Banff National Park, Canada

The elements that make the Canadian Rockies a year round dream destination converge in perfect harmony in Banff National Park. Established after railway workers stumbled onto a thermal hot spring, Banff became Canada’s first national park in 1885 and today is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore more than 1,600 km (1,000 mi) of maintained trails on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The alpine towns of Banff and Lake Louise have all the amenities and everything you need to stay and explore this magical place.

MORAINE LAKE

Moraine Lake's brilliant blue-green waters are sheltered in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a forested stroll along the shore or climb atop The Rockpile for breath-taking vantage points. Canoeing, hiking, walking and photography are popular here. Moraine Lake Road is open mid-June through to mid-October. Arrive before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. in July, August and September.

PEYTO LAKE

This vibrant blue glacier-fed lake, located about 40 km (25 mi) north of Lake Louise in Banff National Park, is a popular stop for visitors travelling along the famed Icefields Parkway. Throughout the summer months glacier rock flour flows into the lake, which gives the water its breath-taking colour.

MORAINE LAKE LAKESHORE

This stroll allows visitors of all abilities to explore Moraine Lake. Along the trail you will gain a magnificent view of Mount Fay and the Fay Glacier.

SENTINEL PASS

Steep switchbacks lead to a glorious viewpoint of two famous valleys: Larch Valley and Paradise Valley.

LARCH VALLEY & SENTINEL PASS TRAIL

Climb above Moraine Lake into an extraordinary larch forest with breathtaking views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Strong hikers can carry on up steep switchbacks on a scree slope to Sentinel Pass – an airy, alpine col with commanding views of both Larch Valley and Paradise Valley. Note: To minimise disruptions to feeding bears and to protect people, hikers may be required to travel in groups of four in July and August. Check the Banff National Park Trail Report before departing.

FAIRVIEW LOOKOUT

Leaving from the boathouse on Lake Louise, this short, steep walk offers a unique look at both the lake and the historic chateau.

TUNNEL MOUNTAIN

Climb to the summit of a mountain in the heart of Banff town! Although less daunting than the surrounding peaks, Tunnel Mountain still provides breath-taking views of the Bow Valley via a series of well-graded switchbacks. This trail can be icy in spring and autumn.

LAKE AGNES

The 6.8 km circular trail to Lake Agnes is one of the most popular in Banff National Park. Gain 385 m on a well-maintained trail before arriving at Lake Agnes and its famed seasonal mountain teahouse. Savour lunch on the porch then walk around a beautiful tarn tucked below towering peaks. Note: This trail is subject to avalanche hazard from November through April. Enjoy one of the scenic, designated snowshoe trails nearby instead. In May and June conditions are variable. Check the Banff National Park Trail Report before departing.

LAKE MINNEWNKA

Lake Minnewanka has a rich history. For more than 100 centuries, people hunted and camped along the original shores of the lake. The Stoney people called it “Minn-waki” or “Lake of the Spirits”.

LAKE LOUISE

In 1890, Lake Louise was a wild outpost at the end of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Today this hamlet, lake and its surrounding area offer some of the finest hiking, skiing and sightseeing in the world. The lake, with its turquoise hue and glacial backdrop, is by far the area's most popular destination. Summer offers iconic photography, lakeshore strolls, hiking, climbing, canoeing and horseback riding. Winter offers Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and skating in a magical, snowy wonderland. Tips: The lake is ice-free by mid-June. From November through April enjoy a designated snowshoe trail or walk the Lakeshore Trail.

SULPHUR MOUNTAIN

Sulphur Mountain is located just outside the town of Banff in Banff National Park. Hike, or take the gondola up 700 m (2,292 ft.) to the summit for sweeping views of breathtaking mountain ranges, Banff townsite, Bow River and Lake Minnewanka.

BOW LAKE

Bow Lake is approximately 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, off the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) in the Canadian Rockies and half a mile north of the Crowfoot Glacier. Sitting at an elevation of 1,920 m (6,300 ft), it 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, which is perfectly reflected in its aquamarine waters on a calm day. Great place for a picnic or a short stroll.

THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE

Stand in two provinces at once on the continental spine of western North America. At this location, the Continental Divide separates two watersheds, two provinces and two national parks.

UPPER HOT SPRINGS TRAIL

Climb through a spacious lodgepole pine forest on your way to enjoy a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a ride on the Banff Gondola or for further walking up Sulphur Mountain.