Explore Banff National Park
Still to do
Lakes so turquoise they look painted, elk wandering through town and the Canadian Rockies rising on every side.
The adventure
Banff was Canada's first national park, created in 1885 after railway workers stumbled on hot springs in a cave below Sulphur Mountain. The town still sits in a ring of peaks, with elk grazing on the verges and the smell of pine in the air. The lakes are the real show: glacial meltwater carries fine rock flour that scatters sunlight, turning Lake Louise and Moraine Lake an impossible milky turquoise.
Arrive at Moraine Lake early and the Valley of the Ten Peaks catches the first light, reflected perfectly in the still water. Then take the Icefields Parkway north towards Jasper, past Peyto Lake, shaped like a wolf's head from above, to the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk up to the Athabasca Glacier. Keep your eyes on the roadside; black bears and grizzlies graze here in early summer.
Why it’s epic
- Canada's first national park, established in 1885 around the Cave and Basin hot springs.
- Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks once appeared on the back of the Canadian $20 note.
- The 232-kilometre Icefields Parkway to Jasper, passing Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier.
- Grizzly and black bears, elk and bighorn sheep, plus wildlife overpasses across the Trans-Canada Highway.
What it is
Banff is Canada's oldest national park, with turquoise lakes, glaciers and the Rocky Mountains.
How to do it
Fly into Calgary and drive 90 minutes to Banff. Visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper.
Top tip
Moraine Lake has restricted car access, so use the Parks Canada shuttle.
Need to know
- A Parks Canada pass is required for every day you spend in the park.
- Private cars can't drive to Moraine Lake, so book the Parks Canada shuttle or a licensed coach in advance.
- Summer hotels in Banff and Lake Louise book out months ahead.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- £2,000 to £5,000 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- 3 to 5 days
- Best time to go
- June to September
- Fly into
- YYC airport
Long-haul flights, car hire and Banff's high summer hotel prices drive the cost.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1Fly into Calgary and drive to Banff
- Day 2Lake Louise and the Plain of Six Glaciers hike
- Day 3Moraine Lake at sunrise, then the Banff Gondola and hot springs
- Day 4Drive the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier
Make it happen
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Why it’s on my list
Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.
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