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.

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.

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.

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.

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.