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Established in 1885, Banff is Canada's oldest national park, a sweep of glacier-carved valleys, turquoise lakes and limestone peaks in the Alberta Rockies. It began with the hot springs at what is now the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and the railway and grand hotels soon followed. Today it forms part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, with the town of Banff and the hamlet of Lake Louise as its two bases.
In town, Banff Avenue is lined with outfitters and restaurants under the bulk of Cascade Mountain. The Banff Gondola climbs Sulphur Mountain to a boardwalk along the summit ridge, and a short walk leads to Bow Falls, with the Vermilion Lakes glowing at sunset just west. The hoodoos and the easy trail up Tunnel Mountain make good half-day outings, and boat cruises run on Lake Minnewanka. Farther along the Bow Valley, catwalks hug the walls of Johnston Canyon, while Lake Louise and nearby Moraine Lake draw crowds for their impossibly colored water; the Lake Louise Gondola is a summer bet for spotting grizzlies on the slopes.
Hikers, photographers and skiers all find their season here. Summer parking at the famous lakes is tight, and Parks Canada shuttles are the easier option. The Icefields Parkway and Yoho lie within a short drive.
WiserMap travel guideBanff National Park Canada Lake Louise and Moraine LakePlan Banff National Park with this guide to Banff town, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon and the Icefields Parkway, plus seasons, shuttles and passes.Read the guide
The main street of the town of Banff, lined with outdoor gear stores, galleries, restaurants and cafes, with Cascade Mountain rising at its northern end. In summer parts of the avenue close to cars. Side streets hold more shops and the Banff Park Museum. Use the Roam transit buses to avoid parking problems.
A gondola ride of about eight minutes climbs Sulphur Mountain just outside Banff to a summit complex with restaurants and an interpretive center. A boardwalk continues along the ridge to Sanson Peak and an old weather observatory, with views over six mountain ranges. Fit hikers can walk the switchback trail up instead.
The birthplace of Canada's national parks, where railway workers found warm mineral springs in 1883, leading to the creation of Banff in 1885. Visitors walk into a cave with a natural hot pool and see exhibits on park history. The springs are home to the endangered Banff Springs snail, so swimming is not allowed.
A grand railway hotel opened in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway and rebuilt in Scottish baronial style, often called the Castle in the Rockies. Even if you do not stay, you can visit the lobby, shops and restaurants, or have afternoon tea. Bow Falls and the Bow River trail are a short walk below the hotel.
A wide waterfall on the Bow River just below the Fairmont Banff Springs, reached by an easy riverside path from the town centre or by car. It appeared in the 1953 film River of No Return. Continue to the Surprise Corner viewpoint for the classic photo of the hotel. It is lovely in the soft evening light.
A public hot spring pool on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain near the Banff Gondola, filled with natural mineral water at about 37 to 40 degrees, with mountain views from the water. The historic bathhouse dates from 1932. Swimsuits and towels can be rented. It is most magical in winter or in the evening after a day of hiking.
The largest lake in Banff National Park, about 21 km long, just northeast of the town. Summer boat cruises take about an hour toward Devil's Gap, and you can rent boats or hike the shoreline. Under the water lies the flooded resort village of Minnewanka Landing, which scuba divers visit. Watch for bighorn sheep on the road.
A turquoise glacier-fed lake below the Victoria Glacier, with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on its shore. Canoes can be rented in summer, and trails climb to the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers teahouses. Parking fills before sunrise in summer, so use the Parks Canada shuttle, booked online in advance.
A chain of three shallow lakes and wetlands just west of the town of Banff, reached by the quiet Vermilion Lakes Drive. Mount Rundle reflects in the water, making it a favorite spot for sunrise and sunset photos. Elk, beavers, ospreys and eagles are often seen. Cyclists can ride out from town on the Legacy Trail.
A glacier-fed lake of vivid blue in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, near Lake Louise, famous from the old Canadian twenty dollar bill. Climb the Rockpile trail for the classic view, rent a canoe in summer or hike to Larch Valley. Private cars are not allowed on the road, so book the Parks Canada shuttle or a tour bus.
A 232 km highway from Lake Louise to Jasper through the heart of the Rockies, passing Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield and many glaciers and waterfalls. There are few services and no cell coverage for long stretches, so fill up on gas first. Allow a full day with stops; a park pass is required.
A narrow limestone canyon on the Bow Valley Parkway, where catwalks bolted to the cliffs lead along the creek to the Lower Falls, about 1.2 km in, and the taller Upper Falls further on. Hikers can continue to the Ink Pots, colorful springs in a meadow. Arrive early or late to avoid crowds; in winter, ice cleats help.
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