Banff is one of the most beautiful national parks in Canada. It boasts breathtaking picturesque scenery, epic hiking trails, and authentic camping grounds and lodges. It’s the perfect getaway from the USA. Whether you’re looking to re-connect with nature, up your photography game, relax in a mountain resort or canoe across the pristine Lake Louise, Banff is an absolute dream. Here is my 2022 Summer trip experience & tips to Banff National Park!
This is my second trip this mid Aug to Banff National Park, and compared with my 2018 late Sep trip, it was close to the Winter with experiencing beautiful snow mountain view and hot spring, this Summer trip offers more options of water activities, hiking trails with fresh gorgeous mountain lake view, and it is a surprise for me to watch the bears in close range!
In this brief blog, firstly some top attractions for a short trip of 3 to 5 days in Banff along with travel trips, and my tips of travel booking and what to bring at the end, and one more blog of covering Jasper National Park is coming soon.
Top Attractions in Banff
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) southeast of the hamlet of Lake Louise, and its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the Summer as the glaciers melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. Sit lakeside and absorb the sights and pure mountain air, or explore further by canoeing and hiking. It’s an iconically jaw-dropping place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Tips
how and when to get to Moraine Lake:
make reservation of bus ahead of time at lodge or online
get up very early in the morning to drive there for parking space
when:
unique views from June to late Sep
early in the morning for photography of sunrise view behind the mountain peaks
late morning or afternoon best for canoeing
things to do
photography - one of top landscape spots in the world
hiking
canoeing
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is famous for its milky turquoise color with glacier mountain view, especially this Summer, the Victoria Glacier, soaring mountain backdrop, palatial hotel, and incredible hiking and skiing. Surrounded by a lifetime’s worth of jaw-dropping sights and adventures, Lake Louise is a rare place that must be experienced to be believed.
The hamlet of Lake Louise is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). It has a small shopping centre, with a grocery store, bakery, deli, bar, sporting goods store, and visitor information centre. Lake Louise also offers a variety of restaurant and accommodation options. Smaller and quieter than the town of Banff, you really feel immersed in the mountains and nature when you spend time in Lake Louise.
Tips
things to do
photography - world famous landscape spot in the world
canoeing - joy experience & activity in the Summer
enjoy afternoon tea in Fairmont while watching stunning lake view
hiking - variety of hiking trails with stunning views
stop by Lake Louise Visitors' Center for more details of Banff
one of best location in Banff for lodging and dining
Johnston canyon
Carved steeply into the limestone bedrock by thousands of years of water erosion, the dramatic Johnston Canyon is a breathtaking natural attraction in Banff National Park. Overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, the deep pools of Johnston Creek, and lush forest are sure to leave a memorable impression.
Tips
how to get there
public transit Roam Transit Route 9
drive there early for limited park space
exit 50 to Bow Valley Pkwy from Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W
things to do
hiking - through Johnston Canyon all the way to the Upper Canyon Falls
photography - stunning water falls
enjoy ice cream especially in the Summer
Peyto Lake
This stunning vibrant blue glacier-fed lake, located about 40 km (25 mi) north of Lake Louise in Banff National Park along the Icefields Parkway drive, that is well worth stopping for.
Peyto Lake Trail is a short hike that offers scenic views of Peyto Lake, and from the parking lot on the west side of the highway, a short paved trail leads to the wooden viewing deck which provides amazing views looking out to the lake.
Tips
get up there early for parking space and less crowd
Bow Lake
Bow Lake, a stunning blue lake mirroring Bow Summit, is another beauty and worth a stop and is approximately 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, right off the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) in the Canadian Rockies, one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park, fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield, and the lake lies at the base of Bow Summit, which is perfectly reflected in its aquamarine waters on a calm day.
Tips
things to do
hiking along the lake
Photography - unique lake with mirroring the mountain
Town of Banff
Banff, small town in the heart of the Rockies, has a lots to offer all year around. The vibrant downtown streets are filled with museums, unique restaurants, cafés, bars and stores that encapsulate the friendly and local vibe atmosphere, and Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic and legendary spot providing over 130 years hospitality. Nestled deep in the rugged mountains, Banff is enveloped by dazzling snow-covered peaks in late fall and winter and stunning natural phenomenon on all sides, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature and wildlife.
Tips
things to do
go for a walk along the town for shops and dining
visit Museum - full of culture & history
visit Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
drive along Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise for chances to see wild Bears and scenic spot
( more to come - Booking & what to Bring)
Comments