Banff National Park

Canadian Rockies Banff, Alberta
Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada, is one of the country's most iconic and visited national parks. Banff National Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by towering mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and the third oldest in the world. Its creation was spurred by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which recognized the area's scenic and recreational value.


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Things to Do in Banff National Park



Columbia Icefields

Jasper Columbia Icefield

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Banff National Park notes:
Jasper and Banff National Park's Columbia Icefields. Explore Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields.


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Banff Gondola Ride Admission

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Banff National Park notes:
Enjoy stunning panoramas of six different mountain ranges on the state-of-the-art Banff Gondola. Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of town and vistas of Canada's first national park.


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Banff Lake Minnewanka Cruise

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Banff National Park notes:
Majestic views of the Canadian Rockies while cruising beautiful Lake Minnewanka on this panoramic 1-hour interpretive cruise. Learn Native folklore while scanning the lake shore for big-horned sheep, deer, bald eagle and even the occasional bear. Cruise over to Devil's Gap for incredible views of the Prairies and surrounding mountains.


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Rocky Mountain Train Tickets

Jasper Rocky Mountain Train Tickets

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Banff National Park notes:
6-Day Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff, Icefield, Jasper, Lake Louise. OR 6 Day VIA Rail Banff - Jasper Rocky Mountain Train Tour from Calgary to Vancouver.


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Tour Moraine Lake

Tour Moraine Lake

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Banff National Park notes:
Moraine Lake is a stunning glacially-fed lake located in Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. Famous and iconic, Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies and is renowned for its breathtaking turquoise-blue waters and stunning surrounding mountain peaks.


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Banff National Park's Popular Hikes

Banff National Park's Popular Hikes

Banff National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, catering to all skill levels and preferences. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll along a lakeshore or a challenging trek to a mountain summit, there's a hike for you in Banff. Some popular hikes in the park:

Plain of Six Glaciers Hike

This scenic hike begins at Lake Louise and follows a trail along the eastern shore of the lake before ascending to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. The trail offers stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows, with opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way.

Hiking Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

Starting from the Moraine Lake area, this hike takes you through a beautiful larch forest to Larch Valley, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and golden larch trees in the fall. For those seeking a more challenging ascent, continue on to Sentinel Pass for panoramic vistas.

Johnston Canyon Hike

This family-friendly hike follows a paved trail through Johnston Canyon, passing by picturesque waterfalls and canyon walls. The Lower Falls and Upper Falls are the main highlights of the hike, with viewing platforms providing close-up views of the cascading water.

Hiking Lake Agnes and the Beehive

Beginning at Lake Louise, this hike leads you to the picturesque Lake Agnes Tea House, where you can enjoy refreshments and stunning views of Lake Agnes. For those looking for a bit more adventure, continue on to the Beehive for panoramic views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains.

Hiking the Plain of the Six Glaciers and Big Beehive Loop

This longer loop hike combines the Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes trails, offering a full day of exploration and incredible scenery. You'll pass by two historic tea houses, traverse alpine meadows, and enjoy sweeping views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes.

Sulphur Mountain Summit Hike

For panoramic views of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains, hike to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The trail starts at the Banff Gondola base station or the Upper Hot Springs parking lot and ascends through forested terrain to the summit ridge.

Moraine Lake Lakeshore Hiking Trail

This easy and scenic trail follows the shoreline of Moraine Lake, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise-blue water and surrounding peaks. The trail is relatively flat and suitable for all ages and abilities.

These are just a few examples of the many incredible hikes available in Banff National Park. Before embarking on any hike, be sure to check trail conditions, weather forecasts, and wildlife advisories, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park's natural beauty for future generations.

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Booking Banff National Park Adventures and Attractions

Banff, located in the Canadian Rockies, offers stunning natural landscapes and a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Banff National Park

Explore the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park, Canada's first national park. Take scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway for breathtaking views.

Lake Louise

Visit the iconic Lake Louise, known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Enjoy activities like hiking, canoeing, or simply taking in the scenery.

Moraine Lake

Marvel at the striking beauty of Moraine Lake, surrounded by ten towering mountain peaks. Take a hike around the lake or rent a canoe to experience its splendor up close.

Banff Gondola

Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Bow Valley. Explore the boardwalk and visit the interpretive center.

Hiking Banff

Banff offers a plethora of hiking trails for all skill levels. Some popular trails include Johnston Canyon, Plain of Six Glaciers, and Sentinel Pass.

Banff Wildlife Viewing

Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, deer, bears, and bighorn sheep. Wildlife spotting tours are also available.

Banff Hot Springs

Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs while enjoying mountain views.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Paddle along the Bow River, Lake Louise or Bow Lake for a peaceful and scenic experience. Banff has some spectacular places for Canoeing and Kayaking.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Banff

In winter, Banff transforms into a winter wonderland with opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay.

Banff Dog Sledding and Ice Walks

Experience the thrill of dog sledding or join an ice walk to explore frozen canyons and waterfalls during the winter months.

Town of Banff

Stroll through the charming town of Banff with its shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Banff Park Museum and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies for cultural insights.

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield covers an area of approximately 325 square kilometers (125 square miles). It is one of the largest icefields in North America and is the source of several major glaciers.

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is a world-renowned scenic highway that stretches through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, connecting Jasper National Park to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is famous for its unique shape that resembles the head of a wolf. It is named after Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Learn about the history of Banff National Park and the discovery of the hot springs at the Cave and Basin historic site.

Banff National Park by Horseback

Exploring Banff by horseback is a classic and enjoyable way to experience the stunning landscapes and scenic trails of the Canadian Rockies.