Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is known for its natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes. From soaring mountains and turquoise lakes to lush forests and diverse wildlife, Banff has everything that an adventure-seeker, nature lover, or anyone looking for a tranquil escape could hope for.
I visited over Labor Day weekend and tried to pack as much as I could within a four night visit, and I was blown away with how stunning everything was. Every corner I turned there was another postcard view. Don’t sit on this destination: make the trip to Banff soon. Here are my top 16 things to do in Banff National Park.
1. Icefields Parkway
The best thing to do in Banff is to drive the iconic Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. Stop as early and often as you can, as the scenery on this drive is unmatched: it’s one of the most stunning drives in the world. Banff highlights include Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Athabasca Glacier, and Waterfowl Lake. It is also a prime place to see wildlife such as elk, mountain goats, moose, and grizzly bears.
2. Lake Agnes Tea House - Hike to Big Beehive
The Lake Agnes Tea House to Big Beehive hike is one of the best ways you can spend your day in Banff. Starting at Lake Louise, hike 2.2 miles (3.5 km) through pristine wilderness before arriving at the tea house located on the shores of Lake Agnes. From there, hikers can recharge with a tea or lunch, or continue on to the Big Beehive, a towering mountain peak that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes, mountains, and the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise.
3. Moraine Lake
The wildly blue Moraine Laine is one of the reasons why Banff is considered one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. Known for its brilliant turquoise waters that are fed by glaciers, this stunning lake is surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests, making it an ideal spot for hiking, canoeing, and photography.
4. Peyto Lake
One of the most stunning stops on the Icefields Parkway is Peyto Lake. Fed by the Peyto Glacier, the lake is renowned for its vibrant blue-green waters and stunning mountain vistas. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views from the Peyto Lake viewpoint, and hiking trails also lead down to the lakeshore, where hikers can get up close and personal with this magnificent wonder of Banff.
5. Lake Louise
One of the highlights of Banff, Lake Louise is a jaw dropping turquoise lake. With the Fairmont Chateau right at the edge of the lake, Lake Louise is a crowd pleaser, and attracts swarms of people during the busy season. It is also the starting point for many great trails including the Lake Agnes Tea House to Big Beehive hike. A visit to Banff is incomplete without visiting Lake Louise.
6. Banff Gondola
To get the best sense of the sheer scale of the Rockies in Banff National Park, take the Banff Gondola up to the top and prepare to be amazed. With incredible 360 views of the area, catch a sunset for an unforgettable evening in Banff.
7. Bow Lake
This stunning glacial lake located on the Icefields Parkway is known for its turquoise-blue waters and breathtaking mountain scenery. The lake's crystal-clear waters are fed by the Bow Glacier, and you can often spot icebergs floating on the lake's surface. Bow Lake is surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests, making it an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
8. Vermillion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes is a picturesque cluster of three interconnected lakes located right in the town of Banff. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike along the Vermilion Lakes Road, which provides several lookout points to take in the beautiful scenery and observe the abundant wildlife that calls the area home.
9. Banff Town
Banff Town is a charming and vibrant mountain community that is one of Canada's oldest and most beloved tourist destinations. Banff Avenue, the town's main street, is filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, bars, and souvenir shops. The area is also a hub for outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and hot springs. Banff town is a great place to base yourself while exploring the park.
10. Johnston Canyon
One of the most popular destinations in Banff, Johnston Canyon is home to a series of stunning waterfalls and pools, including the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. The canyon is carved into the limestone rock by Johnston Creek. Visitors can explore the canyon on a series of catwalks and bridges that wind through the narrow gorge, offering unparalleled views of the rushing waters and towering canyon walls.
11. Two Jack Lake
Located just outside Banff Town, Two Jack Lake is a pristine mountain lake that is surrounded by soaring peaks and dense forests. The lake is known for its calm, clear waters, which make it an ideal spot for canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore. Visitors can also explore the Two Jack Lake loop trail, a scenic hiking route that winds its way around the lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
12. Lake Minnewanka
The largest lake in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Minnewanka is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can explore the lake on a scenic cruise, taking in the sights and sounds of the water and the wildlife that calls the area home. Skip the parking lot and stop at the pull out viewpoint past the lake for best views.
13. Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon is carved into the rock by the rushing waters of the Mistaya River, which has created a series of deep pools, narrow channels, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can explore the canyon on a short hike, which winds its way through the surrounding forest and offers breathtaking views of the rushing waters and towering canyon walls. The area is also a prime spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot bears, elk, and other animals that call the canyon home.
14. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, also known as the "Castle in the Rockies", is a stunning luxury hotel located right In the town of Banff. The hotel was built in 1888 and has since become a symbol of Banff's rich history and heritage. The hotel's grand architecture, complete with turrets and a central clock tower, is reminiscent of a medieval castle, and the interior features luxurious furnishings and amenities that make for an unforgettable stay.
15. Waterfowl Lake
Waterfowl Lake, located along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, is a serene mountain lake that is surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness. The lake's clear blue waters are fed by the glaciers of the Continental Divide and are home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing and boating.
16. Visit Yoho National Park
Nestled in the Rockies just an hour away from Banff, Yoho National Park is an absolute gem and worth a trip on its own. If you are looking to see another national park and don’t have the time to drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, Yoho is the move. The park is home to iconic natural attractions such as the spectacular Takakkaw Falls, which cascades over 300 meters from the surrounding mountain peaks, and the stunning Emerald Lake, with its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views.
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