BANFF NAtional park

Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a stunning natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world. It is Canada’s first national park, and has made it into the UNESCO World Heritage list. With its dramatic mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a paradise for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re hiking along alpine trails, skiing on world-class slopes, or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery, Banff promises unforgettable experiences in every season. From iconic landmarks like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to its charming mountain towns, Banff National Park is the perfect destination for anyone seeking adventure and tranquility in the wild heart of Canada.

Before you go:
Banff National Park is, as the name indicates, a National Park. To enter the park, it is a requirement to buy a park pass. The price of the pass is per person, and is determined after how many days you are planning on spending inside the park. Purchasing these park passes helps support visitor services and facilities, so remember to include this in your budget! If you do not have a park pass, you might end up getting fined.

WHERE TO STAY

Sunshine Mountain Lodge

Sunshine Mountain Lodge is a unique Canadian boutique hotel located at 2,200 metres up in the Canadian rockies. Surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, the lodge provides direct access to Sunshine Village’s world-class slopes in the winter and endless hiking trails in the summer. With cozy yet elegant rooms, outdoor hot tubs with panoramic views, and fine dining featuring local cuisine, Sunshine Mountain Lodge is a perfect retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort. You can find the hotel by clicking HERE.

How to get there?

To get to Sunshine Mountain Lodge you need to have a car. The car is then parked at the base of the mountain by Creekside Lodge. From here you check in, and take a 15 minute gondola ride up to Sunshine Mountain Lodge. The gondola ride is free when you are a resident of the hotel, and the reception at the base of the mountain will give you instructions on how to get to the reception at Sunshine Mountain Lodge.

Facilities at Sunshine Mountain Lodge

  • Free parking
  • Free wifi
  • Included unlimited pass to the gondola
  • Free access to pool area
  • Gym
  • 24/7 Reception

WHERE TO HIKE

1. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is one of Banff National Park’s most iconic and breathtaking gems. With its surreal, glacier-fed turquoise waters surrounded by towering peaks and dense evergreen forests, this lake feels like a scene from a dream. Whether you’re here for a sunrise photo op, a peaceful canoe ride, or simply to take in the incredible views, Moraine Lake’s beauty will leave a lasting impression. This is a must-see destination that captures the very essence of the Canadian Rockies.

  • Where: Banff National Park, Alberta
  • When: June – September
  • Elevation: 993 meters
  • Distance: 24 km roundtrip
  • Approximately time: 8 hours 
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Cellular service: No
  • Washrooms: Yes
  • What to bring: Warm clothes, hiking shoes, refillable water bottle, bear spray, food & your camera!

How to get there?
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year round, but to reach Moraine Lake, you still have a few options.
 
The convenient way:
  • Parks Canada Shuttle: The most convenient way in summer is to take the ‘Parks Canada Shuttlebus’ departing from the Lake Louise ‘Park and Ride’ (Recommended for visitors driving to Lake Louise or staying in the community of Lake Louise).
    • When: May to October
    • Note: Tickets for the season are released in the spring (typically in April), and are sold out quickly. If you are not able to snag a spot on the shuttle bus at this time, then tickets will also be released at 08.00 am two days prior. Be ready at 07.59! Spots are sold out on the minute.

  • Roam Public Transit (Recommended for visitors staying in the town of Banff).
    • When: Year-round

  • Private Shuttles or Tours: Flexible private shuttle bus options are available from both Banff and Lake Louise, but can be rather expensive.


For hikers and bikers:

  • Hiking: The hike is about 14 km (8.7 miles) one way from Lake Louise, taking 3-4 hours each way (Recommended to visitors staying nearby or getting dropped off in the community of Lake Louise).
    • When: May to October

  • Mountain Biking: Around 1-2 hours each way, depending on pace and trail conditions (Recommended to visitors staying nearby or getting dropped off in the community of Lake Louise).
    • When: May to October

Good tips:
Moraine Lake is located at a high elevation, which means that it can be pretty cold there (even in the summer), weather can change suddenly, and the hiking season is shorter since it remains frozen until late May.
 

2. Peyto Lake & Bow Lake

Peyto Lake
Bow Lake

This hike rewards hikers with not just one, but two stunning viewpoints in Banff National Park! This scenic hike leads to the famous Peyto Lake viewpoint, where you’ll be surprised with the vibrant turquoise waters set against rugged peaks and lush forests.

If you’re up for a more adventurous trek, continue along the trail to reach Bow Lake lookout, where sweeping mountain vistas and shimmering glacial waters await. For those looking for a shorter walk, visiting just the Peyto Lake viewpoint will still leave you in awe of Banff’s natural beauty.

Whether you choose one viewpoint or both, this hike promises an unforgettable experience

  • Where: Located along the Icefield Pkwy in Banff National Park, Alberta
  • When: June-October
    • Hiking this trail is possible during the winter months as well. However, it is not recommended since the trail is exposed to avalance hazard.
  • Elevation: 287 meters
  • Distance: 6,8 km roundtrip
  • Approximately time: 1,5 hours 
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Cellular service: Yes
  • Washrooms: Yes, by the parking lot
  • What to bring: Bear spray, a good pair of sneakers or hiking shoes, plenty of water and of course a camera to capture the breathtaking views.

3. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a crown jewel of Banff National Park, renowned for its turquoise waters framed by majestic mountain peaks and the beautiful Victoria Glacier.  Whether you’re here for a scenic stroll along the lakeshore, a hike up to a stunning viewpoint, or simply to take in the unforgettable scenery, Lake Louise promises an awe-inspiring experience year-round.

  • Where: Banff National Park, Alberta
  • When: June to September
  • Elevation: 248 meters
  • Distance: 6,9 km roundtrip
  • Approximately time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Cellular service: Intermittent
  • Washrooms: Yes
  • What to bring: Bear spray, a good pair of sneakers/hiking shoes & camera.
Good tip: Lake Louise can get very crowded, so start the hike early to get the most pleasant experience at the lake.

4. Lake Agnes Trail

Lake Agnes Trail starts on the right side of Lake Louise, and is a must-do hike that leads to one of Banff’s most charming alpine spots. The hike will take you through dense forest and past ‘Mirror Lake’ before the trail eventually opens up to the stunning Lake Agnes. At the lake’s edge, you’ll find the charming Lake Agnes Tea House, a perfect place to rest, enjoy a hot drink, and soak up the incredible mountain views. This moderate trail offers a rewarding escape into Banff’s natural beauty, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors.

  • Where: Trail starts at Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta.
  • When: June to September
  • Elevation: 435 meters
  • Distance: 7,4 km
  • Approximately time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Cellular service: Intermittent
  • Washrooms: Yes
  • What to bring: Bear spray, plenty of water, a good pair of sneakers/hiking shoes, and a warm sweater or jacket for the top.

5. Johnston Canyon

The Johnston Canyon Trail is another one of Banff National Park’s most popular and scenic hikes, leading you through a dramatic canyon with sheer limestone walls, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. The trail to the Lower Falls is an easy walk along catwalks and bridges, bringing you right up close to the thundering waters. For those who continue to the Upper Falls, the reward is a more secluded viewpoint where the falls plunge powerfully into the canyon below. This trail is a must-visit for all ages and abilities.

  • Where: Banff National Park, Alberta
  • When: July to August
  • Elevation: 274 meters
  • Distance:  5,5 km roundtrip
  • Approximately time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Cellular service: Intermittent
  • Washrooms: Yes
  • What to bring: Bear spray and a good pair of sneakers

ENJOY BANFF NATIONAL PARK!