Western Canada is at the top of any outdoor enthusiast’s list, and Banff is Alberta’s crown jewel. Banff is Canada’s oldest national park and is known for its vast, wild and beautiful landscapes filled with towering mountains, vast glaciers and turquoise blue lakes. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, this is the ideal place. Honestly, there are no words to describe the grandiose landscapes that you will discover there!
Banff was one of the stops we made on our two-week Canadian road trip. This is perhaps the most famous region we have visited and for good reason, it is absolutely breathtaking. We spent months researching the best hikes, lakes, and restaurants to visit and as a result, this was the highlight of our time in the Rockies. So if you want to plan the most incredible few days in the region, here are my recommendations.
Practical aspects
Getting there: From the UK you can fly to Calgary, which is 1.5 hours from Banff by car.
Getting around: I highly recommend renting a car to allow you to explore and enjoy the beauty of Banff. Try to reserve one that is four-wheel drive and high clearance. The roads are generally pretty good in Canada, but once you get into the wilderness they can get a little more difficult. Prevention is better than cure!
When to visit: The best time to visit this region is during the summer months, from early July to late September. Personally, I find the weather in the mountains to be more stable in September, which Alberta residents have confirmed is generally the case.
How long to stay: Banff covers a vast area and you could easily spend a week or more exploring it. However, if you’re stopping as part of a longer road trip, I’d say 3-4 days is enough to experience the highlights.
Price: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Canada is not cheap. The prices we saw mirrored those in the UK when it came to meals, hotels, car rentals, etc. So make sure you budget accordingly.
Best Travel Tips
- Be sure to purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. This will allow you to access more than 80 Canadian destinations in 12 months and will save you from joining queues at the entrance to national parks.
- Pack for all weather, whatever the season. After all, it’s the mountain! Even in the height of summer, the weather can go from sunny and blue skies to cold, cloudy, and rainy in a matter of minutes. Take layers, raincoats and suitable shoes. If you need advice on what gear to pack, check out my hiking kit guide here.
- Bear safety is extremely important when exploring the Canadian wilderness. It is essential to carry bear spray, make noise and remain vigilant. View Canadian bear safety guidelines here. One thing to note is that bear spray cannot be taken on planes, so I recommend purchasing it once you arrive at your destination.
Where to stay: Personally, we stayed at Basecamp Suits Banff, which are small self-catering apartments nestled right in the heart of downtown Banff. They have their own kitchen, which is very useful if you prepare your own breakfast and lunch before big days in the mountains, like we did. I have friends who also recommended the Peaks Hotel.
Where to eat:
- Breakfast: Whitebark Café for great coffee. Wild Flour Bakery for breads and pastries.
- Lunch: Honestly? We had a kitchenette, so we packed packed lunches every day to go on the trails.
- Dinner: Farm & Fire was our favorite for farm to table food. Distillery in the park offering drinks and large plates. Magpie & Stump for casual Mexican food.
- Dessert: Beaver tails are a famous Canadian dessert, you just have to try one!
Be sure to reserve your dining spots in advance during busy seasons as they sell out.
One important thing:
Banff’s most famous tourist destinations are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. One thing to remember when visiting is that shuttle systems are in place, as parking is either very limited or not available at all. very recommend you book your shuttle in advance, you can find more information about them here.
The Best Hikes in Banff
It would be a crime to come to Banff and not hike! The entire national park is covered in miles of incredible trails and exploring them on foot is the best way to truly experience the vast wilderness of the area. Be sure to add these hikes to your hit list:
- Lake Louise. There are a multitude of hikes departing from the shores of the iconic Lake Louise. We did this Belvedere of the Petite Ruche route as we were short on time, it offers incredible views of the lake without being too strenuous. However, if you can spend a full day on the trails, I recommend it. make a loop from both viewpoints of Beehive and the Plain of Six Glaciers. A stop at Lake Agnes Tea House is an iconic thing to do!
- Moraine Lake. There are only a handful of hikes that start at Moraine Lake. I personally made the journey to Lake Eiffel which was not only beautiful but really peaceful, we barely saw anyone on the trail. A more popular and famous hike near Moraine Lake is underway Sentinel Pass to see the larches which are a bright yellow hue during the autumn months.
- Lake Helen and Cirque Peak. It was mine favorite hike in Banff. I warned you – it’s long, it’s hard and it’s really steep with some scrambling sections – but the views are absolutely out of this world. I would go so far as to say some of the most beautiful views of our entire trip to Canada! There are lakes and glaciers in every direction, honestly it will take your breath away.
- Mount Yamnuska. If you are a confident hiker and crave adventure, give this route There is. As with all hikes in Banff, the views are incredible. However, the trail is steep, difficult, and includes a few strung together scrambling sections.
- Rockbound Lake. When we asked locals for hiking recommendations to get away from the crowds, it was the road we were told about it again and again. The trail leads you to an absolutely beautiful lake, and in autumn you will come across bright yellow larch trees.
- Mont Bourgeau and Harvey Pass. If you’re looking to conquer a summit, add this spicy hike to your results list. It is long and strenuous, covering 1,700m of elevation gain, but it does not present a technical challenge as it does not require any difficulty or climbing to reach the summit. You are rewarded for your efforts with a breathtaking view of Lake Bourgeau and the entire national park.
- Wilcox Pass. This is a hike to do if you are taking the Glacier Trail towards Jasper. Considering that it is only a moderate hikeit offers absolutely extraordinary views of the Colombian Icefields and some of the largest peaks in the park. Plus, you might spot a mountain goat on the trail!
The Best Lakes and Wild Swimming Spots in Banff
Banff is known for its iconic turquoise blue lakes, so make sure you don’t miss them!
- Lake Louise. One of the most famous lakes in Canada and, in my opinion, the most overrated. It is absolutely packed with people and you can only get some peace by moving away from the shore. That being said, I think the hike to the view from Little Beehive Lookout is worth experiencing.
- Moraine Lake. This is another super famous lake, but in my opinion it is well and truly worth the hype. The emerald blue waters, framed by 10 towering peaks, are a sight to behold! Just make sure you get there early in the morning so you can admire the reflection on the water’s surface.
- Lake Minnewanka. This 13-mile-long lake is one of the largest in the Canadian Rockies and is the only lake around Banff where motorboats are allowed, so you can take a scenic boat ride. Alternatively, stroll the lakeside trail or rent a kayak to explore it on your own.
- Peyto Lake. This is perhaps the brightest blue lake of all the ones we visited in Banff! Peyto Lake is known for being shaped like a wolf’s head, but I think the most incredible thing about this place is how you can see the water flowing from the glacier that feeds it. Absolutely beautiful! While you’re there, also check out nearby Bow Lake.
- Two Jack Lakes. This picturesque spot offers views of Mount Rundle and is popular with locals but lesser known among tourists. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise, go paddle boarding, or go for an afternoon swim.
In my opinion, the best lakes for a real swim are often those located mid-hike like Lake Helen, Lake Eiffel and Rockbound Lake. They are much more peaceful than the most famous and really allow you to immerse yourself in nature.
The Best Adventure Activity in Banff
If you want to try something new, there is a recently created via ferrata in the peaks above the town of Banff. The Mount Norquay via ferrata offers a range of different routes depending on your confidence and desire for altitude. It is perfect for those who are new to via ferrata and want to experience it safely, as you will complete the route with an experienced guide.
The Best Scenic Drives in Banff
There are two main scenic drives that I recommend.
- First, the Glacier Walka 145 mile long road that connects Lake Louise to Jasper. As the name suggests, it is surrounded by countless glaciers and, therefore, many beautiful lakes. You can walk part of the way to Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, or all the way if you go to Jasper.
- Second, I recommend the Bow Valley Walk. This road parallels the main road from Lake Louise to Banff and is a much more peaceful route with greater chances of spotting wildlife.
Did you like this article? Check out my other travel guides:
Travel safely,
Zanna x