Mountains, Lakes, and Magic: Your Guide to Banff National Park - Part1

Banff National Park is Canada's first national park. Located in the province of Alberta. It lies south of Jasper National Park and west of the city of Calgary. The park is best known for its stunning mountain landscapes and turquoise-colored lakes.

In this article, we’ll cover key aspects of visiting Banff National Park, including:

• Best times to visit
• How to get there
• The town of Banff and its surroundings
• Lake Louise and Lake Moraine
• Lake Minnewanka
• Johnston Canyon
• The Icefields Parkway

Best times to Visit

The best times to visit Banff are from June to August and from December to March. Nature lovers will enjoy the park when the weather is warmer and the trails are open, while skiers will prefer the snowy beauty of peak winter.

Best way to reach there

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the closest airport to Banff National Park. The town of Banff is a great place to stay because it is close to most of the main attractions in the park. The distance from Calgary to Banff is approximately 127 kilometers. Yes, you read that right. It is in kilometers, not miles. If you are traveling from the United States, be prepared to see distances measured in kilometers.

The town of Banff and surroundings

The town of Banff is surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Its main street, Banff Avenue, is about 2 kilometers long. You can stroll from one end to the other while enjoying mountain views and stopping at shops, candy stores, and snack joints along the way. Be sure to visit BeaverTails and try one of their famous pastries. Explore their menu.

Some popular attractions near downtown include the Banff Gondola, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and the Upper Hot Springs.

Gondola

The Banff Gondola is a cable car that takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the town of Banff. The summit sits at over 7,000 feet above sea level.

For more details, visit Banff Gondola. It is a good idea to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Cave and Basin

This is a National Historic Site known for its natural thermal mineral springs. The small museum also displays a few artifacts of historical importance. In 1883, three railway workers discovered the springs. That discovery and the events that followed eventually led to the creation of Banff National Park.

Be prepared for a strong smell of sulphur inside the museum.

Explore more at Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Upper Hot Springs

This is an outdoor natural hot spring pool where you can relax in warm water while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. Swimsuits and towels are available for rent. The restrooms have lockers where you can store your valuables.

Explore more at Banff Upper Hot Springs

Lake Louise & Lake Moraine

Lake Louise is a stunning turquoise-colored, glacier-fed lake located 58 kilometers from Banff. It is one of the most famous lakes in the area. You can walk along the shoreline to enjoy the scenery or rent a canoe for a peaceful ride on the water.

Lake Moraine, located 18 kilometers from Lake Louise, is another beautiful glacier-fed lake. It is smaller in size compared to Lake Louise but often considered even more scenic. You can hike the trails around the lake or take a boat tour to soak in the views.

Johnston Canyon

Like many other canyons, this one was formed over thousands of years by water eroding the limestone bedrock. Johnston Canyon features both Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The Lower Falls are 2.75 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the entrance, while the Upper Falls are 5.1 kilometers (3.2 miles) away. Along the way, you will pass several smaller waterfalls. The trail is well-paved and includes railings for safety.

Explore more at Johnston Canyon

Lake Minnewanka

Unlike the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, Lake Minnewanka has a striking emerald green color. It is much larger and is one of the longest lakes in the mountain parks of the Canadian Rockies. Walking trails surround the lake, offering beautiful mountain views. You can also take a scenic boat tour on the lake.

Explore more at Lake Minnewanka.

The Icefields parkway

The Icefields Parkway is also known as Highway 93 North. It connects the village of Lake Louise in Banff National Park with the village of Jasper in Jasper National Park. Often rated as one of the most scenic drives in the world, this 232-kilometer stretch is filled with breathtaking viewpoints and natural wonders.

You can start early in the day from the town of Banff, drive up to the Athabasca Glacier, and return by evening. Be sure to make a dinner reservation in Banff to enjoy a relaxing meal after a full day of exploring. Athabasca Glacier is 187 kilometers from Banff, with scenic stops along the way such as Crowfoot Glacier, Snowbird Glacier, and Peyto Lake.

You can book a tour that takes you onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard the Glacier Explorer. The Glacier Explorer is a slow-moving vehicle with oversized tires, specially designed to navigate the icy terrain. The Jasper Skywalk is located nearby, and many tours combine both the glacier experience and the skywalk in a single package.

Explore more at Icefields Parkway

That's a wrap this week. Happy traveling!