VISITING BANFF NATIONAL PARK ALBERTA
Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is one of the Canada's most beautiful parks to visit. During our time touring the Rockies with Discover Canada Tours we were lucky enough to spend two days driving through this incredible national park.
Here is our guide to Banff National Park to ensure you don't miss out on anything during your visit.
Visiting Banff National Park
Canada's oldest national park is located west of Calgary in the province of Alberta. The park encompasses spectacular mountainous terrain, an abundant of glaciers and ice fields, breathtaking lakes, dense coniferous forests and alpine terrain.
Millions pass through the park each year via the Trans-Canada Highway, being one of the world's most visited national parks in the world. There is a National Park entrance fee to enter the park, you can find out more information here.
During your drive here are some stops we highly recommend you check out...
Lake Louise
Lake Louise
When people think of Banff National Park, Lake Louise usually comes to mind. This alpine lake is famous for its sparkling blue waters and its incredible mountainous backdrop. At about 2.5 kilometres long and 90 metres deep, the lake is perfect for paddling in the summer months and skating in the winter.
Moraine Lake
Most Beautiful Turqouise Lakes
Moraine Lake is our favourite in all of Banff National Park. This glacier-fed lake is around 14km outside of the village of Lake Louise and one we stress you do not miss! Take the Rockpile Trail to the very top for the best view of the lake.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake
Yes, Peyto Lake really is that blue! Along the Icefields Parkway lookout for the Bow Summit where the Peyto Lake lookout is located. After a 10 minute hike you will be met with one of the most spectacular views in all of Banff National Park.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake
During your drive down the Icefields Parkway ensure you stop to view Bow Lake. On a calm day the glacier and snow capped mountains mirror onto the lake.
Johnston Canyon
The trail to the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon is a unique one. Follow its canyon-clinging catwalks and cliff-mounting staircases to the gorge’s Lower and Upper Falls. At the Lower Falls we recommend going through the cave on the right hand side for an up close and personal look at the turquoise blue falls.
If you are visiting in the winter you will have a completely different experience. You will need to wear ice boots as the trail is iced over and when you arrive to the falls, it too is iced over and completely frozen, making for an amazing sight.
Johnston Canyon
Sulphur Mountain Gondola
When visiting the Town of Banff we highly recommend you jump on the gondola and ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. At the top there is a 1km summit walk giving you a stunning bird's eye view of six mountain ranges!
Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Now it's your turn. We only had 2 days to explore Banff National Park. If there is a stop you recommend others should not miss please share with us below.
READ NEXT: EXPLORING THE ATHABASCA GLACIER
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