 4,540 feet (1,384 meters); drink plenty of water to stay hydrated at the high altitudes.
- Some short trails in the area provide wheelchair accessibility, such as the Banff Legacy Trail and Bow Riverside Trail.
- The area’s public shuttles are not wheelchair accessible.
- A Park Pass is required to enter Banff National Park and to travel on the scenic parkways such as the Icefields Parkway; this requirement is covered in most tours.
How to Get There
Lake Louise is 35 miles (57 kilometers) northwest of Banff, which is 79 miles (127 kilometers) west of Calgary, Alberta’s largest city and home to Calgary International Airport. The Rocky Mountaineer has regularly scheduled train service with a stop in Banff. Once in Banff, the hop-on hop-off bus tour provides transportation around Banff National Park, including to Lake Louise.
When to Get There
Banff and Lake Louise are year-round destinations, so plan your visit according to the experiences that interest you. Warm-weather activities like hiking generally run from June to mid-October with July and August being the warmest months. The larch trees around Lake Louise turn yellow and orange in late September or early October. Winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing run from December through April.
Visiting the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
In addition to natural splendor, Lake Louise boasts a man-made icon, as well—the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Dating back to 1911, the luxury hotel has hosted Hollywood stars and European royalty and is worth a visit for afternoon tea, a fondue dinner, a spa treatment, or a drink with a view of the turquoise lake.
Address: Trans-Canada Highway, Lake Louise T0L 1E0, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 46
Calgary Tower
Calgary Tower is a city landmark, teetering over the city’s downtown skyscrapers since 1968.
Atop the tower’s shaft you’ll find ‘the pod’, home to an observation deck and revolving restaurant. From here you have stunning views over the city, all the way to the snow-capped mountains fringing the horizon.
Peer through the binoculars on the observation deck, walk out on the glass floor rimming the edge of the observation deck if you dare, and dine in the revolving restaurant, Sky 360.
During special events, the Winter Olympics cauldron on the tower’s summit is lit, re-creating the Games magic.
Practical Info
Calgary Tower is in the center of Calgary’s downtown, opposite Centre Street. On foot, you can access the tower in the eastern section of the city’s Plus 15 walkway network.
Address: 101-9th Avenue SW, Calgary AB T2P 1J9, Canada
Hours: Open June to August, 9am - 10pm and September - May, 9am - 9pm, closed Christmas Day
Admission: CA$14
From $ 54