Choose from 23 Fun Things to Do in Banff
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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
Crowfoot Glacier
The Crowfoot Glacier, named for its three glacier toes that once formed a very visual representation of the black bird's foot, has retreated so much since early explorers discovered and named it that it has actually lost an entire digit. Despite its lost toe, the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint on the Icefield Parkway is still spectacular, especially for northbound travelers due to its position as the first of many up-close viewpoints along the drive.
Opposite this spot is the Helen Lake trailhead. This popular hike is strenuous, but the reward is in the stunning mountain scenery, as the trail crosses a series of alpine meadows covered in summertime wildflowers as it climbs toward Helen Lake. The best views of the Crowfoot Glacier are found further up the trail, but only hikers willing to tackle the steep Helen Lake Headwall will have unobstructed views of the Wapta Icefield, which lies beyond the Continental Divide.
Practical Info
Both the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint and the Helen Lake Trailhead are found 22 miles (35 km) north of Lake Louise on the Icefield Parkway. The Helen Lake trail is 7.5 miles (12 km), and most hikers require four to five hours to complete the trek.
Address: Icefield Parkway, Banff, Canada
From $ 202
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
Takakkaw Falls
Measuring 1,259 feet from its base, Takakkaw Falls is one of Canada’s highest waterfalls. Based in Yoho National Park and declared a National Historical Site in 1992, Takakkaw Falls’ name is loosely translated from the Cree language and means, “it’s magnificent.”
Fed by the Daly Glacier on Waputik Icefield in late spring and summer, the misty falls thunder with icy water that reaches the roaring peak in the afternoons. Be prepared to get wet if you fancy getting up close to the water. Heading to see Takakkaw Falls from Emerald Lake, 12 miles away, makes for a popular day trip, and there are also a few more waterfalls up in the valley for hikers, such as Whiskey Jack Falls.
Practical Info
To get to Takakkaw Falls from the town of Field in British Columbia, take the winding Yoho Valley Road (open from the end of June to early October) for eight miles. The road has a lot of switchbacks, so it takes a bit of confidence if you’re driving anything bigger than a passenger vehicle. The walking trail to Takakkaw Falls bridges Yoho River and is less than a mile long, paved and wheelchair-accessible.
Address: Takakkaw Falls, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 141
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
Via Ferrata
Thrill-seekers, listen up! Banff, one of the leading ski destinations in the world, now offers a new mountaineering experience on the cliffs of the Canadian Rockies: Via Ferrata (the Iron Road in Italian). Located in the Mount Norquay ski area, and thus offering splendid views, this exhilarating odyssey takes visitors on rarely-before-seen areas of Banff on a journey that could both be described as terrifying and demanding, but highly satisfying. Led by a certified mountain guide, visitors will make their way up the cliffs assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge – and despite popular belief, previous experience is not required to participate in or enjoy Via Ferrata. Experts say that it’s like climbing up a ladder, except this time, the proverbial ladder is the cliffside of Canada’s highest mountain range. Rewards include a rock-your-socks kind of experience, potential encounters with local wildlife (like bighorn sheeps, foxes and elks) and unparalleled panoramas of Banff.
The Via Ferrata routes depart from the Cliffhouse Bistro, a historic and stunning restaurant built in 1950 as a tea house. It now serves scrumptious treats to visitors wishing to relax, unwind, enjoy the splendid view – or in this case, reward their climbing efforts!
Practical Info
Banff is located in the Canadian Rockies in southern Alberta. Explorer route lasts two hours, costs $139 per person and departs four times daily (8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm and at 2:30pm). The Ridgewalker route lasts four hours, costs $169 per person and departs three times daily (8:30am, 10:30am and 12:30pm). Via Ferrata routes are only open in the summertime.
Address: Banff, Canada
Hours: Via Ferrata routes are only open in summertime
Admission: Varies
From $ 136
Tunnel Mountain Drive
Banff’s Buffalo Street transforms into the picturesque Tunnel Mountain Drive at Surprise Corner. It provides a view most visitors know before they’ve even seen it, as the area looks out on Banff’s most famous landmark, the historic Banff Springs Hotel, which has been featured in countless photos. The rest of the driving loop is equally beautiful with panoramic views of Bow Valley as it winds through pristine fir and pine forests. Even though Tunnel Mountain Drive is on the edge of Banff’s town limits, it’s common to see both elk and deer along the route. It’s also possible (especially in the spring and fall) to spot a black or grizzly bear in the area.
Whether jumping out of the car to explore Banff’s hoodoos (impressive geological formations) or to climb to the summit of Tunnel Mountain, the immense beauty of the Canadian Rockies is never far away. It’s even possible to spend the night in the mountain wilderness while remaining within walking distance of downtown. Hotels, cabin rentals, a youth hostel and several campgrounds lie along Tunnel Mountain Drive and most are only a little over a mile from town.
Practical Info
Beginning on Banff’s Main Street, Tunnel Mountain Drive is a three-mile, easy-to-follow scenic drive.
Address: Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 109
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
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
Mt Norquay
It might be the smallest of the 3 major ski resorts within the Banff National Park, but since opening in 1926, Mt Norquay has fast become a favorite destination for in-the-know skiers, and has even served as an Olympic and World Cup training ground. Today, the Mt Norquay Ski Resort offers 16.4 km of runs, with ample opportunities for all levels, from first-time skiers to professionals, including a terrain park with a range of boxes and rails.
With a fully equipped ski school on-site, this is a great spot for beginners, and along with skiing and snowboarding, there’s also a snow tube park, snowshoeing trails and the chance to enjoy a moonlight skiing excursion.
The fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts either – the Mt Norquay Ski Resort is open all year-round and summer visitors can ride the 8,040-foot chairlift for a view of the surrounding mountains, dine at the mountaintop Cliffhouse or tackle the Via Ferrata climbing routes.
Practical Info
Mt Norquay is located in the Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The Mt Norquay ski resort is open all year-round, but the ski season typically runs from early December to mid-April.
Address: Banff, Alberta, Canada, Canada
From $ 130
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
Yoho National Park
Yoho is the Cree Nation’s expression for awe and wonder, which makes it a very fitting name for Yoho National Park, home of jaw-dropping natural wonders like Lake O’Hara, Emerald Lake and the Kicking Horse River. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Jasper and Banff, Yoho National Park is situated in British Columbia, on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies.
Surrounded by the Presidents Range, Emerald Lake is Yoho’s most famous attraction, and its 10-kilometer access road passes some of the most spectacular settings in the entire park. The Kicking Horse River carves a natural bridge through ancient stone; a five-kilometer walking trail circumnavigates the lake; hiking trails sprout off in all directions; and the Emerald Lake Lodge provides a luxurious mountain getaway.
Higher up, between Wapta Mountain and Mount Field is the 505-million-year-old Burgess Shale sea floor. Known as one of the world’s most significant animal fossil discoveries, the Burgess Shale is exceptional for its surprising age, diversity, and preservation. It’s possible to visit the site, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Both the Walcott Quarry and Mount Stephen Fossil Bed hikes take seven to 10 hours, and all hikers must be accompanied by a Parks Canada interpretive guide. Spots are limited, but it’s possible to make reservations in advance or join in on a first-come first-serve basis.
Lake O’Hara is another popular hiking destination, although access is limited. A public bus, which runs four times daily between June and October, is the only way to access the area and reservations can be made three months in advance.
Practical Info
Field, British Columbia, is the only town in Yoho National Park. It’s located on the TransCanada Highway, approximately halfway between Golden, British Columbia and Banff, Alberta.
Address: Yoho National Park, Field BC V0A 1G0, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: $4.90
From $ 123
Sulphur Mountain
Named in 1916 after the hot springs bursting from the earth at its base, 8,041-foot Sulphur Mountain is famous for its views across the mountains and valleys of Canada’s Banff National Park.
The Banff Gondola is a popular way to get to the top of Sulphur Mountain, as the ride takes just eight minutes instead of a two- or three-hour hike to the top. At the upper summit are two restaurants, as well as a gift shop and plenty of viewing decks. Once the gondola drops you off at the summit, it’s worth taking the 0.6-mile trail along the Banff Skywalk to the top of 7,448-foot Sanson's Peak, where a century-old meteorological observatory still stands. Take a peek through the observatory windows for a glance back in time.
From the mountain top, there are many animals and birds to keep an eye out for, including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, hoary marmots and ground squirrels. But the main draw to Sulphur is the view of the surrounding mountains and Bow Valley down below.
The South East Ridge trail is the main hiking route to the top of the mountain. It starts and ends at the parking lot for Banff Upper Hot Springs, meaning once you’ve trampled up and down the mountain, there’s a steaming hot pool of water waiting to soak your tired muscles in at the end.
Practical Info
Banff Gondola is open year-round and costs $35.95 for adults. Banff Upper Hot Springs costs $7.30 per adult. The base of Sulphur Mountain is just a five-minute drive from downtown Banff, and there are also regular Roam public buses that take visitors to the gondola for $2 each way.
Address: Sulphur Mountain, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 52
Stanley Glacier
Fire and ice bring plenty of contrast to the Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay National Park. A major forest fire struck the area in 2003, creating quite the renewed ecosystem. The recovering lodge pole pine forest is littered with colorful wildflowers, which grow abundantly because of the newly fertilized soils caused by the fire. Further up the trail, the forest diminishes as hikers enter the Stanley Basin. Views of the glacier are spectacular from here; however, hikers must scramble uphill, over large boulders, for another kilometer to see the toe of the glacier.
The hike also traverses a thin portion of the Burgess Shale, which is a 505-million-year-old sea bed preserved on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Joining a seven-hour, 12-kilometer Parks Canada interpretive hike is the best way to take in close-up views of the Stanley Glacier, while also discovering trilobites, hyolithids, brachiopods, sponges and algaes fossils that go missed by the unobservant hiker. These hikes are popular and reservations must be made in advance.
Practical Info
The Stanley Glacier trailhead is located on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park, just 15 kilometers south of Castle Junction and 45 kilometers from Banff, Alberta. It is located 95 kilometers north of Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia.
Address: Highway 93, Kootenay National Park, Banff, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: $4.90
From $ 84
Athabasca Glacier
Part of the vast Columbia Icefield that straddles the border between Alberta's Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Athabasca Glacier"”a huge swath of moving ice"”is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring glaciers in North America. Like most glaciers, Athabasca is shrinking, though the slowly moving ice mass is still impressively large: It covers an area of about 2.3 square miles (six square kilometers) and measures up to 980 feet (300 meters) at its thickest point.
The Basics
Most visitors begin their Athabasca explorations at the Icefield Centre, where interpretive displays and a Parks Canada kiosk provide information on the glacier. Across from the center is the 2.2-mile (3.6-kilometer) Forefield Trail, which crosses over a boulder-scattered area once covered by the glacial ice, and the 1.1-mile (1.8-kilometer) Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail, which leads right to the glacier's edge. To venture farther out on the 10,000-year-old glacier, join a tour on the Ice Explorer, a purpose-built all-terrain vehicle. Or opt for a hiking tour led by alpine guides. Organized day trips depart from Jasper and Banff, and most incorporate other Canadian Rockies highlights, such as Lake Louise, the Glacier Skywalk, and Crowfoot Glacier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can be cold and windy near the glacier, so wear warm layers.
- Pay heed to warning tape, which is designed to keep visitors away from dangerous crevasses.
- Bring an empty bottle or cup to fill up with fresh, glacial water.
- The Icefield Centre is accessible to wheelchair users, and the Ice Explorer fleet includes vehicles equipped to carry wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The Athabasca Glacier is located along Icefields Parkway, a scenic 143-mile (230-kilometer) highway connecting Jasper with Lake Louise. The Icefield Centre is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) from Jasper and 53 miles (185 kilometers) from Banff. If driving, be aware that only one gas station operates on the parkway, and is open only during the summer season.
When to Get There
Glacier tours are weather-dependent and usually run from around mid-April to mid-October. Avoid the winter months, when the Icefield Centre is closed and conditions can sometimes render the Icefields Parkway impassable. Go before lunchtime or after 3pm to avoid peak visiting hours.
The Columbia Icefield
The Athabasca Glacier is just one of eight major glaciers that make up the 125-square-mile (325-square-kilometer) Columbia Icefield, one of the biggest masses of snow and ice south of the Arctic Circle. The glacier lies on the Continental Divide, with all of its meltwater eventually ending up in one of three places: the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, or the Atlantic Ocean.
Address: Icefields Parkway, Banff T1W 1J2, Canada
From $ 202
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
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is blue—really blue. Because of its proximity to nearby glaciers, large amounts of glacier flour flow into the lake each summer, and these suspended flour particles–nothing more than ground rock–saturate the lake and give it its spectacular color. And despite its breathtaking surroundings, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park, there are few viewings that rival gazing down at Peyto Lake from the platform just off the Icefield Parkway.
While the five-minute, self-guided interpretive hike to the viewpoint takes in the most spectacular view of the lake, visitors looking for a touch more adventure can hike to the Bow Summit Lookout. This 2.5-hour hike leaves from the highest point on the Icefield Parkway and climbs above the tree line to offer spectacular views of Bow Summit, Observation Peak and Mount Jimmy Simpson. Marmots, picas and ptarmigans are commonly seen along the hike. There are several other spectacular hikes in the nearby area, including Mistaya Canyon and Bow Glacier Falls.
Practical Info
Peyto Lake is located 40 kilometers north of Lake Louise on the Icefield Parkway. It shares a parking area with Bow Summit, which marks both the highest mountain pass in Jasper and Banff National Parks and the second highest paved road in Canada.
Address: Icefield Parkway, Banff, Canada
From $ 84
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
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
Rocky Mountains
Alberta’s stunning Rocky Mountains are one of the biggest attractions in the province. Protected by Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Canadian Rockies run along the border of British Columbia and Alberta through a landscape of glaciers, snow-capped mountain peaks, hot springs, and turquoise lakes.
The Basics
Outdoor adventure is the name of the game in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The menu of activities is extensive; you can take a bus tour along the Icefields Parkway to tour the Columbia Icefield, go whitewater rafting on the Fraser River, embark on a guided hike through the alpine wilderness of Banff National Park, walk above the Athabasca Glacier on the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk, or sit back and enjoy the twists and turns of the roads from the seat of a sidecar.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Rocky Mountains are a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for traversing uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers; the weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable.
- Cellphone reception outside of towns can be unreliable.
- Rocky Mountains tours typically include pickup and drop-off in Banff or Jasper.
How to Get There
The commercial airport closest to the Canadian Rockies is Edmonton International Airport, about four hours from Jasper. The easiest way to explore the region is by renting a car and driving, but you can also opt for day tours from Banff or Jasper.
When to Get There
While the Canadian Rockies are a four-season destination, winters are long and chilly (perfect for winter adventures), with snow covering the ground well into April and even May. Late June to mid September is the best season for hiking, and crowds begin to thin out in September and October. Expect crowds during the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival (January) and the Calgary Stampede (July).
Visiting Canadian National Parks
Like their U.S. counterparts, national parks in Canada require an entrance fee paid at the park gate or visitor center. If you’re planning to visit multiple parks in the Rockies, like Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Kootenay National Park, or Yoho National Park, consider a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, an annual pass that gets you into any of Canada’s national parks, marine conservation areas, and historic sites.
Address: Tarns-Canada Highway, Banff T1A 1A5, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 84