Things to See and Do in Banff National Park

Embarking on a journey to the majestic Canadian Rockies is an adventure that no traveler should miss. Among the stunning landscapes, the Banff National Park stands out with its breathtaking views, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a history buff, Banff has something to offer everyone. Let's explore everything this incredible destination has in store for you.

History of Banff National Park

Established in 1885, Banff National Park holds the title of being Canada's first national park and the third in North America, following Yellowstone and Mackinac. The park's natural beauty quickly attracted the attention of affluent tourists, who were the only ones able to afford the long and arduous journeys of that time. A significant push towards tourism came from the Canadian Pacific Railway, which built two iconic hotels in the area—the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. These hotels played a pivotal role in promoting tourism and the use of the railway.

Over the years, further developments included the construction of roads within the park. One such road, built in 1940, is the Icefields Parkway, which connects Banff and Jasper, providing travelers with stunning vistas. In 1984, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its remarkable mountain landscapes, glaciers, lakes, and rich biodiversity, including the majestic grizzly bear.

Essential tips for visiting Banff National Park

Preparing for a visit to Banff can be overwhelming with so much to see and do. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your trip:

1. How many days do you need to explore Banff National Park?

We recommend spending at least three nights to fully experience the park's beauty.

2. Where should you base yourself?

The town of Banff serves as the main tourist hub, located just 128 kilometers from Calgary. Alternatively, you could choose to stay in Lake Louise, situated 54 km northwest of Banff and just 15 km from the iconic Lake Louise and its historic hotel. For accommodation options, refer to the following links:

• Places to stay in Banff
• Places to stay in Lake Louise

3. What is the cost of entry to Banff National Park?

To enter the national parks of the Canadian Rockies, a fee is required at the park entrance stations. There are two options available:

• Daily Pass: $10.50 per day.
• Annual Pass: $72.25.

Both passes are valid for all parks, making the annual pass a good deal if you plan to stay for seven days or more. We chose the annual pass for our six-day visit, hoping to utilize it again in the future. Remember that the pricing is per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers, and payment can be made in cash or by card.

4. Best time to visit Banff National Park

If your goal is to ski or partake in winter sports, you’re in luck! Banff boasts three of the best ski resorts in the world: Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Area, and Sunshine Village, with the season running from mid-November to late May. For summer visits, the ideal time is from June onward. We arrived in mid-May and found some lakes still frozen and areas closed due to snowfall and bear hibernation. Note that July and August can be quite crowded.

Here’s a climate chart for Banff throughout the year:

Our route map through Banff National Park

Below is a map of Banff National Park, detailing key locations and must-see spots:

Now, let’s delve into the best places to see and things to do in Banff National Park, organized from north to south, starting with Lake Louise and culminating in Banff and its surrounding areas:

1. Lake Louise

Renowned for its turquoise waters and surrounded by towering mountains, Lake Louise is one of the most iconic images of the Canadian Rockies. When we visited in mid-May, the lake was completely frozen—though it didn’t look like the Instagram-perfect shots, it had its own charm.

To reach the lake, follow the road to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, an exquisite hotel built to promote tourism in the early 20th century by the Canadian Pacific Railway. Public parking is available at the east end of the lake, offering stunning views.

For those with a penchant for trekking, two fantastic trails start from the right side of Lake Louise:

2. Trekking to Lake Agnes

This 3.4 km one-way trail leads to a popular tea house, operational during the high season (June to September). The ascent covers over 400 meters, taking you past the Mirror Lake and a small waterfall.

3. Trekking through the Plain of Six Glaciers

This trail is quite famous and is considered one of the best walks in the area. Prepare for a challenging hike—it's 5.5 km one-way to another tea house! The first part follows the lake’s edge, gradually ascending as you enjoy breathtaking views. At the tea house, you can continue another 1.3 km towards Abbot Pass to get up close to the Victoria Glacier.

You can also combine both treks into a loop totaling 14.6 km. Start with the Plain of Six Glaciers and, on your return, take the Highline trail to end at Mirror Lake. This region is home to vibrant wildlife, including bears (don’t forget your bear spray), squirrels, and mountain goats.

4. Moraine Lake

Unfortunately, Moraine Lake was closed during our visit, and it was a heart-wrenching disappointment! It is often regarded as the most stunning lake in the Rockies, known for its spectacular turquoise color and the dramatic mountain backdrop. To capture the best photo, hike the 300 meters to the lookout point at the end of The Rockpile Trail. This vista is famously known as the “twenty-dollar view,” as it was featured on Canadian twenty-dollar bills between 1969 and 1979.

Once open, you can visit independently or join a tour to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from Banff.

Check out all the tours and guided activities available in this area of the Canadian Rockies. Find information, catalogs, and prices here.

5. Bow Valley Parkway

This scenic route connects Lake Louise to Jasper and is perfect for leisurely exploration. Be sure to make these stops:

• Morant’s Curve: A popular spot for photographers, this viewpoint offers a magical moment when a train curves below, framed by stunning scenery.
• Multiple viewpoints overlooking the Bow River and the vast area of Castle Cliffs.
• Johnston Canyon: This popular trail (so popular, in fact, that it took us 15 minutes to find parking) leads through Johnston Creek, first to the Lower Falls (1.1 km) and then to the Upper Falls (2.6 km). The path includes beautiful suspended walkways and is a natural wonder. The “Secret Cave,” made famous on Instagram, can also be found in this canyon.

6. Banff Town

This is the largest and liveliest town in the area and serves as a base for exploring the Rockies. You can also join a free tour of Banff in Spanish to familiarize yourself with the town’s history and attractions.

7. Vermilion Lakes Drive

This scenic road runs parallel to several small lakes and lagoons near Banff. There are numerous viewpoints with picturesque wooden docks. Midway, you’ll find benches perfect for sipping coffee while enjoying the tranquility of the water.

8. Minnewanka Loop

This scenic drive, located north of Banff, passes by stunning lakes including Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, and Minnewanka Lake. Although boat tours are available on the lake, walking along the left shore to Stewart Canyon provides some of the best views.

You can take a boat tour on the lake. Find info and pricing here.

9. Tunnel Mountain Road

This road begins in the heart of Banff and ascends Tunnel Mountain, revealing several interesting viewpoints along the way. Be sure to stop at:

• First, head to the Surprise Corner Viewpoint and Bow Falls Viewpoint, both located side by side. Here, you’ll catch a glimpse of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel nestled among the trees.
• Further up, there’s a small parking area from which you can embark on a hike to the summit of Tunnel Mountain. This trail, starting a little lower in town, is manageable despite the elevation gain. The panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking.
• As you descend, stop at two more viewpoints that are among our favorites. One features those iconic red chairs found in several scenic spots throughout Canada, while the second overlooks the intriguing Hoodoos, unique rock formations resembling a sandcastle.

10. Mount Norquay Drive

This winding road leads up the slopes of Mount Norquay to the ski resort. The last stretch offers a popular viewpoint with stunning views of Banff town and the Bow Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats along the way, and consider taking a chairlift ride if you wish to ascend even higher.

11. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and River Trail

On the south side of the Bow River, a trail runs through an urban park adjacent to the river’s rapids. Close by, you’ll find the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a great spot to explore and appreciate the architecture.

12. Banff Gondola

Like many places in the Rockies, Banff features a gondola that takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the town and surrounding landscapes. You can book your ticket here.

13. Upper Hot Springs

The perfect way to end your day is with a soak in the hot springs at this outdoor spa. The entry fee is only $8.30, but it can get quite crowded.

14. Cave and Basin

Considered the birthplace of Banff National Park, this cave features natural thermal springs. While swimming is not allowed today, you can explore the cave for $4 or purchase a combined ticket for $11 that includes access to the Upper Hot Springs.

15. Canmore

Located about 20 minutes south of Banff, Canmore is an excellent alternative if you find the crowds overwhelming. Due to its proximity to Calgary, Banff tends to attract more tourists, while Canmore offers a similar stunning setting with fewer visitors. We enjoyed a lovely breakfast here on our last morning!

• Places to stay in Canmore

Where to stay in Banff National Park

For our first two nights, we stayed at HI Lake Louise. We arrived quite late after driving the Icefields Parkway and chose to explore nearby attractions the following day. This hostel is among the most charming in the HI Canada chain and is continually improving. They likely have the best restaurant in Lake Louise, with budget-friendly options (the soup of the day was around $5, and a soup and sandwich combo was about $12). Plus, there’s a sauna!

For our third night, we moved to HI Banff, strategically located on Tunnel Road with fantastic views of the mountains. Both accommodations come highly recommended!

The Canadian Rockies are breathtaking, and Banff National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders. We’ve shared how to make the most of your visit to this remarkable park and its best sights and activities. Are you ready for your adventure?

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