Banff & Canmore, Alberta Canada

The Hoodoos Viewpoint and Trail is a lovely pullover area and walking path that provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. A "hoodoo" is a distinct rock formation in North America. From Surprise Corner, take in the breathtaking views of Banff. Then, hike the hoodoo trail to get a closer view of these rocky spires. The trail starts from the Surprise Corner parking lot.

Located just down the hill from the Banff Centre on Buffalo Street, Surprise Corner overlooks Bow Falls and Banff's Castle - the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Try walking to Surprise Corner from the Pedestrian Bridge along the Bow River (stick to the North-East side of the River). This is also the start of the Hoodoos Trail, a beautiful hike through the forest and above the river to Banff's hoodoos.

Take Roam Transit Route #1 up Mountain Ave to the base of Sulphur Mountain to start your journey to a sky-high view of the Banff townsite. Hike your way to the top of Sulphur Mountain - it's about 700 meters of elevation gain and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours - or ride the Banff Gondola to the top. Once you're at the top explore the boardwalk and enjoy a snack from one of the mountain top restaurants like Sky Bistro.

Across the Bow River from downtown Banff is the historic Cascade of Time Garden, where you can get the perfect view of the townsite with Cascade Mountain in the background and the historic Parks Canada building.

The three lakes on the west side of the Banff townsite are easily accessible by foot, bike, or canoe - if the season is right. The three lakes are a popular destination for watching the sunrise over Mount Rundle or sunset after biking the Bow Valley Parkway. To find the lakes, head down Mt. Norquay Road - past the Banff Sign - and turn up Vermilion Lakes Road.

The perfect place for a day on the water, Two Jack Lake is on the Minnewanka Loop. Take Roam Route #6 in the summer, or follow Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive to the Two Jack Lake parking lot just a few minutes north down the road from the Two Jack Lake Lakeside campground. Please be aware that parking can fill up and remain full most days in the summer. To ensure you can see the lake, take transit.

Distance & Elevation: 3.4km return | 177m Difficulty: Moderate Distance from Canmore: 7 minute drive Distance from Banff: 35 minute drive

Distance & Elevation: 4.3km return | 270m Difficulty: Distance from Banff: 5 minute drive Distance from Canmore: 30 minute drive

Distance & Elevation: 5.3km return | 263m Difficulty: Moderate Distance from Canmore: 45 minute drive Distance from Banff: 30 minute drive

Distance from Canmore: 25 minute drive Distance from Banff: 15 minute drive

Distance from Canmore: 1hr 15 minute drive Distance from Banff: 1 hour drive

Distance & Elevation: 7.4km return | 435m elevation Difficulty: Distance from Banff: 50 minute drive Distance from Canmore: 1hr drive

Distance & Elevation: 11.1km return | 800m Difficulty: Challenging Distance from Canmore: 1hr 10minute drive Distance from Banff: 1hr drive

Distance from Banff: 40minute drive Distance from Canmore: 1hr drive

Distance from Banff: 1hr 10minute drive Distance from Canmore: 1hr 25minute drive

Distance & Elevation: 9.3km return | 450m Difficulty: Distance from Banff: 1hr 35minute drive Distance from Canmore: 1hr 20minute drive

Sitting at 426 feet above the ground, Golden Skybridge is Canada's highest suspension bridge. As you walk across the bridge, enjoy views of the Columbia Valley and the Rocky and Purcell mountain regions. There are other attractions at this spot, including zipling, rock climbing, and axe throwing. End your visit with a ride through the forest on the Rail Rider Mountain Coaster. Distance from Banff: 1hr 30min Distance from Canmore: 1hr 43min

Try Five Pins & Pints at the Farimont, Banff

The Bow Valley Parkway is one of the best places to see wildlife in Banff. This 48-kilometre (29-mile) wildlife corridor connects Banff and Lake Louise. It's a peaceful, scenic road popular with cyclists. There are many picnic spots and hiking trailheads along the parkway. Castle Mountain is one of the highlights, a rugged peak that has inspired artists from all over the globe to recreate it in watercolors, charcoal, and oils.

There are many lookouts and interpretive walks along Highway 40, as well as Kananaskis Village, which has a handful of hotels, restaurants and shops. Just before reaching the turnoff for the village, you may want to stop at Wedge Pond. It’s a man-made pond and there’s a one-kilometre trail around it with fantastic views to Mount Kidd (almost 3000 metres or 9700 feet).

Finally, before reaching Highway 1, another impressive viewpoint is at Barrier Lake. There is a walk along the southern lakeshore which provides views of Mount Baldy (2200 metres or 7200 feet).

Distance & Elevation: 3.4km return | 177m Difficulty: Moderate Distance from Canmore: 7 minute drive Distance from Banff: 35 minute drive

Experience this 4.6-mile out-and-back trail near Canmore, Alberta. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.