Banff National Park is Canada's first national park, boasting stunning Rocky Mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and endless adventure opportunities. Visitors can explore the park year-round, with winter being a particularly magical time to visit. From snowy trails to thermal waters, Banff offers something for everyone. Just remember, no drones allowed! So, leave your drone at home and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this iconic park. You do need a park pass and I will explain that in my travel tips! You can get day passes, multiple days or annual passes.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge, nestled atop Tunnel Mountain in Banff National Park, is our go to resort in Banff.. It is beautiful with wood beams and a magical chalet style feel. The hot tub also had incredible views and was a must. It was a good mid budget hotel! We really like the restaurant the Prow there too.

Johnston Canyon is a popular hiking spot in Banff National Park and it is about 10 minutes out of town. The hike first goes to the Lower Falls and then to the Upper Falls at the end and it is a one way hike. This hike takes you through dramatic canyons with waterfalls and cliffside walkways. The Lower falls are a short walk from the trailhead, and the upper falls are slightly longer. It is an easy hike in the area all in all!

Stats to Upper Falls: 5.5km return, 255 meters (2 hours)

If you are there in summer it is probably one of the busiest hikes in Banff so try to go early to avoid crowds, it does not get that busy in winter.

We did it in winter and it was seriously a winter wonderland, the frozen waterfall were insane. Highly recommend bringing crampons in winter. It is 5.5km return to the upper falls and has little elevation gain. It is only half of that distance to the lower falls, but i do recommend doing the whole thing.

Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls, Alberta, Canada - 9,949 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

The Banff Roasting Company is a cozy café nestled in the heart of Banff, Alberta. Known for their delicious coffee and friendly atmosphere, this local hotspot is a favorite among both residents and tourists alike. With a wide selection of specialty drinks and freshly baked treats, it's the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring the stunning Rocky Mountains.

Two Jack Lake is a picturesque emerald green lake nestled in Banff National Park, offering panoramic views of Mount Rundle. The road there from Banff is really pretty and only about 15 minutes away. It is the small lake before Minnewanka which is a huge lake. Two Jack Lake is known for the red chairs on the shore. You can walk around and find some really pretty picnic spots and in winter you can skate there!

Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park, nestled in the Canadian Rockies. This is located on a scenic road that takes you past Two Jack Lake. We always see elk here so keep your eye out! We came when the lake was frozen and you can walk on it, so cool! In the summer you can bring your paddleboard or just walk along the shore.

Wildlife sightings are common, so keep an eye out for wolves, grizzlies, and elk. Plus, there's a scenic trail along the northern shore perfect for exploring. Whether you're into outdoor adventures or just want to soak in the stunning views, Lake Minnewanka has something for everyone.

The Prow at Buffalo Mountain Lodge is the place to be for delicious mountain tapas, creative cocktails. Tasty upscale Canadian cuisine in a nice setting. Whether you're looking to unwind après adventure or indulge in some elevated Rocky Mountain cuisine, The Prow has got you covered.

Lake Louise is a stunning alpine lake nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop. It is free to go to, but you do need to pay for parking in the summer months. Parking is free after 7pm and in the off season!

There is also a shuttle service from Lake Louise Village as the parking does fill up! The lake does get busy right at the viewing area. However, just keep walking along the path and you can find quieter spots. At the lake you can walk the path or even go up to Lake Agnes Tea House or the Beehive hikes. In the winter you can snow shoe, ride horses, or ice skate the lake. You can of course canoe on the lake in the summer but it is so expensive at about $140. if you really want to ball out you can stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise or go to one of their restaurants.

Lake Agnes Tea House is a charming spot nestled in the Rockies, accessible by a moderate hike from the Upper Lake Louise parking area. It is 3.6km one way to get there over 400m elevation gain, and it is really worth it. Teas are about $4 and they do have some really good cakes. From here head up to the big or little beehive hikes or head back! The trail passes Mirror Lake and has some beautiful vantage points of Lake Lake Louise.

The Beehive is a popular hiking trail at Lake Louise. There are actually 2 Beehives the Big Beehive and the Little Beehive. Both hike starts at the Upper Lake Louise parking area and takes you up to a charming European-style tea house nestled by Lake Agnes. From there, you can continue on to the Big Beehive for panoramic views or head to the Little Beehive for a lookout over the Bow Valley. We did both of the beehives and it was worth it as the Little beehive is just a small detour.

Big and Little Beehive in Banff National Park

• Distance: ~12 km (round trip)

• Elevation Gain: ~880 m

• Duration: 6 hours

• Overview: This is technically two hikes in Banff National Park, but they can both be done together as the trail forks. If you are there and you can do it, definitely do both! If you have to pick one I would choose the Big Beehive. The little Beehive is only an extra 1.7km in total.

  There are a lot of signs so you can't get lost, but here is the alltrails to map it out. I always like to use offline maps such as maps.me for hikes.

• Lake Agnes, Big and Little Beehive, Alberta, Canada - Map, Guide | AllTrails

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Boathouse is where guests can rent canoes. This boathouse is right on the lakeside you can't miss it and there is usually a line. It is really pricey at about $140 for like an hour. We were on a tourism trip so got if for free. There is a loophole. You can bring your own paddleboard or kayak or whatever and bring it on the lake for free, but you do need to get it inspected as bacteria can contaminate the lake. The inspection site is near the parking lot.

The Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain in just eight minutes. From the top, you get killer views of Banff town, Bow Valley, and beyond. There's a cool observation deck and a short trail to check out. It's a must-do for anyone visiting Banff National Park! It costs $60 for a return trip. There is a wooden boardwalk at the top that is about 1km return of a walk. I would recommend trying to head up for sunset.

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park is a stunning turquoise gem nestled in the Canadian Rockies and is probably the most photographed lake in Canada. Accessible only by shuttle or commercial transportation, you have to book in advance to get here as you can't drive here. There is a bit of a hack where you can bike there, but it is too far of a walk. The shuttles book out quickly. You can book on the Parks Canada site in April/May depending when they release the tickets or you can book a private companies shuttle. There are also several tours that bring you here. You used to be able to drive here in the past, but it just got too busy. You can rent canoes at the lake, walk the lakeside trail, or just hang out. There are some little restaurants there too. I would recommend going for sunrise as it is really beautiful and staying atleast 3 hours.

Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park about 1 hour drive from Lake Louise. The lake is located right next to the parking lot, so it is accessible to everyone. There is a lakeside trail that takes about an hour or you can just hang out by the lodge, eat at the restaurant or rent a canoe! It is my favourite lake in the Rockies. It also freezes over in winter, so you can walk on it, snow shoe or even cross country ski.

The Boathouse Trading Co. offers canoe rentals right on the lake for$90 per hour. We did not do this as we thought it was a bit expensive, but it would be a really nice splurge. We chose to canoe Lake Louise, so we could not do it twice! However, Lake Louise is $140 so it is cheaper. In the winter you can rent cross country skis, snow shoes and all of that stuff here too. Emerald lake is just as pretty as Lake Louise so this is a great potential alpine lake canoe spot.

Natural Bridge Lower Falls is a stunning natural formation located in Yoho National Park, known for its unique rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. It is on the way to Emerald lake so make sure you stop here for a visit. In the winter you can walk down below and there is a secret ice cave!

We love Golden as a cheaper local mountain alternative destination as opposed to Banff. There is so much in this area! Definitely add Golden on to your Rockies bucket list. It is also home to Kicking Horse Resort which notably has the most snow in the Rockies.

Reposados has the best tacos and is my favourite restaurant in Golden.

The Golden Skybridge is a must-visit destination in Canada, offering breathtaking views from 426 feet above the canyon floor. With Canada's highest suspension bridges, a thrilling mountain coaster, ziplines, and treetop ropes courses, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you're looking for an adventure that will get your heart racing and leave you in awe of nature's beauty, the Golden Skybridge is the place to be! The price varies as you can get a whole day pass for all activities or just the sky bridge. We did everything but the zipline as the line up was really long. The coaster was so much fun!

Wapta Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Yoho National Park, Canada. It's known for its impressive height and powerful flow, making it a popular spot for visitors looking to take in some natural beauty. The hike to the falls is relatively easy and offers great views along the way, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area and up for a little adventure!Here are the Hiking stats for Wapta Falls

• Distance: Approximately 4.6km return, mostly flat

• Time: The hike typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours2.

• Difficulty: The trail is considered easy

• NOTE: in the winter the road to the parking lot is closed. You can still hike to the falls but you have to add on another 2.5km to get to the summer trail point, making the total hike 10kms.

The Wolf's Den is a great restaurant in Golden. It has all of the comfort food you could want. The hamburgers were really good!

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the ski hill in Golden. It is known for its powder and crazy cloud inversions. The Eagles Eye Restaurant is at the top and it is the highest restaurant in Canada. They have great food and apres!

In the summer they have a really cool via ferrata route and they have some great mountain bike trails.

The Grizzly Bear Interpretive Centre is where you can meet Boo, a massive grizzly bear with a captivating presence. This tour offers a chance to see Boo up close in his natural habitat at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Plus, there's a guarantee that you'll spot Boo or your next tour is on the house! It was very cool to see a real bear up close. Only open in the summer as Boo hibernates. Boo is a rescue bear as the parents were killed by poachers, which is so sad.

The Eagle's Eye Restaurant is the highest restaurant in Canada and it is at the summit of Kicking Horse. You can go there on a ski day or just take the gondola up and walk to the restaurant for dinner or lunch. It has really great food and it is a great apres spot!

Takakkaw Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Yoho National Park, Canada. It's like nature showing off its epic waterworks, with the water cascading down from a towering height of 302 meters (991 feet). The name "Takkakaw" means "it is magnificent" in Cree language, and trust me, it lives up to its name! So, if you're into jaw-dropping natural wonders, Takkakaw Falls is definitely worth a visit on your Canadian Rockies adventure. It is really easy to get to and not even a hike. It does get pretty busy. It is the second largest waterfall in Canada, so pretty impressive!

From mid-October through mid-June. While the park is open year-round, the road closure prevents standard vehicle access to the falls during winter. Check the road status before you drive as it does close sometimes.

The Lake Louise Inn is a cozy mountain retreat nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It is only a 10 minute drive to Lake Louise and we love how they offer free snow shoes in the winter. It has killer deals in the winter at under $200. They have a really nice pool and hot tub area and a decent sized gym.

The Icefields Parkway is considered one of Canada's most scenic roads! Highlights along the route include Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Sunwapta Falls. . The highway goes all the way to Jasper from Lake Louise and is about 232km along. You can of course turn around whenever you do not need to drive the whole thing. There are some campgrounds and lodges along the Icefields Parkway and about 80km away from Lake Louise there is a gas station, a convenience store and a restaurant as Saskatchewan Crossing.

There is only ONE gas station at The Crossing Gas Station and Store at Highway # 93 and Highway # 11. But it has limited opening hours. It’s open only in the summer from mid-April to mid-October (call ahead to make sure it’s open), which means there are no gas stations between Lake Louise and Jasper in the wintertime. Make sure to check road reports if you go in winter!

All of my recommended stops are on the map! There is no cell service on this road!

The Peyto Lake Viewpoint is a popular spot in Banff National Park, known for its stunning panoramic views of the turquoise-colored lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can easily access the viewpoint via a short hike from the parking lot, making it a must-see stop for anyone exploring the area. Don't forget your camera – this view is definitely Instagram-worthy!

If you walk up to the left about 200m from the viewing deck you can find a spot all to yourself! The pictures of us on the rock are at this secret spot!

Peyto Lake, located in Banff National Park, is a stunning turquoise gem nestled in the Canadian Rockies. Its vibrant color comes from rock flour that flows into the lake from surrounding glaciers. It's definitely a must-see spot for anyone exploring the area! The lake is shaped in a unique fox pattern it is really pretty. At the parking lot you just have to walk 500 meters or so to the viewing platform. If you want to make it into a little hike, walk past the viewing platform about 300 meters until you see a small trail. This trail is about 700 meters long and will bring you to this rocky outpost. It is a bit hard to find, but worth it. There are no signs, so it actually took us a little while to find it. You can visit this spot in summer and winter.

Bow Lake is a stunning turquoise gem nestled in the Canadian Rockies, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Located along the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers looking to soak in the beauty of Banff National Park. You can just drive right up to the lake! There is a little coffee shop and souvenir shop there too.

Sunwapta Falls, located in Jasper National Park. The upper falls is only 100 meters from the parking lot, but you can also walk 3km to the lower falls.

The name "Sunwapta" means "turbulent water" in the Stoney language, reflecting the powerful flow of the Sunwapta River as it cascades through narrow gorges. Whether you visit in the summer to witness the rushing waters or in the winter to see the falls frozen in time, Sunwapta Falls is gorgeous any time of year. Sunwapta Falls is situated in Jasper National Park along Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway, about 55 kilometers from Jasper. When you reach the Sunwapta Falls Resort from Jasper, turn right and drive to the end of the road until you reach the parking area. 

Athabasca Falls is a waterfall located along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park. I it is probably one of the most visited falls as it is right off the road. With its turquoise waters and rugged surroundings. It takes less than 5 minutes to reach the viewpoint from the parking area and it’s over easy terrain, so almost anyone can do it. The other trails in the area, including one that winds along a scenic canyon, offer different viewpoints of the forest, mountains and the waterfall itsel

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a cool glass-floored walkway that juts out over Sunwapta Canyon, giving you killer views of Mount Athabasca and Mount Kitchener. You can only get there by shuttle bus from the Icefield Centre, but once you're on the skywalk, you'll feel like you're floating above the valley floor 280 metres below. It's a must-do for anyone looking for a thrilling perspective of the stunning Canadian Rockies! It is only open in the summer months!

Jasper National Park is a must on any Canadian Rockies itinerary. The area is gorgeous in summer and winter. You do need a park pass to enter the park. See travel tips. You can buy online or the day of!

Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park is known for being the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies. It's a great spot to relax and soak up the natural warmth while surrounded by stunning mountain views. The hot springs are located right at the parking lot and trailhead for Sulphur Skyline, so it is a great way to reward yourself after the hike. There are about $17 to get in.

The Sulphur Mountain skyline trail is a popular hike in Jasper. It is an 8km return trip with over 660 meters of elevation gain. The views at the top are incredible. There are also Hot spring pools at the bottom to soak in after too. Here is the alltrails link.

We hiked this years ago and loved it. Great views for the effort and its not so steep.

Sulphur Skyline Trail, Alberta, Canada - 2,997 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

Jasper is a cute mountain town nestled in Jasper National Park. There was a huge fire in 2024 that destroyed a lot of it and I have not been back since then, but it was really devastating. I am going back in August so I will update how it is. I know they are doing a lot of work to fix everything. I actually lived in Jasper for a snowboarding season when I was 18 and it was a great spot to go out and work for a gap year.

Jasper Brewing Company is a popular spot in Jasper for craft beer lovers and foodies alike. Located in the heart of town, this brewery offers a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy a variety of handcrafted beers brewed on-site, along with pub-style fare. The cheeseburger is the best!

Pyramid Lake is a stunning spot in Jasper National Park, known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque mountain backdrop. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the shore. You can rent kayaks there for $50. You can often see moose in this area! The lake is about 10 minutes out of Jasper town.

Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park is 7.4 km return hike. There are 6 bridges in total that you can walk to and it takes about an hour and a half each way. You do not have to do the whole trail, you can stop whenever! You can do this hike in winter too! The falls are frozen and beautiful.

Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park is a must-see spot. This lake is about 45 minutes outside of Jasper and is gorgeous. You can take boat tours from here to Spirit Island for about $100. Spirit Island is also a popular multi day canoe trip that a lot of people book. Back country permits sell out quickly and they are hard to get though. If you really want to see Spirit Lake and go up and down Maligne Lake the boat tour might be a good option!

Spirit Island is a tiny, picturesque island located on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, Canada. Surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear waters, this iconic spot is super famous. Accessible only by boat, the journey to Spirit Island is long way but the views are incredible. You can do a canoe trip out here and stay the night, but backcountry permits sell out quickly. If you can't get a camping permit you can do a day trip but it is a 14km paddle each way so you need to prepare. There are also daily boat excursions from Maligne Lake. You can usually book the same day, but if you know your date book in advance! I have linked the tour!

Valley of the Five Lakes is a stunning and easy hike located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. The trail offers breathtaking views of five (actually six!) turquoise to deep green lakes surrounded by pristine forests. it is a 4.5km easy loop trail.

Getting to Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead..

You will find the Valley of the Five Lakes hike simply along the Icefields Parkway, just under 9km south of the traffic lights at Jasper.

The Icefields Parkway is considered one of Canada's most scenic roads! Highlights along the route include Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Sunwapta Falls. . The highway goes all the way to Jasper from Lake Louise and is about 232km along. You can of course turn around whenever you do not need to drive the whole thing. There are some campgrounds and lodges along the Icefields Parkway and about 80km away from Lake Louise there is a gas station, a convenience store and a restaurant as Saskatchewan Crossing.

There is only ONE gas station at The Crossing Gas Station and Store at Highway # 93 and Highway # 11. But it has limited opening hours. It’s open only in the summer from mid-April to mid-October (call ahead to make sure it’s open), which means there are no gas stations between Lake Louise and Jasper in the wintertime. Make sure to check road reports if you go in winter!

All of my recommended stops are on the map! There is no cell service on this road!

Canmore, a charming town in the Canadian Rockies, offers stunning views and a laid-back vibe that's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a great alternative as a base to Banff town for accommodation as it is a bit cheaper too! If I were to live in the Rockies, I would 100% pick Canmore it is so nice and central and the town is so cute.

The Canmore Nordic Centre has over 60 kilometers of well-maintained trails, it's the perfect spot for cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and even mountain biking in the summer. The Day Lodge offers a cozy retreat with all the amenities you need, from equipment rentals to a cafeteria. Very affordable rentals compared to Banff and Lake Louise.

The East End of Rundle, also known as EEOR, is a popular scramble hike in Kananaskis just outside of Canmore. It is 4.8km return over 823 meters. So straight up! The route starts near the Spray River bridge and involves a non-technical ascent up the right-hand profile of the mountain. While sturdy hiking boots are essential, no special climbing gear is required. Just be prepared for steep, strenuous hiking and some slippery conditions, especially when wet. Remember to stay on the marked trail and enjoy the adventure!

Grassi Lakes is a popular hiking spot in Canmore, Alberta, known for its stunning turquoise-colored lakes and picturesque views. It is only a 3.4km hike, fairly easy, but these lakes are really unique so it is worth it! The area is perfect for a leisurely day hike or a relaxing picnic by the water. It is one of the best bang for your buck little hikes!

Quarry Lake is in Canmore is a man man made lake, and it is perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, paddleboarding, or picnicking with friends. With stunning mountain views reflecting off the clear blue water, it's a great spot to unwind and soak up the beauty of nature. Just a short drive from Banff, Quarry Lake is a local favorite for those seeking a tranquil lakeside retreat.

This place has the best tacos every, love it!!

Yoho National Park in Canada is a stunning natural paradise filled with towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant turquoise lakes. Visitors can explore attractions like the Spiral Tunnels, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake for breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. Yoho National Park is one of our favourites in the area. The whole valley you drive into is stunning without even leaving the car. It also has one of the most famous hikes in Canada the Iceline trail.

You do need a park pass, so you will need to buy a day pass, multiple days or an annual pass at the visitor centre. I will have that all explained in the tips section. No need to buy in advance.