Banff National Park, Alberta
Bannff National Park located approximately 90 minutes from Calgary spans 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles). Banff is home to amazing destinations like Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, and Peyto Lake, and Johnston Canyon. There are both campgrounds, hotels, and other lodging options near Banff for an overnight trip. Banff National Park is typically visited during two seasons: Summer and Winter. The summer provides for all of the great hiking opportunities whereas the winter provides great skiing at the big three resorts: Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine, and Norquay.
Top Spots in and near Banff National Park
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Lake Louise, Alberta
Ski at Lake Louise
Lake Louise has risen to the ranks of a legendary ski resort for more than just its views alone. The massive vertical drop and expert-focused back side make it a mountain to test your mettle. On the front side of the mountain are wide, flowing groomers and sneaky little powder patches in between ...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Overnight in the Skoki Backcountry
21.1 mi / 3280.8 ft gainThis area is best known for Skoki Lodge, a world class back country destination. Unfortunately Skoki Lodge is quite expensive, and very rarely has rooms available. Luckily you can still enjoy everything the area has to offer if you're on a budget. From Highway 1 take the exit to the Lake Louise S...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Drive the Icefields Parkway
5.0145.45 mi / 6293 ft gainThe Icefields Parkway has been named One of the World's Most Scenic Drives by National Geographic and with all the scenic hikes, stops, and viewpoints, it's easy to see why. Starting at Lake Louise, a friend and I decided to drive up the Icefields Parkway which goes through Banff National Park i...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Bike the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is a spectacular highway to ride (you can see the short video here). The shoulders are wide and well paved. Drivers are typically courteous, slowing down and giving you space as they pass, making the ride a great deal more enjoyable. Starting in Jasper you load up your bike,...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Moraine Lake
4.8Showing up at Moraine Lake before dawn is a must as to avoid the multitude of tours busses. The morning sun is subtle and magical. The lake, being glacially fed, does not reach its crest until mid to late June. When it is full, it reflects a distinct shade of blue. The color is due to the refract...Read more -
Eldon, Alberta
View the Castle Mountain Lookout
Castle mountain, so named for its fortress-like shape, is a quick hop away from the town of Banff. If you don't have time to hike to Rockbound Lake (at the base of Castle), head to the viewpoint just off of Highway 91 and snap some pictures of this epic mountain. Drive north for about 10 minutes...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Plain of Six Glaciers
4.68.96 mi / 1565 ft gainStarting from the parking lot on the east end of Lake Louise, there are a few options you can take to get to the Plain of Six Glaciers. One is to head directly along the lakeshore trail, and in about 7 km (4.2 miles) you will be at the lookout offering the best vantage point of the glacier field....Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Agnes Tea House
4.84.58 mi / 1260 ft gainTowering peaks, glaciated valleys, and crystal clear water draw thousands of visitors a year to the shores of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. A short hike takes you beyond the crowds up to Lake Agnes, a beautiful valley surrounded by jagged peaks and golden Larch trees. At the foot of Lake ...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Hike Fairview Mountain
7.1 mi / 3280.8 ft gainFairview Mountain is a non-technical objective alpine summit located on the south side of Lake Louise. It's trailhead is accessed from the Lake Louise parking lot. The trail is well established and well marked throughout. You can expect a distance of about 11km return and elevation gain of 1000m,...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Rock Climbing at Lake Louise
From the TransCanada Highway take the exit for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Just before you arrive at the hotel there will be a large parking lot on the left. It's best to arrive early as a lot of tourists and locals alike use this parking area for hikes and visiting the the lake.From the pa...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Hike to the Lake Louise Overlook
5.02 mi / 500 ft gainThis is a fairly steep, short hike that gives you a great view of Lake Louise. The hike begins right behind the canoe rental shop on the South side of the lake. The trail is very easy to follow and there are quite a few people that hike it. The hike is an hour and half round trip. The hike leads...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Hike to Big Beehive
5.06.2 mi / 1710 ft gainThe hike to Big Beehive begins at the base of Lake Louise. From the parking lot, hike along the paved trail on the northeastern shore of Lake Louise. The Fairmont Chateau Hotel will be to your right with the lake to your left. Continue toward the junction for the Lake Agnes Trail. Keep right t...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Devil's Thumb Scramble
7.09 mi / 2575 ft gainPark in the visitor parking lot at the Chateau Lake Louise parking lot in time for sunrise at Lake Louise...not to be missed! Then follow the pathway to the right around the lake to the Lake Agnes turnoff (well marked, with a small bronze statue at the intersection.) The waterfall is just befor...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Exploring Lake Louise
4.6Lake Louise is one of the most photographed lakes in Canada, with reason. Many tourist walk the paved path round and head home. They miss out though. Hiking to the various tea houses surrounding the lake is a must. An easy 2 mile hike from the lake lies a tea house perched on a hill in a tight ci...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Hike to the Devils Thumb
5.0Park in the main Lake Louise parking lot. Be sure to have purchased your Park Pass. These can be purchased as you enter Banff National Park, or at the Banff and Lake Louise Information Centers. Follow the paved path along the lake shore in front of the Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise. At 0.8 km you wi...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Snowshoe to Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes
3.2 mi / 967.8 ft gainLake Agnes is an extremely popular and crowded hiking trail in the summer. In the winter, however, you will meet very few people on this trail. The mountain peaks are breathtaking and this area almost always has good snow for snowshoeing.Beyond Mirror Lake the terrain is rated callenging Class II...Read more
