The Mountains are Calling: Banff National Park
The Mountains are Calling: Banff National Park
Sydney Nearing
Your guide to enjoying everything that Banff National Park has to offer in the Summer and Fall! With Banff being an hour drive away from Calgary, I spend as many weekends as I can in Banff National Park.
This guide includes my favourite outdoor activities, restaurants, and shopping in Banff National Park. If you find this guide helpful, tips are always welcome and appreciated :)
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Hiking Trails
Tunnel Mountain Trail
@sydneynearing
Tunnel Mountain is a great family hike located close to Downtown Banff! If you're short on time, start at the Upper Parking Lot. You'll still be able to complete 80% of the hike!
Whether you start at the Upper or Lower Parking Lot, once you get to the top, you'll be rewarded with views of the town and surrounding mountains.
⏱️ 1.5 - 2 hours
🥾 5 km round-trip
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Upper Stoney Trail
@sydneynearing
Upper Stoney Lookout is a great family hike located close to Downtown Banff! This is a nice easy hike and at the lookout you'll be rewarded with views of Cascade Mountain.
On your drive to the trailhead, you'll pass the Mt. Norquay Lookout where you'll have unobstructed views of Mt. Rundle.
⏱️ 1.5 - 2 hours
🥾 6 km round-trip
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Johnston Canyon - Lower Falls & Upper Falls
@sydneynearing
Johnston Canyon is a great family hike located along Highway 1A! Johnston Canyon is a great spot for hikers of all experience levels. With different lookouts along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop at the Lower Falls or continue to the Upper Falls. For those looking for a longer hike, you can continue past the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots.
I've visited Johnston Canyon many times but haven't been past the Upper Falls yet.
Lower Falls
⏱️ 1 hour
🥾 2.75 km round-trip
Upper Falls
⏱️ 2 hours
🥾 6 km round-trip
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Stewart Canyon
@sydneynearing
Stewart Canyon is a great family hike located at Lake Minnewanka! Along the left side of the Lake you can follow the trail which takes you to Stewart Canyon. Once you cross the bridge the trail continues and you'll have the opportunity to extend the hike for as long as you want or turn around to take in views of Lake Minnewanka.
⏱️ 1 - 1.5 hours
🥾 3 - 5 km round-trip
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Castle Mountain Lookout
@sydneynearing
Castle Mountain Lookout is a great hike if you're looking for a Moderate Hike in Banff National Park. The trail leading to the lookout is inclined the entire way, but the sweeping views of Bow Valley from the lookout makes the hike up worth it!
⏱️ 3 - 4 hours
🥾 8.75 km round-trip
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Silverton Falls
@sydneynearing
Silverton Falls is an easy hike in Banff National Park. Located along Highway 1A, this is a great hike to stretch your legs.
When you visit in the summer you'll spot tons of wild flowers along the way, including Alberta's Wild Rose.
⏱️ 0.5 hours
🥾 2 km round-trip
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Fenland Trailhead
@sydneynearing
Fenland Trail is an easy 2 km hike accessible from the Town of Banff! This is a beautiful trail that follows Echo Creek. With minimal elevation gain, this is a quick easy hike to add on during your visit to the Town of Banff.
⏱️ 30 - 45 minutes
🥾 2 km round-trip
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Johnson Lake
@sydneynearing
The trail at Johnson Lake will take you around the entire lake! This is a quick easy walk that can be enjoyed throughout all seasons. If you're hiking in the summer, this is a perfect activity to add on to a picnic or paddle across the lake. If you're visiting in the winter, this is a great spot to snowshoe.
⏱️ 1 hour
🥾 3.12 km round-trip
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Rockbound Lake Trail
@sydneynearing
The hike to Rockbound Lake is one of the longer hikes I've completed in Banff National Park. The first 6 km's of the trail will take you up switchbacks through the forest along the east side of Castle Mountain.
After making your way to the west side of Castle Mountain, you're rewarded with stunning views before arriving at Tower Lake. This is a great spot to stop for a break before continuing to Rockbound Lake.
The steepest part of the trail is the hike between Tower Lake and Rockbound Lake. However, the views are definitely worth your effort when you arrive at Rockbound Lake.
⏱️ 6 - 7 hours
🥾 18.8 km round-trip
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Walks
Hoodoos Viewpoint
@sydneynearing
The Hoodoos Viewpoint is a paved trail located near Downtown Banff! This walk rewards you with unobstructed views of Mt. Rundle, Hoodoos, and Parks Canada's Red Chairs.
⏱️ 0.5 - 1 hour
👟 1 - 2 km round-trip
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Cascade of Time Garden
@sydneynearing
Cascade Gardens is a beautiful walk located in Downtown Banff! This walk rewards you with gorgeous flowers and views of Cascade Mountain.
⏱️ 0.5 - 1 hour
👟 1 - 2 km round-trip
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Kayaking / SUP / Canoeing
Lake Minnewanka
@sydneynearing
Lake Minnewanka is a great place to visit and paddle! It can get very windy so if you're bringing your Kayak/Canoe/SUP make sure you're prepared to encounter some waves.
The Lake Minnewanka Cruise is another great way to experience the lake! During this cruise a guide will narrate your journey around the lake and you will learn about the history of the lake, the town that lays beneath it, and the surrounding area.
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Two Jack Lake
@sydneynearing
Two Jack Lake is my personal favourite when it comes to paddling in Banff National Park! This lake is the perfect place to spend 1 - 1.5 hours paddling with stunning views of Mt. Rundle, Cascade Mountain and the surrounding mountain range.
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Vermilion Lakes
@sydneynearing
Vermilion Lakes is located next to Downtown Banff and is a great place to Kayak/Canoe/SUP! With views of Mt. Rundle, Vermilion Lakes is the perfect spot for a short relaxing paddling adventure.
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Outdoor Activities
Lake Louise
@sydneynearing
You must stop at Lake Louise during your visit to Banff National Park. It's only a short distance from the parking lot to be rewarded with the iconic view of Lake Louise. I have so many favourite hikes in the area that it deserves it's own guide dedicated to Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake!
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Moraine Lake
@sydneynearing
Moraine Lake is a must stop when visiting Banff National Park and is one of my personal favourites! I have so many favourite hikes that start at the majestic Moraine Lake, read all about them here!
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Banff Trail Riders - Stables
@sydneynearing
Banff Trail Riders is located near Downtown Banff and offers horseback riding for people with all levels of experience!
Having no horseback riding experience, I opted for the 1 hr Bow River Ride when I visited in May 2021. This ride was a great introduction to horseback riding and one of the highlights of our visit! If you have more riding experience Banff Trail Riders offers longer and multi-day rides.
The stable is also open through the Winter months for Sleigh Rides.
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Banff Canoe Club
@sydneynearing
If you're visiting Banff National Park and want to rent a Kayak / Canoe / SUP, you must visit the Banff Canoe Club.
Located near Downtown Banff, you can rent a boat and have your own paddling adventure. The Banff Canoe Club also offers guided tours!
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Banff Gondola - Sulphur Mountain
@sydneynearing
The Banff Gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Once at the top, you can walk along the 1 km boardwalk that takes you to the Cosmic Ray Weather Station. Along the way you'll spot Tunnel Mountain, Mt. Norquay, Cascade Mountain, Stoney Lookout, Lake Minnewanka and more!
At the top you'll also have the opportunity to dine at the Sky Bistro. The Gondola also offers one way tickets down if you chose to hike up Sulphur Mountain.
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Banff Upper Hot Springs
@sydneynearing
The Banff Upper Hot Springs is a great way to relax after a long day of exploring!
Located near Sulphur Mountain, this is a great spot to stop after taking the Gondola or hiking Sulphur Mountain.
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Restaurants
The Eddie Burger + Bar
@sydneynearing
The Eddie Burger + Bar is one of my favourite restaurants for dinner in Downtown Banff!
My favourite meals and drinks include
🍽️ The Real Hawaiian Burger
🍽️ Honey Garlic Wings
🍽️ Poutine Side
🍹 Raspberry Trashcan
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Una Pizza + Wine Banff
@sydneynearing
Una Pizza + Wine is one of my favourite Pizza spots in Downtown Banff!
Their local special is constantly rotating and is a must try if you eat here! My favourite meals include
🍽️ Chicken Pesto Pizza
🍽️ Tiki Pizza
🍽️ Community Love Feature Pizza
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Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
@sydneynearing
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant is great if you're looking for a variety of options!
The restaurant is incorporated into the brewery and they serve a wide selection of beer to accompany their fantastic dishes. This is a great place for beer and non-beer drinkers alike.
My favourite meals include
🍽️ Crispy Fried Wings
🍽️ Big Kahuna Pizza
🍽️ Cheese Waffle Fries
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Magpie & Stump Restaurant
@sydneynearing
Magpie & Stump is my favourite Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Banff. With too many favourites to list, you have to try their Nachos, Tacos, and Margaritas!
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Shopping
Rocky Mountain Soap Company
@sydneynearing
Rocky Mountain Soap Co. is a local company selling hygiene and beauty products. I always have a stock of their soaps and scrubs!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sydney Nearing
Hi everyone! My name is Sydney Nearing and I create guides and itineraries based on my travel experiences. My itineraries focus on locations I’ve travelled to. Before going on vacation I always create a personal itinerary that I then modify based on my recommendations and experiences before publishing on Thatch!
While my itineraries focus on travelling, my guides are targeted to local experiences! While living in Calgary, Alberta, I’ve had the opportunity to explore many local provincial and national parks. These guides focus on restaurant recommendations and activities I enjoy in my spare time such as hiking and kayaking.
Shop my trips and find me on Instagram (@sydneynearing and @st_travelling)
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