Join Canoo members, Charan and Priyanka, as they explore Banff and the surrounding beauty of Alberta! Read along and plan your own trip to make the best memories and see all the beauty that Canada has to offer.
Banff in Canada is a dream destination. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Banff National Park is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine alpine landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, Banff is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Our road trip in Banff has been one of the best drives of our lives.
We took a flight from Toronto to Calgary in the early morning before driving to Canmore, which took 90 minutes. Canmore’s proximity to Banff National Park, its stunning natural surroundings, and its wealth of outdoor activities make it an attractive destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both. You can explore the mountains, indulge in local cuisine, or simply enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere! Canmore is sure to provide memorable experiences for all visitors.
Day 1
Surprise Corner
We started our day at the Surprise Corner Viewpoint in Banff, located along Tunnel Mountain Road. This elevated observation deck provides breathtaking views of the Bow River Valley, downtown Banff, and the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The viewpoint is easily accessible by car or on foot, with a small parking area available. From there, it’s just a short walk to the viewpoint. You can also reach Surprise Corner by walking or biking along the Bow River Trail from Banff town. Whether you’re capturing stunning photographs, enjoying scenic views, or simply soaking up Banff’s natural beauty, Surprise Corner is a must-visit spot.
Bow Falls
Next, we visited Bow Falls, located just a short distance outside Banff town along the Bow River. While Bow Falls may not be the largest waterfall in the area, it compensates with its dramatic flow and power. The attraction is easily accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility limitations. The viewpoint requires only a short walk from the free parking area, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Banff Downtown
Our third stop was downtown Banff, the vibrant heart of this mountain town in Alberta. Banff Avenue serves as the main street, stretching through the town’s center and lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and souvenir stores. Downtown Banff is perfect for shopping for mountain gear, unique Canadian gifts, or fashionable clothing. The Bear Street Parkade serves as the primary parking facility, though numerous street parking spots and lots are available at varying prices.
Banff Town Sign
The iconic Banff town sign has become a popular photo spot for visitors to Banff National Park. Installed in 2017, the sign is crafted from natural materials like wood and stone, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. You’ll find it near the Banff Train Station, where free parking is available. For the best photos, we recommend visiting in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds and take advantage of the soft, golden hour lighting.
Banff Gondola
After lunch on Banff Avenue, we drove to the famous Banff Gondola, located just outside town near the base of Sulphur Mountain. This scenic gondola ride takes visitors up Sulphur Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and Banff town throughout the journey. At the summit, visitors can explore the area and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies.
The summit features a visitor centre with a gift shop and dining options. The Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Cafe offer unique dining experiences with panoramic views. The Banff Gondola requires tickets, which we purchased using our Pursuit pass for easy check-in. Operating hours vary depending on the season, so it’s wise to check the official website or contact them directly for current information.
We returned to our lodge around 10 PM, tired but excited for another day of adventure.
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Day 2
Columbia Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake
We began our day with a drive from Canmore to the Columbia Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic routes through the Canadian Rockies. From Canmore, we headed west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) toward Banff, then continued until reaching the junction for Highway 93, known as the Icefields Parkway. This incredible drive stretches approximately 230 kilometres from Lake Louise to Jasper.
Our first stop was Bow Lake, about 40 kilometres north of Lake Louise and 93 kilometres south of Jasper. Fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield, Bow Lake has stunning turquoise waters and forms the headwaters of the Bow River, which flows through Banff, Calgary, and the Alberta foothills. The lake is easily accessible by car with convenient parking nearby.
Next, we visited Peyto Lake, famous for its vibrant turquoise colour and unique wolf-head shape when viewed from above. A short, paved 0.5-kilometre trail from the Bow Summit parking lot leads to the viewpoint, with a moderate incline taking roughly 10-15 minutes. Ample parking is available, though it fills quickly during peak times. Restrooms are conveniently located at the parking area.
Athabasca Glacier
We then headed to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, a visitor centre on the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park. The Discovery Centre offers interpretive exhibits, restaurants, gift shops, washrooms, and parking areas, serving as the starting point for exploring the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier.
To access the Athabasca Glacier, we took the Glacier Adventure, a guided bus tour featuring the Ice Explorer—a massive vehicle with specialized tires and robust suspension designed to navigate the glacier’s rugged, icy terrain. Experienced drivers operate the vehicle while providing commentary about the glacier and its environment. The tour takes you directly onto the glacier, allowing you to walk on the ice and explore its unique features.
Helpful Hint: We recommend making advance reservations for the Glacier Adventure and Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer, especially during peak seasons. You can purchase tickets at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or through the official website. Our tickets were included in the Pursuit pass.
Columbia Icefields Skywalk
After visiting the Athabasca Glacier, we returned to the bus stop and took the same shuttle to the nearby Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-floored observation platform extending over the Sunwapta Valley, suspended 280 metres above the valley floor! This unique experience offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies’ beauty and vastness. Our tickets were also included in the Pursuit pass. The Skywalk has specific operating hours that vary by season and weather conditions.
The combined glacier tour and Skywalk experience takes approximately 2.5 hours and provides an incredible opportunity to experience the Athabasca Glacier’s stunning beauty while learning about glaciers’ importance in the Canadian Rockies.
Important Travel Information
When travelling the Columbia Icefields Parkway, it’s essential to consider gas stations and cellphone coverage. The drive from Canmore takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Cellphone signal coverage becomes spotty or non-existent in remote mountainous areas, particularly between Lake Louise and Saskatchewan River Crossing. Emergency call boxes are available at various points for assistance.
The Saskatchewan River Crossing, located approximately halfway between Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields, features a gas station and the Crossing Cafe & Restaurant. No gas stations are located directly at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, though the facility provides public Wi-Fi. We recommend using offline maps and resources for navigation and emergency information.
This was an exhausting but rewarding day, and we were completely tired by the time we returned to our Canmore Airbnb.
Day 3
Lake Louise
We started early to catch the morning views at Lake Louise, about an hour’s drive from Canmore. We headed west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) for approximately 50 kilometres until reaching the Lake Louise exit.
Lake Louise offers breathtaking views of its famous turquoise waters surrounded by towering mountains. You can walk along the lakeshore, hike nearby trails, or enjoy a picnic in this picturesque setting. The surrounding mountains and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise enhance the area’s scenic charm. Parking at popular attractions like Lake Louise can be extremely limited, especially during peak seasons, so arriving early or using the Parks Canada shuttle service from Lake Louise ski resort is advisable.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake sits approximately 14 kilometres southeast of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. This stunning alpine lake is renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters and towering mountain backdrop, often considered one of the most picturesque and iconic destinations in the Canadian Rockies.
A small lodge near the lake provides dining options and restrooms, though bringing food, water, and essentials is advisable. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. To access the lake, you must purchase shuttle tickets through the Parks Canada website, which includes round-trip transportation from the Lake Louise Ski Resort parking area, where you can park for free.
Due to high demand, visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake requires advance planning. Parking lots fill before sunrise and remain full until sunset. Taking public transit or booking a Parks Canada shuttle is stress-free and the only way to guarantee access to these lakes. Additional seats become available for reservation at 8 AM MDT, two days prior to departure. We parked at Lake Louise Ski Resort for free and boarded the shuttle from there, visiting both lakes with a combo ticket. Please stick to your assigned time slot, as changes aren’t permitted during peak season due to high demand.
Morant’s Curve
On our return to Canmore, we discovered this hidden gem. Morant’s Curve is a renowned viewpoint in Banff National Park, on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), approximately 5 kilometres south of Lake Louise. This location is perfect for train spotting, as freight trains pass through regularly, especially during weekday business hours. However, since there’s no public schedule, patience is essential.
Day 4
Open Top Bus Tour
We enjoyed an open-top bus tour that provided panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. These tours offer fresh mountain air, unobstructed views, and excellent photo opportunities. The vintage-inspired buses have a 1930s look and feel, featuring a fully open-top roof and guides in period costume, plus modern comforts like USB charging ports. The 90-minute “Legendary Banff” tour departs from the Mount Royal Hotel in downtown Banff, though timing may vary daily.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
The Lake Minnewanka Cruise is a popular boat tour exploring beautiful Lake Minnewanka on a fully enclosed, interpretive cruise boat providing shelter and comfort. Knowledgeable guides share information about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife, enriching the experience with interesting facts and stories about the lake’s natural and cultural heritage. Arrive at least two hours before your cruise time to ensure parking and time to explore the shoreline area.
Vermillion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes consists of three interconnected lakes just outside Banff. These lakes offer a tranquil, scenic escape and opportunity to connect with nature while capturing the Canadian Rockies’ beauty. The lakes provide stunning mountain reflections, especially during calm weather, creating beautiful mirror-like images. Whether enjoying a peaceful walk, capturing photographs, or simply taking in the serene atmosphere, Vermilion Lakes is a worthwhile destination during your Banff National Park visit.
Two Jack Lake
Two Jack Lake is another beautiful lake in Banff National Park, located about 8 kilometres southeast of Banff. You can reach it by taking the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive from Banff. The lake features several shoreline picnic areas, making it popular for picnics and barbecues where you can enjoy meals with a picturesque backdrop of the lake and mountains.
Day 5 – Golden Adventures
Golden Skybridge
The Golden Skybridge features two impressive suspension bridges – the Main Bridge and the Second Bridge. These bridges provide panoramic views of the Columbia Valley, the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges, and a 200-foot waterfall within the canyon. Beyond the suspension bridges, Golden Skybridge offers various adventure activities like the Railrider Mountain Coaster, Zipline, and Giant Canyon Swing.
Golden, BC is surrounded by six of Canada’s most stunning national parks: Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Mount Revelstoke. Our tickets were included in the Pursuit pass. This was one of the best adventures of our entire trip!
Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls, located in Yoho National Park near Field, British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. At 373 metres (1,224 feet) tall, it’s Canada’s second-tallest waterfall. We drove there by taking the turnoff for Yoho Valley Road near Field from the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), and followed this scenic, winding road for approximately 13 kilometres to reach the falls parking area.
A short, easy, mostly paved 1.4-kilometre round-trip trail leads from the parking area to the falls’ base. This is a bear habitat area, so visitors should exercise caution. Washrooms are available, and you can take selfies from the red chairs throughout the trail. The rushing waters of Takakkaw Falls created unforgettable memories for us.
Day 6 – Yoho National Park Exploration
Emerald Lake
After returning to Lake Louise, we headed toward Emerald Lake, approximately 40 kilometres away. Driving along Yoho Valley Road, we entered Yoho National Park, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The road leads directly to Emerald Lake—just follow signs for Emerald Lake Lodge on the lake’s shores. The scenic drive passes lush forests, roaring waterfalls, and towering mountains.
Parking areas near the lake provide convenient vehicle access. Find a shoreline spot or bench to sit back, relax, and absorb the serene atmosphere. Emerald Lake is truly a Canadian Rockies gem, and its tranquil setting and vibrant colours make it a must-visit destination! This location is perfect for canoeing – we enjoyed an hour on the water for $100 per canoe, suitable for two adults and a child.
Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park is a captivating geological formation where the Kicking Horse River has carved a natural arch through solid limestone. Located approximately 3 kilometres west of Field, British Columbia, along Emerald Lake Road, a brief, easy walk from the parking lot leads to viewpoints accessible for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Give yourselves 15-30 minutes for this stop, including time for viewing and photography.
Yoho National Park Visitor Centre
Visit this location for stunning views of the Kicking Horse River, which flows directly past the visitor centre. The facility features a large parking lot, an excellent playground for children, and a large pond with picnic tables. You’ll find it on the Trans-Canada Highway in the town of Field.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is located approximately 25 kilometres west of Banff, easily accessible and well-signposted from the main highway. The canyon offers two main hiking trails to the Lower and Upper Falls. The Lower Falls are easily accessible, while the Upper Falls require a longer hike. Both provide breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
The trails can be busy during peak tourist seasons, so it’s important to stay on designated paths and follow safety signs. Exercise caution on wet or slippery surfaces. The Lower Falls Trail is 1.2 kilometres one way and easy to hike, while the Upper Falls Trail is 2.5 kilometres one way with a 120-meter elevation gain and is also considered an easy hike.
This incredible 6-day journey through the Canadian Rockies provided us with unforgettable memories, stunning natural beauty, and amazing adventures. From the turquoise lakes to towering waterfalls and thrilling activities, Banff and the surrounding national parks offer something magical for every traveller.
Thank you to Charan & Priyanka for sharing their experiences and travel itinerary!
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Last updated: Summer 2025
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