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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

The Mount Burgess Dining Room at Emerald Lake Lodge offers a cozy and upscale dining experience right on the edge of the stunning lake. With its rustic charm and delicious menu, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a relaxing lunch, this restaurant has got you covered. We tried a lot of the dishes as we were there 2 nights and they were all amazing. Notably liked the steak, salmon and cocktails.

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 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!!