The Vermilion Lakes are a series of three lakes located just outside of the town of Banff, offering plenty of beautiful photo opportunities and best views of Mt. Rundle.

Lakes are easily accessible by car, making it a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset (the reflections are usually gorgeous in those times of a day). It's also a great spot for a paddle and it connects into Echo Creek which starts at the Banff Canoe Club, so this is a really nice paddling route.

Two Jack Lake is another beautiful lake in Banff NP and you have to stop by if you're heading to Lake Minnewanka as it's conveniently on the way.

It's a gorgeous spot for a picnic or photography and one of the best Banff's spots for a paddle. If that's what you're planning - make sure to check out the canal that runs from Two Jack Lake along the campground as it often has very calm water and no wind (in oppose to the lake that often gets windy).

Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park, stretching approximately 21 kms in length. It is a MUST SEE place in Banff as its size is truly majestic.

It is a beautiful spot for picnicking, biking, taking photos or exploring the trails in the area. You can also take a boat cruise where you learn a bit about history of this area.

The Lake Minnewanka Trail follows the western shore of the lake, offering stunning views of the lake. Depending how far you go, you can reach Stewart Canyon or Aylmer Lookout.

Main street in the downtown Banff with all cute souvenir shops, restaurants and amazing view of Cascade Mountain.

If you're looking for some souvenirs, we recommend stopping by at Big Bear Trading Company as it definitely stands out of the crowd.

Beautiful photospot along the Bow River with great views of Cascade Mountain. The light is amazing at both sunrise an sunset.

The Moose Hotel & Suites is a charming hotel located in Banff, Alberta, known for cozy atmosphere and a great location with easy access to the downtown and all restaurants and shops.

Guests can enjoy rooftop hot tub with amazing views of Cascade Mountain as well as the Meadow Spa & Pools located within the hotel. In addition, the hotel has a nearby ski bus shuttle stop, making it easy to get to ski resorts without a car.

The Banff Gondola is a must do activity if it's your first time in Canadian Rockies. Yes, it's touristy but it provides absolutely amazing 360° views of the town of Banff and surrounding mountains from the top of Sulphur Mountain.

It runs year round and from mid-November to end of March, you can experience Nightrise which is an after dark multimedia experience at the top. Note that the daily spots are limited, so make sure to do your booking in advance.

Parking can be challenging during the summer months, but you can take a bus from downtown for free if you show your gondola ticket.

PS: If you feel like not spending on gondola tickets and hiking to the top instead, it's possible! Sulphur Mountain trail is very well maintained year round and goes up through switchbacks. It's a 10.8 km out-and-back with around 750 meters of elevation gain.

It's hard to describe the beauty of Healy Pass during the wildflower (and larch) season - you just have to experience it for yourself! With nearly 21 km round trip, it's definitely a long hike, and the forest section can feel a bit boring, but once you reach the meadows and see million of wildflowers around you, the reward is huge.

The peak of wildflower season typically occurs around mid July, though it can vary from year to year. The trail is also beautiful in the fall when the larch trees turn yellow, with this short window usually occurring at the end of September.

PS: These alpine meadows are delicate environments, please do not venture off the trail and do not pick any wildflowers. All of our photos were taken from the trail while standing on the trail - with a bit of creativity, you can take photos like this without damaging these beautiful environments.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is the highest operating hot spring pool in Canada.

Even though it's just one pool and it usually gets quite busy, it's still a super nice thing to do after a long hike or day out skiing in Banff, especially with its location just 4 km outside of the downtown and a quite affordable price.

Note that entry to Banff Upper Hot Springs is first come, first served. The parking lot is same as for the gondola and it gets full during the summer, so you might have to take a bus form downtown.

The Moose Hotel & Suites is a charming hotel located in Banff, Alberta, known for cozy atmosphere and a great location with easy access to the downtown and all restaurants and shops.

Guests can enjoy rooftop hot tub with amazing views of Cascade Mountain as well as the Meadow Spa & Pools located within the hotel. In addition, the hotel has a nearby ski bus shuttle stop, making it easy to get to ski resorts without a car.

Moraine Lake is without doubts the most beautiful lakes in Canada, if not the whole world, and it always feels special to visit it even for us, locals.

The road to Moraine Lake is only open seasonally from June to October, though it is closed for public vehicles at all times. To get to the lake, visitors have to use either Parks Canada Shuttle (try that first as it's the most affordable option) or use one of the private shuttle options. We recommend Moraine Lake Bus Company. If you can, visit for sunrise (trust us, it's worth it) and then venture to one of these beautiful trails that start at Moraine Lake:

- Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass
- Consolation Lakes
- Eiffel Lake

Obviously, Moraine Lake is a very popular spot, so do expect crowds (even at sunrise) but it's a must see for anyone visting Rockies for the first time. The sunsets tend to be a bit more peaceful, however you'll have limited shuttle options. You can always bike the road though, just don't forget head lamps and bear sprays if you're staying for sunset.

There’s probably no need to introduce Lake Louise, as it’s one of the most iconic lakes in the world and a MUST SEE if you're visiting Canadian Rockies for the first time.

In the summer, the lake has vibrant turquoise waters and it's an amazing spot for photography (especially at sunrise), hiking or canoeing. Winter means it transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing at the nearby resort. We particularly love the shoulder season between summer and winter when the lake hasn’t frozen yet, but everything around it is covered by snow and it's usually a lot quieter too.

Due to its popularity, parking can be challenging, especially during the summer. You'll either have to arrive super early or late in the day or consider using Parks Canada Shuttle.

Some amazing trails that start at Lake Louise:
- Lake Agnes (+ tea house)
- Little Beehive or Big Beehive
- Devil's Thumb
- Plain of Six Glaciers (+ tea house)
- Saddleback Pass

Accessible via popular 7.4 km (out and back) moderate trail, Lake Agnes tea house is tucked away in the mountains above Lake Louise and there probably isn't a more scenic place to enjoy a cup of tea and some snacks.

To be honest, it does get busy here, but it is still one of the bucket list hikes (even if you don't buy anything at the tea house) that we'd recommend if it's you first time in Banff, especially if you can continue further to Little or Big Beehive.

Little Beehive is a great extension of Lake Agnes trail and offers some of the best views in Canadian Rockies as you stand high up above Lake Louise.

The view is very similar to the one from Big Beehive, and we wouldn't say one is better than the other. However, Little Beehive is slightly shorter, covering about 9 km with an elevation gain of 650 meters, so it takes less time to complete.

PS: Parking at Lake Louise gets extremely busy during the summer months. You'll either have to arrive super early or consider using Parks Canada Shuttle.

Baker Creek By Basecamp is a cozy mountain resort that feels incredibly tucked away, yet it’s only a short distance from some of the top locations in Banff National Park.

The resort offers stunning private wooden cabins with fireplaces as well as lodge rooms on a beautiful property surrounded by mountains and river. It’s a place to truly unwind, hang out around the fire, play board games and soak in all the views that this property has to offer. We'd recommend it to anyone who wants to stay somewhere peaceful and quiet.

Takakkaw Falls is the second highest waterfall in Canada and one of the top places to see in Yoho NP. There is a short easy trail from the parking lot that takes you closer to this stunning gem.

PS: The Yoho Valley Rd that leads to the waterfall is only open seasonally from mid June to mid October.

If you plan to explore Yoho NP, Truffle Pigs Bistro is worth stopping by for a lunch or dinner.

Quick, easy and stunning stop on your road trip through Yoho NP that features an impressive waterfall with turquoise-colored water. Great stop if you're heading to Emerald Lake.

While the powerful river flows through formations during the summertime, not many people know that you can walk through them once the river freezes in the winter. But remember that accessibility of the cave depends on the weather conditions and can be hazardous if the ice is not thick enough, so this is not something to be taken lightly.

Emerald Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Canadian Rockies (probably the third most famous after Lake Louise and Moraine Lake), so it is definitely a touristy place, but it's a must see in Yoho NP. Even better if you can make it for sunrise or sunset.

There is a loop trail around the lake which is an easy 5 km. You can also rent a canoe at the boat house which is such a bucket list (though expensive) thing to do. The lake is also a popular XC ski destination in the winter.

Baker Creek By Basecamp is a cozy mountain resort that feels incredibly tucked away, yet it’s only a short distance from some of the top locations in Banff National Park.

The resort offers stunning private wooden cabins with fireplaces as well as lodge rooms on a beautiful property surrounded by mountains and river. It’s a place to truly unwind, hang out around the fire, play board games and soak in all the views that this property has to offer. We'd recommend it to anyone who wants to stay somewhere peaceful and quiet.

Bow Lake is another stunning lake and highlight of the Icefields Parkway (we'd say in top 3 stops with Peyto Lake and Columbia Icefield).

There are many photo opportunities and you can spot lots of wildflowers around the lake in the summer. This is also a starting point for some great trails in the area - like Bow Glacier Falls or Jimmy Simpson Jr.

We've been visiting and photographing Peyto Lake for years (even watched one of the best auroras here) and it's one of those spots that truly never gets old.

While it is a touristy spot, it's an absolute must see along the Icefields Parkway. There is a short trail leading to the main viewing platform, but if you want to get a more peaceful experience, there is another less visited viewpoint with a big rock located around 500 meters further southwest from the main one.

You can see Waterfowl Lakes right from the road when driving on the Icefields Parkway and it's definitely worth a stop to get some nice photos with Mount Chephren in the background and stretch the legs as you literally don't have to walk anywhere from your car.

If you only have time for one short hike on the Icefields Parkway - make sure it's this one!

Parker Ridge is a short, but quite steep hike with exceptional views of Saskatchewan glacier. It's just a bit over 6 km round trip, with around 300 meters of elevation gain. Something we like to call an amazing effort-to-reward ratio hike.

Ever had a chance to wake up to a views of a glacier? At Glacier View Lodge, you can experience just that.

Located along the Icefields Parkway, this upscale all-inclusive lodge offers stunning, panoramic views of Athabasca Glacier far away from just about anything.

PS: The lodge is only open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.

In our opinion, glacier walk is the best way to experience the Athabasca Glacier. So if you're capable, choose this over the Ice Explorer buses. Not only it is a better and more immersive experience, but it's also a more sustainable way to explore the glacier.

Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Rockies. We'd say they're not the most picturesque ones, but it's one of those places that makes you feel really small.

The falls are easily accessible via a short 1 km walk and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon and river.

[temporarily closed due to impacts caused by Jasper Wildfire]

Edith Cavell is a beautiful trail with big rewards as it offers stunning views of Angel glacier, glacier pond, alpine meadows, and the towering Mount Edith Cavell. If there is something you really need to see in Jasper NP, this is it!

The full trail is 7.5 km round trip with over 500 meters of elevation gain, though some people opt for a short version of this trail and only go to the glacier pond which is less than 2 km round trip from the parking lot. If you have time, make sure to do the full loop as the meadows are full of wildflowers in the summer!

PS: The road to Edith Cavell is closed seasonally from November 1 to May 15 each year.

Jasper Park Lodge is a beautiful upscale resort located right next to Lake Beauvert in Jasper National Park, offering luxury cabins and rooms with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Situated away from the downtown Jasper, it provides a peaceful retreat with many walking trails around the resort, access to canoe rentals on the lake as well as one of Canada's top golf courses.

Pyramid Island is a tiny charming island on Pyramid Lake that you can access via a short trail and a bridge that makes for a fantastic photospot.

Note that there's only 5 parking stalls at the trailhead and a shared parking lot nearby.

[temporarily closed due to impacts caused by Jasper Wildfire]

Maligne Canyon is a beautiful family-friendly hike along Jasper's deepest canyon. The loop is less than 4 km with almost no elevation and can be finished in 1-2 hours. Definitely one of the must see spots in Jasper NP!

Medicine Lake, located along Maligne Lake Road, is often called "the disappearing lake" because its water levels change with the seasons.

When it's summer time, the lake fills from drainage from Maligne river, while in fall and winter the lake disappears, becoming a mudflat with scattered pools of water connected by a stream. No matter what time you visit, tt's a beautiful place to stop and take a photo on the way to Maligne Lake.

Maligne Lake is with no doubts the most beatiful lake in Jasper NP and a can't miss spot on your trip to Jasper. It's also the largest natural lake in Canadian Rockies.

Whilte the views are stunning right when you arrive, it's best to take a boat cruise to see the famous Spirit Island which is 14 km from the docks. Alternatively, you can canoe or kayak and stay at one of the backcountry campgrounds along the lake (permits required) which is something that's still on our bucket list too!