Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and from my past experiences.

Have you ever been to a National Park? If not, Banff is one of the best National Parks in Canada.

You can experience everything from summer to winter in this beautiful place. I’ve been to Banff several times ever since we moved to Canada but I keep on coming back because you will never get tired of looking at its majestic views every season.

Banff National Park is located in the so-called Canadian Rockies. You can see all of the picturesque views in two days or you can also stay for a whole week to enjoy the views without rushing to finish the hiking trails.

Breathtaking places:

1. Bow River at the Town of Banff – This is a great picnic area. It is very quiet. Walking & canoeing are some of my recommended activities in this place.

Location: At the back of Cascade of Time Gardens

2. Town of Banff – From scenic views to cute little shops, this town has it all. 🙂 Remember, masks are mandatory inside public places. It is a province-wide mandate by the Government of Alberta.

Location: 110 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1H7

3. Cascade of Time Gardens – This is a beautiful garden in the heart of Banff downtown. When I went here, the parking lot at the downtown area was still open, but they changed it during the pandemic so make sure to call their number here to get updates.

Location: 101 Mountain Avenue, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1K2

4. Baker Creek Mountain Resort – This is one of the cabin accommodations in Banff National Park. The view is so breathtaking at the back of the resort. There is also a Bistro in this area.

Do you think you can stay here all day while looking at the views? 🙂

Location: Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0

Gorgeous Lakes:

5. Lake Louise – The photo on the right represents the color of the water during sunny days (June-August) while the photo on the left represents the color of the lake during Fall (September-October because Winter is always early in Alberta).

Address: It is 2 hours from Calgary. I took a picture of the map for you.

6. Bow Lake – I consider this lake a hidden gem in the area. While the previous lakes mentioned above, including Moraine Lake, can be crowded before noon, this lake has a lot of parking space throughout the day. Be careful on your way to this lake as there are wild animals crossing the road.

How far is it: It is a 5-minute drive south of Peyto Lake and a 29-minute drive from Lake Louise.

7. Peyto Lake – Keep in mind that you will need to hike to see this beautiful lake. It is so worth it when you reach the top. Don’t forget to drink water on the way up! It is closed for renovations right now but once it is open, be ready to arrive early as the parking lot can be full early in the morning.

How far is it: It is a 35-minute drive from Lake Louise.

Hiking and Cycling:

8. Johnston Canyon – If you are looking for a good view and a great hiking trail, I recommend that you visit Johnston Canyon. It is like seeing a real picture inside a storybook. There is an Upper & Lower Falls and Ink Pots. It took me 30 minutes to reach the Lower Falls (1 hour back and forth). I wasn’t able to reach the top but it is 4 hours back and forth to Ink Pots.

Location: Bow Valley Parkway, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2

For families:

I recommend you bring a small stroller for your little ones but if you plan to go to Ink Pots, leave your stroller inside your vehicle as there are a lot of rocks on your way to the top.

9. Moraine Lake – The most popular of them all is this gorgeous lake. I decided to categorize it under hiking because it is a popular hiking area. I will definitely come back to this lake and ride a canoe. It also has its own accommodation which is called Moraine Lake Lodge.

How to get there: Firstly, you can drive to Moraine Lake but Parks Canada staff blocks off the highway to the lake if the parking lot is already full so it is better to arrive early if you prefer to drive (like 3 a.m.).

Secondly, shuttle rides are available in a huge parking lot at the Trans Canada Highway. It costs $8 for an adult and $2 under the age of 18. It leaves every 20 minutes from the lot and it picks up passengers every 20 minutes from Moraine Lake (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Thirdly, bring your own bike or rent one in downtown Banff.

Lastly, you can hike from the Lake Louise parking lot to Moraine Lake which is approximately 3 hours.

10. Morant’s Curve – Yes, those are train tracks and this is the most Instagrammable spot in Banff National Park. 🙂

How far is it: It is a 19-minute drive from Lake Louise.

Want to know how to travel responsibly? Click and read more here.

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