How to Visit: Banff National Park

Banff National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada, and is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885. It covers an area of 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles). The park is renowned for its stunning mountainous terrain, alpine meadows, glaciers, and icefields. It is set against the backdrop of the rugged Canadian Rockies, offering breathtaking views and diverse landscapes. Banff is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, grizzly bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors often have the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitats.

Bow Falls Viewpoint: 1.7 miles (easy) The trail begins in the town of Banff, just at the south base of the pedestrian bridge across the Bow River. It follows through a forested area along the Bow River and there are some nice viewpoints along the way of the river and surrounding mountains and benches to enjoy the scenery. The trail is mostly flat though there are some wooden stairs to climb. It includes local art (paintings and sculptures) along the trail. The trail ends at a platform overlooking the Bow Falls. It is a quick and pretty trail to do within walking distance from the center of town.

Tunnel Mountain Summit: 2.7 miles (moderate) The Tunnel Mountain Summit trail is a short, popular hike to an amazing viewpoint overlooking the town of Banff and the surrounding landscape. The trail begins from Tunnel Mountain Drive in Banff. It follows long, nicely graded switchbacks along the side of the mountain through the forest. The best views will be from the top of the mountain at the end of the trail.

Peyto Lake Panorama View: 1.5 miles (easy) This short hike offers scenic views of Peyto Lake, a stunning, turquoise-colored lake fed by Peyto Glacier.

Mistaya Canyon: 1.2 miles (moderate) Mistaya Canyon is an extremely popular and scenic trail along the Icefields Parkway. Mistaya Canyon is a beautiful natural wonder with rushing water, rock formations, and multiple waterfalls to see. It is surrounded by such gorgeous scenery – perfect for plenty of photo opportunities. You can cross the bridge and walk along the river to admire some different views of the canyon.

Lake Annette Loop: 1.7 miles (easy) The trail around Lake Annette follows along a flat, paved pathway through the forest and along the shoreline of the lake. It begins at the Lake Annette parking area and is easy with little elevation gain. It is considered more of a walk than a hike, but the views are very nice and quiet, that can get busy on the weekends. It is a peaceful and pretty trail in a beautiful setting with lovely views of the lake and mountains at various spots along the way. There are benches positioned along the lakeside as well to stop and admire the gorgeous scenery and there are great photo opportunities here. The path is very accessible, perfect for kids and dogs.

Plain of Six Glaciers - The Beehive - Lake Agnes Tea House Trail: 11.3 miles (hard) This is my favorite hike in Banff. It is a fun loop that will take you to both of the tea houses at Lake Louise and Big Beehive. Begin by following the Plain of the Six Glaciers Trail to the glacier viewpoint and the first teahouse. Then follow the highline trail up to the fantastic views on the Big Beehive. Lastly you descend via Lake Agnes Trail to the second teahouse and back to Lake Louise. Because this trailhead starts at Lake Louise, you will need to arrive early to start this hike. We got there at 6:30am and the parking lot was in full swing. Must pay for parking.

Glacier Lake: 10.6 miles (hard) The trail traverses through dense forest and the few views it offers are spectacular. When the trail opens to the lake, it is breathtaking. This is a popular backpacking trip. The campsite is located on your left as you approach the lake. The tent pads are not very well defined and most appear to slope towards the lake.

Hidden Lake: 10.4 miles (hard) This is a beautiful route anytime of the year, but folks recommend coming here during fall with the Larches in color. If you plan to arrive early in the day, you can expect solitude on the trail. Do not be discouraged because the two miles are along a gravel service road. Once the real trail begins, you will be treated to bridge crossings, wildflowers, towering mountains, and an alpine lake.

The town of Banff, situated within the national park, is a charming mountain resort town. It offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and accommodations, making it a convenient base for exploring the park.

The Cascades of Time Gardens are a little oasis just minutes walking distance from downtown Banff. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds of Banff Avenue. The gardens are terraced into the hillside with pathways and rock steps that lead through trees and flower beds. Several gazebos and shelters make a great place to stop and enjoy the flora. Peak blooming season is from late May to early September, but the gardens are open most of the year (check in the winter). Admission is free.

There is a reason this lake is so popular. It is absolutely stunning. Plan to arrive early if you would like to catch a sunrise shot. Must pay for parking.

Whether you are visiting Jasper and Banff or just one or the other, this highway is worth the drive. The Icefields Parkway is a scenic highway that stretches for approximately 232 kilometers (144 miles) through the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. Designated as Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway connects Jasper National Park in the north to Banff National Park in the south. It is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Here are some key features and highlights of the Icefields Parkway: Breathtaking Scenery: The drive along the Icefields Parkway offers panoramic views of towering mountain peaks, including some of the highest in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is characterized by rugged cliffs, dense forests, and alpine meadows. Glaciers and Icefields: The parkway passes through the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest accumulations of ice and snow in the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can take guided tours onto the Athabasca Glacier, which is easily accessible from the highway. Lakes: Several stunning lakes dot the landscape along the Icefields Parkway, including the iconic Peyto Lake, renowned for its brilliant turquoise color. Other notable lakes include Bow Lake and Hector Lake. Waterfalls: Numerous waterfalls cascade down the mountains along the route. Athabasca Falls is one of the most popular stops, offering impressive views of the waterfall and surrounding canyon. Hiking Trails: There are several hiking trails accessible from the Icefields Parkway, ranging from easy walks to more challenging backcountry hikes. These trails allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Canmore is a picturesque town located in the Canadian Rockies, just west of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. It is situated near the eastern edge of Banff National Park and is often considered a gateway to the Canadian Rockies. The iconic Three Sisters are a trio of prominent mountain peaks that dominate the skyline to the south of Canmore. They are a popular subject for photography and provide a scenic backdrop to the town. Canmore's downtown area has a charming and laid-back atmosphere. It features a variety of shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The streets are lined with colorful buildings, giving the town a friendly and welcoming vibe. It is definitely worth a stop on your way to/from Banff.

This resort, built in 1888, is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle and is a National Historic Site. Located in Banff National Park, it offers 11 restaurants and 14 shops. The Fairmont Banff Springs has a 32-yard lap pool and a 20-yard heated outdoor pool. The resort’s Fairmont Spa has 27 treatment areas and offers a variety of relaxing massages and beauty treatments. Other on-site activities for guests include bowling, tennis, horseback riding, and golfing. Numerous ski locations are just minutes away. The resort also offers ski passes, storage, and rental. Rooms at Fairmont Banff Springs have feather and foam bedding. Bathrooms feature granite vanities and European style showers. Fairmont Banff Springs offers a shuttle service to nearby ski resorts including Mount Norquay Ski Village, Sunshine Village Ski Resort and Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Offering an indoor pool and a hot tub, The Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff is located 6 minutes’ drive from Banff center and near the Upper Hot Springs. A restaurant is located on site. A 32" LCD flat-screen cable TV is featured in each room. All air-conditioned rooms at The Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff offer a seating area and a desk. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a bath and a hairdryer. AtThe Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff guests can enjoy a spa and wellness center . Other facilities offered include meeting facilities, ski storage and shops on site. The Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff Springs Golf Course is 7 minutes’ drive from this hotel. Mount Norquay Ski Resort is 6.8 mi away.

Featuring an on-site gourmet restaurant and lounge, this Banff hotel is located 10 minutes’ drive from Mount Norquay Ski Resort and features panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. Free WiFi is included. Offering mountain views, each room at The Juniper Hotel & Bistro features a cable TV. Comfortably furnished, all rooms include tea and coffee-making facilities and a refrigerator. Breakfast and dinner is offered at Banff Juniper Hotel & Bistro, which features local produce and a varied menu including braised bison and salmon. An extensive cocktail list is available.

Boasting Rocky Mountain views, HI-Banff Alpine Center offers a café and a bar. Free WiFi and self catering kitchens are available for guests to use. Banff town center is 4 minutes' drive away. Alpine Center HI Banff offers private and dorm-style rooms. Select rooms have private bathrooms. HI Banff Alpine Center’s full-service restaurant, Cougar Pete’s, offers a varied menu. The Storm Cellar bar provides free darts, billiards and foosball for a fun atmosphere. HI Banff provides each guest a free bus pass for the local transport system. Discounted ski packages, bike rental vouchers, and summer rafting tickets are available.

Featuring a hot tub, steamroom, and sauna, this Banff hotel is located just 12 mi from Sunshine Village Ski Resort. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar. Free WiFi and a cable TV are provided in every guest room. Air-conditioned rooms at The Banff Inn include a telephone and an alarm clock. Featuring a bath or shower, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer. Carlito's Pizzeria is open for dinner and serves a variety of pizzas. The restaurant also offers hamburgers, salads, various poutines and more. The front desk is available 24 hours a day at The Banff Inn. Other facilities offered include luggage storage, ski storage and a vending machine.

Located just 2.5 km from the town of Banff, this campground is perfect for people wanting power without full hook-ups, and/or needing space for larger units. There are 209 sites and we did not need a reservation.

Waterfowl Lakes Campground sits between Upper and Lower Waterfowl lakes on the Mistaya River. These stunning glacier-fed lakes are excellent for paddling while taking in the surrounding mountains. This wooded campground boasts easy access to moderate hiking trails and is a short drive from Saskatchewan Crossing, Bow Lake, and the Peyto Lake viewpoint. Campsites (110 sites) are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 9 meters (31 feet). Waterfowl Lakes Campground offers non-reservable first-come, first-served sites only.

Mosquito Creek Campground is a good option for campers wanting a more authentic camping experience. Don't be put off by the name, mosquitoes are no worse here than in any other part of the park. Campsites (38 sites) are unserviced and best suited for tents, or motorhomes and trailers up to 10 meters (35 feet). Mosquito Creek Campground offers non-reservable first-come, first-served sites only.

This campground offers a more secluded and authentic camping experience. Located just minutes from Lake Minnewanka and nearby attractions, and 10 km from the town of Banff, this rustic, no-service campground has scenic sites available for tents or RVs up to 7.3 metres (24 feet) We did not need a reservation. Make sure you keep food inside your vehicle or bear box when you are not at camp. We saw rangers patrolling the campground and writing citations.