Description
Known as Canada’s first national park, and somewhere famous for its impressive mountain peaks, idyllic turquoise waters, fascinating wildlife, and picturesque mountain town, Banff National Park is easily a highlight of any adventure through Western Canada. Here, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs with a scenic hike through the vibrant wilderness, admire jaw-dropping vistas featuring dense forests and deep glaciers, and enjoy Banff’s boutique shops and sensational restaurants. This destination invites you to explore the great outdoors, but boasts options that every type of traveller can enjoy. A bucket-list destination for anyone with an explorer’s itch to scratch, visiting Banff National Park is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this breathtaking region.
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Things to do
Lake Louise
Home to world-famous turquoise waters, the impressive Victoria Glacier, and a breathtaking mountain backdrop, Lake Louise is among the most idyllic areas of Banff National Park. A lakeside hamlet with a stately chateau and several scenic hiking routes, this is one part of this national park perfect for leisurely strolling. In the summer months, a canoe dock invites visitors to spend some time on the water, while the winter months see the frozen lake transformed into an ice skating rink. So, no matter the time of year, Lake Louise remains a fantastic place to visit.
Tunnel Mountain
Banff National Park’s smallest official mountain, Tunnel Mountain (also known as Sleeping Buffalo), can be scaled in a few hours, making it one of the most popular peaks for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and embark on an adventure through this magnificent region. It’s a fantastic way to get above Banff National Park and enjoy jaw-dropping panoramic views of the vibrant, mountainous landscapes found here. This area is also home to the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, an institution dedicated to the performing and fine arts, founded in 1933.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a soothing soak in Banff National Park’s Upper Hot Springs, a warm outdoor pool area among the rugged peaks of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. Home to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding scenery and fresh mineral waters rumoured to have healing properties, visiting this unique preserved 1930s bathhouse is one of this national park’s greatest traditions. Within the bathhouse, you’ll also find interesting interpretive exhibits celebrating the Upper Hot Springs’ fascinating history, making a trip here even more worthwhile.
Scenic hiking through Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of the best places for scenic walking and hiking in Western Canada. Whether you’re looking for a quiet riverside stroll or an adventure up a mountainside, there’s a hiking experience for everyone here, with over 1,600 kilometres of maintained trails throughout the region. Many of the most famous hikes are easily accessible from Banff and Lake Louise, meaning you won’t need to travel far to find these excellent experiences.