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, Canada is often considered a dream destination for many people around the world. 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. Its combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and welcoming atmosphere make it a dream destination for many travellers. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, Banff, Canada is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Our road trip in Banff has been one of the best drives of our life.
We took a flight from Toronto to Calgary in the early morning before driving to Canmore, which took 90 min. Canmore is a charming town approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Banff and about 100 kilometres west of Calgary, making it easily accessible by car. It’s also well-connected through public transportation, including buses and shuttles. Canmore offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Whether you prefer a cozy mountain lodge or a modern hotel, there are options to suit different preferences and budgets. 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 the day by visiting the Surprise Corner Viewpoint in Banff. It is located along Tunnel Mountain Road. The Surprise Corner observation deck provides an elevated vantage point for visitors to enjoy the scenic views of the Bow River Valley, the town of Banff, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Surprise Corner Viewpoint is easily accessible by car or on foot. There is a small parking area available, and from there, you can take a short walk to the viewpoint. It’s also possible to reach Surprise Corner by walking or biking along the Bow River Trail from Banff town. Whether you’re interested in capturing stunning photographs, enjoying the scenic views, or simply soaking up the beauty of Banff, the Surprise Corner Viewpoint is a must-visit spot.
Bow Falls
From there, we went to Bow Falls, a nearby attraction. It is situated just a short distance outside of Banff town. It is located along the Bow River, which flows through Banff National Park. Bow Falls may not be the largest waterfall in the area, but it makes up for it with its dramatic flow and power. Bow Falls is easily accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility limitations. The viewpoint is located just a short walk from the parking area, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Banff Downtown
Our next stop is Banff downtown, which is the vibrant and lively heart of the town of Banff in Alberta. The main street in Banff downtown is Banff Avenue, which stretches through the heart of the town. It is lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and souvenir stores. Banff downtown is a popular destination for shopping mountain gear, unique Canadian gifts, or fashionable clothing. The Bear Street Parkade is the primary parking facility in Banff downtown. Along with it, there are a lot of street parking spots and lots that range in price.
Banff Gondola
After our lunch in Banff Avenue, we drove to a popular attraction, Banff Gondola! Located just outside of Banff town, near the base of Sulphur Mountain, the gondola scenic ride takes visitors on a scenic journey up the side of Sulphur Mountain. You will see panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the town of Banff throughout your time in the gondola. At the top of Sulphur Mountain, visitors can explore the summit area, which offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies.
At the summit of Sulphur Mountain, there is a visitor center that includes a gift shop and dining options. The Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Cafe offer a unique dining experience with panoramic views. Banff Gondola requires a ticket and we purchased a Pursuit pass and used it to check-in. The operating hours for the Banff Gondola may vary depending on the time of year. It’s always a good idea to check the official website or contact the Banff Gondola directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their timings. Make sure to check Canoo if there are any discounts or offers for this activity, as well!
Download
app store
playstore
That’s our first day in Banff. We returned to our lodge around 10 PM at night to get ready for another day of adventure.
Day 2
Columbia Icefields Parkway & Athabasca Glacier
We started our day driving from Canmore to the Columbia Icefields Parkway, a scenic drive through the Canadian Rockies. From Canmore, you would typically start by heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) toward Banff. After reaching Banff, continue driving west on Highway 1 until you reach the junction for Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway. Once you turn onto Highway 93, you’ll embark on one of the most picturesque drives in the world! The Icefields Parkway stretches for approximately 230 kilometres from Lake Louise to Jasper. Along the Icefields Parkway, there are several notable attractions and viewpoints worth exploring. First, we stopped at Bow Lake and then Peyto Lake. A short walk from the parking lot leads to a viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding Waputik Range.
Then, we headed towards The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, a visitor center located on the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park. The Discovery Centre offers various facilities and services, including interpretive exhibits, restaurants, gift shops, washrooms, and parking areas. It serves as a starting point for exploring the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. To access the Athabasca Glacier, visitors can take the Glacier Adventure, which involves a guided bus tour. The Ice Explorer is a massive vehicle equipped with specialized tires and a robust suspension system. It is designed to navigate the rugged terrain and icy surface of the glacier. Experienced drivers operate the vehicle and provide commentary and insights about the glacier and its environment during the tour. The tour takes you onto the glacier itself, allowing you to walk on the ice and explore its unique features.
Helpful hint
It is recommended to make reservations in advance for the Glacier Adventure and the Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can purchase tickets at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or through the official website of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure. Our ticket is included in the pursuit pass. The Glacier tour approximately takes 90 min.
Columbia Icefields Skywalk
After you visit the Athabasca Glacier, return to the bus stop after offboarding the ice explorer. From there, you can take the same shuttle to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, which is located nearby. The shuttle will transport you back to the Discovery Centre parking area. The same shuttle service continues to the Skywalk. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-floored observation platform that extends out over the Sunwapta Valley. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the stunning beauty and vastness of the Canadian Rockies.
The Skywalk is suspended 280 meters above the valley floor! To access the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, visitors can purchase tickets at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or through the official website of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure. The Skywalk has specific operating hours, which may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. For this attraction also, our ticket is included in the Pursuit pass. Visiting the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and taking the Athabasca Glacier bus tour provides an incredible opportunity to experience the stunning beauty and unique environment of the Athabasca Glacier. It’s a chance to explore a breathtaking ice formation and learn about the importance of glaciers in the Canadian Rockies.
Additional Information
Remember to bring appropriate clothing, snacks, water, and a camera to capture the stunning vistas and memories of your trip along the Columbia Icefields Parkway. The drive from Canmore to the Columbia Icefields Parkway takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way. It’s advisable to allocate enough time to fully enjoy the scenic beauty and attractions along the Icefields Parkway. When travelling to the Columbia Icefields Parkway, it’s essential to consider gas stations and cellphone signal availability along the route.
As you drive along the Icefields Parkway, especially in more remote areas, cellphone signal coverage can become spotty or non-existent. The mountainous terrain and remote location contribute to limited coverage. You may experience gaps in service along the route, particularly between Lake Louise and the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Keep in mind that emergency call boxes are available at various points along the Icefields Parkway for any emergencies or assistance needed. It’s important to plan accordingly by ensuring your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey and that you have necessary communication plans in place.
The Saskatchewan River Crossing is located along the Icefields Parkway, approximately halfway between Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields. Here, you’ll find the Saskatchewan River Crossing Gas Station and the Crossing Cafe & Restaurant. There are no gas stations directly at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre provides public Wi-Fi, which is accessible within the facility. Also, consider using offline maps or other offline resources to ensure you have the necessary information for navigation or emergencies.
Day 3
Lake Louise
We started early in the morning to Lake Louise, so that we could take in the morning view. It took more than an hour to reach Lake Louise from Canmore town. Start by heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) from Canmore. Continue on Highway 1 for approximately 50 kilometres until you reach the exit for Lake Louise. Take the exit and follow the signs to Lake Louise.
Lake Louise offers breathtaking views of the turquoise-coloured lake, surrounded by towering mountains. You can enjoy walking along the lakeshore, hiking the nearby trails, or having a picnic in the picturesque setting. The surrounding mountains, including the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, further enhance the scenic charm of the area. Please note that parking at popular attractions, like Lake Louise can be limited, especially during peak seasons. It’s advisable to arrive early in the day or consider taking a shuttle service if available from ski resorts.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is situated approximately 14 kilometres southeast of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. This stunning alpine lake is known for its vibrant turquoise-coloured water and towering mountain backdrop. Moraine Lake is often considered one of the most picturesque and iconic destinations in the Canadian Rockies.
There is a small lodge near the lake that provides dining options and restrooms. It’s advisable to bring food, water, and other essentials with you, as there are no stores or gas stations at Moraine Lake. To access Moraine Lake from Lake Louise, a shuttle service is available during the peak tourist season. To ride the shuttle, you will need to purchase a ticket on the Parks Canada website, which includes round-trip transportation from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake.
Emerald Lake
We returned to Lake Louise afterwards and headed towards Emerald Lake. The distance from Lake Louise to Emerald Lake is approximately 40 kilometres. As you drive along Yoho Valley Road, you will enter Yoho National Park, which is known for its stunning natural beauty. Yoho Valley Road leads directly to Emerald Lake. Follow the signs for Emerald Lake Lodge, just on the shores of the lake. Enjoy the scenic drive as you pass by lush forests, roaring waterfalls, and towering mountains. You’ll find parking areas near the lodge where you can leave your vehicle. Find a spot along the shoreline or at one of the benches to sit back, relax, and take in the serene atmosphere. Emerald Lake is a gem of the Canadian Rockies, and its tranquil setting and vibrant colours make it a must-visit destination!
Day 4
Open Top Bus Tour
These tours use open-top buses to provide panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. You can enjoy the fresh mountain air, unobstructed views, and the opportunity to take great photos. These vintage-inspired buses have the look and feel of the 1930s, including a fully open-top roof and a guide in period costume! They even come with modern comforts like USB charging ports for your phone. The tour name is “Legendary Banff” and the departure location is Mount Royal Hotel in Banff downtown. It’s a 90 min tour and timings may change daily.
Download
app store
playstore
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
The Lake Minnewanka Cruise is a popular boat tour that allows visitors to explore the beautiful Lake Minnewanka. The tour is conducted on a fully-enclosed, interpretive cruise boat, providing shelter and comfort for passengers. During the tour, knowledgeable guides provide information about the history, geology, and wildlife of the area. They share interesting facts and stories, enriching the experience and providing insights into the natural and cultural heritage of the lake. Please arrive at least two hours before your cruise time to ensure you find a parking spot and have time to explore the area from the shore.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is approximately 25 kilometres west of the town of Banff. It is easily accessible and well-signposted from the main highway. Johnston Canyon offers two main hiking trails, Lower and Upper Falls trails. The Lower Falls are easily accessible, while the Upper Falls require a longer hike. Both offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities. The trails can be busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s important to stay on designated paths and follow safety signs. Remember to be cautious on wet or slippery surfaces.
Vermillion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes is a series of three interconnected lakes just outside the town of Banff. These Lakes offer a tranquil and scenic escape, providing an opportunity to connect with nature and capture the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The lakes offer stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains, especially during calm weather conditions, creating beautiful mirror-like images. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful walk, capturing stunning photographs, or simply taking in the serene atmosphere, Vermilion Lakes is a worthwhile destination to explore during your visit to Banff National Park.
Two Jack Lake
Two Jack Lake is another beautiful lake located in Banff National Park and is about 8 kilometres southeast of the town of Banff. It can be reached by taking the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive from Banff. It has several picnic areas along its shoreline, making it a popular spot for picnics and barbecues. Enjoy a meal with a picturesque backdrop of the lake and mountains.
Thank you to Charan & Priyanka for sharing their experiences and travel itinerary!
With Canoo, the spotlight is on you and the extraordinary experiences you have across Canada! We love to hear your stories and share them with other Canoo members. Contact our team at canoopass@inclusion.ca to submit your story.
EN 
FR