Are you planning your first-ever trip to Banff? Are you overwhelmed by all the information that you see on the internet? Then, you are at the right place and you are going to read a very informative, to-the-point, and keeping first-time travelers in the mind. Relax and read this Banff travel guide to help plan your trip with confidence.
So, if you have a dream then just believe that you can achieve it no matter what. Even when you can’t feel deep in your heart any words of encouragement, just believe in your dream and your heart will finally show you the way.
Shuchi Gupta
A dream to see emerald blue lakes surrounded by lush green trees and snow-capped mountains started way back in 2007 when one of my photography friends shared her beautiful pictures from Banff National Park. It took me 15 years to see my dream come true.
Banff National Park is one of Canada’s great national treasures, attracting millions of visitors every year and it is Canada’s first national park, established in 1885. The park is home to many beautiful turquoise lakes mirroring the snow-covered peaks, along with glaciers and forests.
Preperation
I spent a lot of time researching and planning this trip. I wanted to be in Banff when the lakes are not frozen and the mountaintops were still covered with snow. Banff National Park is filled with beauty everywhere. There are many lakes, hikes, and places that you would love to visit. When I started planning our trip, I wanted to make sure that I cover most of the park considering I had a tween with us.
Plan
My plan had all the places that we wanted to visit, the information about each location, and the time of the day when we wanted to be at the location. The next step was to make sure that the Hotel was good, in proximity to most of the locations that we wanted to visit, and there were good options for us to eat. The only thing that I couldn’t plan or predict was the weather. I wanted to visit in June but couldn’t due to my daughter’s school. So, I booked the tickets for July first week.
Travel
The nearest international airport to Banff National Park is Calgary International Airport, Alberta. Many airlines fly directly to Calgary. From the airport, it is a scenic 90-minute (140 kilometers or 87 miles) drive to Banff.
The journey didn’t start as expected, our flight was delayed for a few hours. Sitting at the airport for hours is no fun. We kept checking the schedule, and we were told that once the flight from Toronto landed, we will be the next to fly. We were flying AirCanada, Newark to Toronto flight got delayed, which made our next flight from Toronto to Calgary late. The flight was supposed to get to Calgary in the early afternoon, but we reached it late in the evening. It turned out to be a long flight. Be cautious about pre-pandemic flight cancellations, reschedules, and delays.
Stay
Initially, I thought we want to stay near Banff downtown but later I had to rebook a hotel that was not far from the places we wanted to visit. So, we booked our stay at this beautiful Lake Louise Inn which was right in the town of Lake Louise. We booked a room with a kitchenette for us to cook breakfast with Indian spices – LOL.
Lake Louise Inn has two wonderful restaurants inside – Legends Restaurant and Timberwolf Pizza & Pasta Cafe. Both restaurants have Vegetarian and Gluten Free options available on request.
If you are crazy about luxury hotels, then your search should stop at this beautiful and popular hotel Fairmont Château Lake Louise. It is located next to the most famous lake in the park – Lake Louise.
Point of Interest
I highly recommend staying in the Lake Louise area for better navigation. Here is the list of spots that I shortlisted for our trip, and the following information will give you an idea of the distance from Lake Louise Inn.
- Lake Louise – 2.8 miles/4.6 km – 10 min drive
- Moraine Lake – 9.3 miles/15 km – 20 min drive
- Bow Lake – 23.6 miles/38 km – 27 min drive
- Peyto Lake – 28 miles/45 km – 30 min drive
- Vermilion Lakes – 35 miles/57 km – 37 min drive
- Lake Minnewanka – 41 miles/67 km – 45 min drive
- Two Jack Lake – 42 miles/67 km – 45 min drive
- Banff Downtown – 35 miles/57 km – 40 min drive
All visitors to Banff National Park are required to have a valid National Park Pass, regardless of the mode of travel. Park passes can be purchased online, at the park gates if driving to the park, or in person at the Visitor Center in Banff and Lake Louise. More information is here. We paid at the park entrance.
1. Lake Louise
I started with the most popular Lake in the National Park, Lake Louise. The parking is free at the Lake in the early mornings. But, charge around $12 between 7 am-7 pm. This is a wonderful location for a sunrise where the sun will make the peaks glow golden. I arrived early in the morning, maybe an hour before sunrise so that I could make sure that I get a good spot and composition. 2. Moraine Lake
I was quite lucky that morning for various reasons – firstly the black bear just missed me (literally it was 5 minutes difference), secondly, I had this place just for me (may be for the first 20-30 minutes, after that it started getting crowded), and thirdly, the sun showed up for me to take some beautiful pictures of the lake with golden light.
Here is the image of the beautiful lake from the same spot but this time it was taken in the evening. Unfortunately, there were no colors, no sunlight, only dramatic clouds.
2. Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) southeast of Lake Louise. I was surprised to see “Parking Lot Full” signages for Moraine Lake as early as 4:30 am as I drove to Lake Louise the previous day. At that time I knew that the following morning is going to be a rough morning.
I woke up way early the next morning, I was at the entrance of Moraine Lake road at 3:45 am to get a parking spot. To my surprise, I was welcomed with “Parking Lot Full” signs again, I was totally disappointed. But, I am glad that I didn’t go back but I asked the ranger who parked herself at the entrance whether the parking lot was really full. I was thrilled when she said you can go there are plenty of parking spots available. It was that they never changed those parking signs from the previous evening.
Moraine Lake is highly popular throughout the peak summer season when parking lots fill up well before sunrise. Within 10-15 minutes of my arrival at the parking lot, all the spots were taken. This is how fast and how crowded it gets here.
To capture the out-of-this-world view of Lake Moraine, you have to take the most common trail called “The Rockpile Trail”. This trail is approximately 300 meters (980 ft) long, with an elevation change of 24 meters (79 ft). Once at the top, you see awe-inspiring views of Lake Moraine and the Ten Peaks.
Tips
Firstly, I would highly recommend being very careful when you are at the top of the rock pile, make sure you have positioned yourself in a safe place, and don’t try to be too adventurous. You are going to see this beautiful view from anywhere on the top, so be patient and vigilant.
Secondly, if you are a photographer then I would suggest that you carry a steady tripod, a shutter release cable (or, remote), and an optional filter. There are numerous compositions that you can try from the top. There will be many times when tourists will come in front of your frame, it is very hard to make them understand not to ruin the photographs or frames for others who have been sitting there for hours.
Be patient, kind, and courteous.
Here is another beautiful view of the lake, I just had to walk a few steps down and to my left. As I mentioned, there are many opportunities for you to compose the same scene with different perspectives and views. Each one of the compositions is a keeper.
I just want to mind you that the hike to the top of the Rockpile is steep, with my heavy bag, a heavy tripod, and aging knees, it took me an effort to get up there. The trail is well maintained, and please try to follow the instructions and signs.
If you love hiking, you can walk down to the bottom of the lake – but a word of caution here – it is not a cakewalk, please be very careful not to break your leg.
Glorious Morning
Since the first morning the weather didn’t cooperate and the Ten Peaks were not fully visible, I had to plan another visit to this beautiful place. The next morning, I drove again to the same place. I came way early, hiked all the way up in the dark, and waited for more than an hour, I thought I got the best spot to take a glorious image. But, as time passed, and we got closer to the epic sunrise, I was greeted by all these tourists, they won’t help me take a frame that I envisioned. They were all over my frame, and in other people’s frames as well.
Improvisation
I had to improvise, I had to think quickly as the sun was about to appear. There seemed no other option but to walk down the slope to have no one in my frame. I decided to walk down to the bottom of the rock pile. And to my amazement, I got one of the most beautiful images of the whole trip. The sunrise painted the ten peaks golden, and I was standing there awestruck. It was one of the most glorious sunrises I have ever witnessed.
Wile you are at the top of the Rockpile trail, it is always worth seeing on the other side to embrace other beautiful landscapes. Here is an example of a scene that I took by moving my camera to the opposite side of the lake.
As I said before, there are numerous compositions waiting for you to explore. Once you are embracing the views from the top, you can explore the lake from a trail next to the lake. Either you can kayak to explore more breathtaking views of the lake or walk around for unique compositions.
3. Bow Lake
Bow Lake is approximately 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, off the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) in the Canadian Rockies. There are many beautiful, less crowded lakes along the Icefields Parkway that connects Banff NP to Jasper NP.
I was fascinated by this beautiful lake because of the less crowded and soulful feel. I would highly recommend this lake if you are visiting Banff National Park, for its family-friendly trails and breathtaking views.
People say that the best time to capture Bow Lake is during the sunset, but I was at the Lake in the morning hours and was not disappointed at all. This image was taken a little after sunrise when the sun has finished painting Crowfoot Mountain with its golden light.
To be honest, this was my second visit of the trip, the first time when I visited this lake, the morning was all cloudy, gloomy, and wet. But, being a photographer I enjoy every situation and try to get something interesting out of the scene. I was lucky to get this beautiful frame as the clouds make their way to show the mighty mountaintop. Loved working on this image to give it a dramatic black-and-white look.
I would highly recommend this gem of a place, a family-friendly lake, and hikes. If you plan your trip for summer, I am sure you can get yourself a wonderful room in this beautiful red-roofed mountain lodge situated on the shore of Bow Lake. Unfortunately, the lodge was not yet open when we visited in the first week of July.
4. Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is another famous lake in Banff National Park. It’s a turquoise-blue glacier-fed lake 40 km north of Lake Louise. The Peyto viewpoint (Bow Summit) is one of the best in all of Banff National Park and a very popular spot for tourists and photographers. Peyto Lake is easily accessible, the trail to the viewpoint is short and easy, and the views of the turquoise lake from the Bow summit viewing deck are simply breathtaking, and you shouldn’t miss it.
Throughout the summer months, glacier rock flour flows into the lake, which gives the water its breathtaking color.
There are two parking lots at the Bow Summit. The main (lower) parking lot for visitors is about 500 meters from the Icefields Parkway exit. Further up the road is an upper parking lot for buses and disabled right next to the viewing platform.
You can drive up here and use it to drop off your passengers. Parking is free and very busy during the summer.
5. Vermilion Lakes
The Vermilion Lakes are a series of lakes located very close to the Banff downtown. It is a very beautiful location to capture Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. I was at this location for two sunrises and unfortunately both days the sun didn’t show up. The first morning was a washout, the reason being the mountains were all covered by clouds. The second morning was much better as I could see the mountains. But, it was an amazing experience to be there and to have the entire place to yourself. It was so calm, serene, and tranquil.
These lakes are very easily accessible, I would suggest visiting this lake early in the mornings cut the crowd. There are three lakes that are next to each other, and all these three lakes are open to amazing views. All the viewpoints are on the roadside, no need for any hike. Isn’t it awesome?
These lakes are very easily accessible, I would suggest visiting this lake early in the mornings cut the crowd. There are three lakes that are next to each other, and all these three lakes open to an amazing view. All the viewpoints are on the roadside, no need for any hike. Isn’t it awesome?
You can easily spend a few hours here paddling, hiking, walking, cycling, or just relaxing at the shore. The best part of these lakes is that it is so close to the downtown that you can easily drive or walk to the town to grab a quick bite.
6. Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is a 21 kilometers (13 miles) long glacial lake. It is just five kilometers (3 miles) from the town of Banff. It is another beautiful spot, popular for picnicking, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, diving, and snowshoeing.
Although it rained while we were at the lake, I had a good time taking some pictures of the beautiful lake and the surrounding mountains. The clouds gave the image a nice feel and drama.
The next picture was taken to showcase the beauty of Long Exposure at his mesmerizing lake. I had to take this picture with rain covers, I was surprised that the rain covers didn’t ruin the picture. Also, I am glad that the rain cover protected my camera pretty well from the rain.
As you might have already guessed, I had to come back to this location one more time before the end of our trip. This time I was here around sunrise to capture the beautiful light, the mountains, and the calm lake.
7. Two Jack Lake
As soon as I visited Two Jack Lake, I was in love because of the beautiful landscape it offered. No doubt that the sweeping views of Mount Rundle would make anyone love this place. Two Jack Lake is a picturesque emerald green lake in Banff National Park which is very popular and attracts both visitors and locals in search of some fresh air. It is a great place to catch sunset or sunrise because of easy accessibility from Banff downtown.
Look at that breathtaking view, nothing can beat the peacefulness, serenity, and quietness. It is an excellent spot for kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and hiking. Although I didn’t stay during the night, I have heard that it is an excellent place for star gazing.
8. Banff Downtown
The town of Banff is extremely lively and fun, surrounded by rugged mountains which makes it an idle place to spend your time at leisure. There are so many top-class restaurants, bars, and cafes that you won’t feel to leave. Plenty of options for both Vegetarians and Vegans. If you love shopping, you won’t get disappointed – there are plenty of budget to luxury shopping options.
There are many things to do in and around the downtown. But, I would highly recommend experiencing the Banff Gondola ride, which will take you to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The views from the top are incredible, you won’t feel like coming down. The Banff Gondola is located just a ten-minute drive from the town of Banff and is the perfect way to end your day.
The summit at 2,280 m or 7,486 ft. above sea level gives a breathtaking 360° view of the towering mountain ranges around them. The award-winning Sky Bistro offers fresh, tasty and menus inspired by local producers of Banff.
Some More Images
I love to share my experiences of planning and executing a trip while keeping both photography and family in mind. Please check out my last post on How we planned our trip to Moab, Utah to plan your next vacation.
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Resources
Guide to the parks Canada Pass
15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Banff National Park
