Beginners Guide to Banff National Park
Camping in the Park
When staying at the park make sure to look for camping and lodging well in advance. During the parks peak summer and fall busy seasons, booking sites and lodging can fill up fast. Going through the National Parks website gives you several different locations for camping and is a great place to start when setting up you itinerary. Be sure to look at what each site provides and what is required for booking. Some sites require hard sided campers/vehicles or only tents. Due to wildlife being present in the park you want to be sure to be prepared to keep a safe and clean campsite. Each site has its perks, but looking into what kind of experience you want to have will help when decided which site to stay at. Below is Parks Canada Reservations Site. This is where you want to go to prebook any campsites you are interested in staying at. After you choose which location you are wanting to camp at as well as how long you are going to be there and if you are tenting or using an RV or van, you will get to see a map with different sites located in that area.
If you are looking to stay in a hotel, Downtown Banff has wonder spots to stay or if you are looking to be close to Lake Louise, you can find lodges and hotels in the town of Lake Louise. You also can look at different lodging opportunities below!
What To See & What To Do
Downtown Banff
If you are looking for some shopping, restaurants, pubs, breweries, or coffee shops, head to Downtown Banff. There are beautiful areas to walk along the river, get some great food, and buy some souvenirs. You also can book some time in the hot spring up the hill from downtown or head up the gondola ride to overlook the town and park. At the top of the ride you can take a walk along the boardwalk, stop for some food or drinks, and explore the information center about the National Park. If riding up the gondola isn't your style, no need to worry! You can hike up to the top of Sulfur Mountain. You can find the entrance to this hike by the hot springs. This hike is a moderate level hike that contains switch backs to the top. If you are up for the exercise I highly recommend it!
Beginner Hikes in Banff
Johnstons Canyon
This beautiful hike follows a concrete path up to the lower and the upper falls. This is a very popular hike due to the easy trail along the river and access to both waterfalls. If you choose to you can also follow it up to the ink pots. This hike will take you around 1 hour to and 2 hours to complete depending on if you go to just the lower falls or also head to the upper falls and closer to 3 hours to 4 hours if you choose to go to the ink pots. With the popularity of this hike you should be prepared to be in close proximity to other. This is a hike you are welcome to do year round. Dogs are welcome on this trail, but they are required to be on a leash.
Bow Falls
This hike takes you right along the Bow River from Downtown Banff through shading trees. This is a wonderful hike that takes you up to the Bow River Falls where you can feel the mist of the fall hit you. You can do this hike year round and will take you around 30 minutes to 45 minutes one way. This trail also welcomes dogs that are on a leash.
Tunnel Mountain
This moderate hike may be slightly challenging for beginners, but it gives you a wonderful view of the town of Banff from the top of Tunnel Mountain. This trail will take you up through the trees that brings you up to the rounded mountain top. This is also a trail you can do year round, but be sure you have proper equipment during winter months when going on this hike. This trail will take you between 1 hour to 3 hours to complete. Feel free to bring your dog on this trail with you! Just make sure all pets are leashed while in the park.
Lake Louise
Getting to the Lake and Activities at the Lake
One of the most well known spots to go to in the National Park is Lake Louise. This beautiful blue glacial water surrounded by mountains is a must see. Right beside this well known spot is also the beautiful Moraine Lake. Cross both these spots off your bucket list in one go. When traveling you will have to plan accordingly as the parking on top of the mountain is limited. I suggest going before sunrise or booking a shuttle to the top. Either option is great depending on what you plan to do while at the Lake. You can go for a canoe ride on Lake Louise or go for a walk along the shoreline.
Hikes to do in Lake Louise
There are several well known hikes to go on while at Lake Louise. Take an easy to moderate hike up to Lake Agnes and stop and getting some snacks and tea at the Tea House. This is a beautiful hike over looking Lake Louise that goes past the little bee hive, mirror lake, and will take you up to big bee hive lookout points. Another great hike to do is the Plain of Six Glaciers Hike. You can also reach a tea house on this hike as it takes you up along the Lake Louise Shoreline. Both are good hikes for beginners, but be prepared to have some challenges as there are areas of them that are moderate in difficulty.
If you are are looking for more help with you trip, feel free to reach out to me for a consultation, help booking you trip, or a personalized itinerary while in Banff.
Email me at jessievtravel@gmail.com
The home for unique & authentic travel
