If you’re traveling to Alberta, Canada, Banff National Park is a must-visit!
Banff National Park is a protected paradise in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is Canada’s oldest and largest national park, with more than 2,500 sq. miles of dense forests, lakes, glaciers, and mountains.
So, let us take you through the pictures of this magnificent national park and what you can do here. We’ll be telling you all about it. A quick warning – these pictures might steal your heart away. Don’t believe me? Take a look!
Moraine Lake – in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is a visual highlight of any Banff trip. The picturesque turquoise-coloured water is surrounded by ten peaks, each more than 3,000 meters high, and the Wenkchemna Glacier. Known by locals as the “20-dollar view,” your visit to Banff National Park won’t be complete without experiencing Canada’s most photographed location.
Offering an unparalleled view of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Gondola will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. It will whisk you to an elevation of more than 2,300 metres in less than 10 minutes.
If you are feeling energetic, you can hike up to the top of Sulphur Mountain and it is a pretty easy hike since it is a boardwalk until you get to the very top, then just a short area where you are climbing on a rock pile. This will take about 4 hours round-trip (11 kilometres).
Lake Louise – is the jewel of Banff National Park with its shimmering turquoise green water and surrounding snow-capped mountains rising up to 3,000 meters high. Another lake, another opportunity to admire, adventure, and explore the incredible natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. It’s a must see!
Johnston Canyon – is a trek that leads through the canyons with bridges along the steep cliff walls. Sounds adventurous!
This easy one-hour round-trip hike will lead you deep into Johnston Canyon where you’ll be rewarded with the canyon’s first lively waterfall, Lower Falls. From here, you can hike another 2 km (1.24 mi), passing a series of other pristine falls and continue on to Upper Falls. It is definitely a popular hiking attraction.
Banff Upper Hot Springs – are the best place to relax and unwind with a beautiful view of the Canadian Rockies. Immerse yourself in steamy hot mineral water and spectacular mountain views here!
Vermilion Lakes – sitting at the foot of Mount Rundle and a 5-minute drive from the township of Banff, are a series of 3 shallow lakes. The area offers wildlife viewing opportunities and breath-taking scenery. It is also one of the best spot’s in Banff to catch a sunrise or sunset.
Bow Valley Parkway – which runs between Banff and Lake Louise, offers an alternative route to the busy Trans-Canada Highway. The parkway offers numerous viewpoints, hiking trails, interpretive displays and picnic areas, providing many opportunities to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Bow Lake – is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. Fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield, the lake lies at the base of Bow Summit. The lake’s still and clear waters mirror the towering, snow-covered peaks of the continental divide.
Lake Minnewanka – is the largest lake in Banff National Park, and is 20 minutes north of Banff townsite. A popular walking trail leads along the shore and up into the surrounding mountain side. It is the perfect spot to relax with your family and friends.
Peyto Lake – is the unique turquoise colour of many of the glacier-fed lakes in this area, and is especially lovely in mid to late summer. Throughout the summer months, glacier rock flour flows into the lake, which gives the water its breath-taking colour.
And there you go!
Whether you’re looking to re-connect with nature, up your photography game or canoe down the pristine Lake Louise, Banff is an absolute dream!
