What to See in Banff – 35 Iconic Places That Will Amaze You

Turquoise lakes, mountain peaks reflected in the still water, endless hikes and wild nature all around. This place rightly ranks among the most beautiful national parks in the world, and anyone who loves the mountains won’t want to leave.

Even though we planned our trip to Canada long and carefully, the best of it was shown to us by our friend Vítek, who has been living right on the edge of Banff National Park for 8 years. He gave us tips you won’t find anywhere else, and thanks to him we discovered less known trails, hidden lakes and views that guidebooks often don’t mention.

In this article, with Vítek’s help, we’ve put together the best of what to see and experience in Banff – from iconic spots to the hidden gems we fell in love with during the month we spent in the area.

A map of the most beautiful places and treks in Banff

What to see in Banff National Park – iconic places

1) Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a symbol of the Canadian wilderness – a turquoise-blue lake framed by majestic mountain peaks and crowned by the Victoria Glacier. Even though the lake is a tourist magnet, its beauty will win you over regardless of the number of visitors. The good news is that all you have to do is walk around the lake or head up to one of the viewpoints and the crowds are gone.

What to do at Lake Louise:

1. A walk around the lake (Lakeshore Trail)
An easy, beautiful walk along the right-hand shore of the lake. Ideal for a morning wake-up or an evening romance. 4 km in total (there and back).

2. Fairview Lookout

A short route to one of the viewpoints over the lake with the hotel in the background. Ideal for a morning walk. About 2 km there and back.

3. Hiring a canoe
In summer you can hire a canoe and head out onto the water. The price is crazy, but the experience is unique. If you’re a guest of the Fairmont hotel, the trip is included. At the very least we recommend a photo by the boathouse!

4. The hike to the Big Beehive, via Lake Agnes
A cult climb (about 10 km there and back) to a wonderful viewpoint over Lake Louise. It passes the mountain tea house by Lake Agnes. On the way you’ll also pass Mirror Lake. The views back over Lake Louise are breathtaking! It takes about 4 hours.

5. Devil’s Thumb

This is the most demanding route, leading even higher up past the Big Beehive. For us it’s the most beautiful thing in the area – hardly anyone makes it to the top, so you have the divine views to yourself. The truth is that the path is really steep and you’ll be scrambling up a sharp incline (we recommend poles – you’ll appreciate them on the way down). It takes 5–6 hours, about 12 km there and back – and you can combine it so that on the way back you walk around the lake and don’t miss the Lakeshore Trail either.

What can you fit into one day?

Everything mentioned above can be done in a day. The climb to Devil’s Thumb can include all the shorter treks mentioned; only Fairview Lookout has to be done separately, there and back.

How to get to Lake Louise – an important note

In practice you have 2 options: either take the bus or drive here terribly early in the morning.

Parking: The car park fills up fast – in summer especially you need to arrive before 6:00. Parking isn’t cheap either (from CAD 35 a day).

Shuttle booking: Required in advance through the Parks Canada Shuttle Reservation System. You can either do it a long way ahead, OR two days before at 8 in the morning – but watch out, it’s snapped up within a minute. The hack we discovered is that you have a better chance of success if you’re logged into your Parks Canada account. From CAD 8.

• Where does the shuttle bus leave from? The shuttle buses leave from the Park and Ride car park at Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Road).
• Operating hours: Daily from 6:30 to 18:00, with departures every 30 minutes. The last return shuttle leaves at 19:30.

2) Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake lies in the picturesque Valley of the Ten Peaks and is known for its intense blue colour, created by fine rock sediment from the glaciers. The scenery is almost unreally photogenic – no wonder it even appeared on the back of the old Canadian twenty-dollar bills. The place has a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, especially early in the morning, when the water is still and the surrounding peaks are mirrored in it.

What to do at Moraine Lake

1. The Rockpile viewpoint
The best known and most accessible viewpoint over the lake. A short trail (about 300 m) leads up a pile of rocks by the car park – this is exactly where the iconic photos are taken. It’s definitely worth being here for sunrise!

2. A walk along the lake (Lakeshore Trail)
An easy-going trail (about 3 km there and back) runs along the left shore of the lake, surrounded by forest and views of the Ten Peaks. Suitable for families too.

3. Canoeing – out on the lake
Just like at Lake Louise, you can hire a canoe here too. Prices are high here as well (from CAD 150 an hour), but the experience of looking up at the peaks from the water is unique.

4. A full-day trek to Sentinel Pass and Paradise Valley

For keen hikers this is one of the most beautiful treks in the area. You’re in for 20 km and over 800 metres of ascent. The route is one of the harder ones. It takes around 8–9 hours.

Walk around the lake and then head up towards Sentinel Pass. From the pass there are panoramic views in both directions. From here you can either return the same way or carry on into Paradise Valley (here you’ll almost certainly be alone, so don’t forget bear spray and to make noise). After a rocky descent from the saddle, a walk down the valley awaits you.

Once you get to the road – flag down the buses coming down from the lake; they’ll stop for you (just show your ticket). They always have 2 free seats (if there are more of you, the first bus lets the next one know to free up more seats).

How to get to Moraine Lake – an important note

Since 2023 access to Moraine Lake has been completely closed to private vehicles. So you can only get here by shuttle bus, by bike or on foot.

Shuttle booking (required in advance): The main release of bookings happens several months ahead – and it usually sells out very fast. The second chance is 2 days beforehand at 8:00 in the morning. But watch out – the places disappear literally within minutes.

✅TIP: You have a better chance if you’re logged in beforehand to your account in the Parks Canada Reservation System. The booking is cheap (from CAD 8), but you have to be very quick.

Where does the shuttle leave from?

• From the Park and Ride car park at Lake Louise Ski Resort (1 Whitehorn Road). You can drive here comfortably – the car park is large and free.

Operating hours: Daily from 6:30 to 18:00, with departures roughly every 30 minutes. The last return shuttle from Moraine Lake leaves at 19:30.

• Private bus companies: Commercial buses also run this route; they’re often available even last minute, but the prices are several times higher.

3) Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is known not only for its strikingly turquoise colour but also for its shape – from the viewpoint it looks like a wolf’s head lying down. It lies by Bow Summit, the highest point of the Icefields Parkway. The colour of the water comes from fine glacial sediment from the Bow Glacier, carried into the lake by its tributaries.

This place is quite rightly one of the most photographed in the whole of Banff. The viewpoint is right by the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93). From the turn-off it’s about 2 km to the large car park.

1. Bow Summit Viewpoint

A short, easy trail (about 1 km from the car park) takes you to the main view. The trail has recently been made barrier-free, with a handrail, a viewing platform and information boards.

2. The secret (second) viewpoint – Upper Viewpoint

If you want to avoid the crowds, carry on past the official platform on the right-hand side through the forest. An unmarked but well-trodden path leads there – be careful, especially after rain. The view here is free of people and even more photogenic.

4) The Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a 230 km scenic road between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper. It runs through the heart of the Canadian Rockies and offers views that literally take your breath away – from mighty glaciers to azure lakes, dramatic ridges and deep valleys. The drive itself is an experience – but if you plan it right, it can easily become one of the highlights of your whole trip to Canada.

Stops: Herbert Lake, Bow Lake & Bow Glacier Falls, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Saskatchewan Crossing, Parker Ridge, Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Falls, Sunwapta Falls & Athabasca Falls, and more.

• Fuel: There’s only one petrol station on the route – Saskatchewan Crossing, and prices are higher. We recommend filling up in Banff or Jasper.
• Food: Refreshment options are limited – bring a picnic with you.
• Signal: None – really none (only wifi at Saskatchewan Crossing).
• Time needed: To drive the whole route with several stops we recommend at least one full day, ideally setting off as early in the morning as possible. There are several nice treks along the way, so it’s worth spending a night in one of the campsites on the route.
• Animals: Be prepared for the chance of seeing bears, elk or mountain sheep right by the road – slow down and keep your distance.

5) Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park)

Lake O’Hara – a mountain lake lying high in the heart of Yoho National Park. Yes, it’s in Yoho, but it’s a short hop from Banff and you’ll probably make this trip from Banff anyway. Unlike other iconic places in the area, access to it is severely restricted, which cuts both ways. Getting here is tricky, but if you manage it you’re guaranteed peace, wilderness and stunning nature without the crowds.

Access by car isn’t allowed – you can only get to Lake O’Hara by shuttle bus along an 11 km gravel road.

Booking is required well in advance – the annual lottery opens in April on the Parks Canada Reservation System website (winning the lottery is almost impossible – about 40,000 people apply for each day).

Alternative: Walk the 11 km up the road. And on the way back you may be lucky and find a spare seat on the bus, which you can buy for cash dollars (CAD 15–20; they take USD 1:1 too). You still have to be ready for the possibility of walking back. If you want to make sure of a seat, come an hour before the bus leaves (that’s how we managed it).

Alternative 2: Book a campsite by the lake (in that case the bus is included in the booking). Again the problem is that it tends to be fully booked.

For us, we can say it’s really worth the walk! Be sure to climb up to the viewpoint on the rock, which gives a divine view of O’Hara and the neighbouring lakes. The Canadians we met here said they honestly think it’s the most beautiful place in Canada. The Cascade lakes are worth a look too – you can walk down alongside them on the other side and back to Lake O’Hara.

6) Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots

Johnston Canyon is one of the easiest, most accessible and most popular hikes in Banff National Park. Thanks to the walkways and footbridges that have been built here, you walk right above the babbling creek through a narrow canyon, past waterfalls and rock walls. You can then carry on all the way to the Ink Pots – colourful springs in an open valley with beautiful mountain views.

Details: 12 km there and back (as far as the Ink Pots), about 330 m of ascent

What not to miss

1. Lower Falls
A beautiful waterfall about 10 m high. The view is from a footbridge – and you can also walk through a short tunnel right to a viewpoint beneath the falls! Unfortunately there’s often a queue here.

2. Upper Falls
The second, considerably higher waterfall (about 30 m), reached by the continuing trail. There are two viewpoints at the top – there tend to be fewer people here.

3. The Ink Pots
Seven natural springs in a blue-green colour, welling up in a grassy valley. Each has a different temperature and flow. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale here – the riverside is an ideal picnic spot.

Toilets: Available at the start of the route.

Facilities: In summer there’s usually a refreshment stand open by the car park.

The best time for photos: There’s no need to set off first thing – the canyon is deeply cut and the light reaches it best around midday.

7) Bow Lake

Bow Lake is one of the largest lakes on the Icefields Parkway and at the same time one of the most picturesque. It lies directly beneath the mighty Bow Glacier and the ridge of Crowfoot Mountain, so the views here really are breathtaking. The lake is an ideal spot for a short stop, a picnic or a hike.

Thanks to its easy access straight from the road and lower visitor numbers (compared with Lake Louise or Peyto Lake), you’ll find more peace and fewer tourists here.

You can have a picnic by the lake, walk along it, or set off on the hike to Bow Glacier Falls.

The hike to Bow Glacier Falls (if you have time)

• Length: about 9 km (return)
• Ascent: about 155 m
• Time: 2.5–3 hours
• Description: The route runs around the lake and then up the valley to the falls, which drop straight from the Bow Glacier. The views of the lake, the glacier and the falls themselves are beautiful.

8) Saskatchewan River Crossing

Saskatchewan River Crossing is a key point roughly halfway along the Icefields Parkway, where three mountain rivers meet – the Howse, the Mistaya and the North Saskatchewan. The place is known above all as the only petrol station and refreshment stop on the route between Lake Louise and Jasper. Most of all, though, it offers beautiful views of the wide valleys and surrounding peaks.

The viewpoint over the confluence of the rivers

A short walk from the car park to the edge of the massif takes you to a view where three glacial rivers join into one mighty flow. There are beautiful views of Mount Wilson and Crowfoot Mountain in the distance.

Accommodation: You can stay at The Crossing Resort – practical accommodation, especially if you’re planning to drive the Icefields Parkway over two days.

9) Parker Ridge Trail

Parker Ridge is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the views without an extreme climb or long distances. You won’t avoid a bit of walking, though. The trail climbs in switchbacks up the ridge, from where an impressive view opens up of the Saskatchewan Glacier – the mighty glacier that feeds the famous North Saskatchewan River.

Thanks to how undemanding it is and to one of the finest views around, Parker Ridge is one of the “hidden treasures” of the Icefields Parkway.

• Length: about 5.4 km (return)
• Ascent: about 250 m
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate – suitable for fitter children too

10) Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon is a natural theatre where glacial water has carved a deep canyon into the limestone bedrock. Here the Mistaya river narrows into a tight chute where it creates whirlpools, cascades and dramatic pools. Thanks to its easy access straight from the Icefields Parkway it’s a great stop for a short walk.

• Length: about 1.0 km (return)
• Ascent: about 50 m (a short descent along a wide forest path)
• Time: 20–30 minutes

11) The Columbia Icefield (Jasper)

The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, covering an area of more than 200 km². Three important rivers rise from this icefield, carrying water into three different oceans (the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic).

The main accessible part is the Athabasca Glacier, which flows down almost to the road. This area gives visitors a unique chance to touch a real glacier, either on your own or as part of an organised tour. It already lies in Jasper, but only a few minutes from the boundary with Banff.

What not to miss:

1. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

An information and visitor centre directly opposite the glacier.

2. The Athabasca Glacier Walk

A short walk to the edge of where the glacier used to be; along the way you’ll see signs with the years showing how the glacier has retreated. You can safely reach the foot of the glacier along a marked route. Don’t walk onto the glacier without a guide – there’s the danger of crevasses!

• Length: about 1.5 km (return)
• Ascent: negligible

3. The Ice Explorer Tour (fully organised)

• A trip in a giant special vehicle straight onto the glacier.
• The chance to walk on a safe part of the ice.
• For this experience booking is required in advance – the price starts at around CAD 120.

12) Vermilion Lakes

The Vermilion Lakes are three shallow, connected lakes west of the town of Banff, right at the foot of majestic Mount Rundle. Thanks to their easy access, calm atmosphere and the iconic reflections of the mountains in the water, they’re a favourite spot for photographers, runners and nature lovers.

Morning mist, pastel sky colours and the mirrored peaks create a literally fairy-tale scene. This is exactly the kind of place where you sit down on a bench and just watch – the light, the shadows, the water and the silence. The little road running along the lakes (Vermilion Lakes Drive) is ideal for an easy walk or a bike ride (about 4 km one way).

It’s a really popular spot for cyclists and the speed limit for cars is 30 km/h. For cars the road is a dead end (you drive there and back).

13) Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park, stretching more than 21 km into a valley surrounded by mountains. The name comes from the indigenous Stoney language and means “lake of the spirits”. Locals believe the lake has a special energy – and when you find yourself on its shore on a quiet morning, you’ll understand why.

The place is popular with day trippers, cyclists, anglers and divers. And the most interesting part? Beneath the surface lie the remains of the flooded town of Minnewanka Landing, submerged in 1941 during the construction of a dam.

What to do at Lake Minnewanka

1. A cruise on the lake (Lake Minnewanka Cruise)

Guided boat trips (about 1 hour) with views of the surrounding peaks and historical points of interest. In season (May–October). Book the cruise online in advance.

2. The hike along the lake (Lake Minnewanka Trail)

• Length: Up to 24 km along the eastern shore (can be shortened)
• Description: A beautiful trail with views of the lake, the mountains and the forest. Camping is possible.
• Bears: The area is often closed because of increased bear activity – always check the current information. In our case we could only carry on in a group of 4 or more.

3. A picnic and relaxing on the shore

Plenty of spots with benches, picnic tables, fire pits and views. A favourite place with locals too.

14) Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is a small but iconic peak rising directly above the town of Banff. Although it’s “only” 1,692 metres high, it offers panoramic views of the town, the Bow river, the Mount Rundle ridge and the surrounding valleys.

This hike is popular with locals as the “Banff warm-up” – you can fit it in before breakfast in the morning or before dinner in the evening. Suitable for beginners and families too. Ideal as your first hike after arriving.

• Length: about 4.3 km (return)
• Ascent: about 260 m
• Time: 1.5 hours (at an easy pace)

15) The town of Banff

Banff is a small mountain town lying in the middle of Banff National Park, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Rockies. Although it has only around 8,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the liveliest tourist centres in Canada. You’ll find excellent restaurants, stylish cafés, galleries, museums and hot springs here – and at the same time you’re a few minutes from nature and the trails.

If you want to buy souvenirs, this is the right place.

Accommodation:

Irwin’s Mountain Inn – A family hotel with a hot tub and sauna. Suitable for couples and families looking for quiet accommodation.

Red Carpet Inn – A simple hotel within walking distance of the centre.

Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets – chalets and studios with a fireplace, great for families with children, with a pool, water slides and a large playroom.

Luxury:

Fairmont Banff Springs – This iconic historic hotel, nicknamed “the castle in the mountains”, offers exceptional service, wellness and views of the Bow river and Mount Rundle. Ideal for a honeymoon or a romantic stay.

16) Sulphur Mountain (and the Banff Gondola)

Sulphur Mountain (2,281 m) rises directly above the town of Banff and offers 360° panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle, the Vermilion Lakes and distant glaciers. The summit is reached either by cable car (the Banff Gondola) or on a hiking trail.

Thanks to how easy it is to reach, Sulphur Mountain is one of the most visited attractions in the area.

The Banff Gondola:

• Tickets for the gondola can be booked here.
• Ride time: about 8 minutes
• Ascent: 698 m (from 1,583 m to 2,281 m)
• Waiting for you at the top: The Skywalk viewing terrace – a wooden boardwalk with views in every direction, information boards, a restaurant and café, interactive exhibits on the history of the cable car and on geology, and a weather station.

17) Canmore – Engine Bridge – Three Sisters Viewpoint

If you’re arriving or leaving and have some time to spare, stop in Canmore. This quieter, authentic mountain town is just a 20-minute drive from Banff. And it’s here that you’ll find one of the lovely walks that takes you from a historic railway bridge to the iconic view of the Three Sisters range. If you want to stock up before a long stay in the parks, this is one of the last places where you’ll shop at normal prices.

18) Quarry Lake

Quarry Lake is a picturesque, shallow lake created by the reclamation of an old quarry site. Thanks to its location and the beautiful mountain panorama (including the iconic Three Sisters), it has become one of the most popular spots for locals and tourists in Canmore.

In summer the lake is ideal for swimming, a picnic or paddleboarding, and in winter for walks, cross-country skiing or photographing snowy scenery.

19) Rafting on the Kananaskis River

If you’re looking for adventure on the river in the beautiful setting of the Canadian Rockies, an afternoon rafting trip on the Kananaskis river is a great choice. This activity is great for beginners and families too – you’re in for class II–III rapids, so you’ll have plenty of fun without having to worry about extreme conditions.

The whole experience takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, with about 1.5 to 2 hours of that on the water. When you arrive at the base you’re given complete equipment – wetsuit, helmet, booties and life jacket. Everything is prepared professionally and safely. Book the rafting in advance here.

20) Banff Upper Hot Springs

The Banff Upper Hot Springs are thermal baths with a long history, set high above the town of Banff on the slope of Sulphur Mountain. Since the end of the 19th century people have been coming here to relax in the natural mineral water that rises straight from the heart of the Rockies. Today the springs are open to the public and are one of the most accessible experiences in the area.

From our point of view it’s a place that’s usually packed, and the pools are outdoors, so it isn’t actually such a great idea for a rainy day either.

21) Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Cave and Basin is a national historic site where hot springs were discovered in 1883, which became the basis for the creation of Canada’s first national park – today’s Banff National Park. Today you can walk through the original cave and springs and also learn a lot about nature, history and environmental protection.

22) Bow Glacier Falls

We already mentioned Bow Glacier Falls under Bow Lake. They’re beautiful falls dropping from the Bow Glacier, which feeds the famous turquoise Bow Lake. The trip to them is an ideal half-day hike combining views of the lake, Crowfoot Mountain, canyons and the falls themselves. On top of that it’s a relatively undemanding hike.

The trail starts right at the car park by Bow Lake and the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge and runs first along the lake and then into the heart of the valley to the waterfall itself.

• Length: about 9 km (return)
• Ascent:  about 150 m
• Time: 2.5–3.5 hours

23) Weeping Wall Viewpoint

The Weeping Wall is a dramatic rock face down which dozens of trickles of water run, as if the wall really were weeping. This natural attraction is visible straight from the Icefields Parkway and is one of the most photogenic spots on the whole route – especially in spring and summer, when the water flows at full strength.

24) Tito’s Castle Mountain Viewpoint

Tito’s Castle Mountain Viewpoint is an unofficial but very popular photography spot giving a perfect view of mighty Castle Mountain, one of the most iconic mountains in the Banff area. The view is beautifully framed by the Bow river. We recommend walking out onto the bridge (but watch out for cars).

25) Morant’s Curve

Morant’s Curve is a famous bend in the railway line running along the Bow river, with a view of the majestic Rockies in the background. The spot became famous thanks to the photographer Nicholas Morant, who worked here for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the mid-20th century – and it was here that many iconic shots of trains crossing the Canadian wilderness were taken.

Today it’s one of the best places in Banff for photographing passing trains (especially the long freight trains with the CP Rail logo), but even without a train the view is fantastic.

The trains don’t run to a fixed timetable – they pass several times a day, and your chances are best in the morning or the afternoon (expect to wait about 30–60 minutes).

26) Marble Canyon (Kootenay)

Marble Canyon is a narrow, deep (up to 40 m) and incredibly photogenic canyon created by Tokumm Creek as it cut its way through the limestone rock. Although it’s smaller than the more famous Johnston Canyon, it may feel even more dramatic – the water literally disappears into the rock while wooden bridges and viewpoints run above it.

The canyon lies only about 30 minutes’ drive from Banff heading south on Highway 93 and offers a short, easy walk.

27) Emerald Lake (Yoho)

Emerald Lake absolutely deserves its name – its beautiful green-blue colour takes your breath away every time you look at it. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks (including Mount Burgess and the President Range), it’s one of the most photogenic lakes in Canada. And what’s more – compared with Lake Louise or Moraine Lake there are often far fewer people here.

It’s ideal for an easy walk, for paddleboarding or a canoe, and for a great lunch or coffee with a view. You can get here from Lake Louise in 40 minutes.

Parking: By the lake, free – but it fills up fast (we recommend arriving by 10:00).

28) Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint (Yoho)

On the way to Emerald Lake, don’t forget to stop at this viewpoint. The Spiral Tunnels are two spiralling railway tunnels built at the beginning of the 20th century to deal with the extreme gradient of the line over Kicking Horse Pass. Today the place is a historic engineering gem – and from the viewpoint you have a chance to watch trains passing through the mountain on two different levels at the same time!

If you have patience and luck, you’ll see long freight trains that at one moment are running on three sections of the line at once – one part heading into the tunnel, another just coming out of it and a third already down in the valley below you.

The trains have no fixed timetable – several trains usually pass each day – and your best chances are in the morning and the afternoon.

The most beautiful treks in Banff

1) Devil’s Thumb and the Beehive

This trek is a real experience for anyone who wants to see Lake Louise from a bird’s-eye view – and further still. For us this is probably the most beautiful trek in Banff. The route takes you past Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes to the Big Beehive viewpoint. If you’re up for more, carry on to Devil’s Thumb – your reward will be a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, Lake Louise, the Victoria Glacier and even the mountains above Moraine Lake.

We recommend extending the trek with a walk along the lake and, at the junction between the Big Beehive and Devil’s Thumb, heading south – descending to Lake Louise.

Length and details:

• About 13–14 km in total (the loop + the climb to Devil’s Thumb)
• Ascent: about 900 m
• Time: 5–7 hours (a full day with photos and taking it all in)
• Start: Lake Louise Lakeshore

2) Cirque Peak

Cirque Peak is a summit with epic views in the Icefields Parkway area. The route passes the well-known Helen Lake and offers everything we love – meadows full of flowers, the turquoise Helen Lake, and finally the climb along the ridge to the summit of Cirque Peak (2,993 m) with a view of the Wapta Icefield and far beyond.

Length and details:

• About 15 km in total (return)
• Ascent: about 1,000 m
• Time: 5–7 hours (a full-day outing)
• Start: Helen Lake Trailhead (near Bow Lake)

3) The Onion

The Onion is an exceptional summit above Bow Lake, reached via Bow Glacier Falls and the Bow Glacier. The route takes you from the turquoise lake to the mighty waterfall, then up the valley to the glacier and finally to the summit of The Onion itself (about 2,780 m). The reward is views of Bow Lake, the Wapta Icefield and the surrounding peaks. This trek is one of the more demanding ones.

• Start: Bow Lake Trailhead (by Num-Ti-Jah Lodge)
• Length: about 18–20 km (return)
• Ascent: about 900–1,000 m
• Time: 6–8 hours

4) Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass

Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass is one of the most iconic hikes in the Canadian Rockies, and not just in autumn. The climb from Moraine Lake takes you into a valley of golden larches, from where you carry on to the Minnestimma Lakes. The final push to Sentinel Pass (2,611 m) offers a panoramic view of Paradise Valley and the whole Ten Peaks range. The route is popular, but the views are literally fairy-tale.

• Start: Moraine Lake
• Length: about 11.6 km (return)
• Ascent: about 800 m
• Time: 4–6 hours

You can either return to Moraine Lake or carry on into Paradise Valley as far as the road, where you can flag down the bus coming from Moraine Lake.

5) Wilcox Pass Trail

Wilcox Pass is one of the best day hikes along the Icefields Parkway. The route starts a short way from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and quickly climbs above the tree line, where beautiful views open up of the Athabasca Glacier, Snow Dome and the surrounding icefields. The trail crosses alpine meadows where you’ll often meet grazing mountain sheep. The views from the lookouts along the hike are a real highlight – with no technical climbing needed.

• Start: Wilcox Creek Campground (a short way from the Icefield Centre)
• Length: about 8–9 km (return to the pass)
• Ascent: about 400 m
• Time: 2.5–4 hours

6) Cory Pass – Mt. Edith Circuit

Cory Pass is a demanding but exceptionally rewarding loop near the town of Banff. The route takes you through a dramatic pass between Mount Edith and Mount Cory, from where breathtaking views open up over the whole Bow Valley and to more distant peaks such as Mount Louis. After the climb to Cory Pass (2,370 m) the route continues along a rocky slope around Mt. Edith and closes the loop back into the forest. This trek is physically demanding and ideal for more experienced hikers who want to experience the “wilderness” away from the main routes.

• Start: Fireside Picnic Area (off Highway 1A)
• Length: about 13–14 km (loop)
• Ascent: about 1,000 m
• Time: 5–7 hours
• Difficulty: Demanding – steep climbing, scree sections
• Tip: Do the loop clockwise – the climb is steeper but the descent easier. You need plenty of water and ideally an offline map.

7) Bourgeau Lake & Harvey Pass

The trek to Bourgeau Lake and on to Harvey Pass is one of those that offer surprisingly varied scenery – from dense forest through alpine meadows to quiet lakes beneath dramatic rock walls. After a calm climb through the forest you reach the crystal-clear Bourgeau Lake, which is often still surrounded by snow in early summer. If you have the energy, definitely carry on to Harvey Pass – from there a view opens up not only of the lake but also of Mount Assiniboine in the distance. The route isn’t overcrowded, which makes it a great tip for a full-day trip away from the crowds.

• Start: Bourgeau Lake Trailhead
• Length: about 15 km (return to Harvey Pass)
• Ascent: about 950 m
• Time: 5–7 hours
• Difficulty: Moderately demanding

Getting to Banff National Park and planning your trip

Most travellers fly into Calgary and carry on from there into the mountains by car. It’s roughly 130 km from Calgary to Banff and the drive takes around 1.5 hours along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). A car is almost essential if you want to explore the lakes, hikes and more remote parts of the national park properly. Let’s take a look at the practical information you’ll find useful.

The nearest airport: Calgary

For the lowest prices, try searching for flights from nearby airports (especially in Germany). That’s how we got return tickets Berlin – Calgary – Frankfurt with hand luggage for 15 thousand crowns.

We recommend the flight search engine Skyscanner.

Admission to Banff

To enter Banff National Park you need to buy the Discovery Pass, which is valid not only for Banff but also for other national parks in Canada (including Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay and so on).

In most cases the annual Discovery Pass is worth it, and it covers everyone in the car (you buy it at the park entrance).

How long should you go to Banff National Park for?

If you want to see all the best that Banff has to offer, feel free to plan 10 days here. I wouldn’t hesitate to call Banff one of the most beautiful places on our planet, so almost no amount of time is long enough.

When is the best time to visit Banff National Park?

Guidebooks will tell you the main season runs from June to September. True – but if you want settled weather, the fewest people (within the season) and to avoid the smoke from the frequent Canadian wildfires at the same time, the choice is clear: the best time to visit Banff and the Rockies is in September.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Banff is varied – from luxury hotels to simple motels and campsites. In high season (June–September) booking is essential, even several months in advance.

If you’re looking for standard accommodation, we recommend staying right in Banff, which is the ideal base for trips, or considering the surrounding areas such as Canmore (cheaper and less touristy, but a little further away) or Lake Louise (which, on the other hand, is closer to the lakes and the hikes).

Campsites can be booked on the Parks Canada website. The best option is either a combination (Tunnel Mountain, Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise) or Lake Louise for the whole stay.

Car hire

You’ll find it very hard to manage in Banff without a car – most of the natural highlights are only reachable by car or shuttle bus. We recommend booking in advance, directly from Calgary airport.

Compare prices and vehicle types on trusted sites:

• DiscoverCars – excellent prices and customer support (I’ve had a great experience here with an insurance payout too – great communication, they paid everything, so for me it’s choice no. 1)
• Rentalcars  – a comparison of all the big car hire companies

We also tried Turo (renting from locals), but here we had a very bad experience with the insurance and a high excess.

Shopping

Buy your food and gas canisters back in Calgary – traditionally the cheapest is Walmart. You can still shop at acceptable prices in Canmore. The further into nature you go, the higher the prices climb. The most expensive is probably the little shop in Lake Louise. That said, Canadian food obviously contains so many preservatives that it keeps for an extremely long time.

For the treks you may find the locally popular Powerade or Gatorade (sports drink) useful.

Which animals can you see in Banff?

Banff is home to incredible wildlife – and unlike some other destinations, here you have a real chance of spotting animals in the wild.

• Grizzly bears and black bears – often along the Icefields Parkway (mainly early in the morning or in the evening).

• Elk and moose – often around the town of Banff or by the Vermilion Lakes

• Bighorn sheep – most often on Wilcox Pass or near Lake Minnewanka

• Mountain goats – rarer, but there’s a chance on Parker Ridge or by the Banff Gondola

• Otters, eagles, foxes and other smaller fauna

Never feed the animals, don’t leave food lying around and keep a distance of at least 30 m from deer and 100 m from bears. Always carry bear spray if you’re heading out on hikes into less frequented areas.

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