10 Must-See Spots in Banff National Park

1. Lake Louise

Often referred to as the "Jewel of the Rockies," Lake Louise is arguably Banff's most iconic destination. This glacier-fed lake is renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters, created by rock flour carried into the lake by meltwater from the surrounding glaciers. The Victoria Glacier provides a dramatic backdrop at the far end of the lake.

What to Do:

• Rent a canoe and paddle on the pristine waters
• Hike the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail (7 km round trip) for spectacular views
• Walk the easy lakeshore path for photography opportunities
• Visit the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds, particularly in summer. For photography, sunrise creates magical lighting on the surrounding mountains.

2. Moraine Lake

Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is equally stunning with perhaps even more vivid blue waters. Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this glacially-fed lake offers one of the most photographed scenes in all of Canada—it once appeared on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill.

What to Do:

• Climb the Rockpile Trail for the iconic view of the lake and valley
• Hike the Larch Valley Trail in autumn to see the golden larch trees
• Rent a canoe to experience the lake from the water
• Photograph the lake at sunrise when the peaks catch the first light

Note: The road to Moraine Lake is only open from late May to mid-October due to avalanche risk.

3. Banff Upper Hot Springs

After a day of hiking and exploring, there's no better way to relax than soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. These natural hot springs have been attracting visitors since the 1880s, and the current facility offers a large pool with water temperatures maintained at a comfortable 37-40°C (98-104°F).

What to Experience:

• Soak in the therapeutic mineral waters while enjoying mountain views
• Rent vintage-style bathing suits for a fun, historical experience
• Visit at sunset or after dark for a magical atmosphere

Tip: The springs can get crowded in peak season; consider visiting early morning or weekday evenings for a more peaceful experience.

4. Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain

For panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding mountain ranges, take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The 8-minute ride ascends to an elevation of 2,281 meters (7,486 feet), where you'll find viewing platforms, interactive exhibits, dining options, and hiking trails.

Highlights:

• Walk the 1-km boardwalk ridge trail to Sanson's Peak
• Enjoy a meal with a view at the Sky Bistro
• Visit the interactive Above Banff interpretive center
• For the energetic, hike up the mountain (5.5 km with 655m elevation gain) and take the gondola down

Best For: Accessible mountain views for all ages and abilities, especially those with limited time in the park.

5. Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon offers one of Banff's most accessible and rewarding hikes, featuring a series of catwalks built into the canyon walls that lead visitors past multiple waterfalls. The relatively easy trail makes this natural wonder accessible to most visitors, while still providing dramatic scenery.

Trail Options:

• Lower Falls: 1.1 km one-way, approximately 30 minutes
• Upper Falls: 2.7 km one-way, approximately 1 hour
• Ink Pots: 5.8 km one-way, approximately 2-3 hours

The highlight for many is walking through the short tunnel at the Lower Falls that opens to a platform directly across from the waterfall. In winter, the canyon transforms into a frozen wonderland with ice climbers scaling the frozen waterfalls.

6. Peyto Lake

Located on the Icefields Parkway about 40 kilometers north of Lake Louise, Peyto Lake is famous for its distinctive wolf-shaped outline and extraordinary blue color. The unique color comes from large amounts of glacial rock flour that flows into the lake during summer melt.

Viewing Options:

• The main Peyto Lake Viewpoint is a short 10-minute walk from the parking lot
• For fewer crowds and different perspectives, hike to the Bow Summit Lookout (3 km round trip)

Photography Tip: Visit on a clear, sunny day when the lake's blue color is at its most intense, typically in July and August.

7. Bow Lake

Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Bow Lake offers stunning mountain reflections without the crowds. Located along the Icefields Parkway, this glacier-fed lake sits at the base of Bow Summit and is the headwaters of the Bow River, which flows through Banff and Calgary.

What to Do:

• Walk the shoreline trail for different perspectives of the lake
• Visit the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge built by legendary mountain guide Jimmy Simpson
• Hike to Bow Glacier Falls (6 km round trip) for close-up views of the glacier source
• Photograph the perfect reflections on calm mornings

8. Vermilion Lakes

Located just a few minutes from downtown Banff, the Vermilion Lakes offer accessible natural beauty and some of the most photographed views in the park. This series of three shallow lakes provides stunning vistas of Mount Rundle reflected in calm waters.

Activities:

• Drive the scenic Vermilion Lakes Road that runs alongside all three lakes
• Walk or cycle the easy trail for wildlife viewing opportunities
• Paddle by canoe or kayak for a peaceful water experience
• Visit at sunrise or sunset for spectacular photography

Wildlife Viewing: The wetlands around Vermilion Lakes attract various wildlife including elk, beavers, and numerous bird species.

9. Banff Avenue & Downtown

The charming town of Banff deserves exploration in its own right. Set against a backdrop of stunning mountain peaks, the town offers shopping, dining, and cultural experiences in a picturesque alpine setting.

Highlights:

• Stroll along Banff Avenue for shopping and dining
• Visit the Whyte Museum to learn about local history and culture
• Explore Cascade Gardens near the Parks Canada Administration Building
• Walk to the Bow River Falls at the end of Banff Avenue
• Tour the historic Banff Springs Hotel, often called the "Castle in the Rockies"

10. Icefields Parkway

While technically not entirely within Banff National Park, no visit to the region is complete without driving at least a portion of the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). This 230-kilometer mountain road between Lake Louise and Jasper is consistently rated as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Key Stops in Banff National Park section:

• Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
• Bow Lake and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
• Peyto Lake Viewpoint
• Mistaya Canyon
• Saskatchewan River Crossing

Driving Tip: Allow plenty of time for stops and short hikes. The full drive could take a full day or more if you explore each stop thoroughly.