What an amazing time I had at this park! I am a big National Park junkie back in the U.S. and was excited to visit my first Canadian National Park. I came with my running group and they combined our runs with various activities around the park. Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and was established in 1885. It is known for its mountain peaks and turquoise glacial lakes (Lake Louise and Moraine are the two popular ones). Banff offers year-round outdoor adventures like hiking, wildlife viewing, cycling and skiing. The Town of Banff has lots of shopping and restaurants for those that aren't into the outdoor activities. Banff National Park is located in Alberta's Rocky Mountains and has several large glaciers and icefields. Nearby are Yoho, Jasper and Kootenay National Parks. The Town of Banff is at the center of the park in the Bow River Valley. The park itself has a variety of recorded mammal species. Banff National Park has been successful at reducing the number of animals killed on the roads by building wildlife crossings. We drove under a number of these while driving through the park. They are such a clever idea. My running company booked three runs in and around Banff National Park. The views were gorgeous as we did our trail runs. When I first arrived, we took a tour bus to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake (in nearby Yoho National Park). I really enjoyed the beauty of those lakes and was able to do some photography work at them. They are just as pretty in person as the pictures that you see on the internet. The huge crowds in the summer was the only downer part. For activities, we canoed down the Bow River. That was a lot of fun and we got great views of the mountain ranges while on the river. We also did the Via Ferrata at Mt Norquay. It was my first time doing one of these and it was easily one of my favorite activities. On my final day, I took the Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. You can see the whole Town of Banff from there and the breathtaking mountain ranges all around. The Town of Banff has lots of retail stores, gift shops and restaurants. I ate very well on this trip. Overall, Banff was an amazing experience for me. The flight to Calgary from Arizona wasn't too long and my running company did a great job in booking all of my activities. I look forward to a trip back someday! read more

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I started this draft in 2019. I had to go back to Banff in 2025 as I forgot why I wanted to give them 5 stars and what to write. Banff National Park is a place where everyone needs to go! They have something for everyone. Nature is at its finest here with lakes, mountains, and wildlife. Even with all the tourists, Lake Louise is awesome. The lake itself is stunning with its turquoise blue water. If you don't feel like walking, go inside the Chateau Lake Louise and have afternoon tea or go souvenir shopping at the gift shop inside the hotel. Moraine Lake is another place that is picturesque. It isn't as popular as Lake Louise, but, it is just as awesome. They have cabins and a gift shop that was closed for the season when we visited. Access to both Lake Louise and Moraine lake is limited. They don't let you drive there anymore. You need to either join a tour, or take the shuttle bus. The city of Banff is a huge populated area inside the park with many hotels, restaurants, shops and even a supermarket. Horseback riding is available. You can take a gondola ride or even go to a hot spring. Banff is a great park. Even my city loving wife, enjoyed our visit to this wonderful national park of Canada. read more

We took a trip to British Colombia and Alberta this Fall to visit Canada's national parks. Out of the three we visited, Banff was by far our favorite! It's Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885. It's located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The highlights of our time in Banff included Lake Louise, Banff Gondola, Sulphur Mountain, Bow River & Falls, Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Valley Parkway, and so much gorgeous scenery along the way. We didn't see much wildlife in Banff while we were there, but did bring one can of bear spray to take on hikes with us, just in case. You can purchase national park passes at the ranger stations at all entrances of the park. For the 2 of us, it was $22 CAD/day. This park lives up to all it's hype and I would highly recommend. read more

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Beautiful views and a great national park to visit!! It does get crowded at the turquoise lakes, so be sure to order your passes for the shuttle to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine well in advance of your trip. It was nice that the shuttle was hop-on, hop-off, so you can spend as much time as you want walking around each of the lakes. If you are visiting Banff I highly recommend getting a rental car, so you do the entire scenic drive to Jasper and Yoho National Parks too. read more

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I've been to many places around the world and Banff is absolutely gorgeous! I honestly thought I had to go to Iceland to see this level of beautiful winter scenery - but alas! It's right in our backyards for Americans, right here in North America! Head up to Calgary and spend some time in the Banff National Park - it's so gorgeous! Be sure to buy your National Parks Pass and plan for all types of weather. You'll most likely fly into Calgary Airport and drive 90 minutes out to the park. Because of the varying weather, I'd suggest getting a car that can handle the same for your rental. Don't feed or approach wildlife ~ take those pics from afar! July and August are the busiest months if you can avoid them. Must Dos: The Banff Gondola (heights-averse people beware). Lake Louise. Hike Johnston Canyon. Check out downtown Banff Avenue (there's a cute bear vibes brewery). Icefields Parkway ~ Columbia Icefields. See a moose and a mountain goat, if you see a bear, I'm so jelly. I know others like the Cave and Basin but that was our group's least favorite site. I mentioned before, but definitely top 5 places I've been when it comes to nature. I'm a nature head and Banff ROCKS. read more

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What an amazing national park! Banff National Park is Canada's first national park - it has what I call the trifecta of necessary landscapes to make the park beautiful: mountains, water, and trees - in a perfect combination. Lake Louise and Lake Moraine both reminds me of Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons - except the water is more strikingly turquoise in Banff. I spent last weekend in Banff with a friend, during Canadian Thanksgiving. It was a busy weekend, filled with many tourists (such as myself!) We stayed in Banff village, which lies within the national park. For visitors visiting or staying in Banff, you will need to pay a park fee based on person per day, which at time of writing is 11 CAD/day. So for the two of us, it came out to be 11 CAD/day x 3 days x 2 persons = 66 CAD. Well worth the money to stay in Banff/in the park since it gave us more flexibility with activities and later start times, vs having to commute from a nearby city outside of the park. Parking in Banff can be tricky and fill up, especially during busy times. We opted for taking the Roam bus system & Canada Parks shuttle (which I would advise to book ahead of time, to secure a seat), to take us to/from & around the lakes area. This is because the lakes areas' parking lots often get filled up - so to save time, and stress, we primarily used the bus to get around. We stuck to most of the basic hikes around the Lake Louise and Lake Moraine areas. It was also snowing during the weekend I went, so it posed some challenges with road and trail conditions. I used regular hiking shoes and hiking poles, which were for the most part OK - though it was pretty slippery for parts of the incline on the Teahouse Trail. Many folks who had spikes on their shoes commented on how slippery it was - so overall - the hikes can be challenging even for those who were the most equipped. My friend and I didn't make it all the way to the top as the snow was coming down pretty hard and the trail got even more slippery. We also took the gondola from Sulphur Mountain. The 1 bus line takes you from Banff village directly to Sulphur Mountain. Your gondola ticket allows you to take the bus for free to get to/from Sulphur Mountain. We were hoping to catch the sunset while up on top of the gondola station - but due to the snowy/cloudy weather, we didn't get much of a view. Mother nature is unpredictable! We still had a good time though - as it was pretty cool to be up on top of a mountain while it was snowing. You might be wondering about getting bear spray or not. My friend and I both rented one can of bear spray between the both of us. I rented it in Banff village at a sports rental place - they stated that 1 can was enough for both of us given that we weren't going far within the park. Lake Louise and Moraine areas tend to be very highly trafficked, so if you're not really venturing outside of the busy areas, you might be OK without needing bear spray. The majority of tourists stayed at the lake waterfront areas, which were so packed with people -- I'm sure no bear would want to go there! I hope to visit Banff again when it's warmer (and less chance of snow). The lakes were beautiful, even with the snowy/dreary weather. I'm certain it's even more beautiful when it's sunny. read more

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The park is beautiful. Being in Banff brought me right back to Switzerland! Their popular hike was even secured with railings so I didn't have to worry about flying off the ledge. The lakes were even more spectacular than the pictures can do it justice. Simply and amazing experience. read more

Banff National Park - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

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Do I have to say anything besides post a few photos? This is one of the most scenic parks in the world. Well worth a trip. This was our second visit. After our first trip here six years ago we had to come back with our adult children to share the experience. read more

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Huge national park and tourist attraction near the Banff area that encompasses a large area with plenty of water features and mountain peaks. Plenty to do in the summer and winter with views to match. Entrance is free in the summer months and the very easy to reach and popular attractions are a nightmare due to the lack of oversight from any Canadian park rangers or staff combined with the absolute idiocy of the tourists which make you feel like Canada is a 3rd world country. Too much littering and stupid stuff going on compared to the US national park system. Lots of great trails and scenery but the more popular attractions are a big turnoff. read more

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My husband and I went to Banff with our toddler 9/18-25/24. It was chilly, and in the mornings, it sometimes got to below freezing. I wore leggings, a t-shirt, and a heavy fleece jacket with a beanie and it was enough to keep me warm! Wear layers so you can peel off as you hike. We wore trail runners and those were adequate for hiking. We stayed in Canmore and drove into Banff, which really wasn't too far. *NOTE: Get a bus pass to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. We weren't able to get the Parks Canada shuttle, so we went with a private company, Fairview Limousine Shuttle. It was CA$25 for Lake Louise and CA$35 for Moraine Lake per person, but if you wanted to do sunrise, it was like 3x the price. We did the shuttle to Moraine Lake at 7:15 am, so we got there just after sunrise, at 7:45. It was so cloudy that day that being there for sunrise wouldn't have been worth it anyway. Thursday, 9/19 - Peyto Lake (.8 miles total) - Got there at 1:30 pm, there were enough parking spots. Took less than 30 minutes total, including stopping for pics. Stay on the trail! The trees are incredible and smell amazing!! Absolutely stunning views. They have toilets with no running water in the parking lot. - Bow Lake - Walked around a bit, didn't really hike. We heard there's a nice hike, which we would've done if we hadn't started so late in the day! - Mistaya Canyon (.7 miles total) - Took 20 minutes, pretty!! - If we were to do it again: would've gone to Mistaya Canyon first, then Peyto, then Bow. Friday, 9/20 - Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls (3.4 miles total) - Got there at 8 am on a rainy and cold day, so there was plenty of parking. By the time we got down at 10:40, parking lot was full. Bathrooms with running water at the start. Because it was rainy and cold, the trail was almost empty. Very pretty! Took us a little over 2 hours, including stopping for lunch. We would've loved to do Ink Pots, but the toddler was cranky. - Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park - Got there at noon and it was packed, had to park far away. Stroller-friendly boardwalk. Amazing views. There are canoes for $100/hour?!?! Little cafe and bathrooms without running water. We were there for about 30 minutes, but there are plenty of trails if you choose to hike! - Natural Bridge - Got there at 1 pm, found a parking spot. Bathrooms without running water. Quick stop, very cool. Saturday, 9/21 - Tunnel Mountain Summit from Upper Parking Lot (2.6 miles total) - At 8:45 am, plenty of parking. Very cold--below freezing. Took us 50 minutes to get up with stops and pictures, spent 30 minutes at the top but it was just so cold. Took us less than 30 min to get down. The elevation gain made it challenging, especially with a toddler on my back. But worth it! I think the views of the golf course just before the summit were prettier than the views of the town of Banff at the summit. - Two Jack Lake - Very pretty viewpoint! Go down the gravel path and look on either side for lovely views. - Lake Minnewanka - Eh, skip it. - Johnson Lake - Plenty of parking at 12:45 pm. Easy hike around the lake. Not worth it. Sunday, 9/22 - Took Fairview Limousine Shuttle to Moraine Lake. - Moraine Lake: Rockpile Trail (.8 km loop): Got to the lake at 7:45 and the shuttle left at 9 which was more than enough time. Quick walk up to take pics, hung out up there to pass the time until the bus came back. - Lake Louise: Lake Agnes Tea House Trail (3.4 km one way): Lake Louise was STUNNING. Completely uphill hike to tea house with stairs at the end. We stopped a lot of times and drank a lot of water. Took 1:15 on the way up. Lake Agnes was fine, but nothing compared to Lake Louise. Spent about an hour at the tea house, the wait really wasn't that long. Got tea, vegetable soup, biscuits, a cookie bar. Took an hour to get down. Much easier going down, but hard on the knees. Monday, 9/23 - Hoodoos - Fine, pretty short. We followed the sign someone had written on and didn't go past where the trail ended because there were. no views past it. If you don't have time, this is fine to skip. - Bow River - We stopped at the Bow Falls Viewpoint for a picnic lunch. It was so peaceful. We didn't do the trails, but I'm sure it would've been lovely. Even just stopping there for lunch was so nice. Highly recommend! Banff was incredible. Don't pass it up! read more

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always have wanted to visit here and finally... yay!! canadian national parks are on another level for sure.. so affordable and breathtaking truly nature is beyond pictures and it's crazy to think how it's snowing still around june and the sun setting at 10pm i will come back banff! hopefully nothing tooo crazy during the busy season but it was still sunny yet chilly but also my cold tolerance is terrible keke read more

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One of the most scenic vacations I've taken. The Canadian Rockies are no joke. Make sure you do your research, such as knowing how many days you need to purchase the park pass to enter the park itself (it's massive which includes the resort town itself, Banff.) Be prepared to get mosquito repellent for the warmer seasons and bear spray. The main attractions are Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which you'll only be able to access via shuttle, which also requires buying a pass. And if you have a day to spare, I'd also recommend venturing out to Yoho National Park to visit Emerald Lake. read more

We visited the Banff National Park this week, while we were in the Alberta Canada area. This is very popular tourist attraction year round, so keep this in mind when booking hotel reservations. You will need a park pass during your stay, and you can purchase them online, upon entering the park, or at the Banff visitor center. We had beautiful weather during our visit, and we were able to see plenty of wildlife during our visit. We would highly recommend this National Park to people who enjoy the outdoors and the wonders of the wilderness. Please keep in mind that many of the hiking trails are not handicap accessible. You need a national park pass to enter, I reserved mine online prior to arriving. I also reserved a shuttle to see the most popular lakes. I highly recommend you do some research before going. Bring bear spray, also stop at visitors centers for maps and info. The staff was very helpful. This is one of my top ntl parks out of the USA. @glampedlife read more

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Beautiful park, you just need to be prepared with buying park passes and if you want to go to Lake Louise or Moraine lake you need to book shuttles! You can buy daily park passes online and print them, buying at the drive in gate there are always long lines (if you are coming from Yoho or Golden stop in Field at the visitor center to purchase a day pass). The day pass does last until the next day at 4pm so you essentially getting 2 days. The hikes can be pretty steep so be prepared for that! Very beautiful and very blue water read more

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Canada's oldest National park with breathtaking views and scenery. From snow capped mountains, glaciers, and wildlife such as moose, elks and grizzly bears. For people who loves adventure, summer is the best time for hiking, camping and exploring. While winter is good for skiing with the Canadian Rockies as the backdrop. Accommodations are available, maybe it be a luxury hotel or outdoor campground. I visited last April and there were still a lot of snow. I was in awe while passing the snow capped mountains, frozen lakes and the landscapes. It is beautiful! We even saw some wild deers. I would surely come back during Springtime or Summer to enjoy more. Entrance is CAD$21 per car and it is valid for 24hrs. read more

Banff National Park - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

Banff National Park is special to me and my family because there were big mountains and Turquoise-colored lakes. I want you to go there, it costs a lot of money like $342 per night!!!! (by Google Gemini) But it is worth it in my opinion. I went there on June 24th 2024 US. Beautiful. I know i'm 1 year late, I stayed in Canmore, which isn't too far from Banff. read more

Banff National Park - A Photo At Lake Louise Banff, Canada. - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

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This was on my bucket list for years. Can't believe my wife and I was able to go last year for our anniversary. I'd highly recommend going in early October as it's cool but not too cold. It's about an hr drive from Calgary. If you're looking to save some money look for hotels in Canmore. Once you're in banff there is so much to do. The food in town was actually really good. Must sees are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine along with the Gondola and the Fairmont. read more

Banff National Park is incredible. Standing among snowcapped mountains is hard to describe. And that's what you'll discover. I know there are the Grand Teton Mountain Range in the USA, but it's different here in Banff. Taking the time to explore these surroundings can change you. In a spiritual sense, you'll have time to reflect and appreciate how traveling to places like Banff can humble you and make you a better person, in life. I apologize for talking so deeply. I'd like to relay my experience... Upon driving to Banff at the entrance station, it is about $10 per person per day. The gate agent asks how many days you'll be spending here. If you're planning on spending 5 - 7 days...it's worthwhile to get an annual pass for $70. Best of all this $70 covers Banff, Kootenay, Yoho and Jasper. I highly advise getting the yearly pass and for those Americans, it's $70 - Canadian or about $55 - US. Btw...cell phone reception works well in and around Banff. I plugged all the destinations I wanted to see into Google Maps and was easily guided to them. - Welcome to Banff Sign - good opportunity to pull your car over and take a picture with the sign announcing you have arrived! - Surprise Corner Viewpoint - a terrific spot to pull over, exit your car, cross the street and walk to a wooden platform where you'll have beautiful views of the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel nestled in the background among a picturesque landscape setting. - Banff Gondola - in my opinion, this is the most important attraction in Banff. The sceneries from the top of Sulphur Mountain were unmatched! Stupendous! What a journey to the top. They have a wonderful boardwalk section for you to spread out from other tourists and grab first-class photos! - Bow Falls Viewpoint - quick waterfall stop. - Walk Around Downtown Banff - a charming and rustic downtown walking area filled with souvenir shops, gift stores, cozy restaurants and then some... Also great about browsing around town is that they close off the roads to cars so you can walk in the middle of the streets and grab worthwhile pictures of downtown with the snowcapped mountains hovering in the distance! Downtown Banff for me was the best! Better than well-known Jackson Hole, Wyoming! - Cascade Pond - grass area for picnics and hanging out among more mountains. Pleasant atmosphere with a great walking path around the lakes. - Norquay Mountain Overlook - there is a lodge at the top of the road but I just stopped at the viewpoint to appreciate seeing downtown Banff in the background. A quick, but cool stop. - Vermillion Lakes - decent stop to look around. - Lake Minnewanka - although windy when I was here in mid-June, a scenic lake to walk around for a little. - Two Jack Lakes - again like Lake Minnewanka - walk around the pretty lake surroundings. - Johnston Canyon - pathway through a canyon ravine leading to the Lower and Upper Falls. A total of 4.8 kilometers roundtrip. A popular stop. The Lower Waterfall was okay. I liked the Upper Waterfall better. - I know this is not part of Banff...but while spending my time in Banff, I did a side daytrip to Kootenay National Park. That's where the annual pass for $70 came in handy. - Drive the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise Village. This is an alternative to Canada Highway 1. It's more of a local road rather than the main highway. - Morant's Curve - cool photo moment of a train track with occasionally passing trains set among a forest backdrop with those wondrous snowcapped mountains standing high and mighty. This spot is a photographers dream, lol. - Lake Louise Village - walk around at shops, eat and speak with a Ranger at the Lake Louise Visitor Center. - Lake Louise - one of the most popular attractions in Banff. The lake is really colorful when the sun is out. You can walk around the lake for a nice hike. Most folks hung out in front of the incredible Chateau Lake Louise. I did hike to the other side of the lake. It's crowded, lol. Parking is rough. You can take a gondola here as well, but after doing the Banff tram, not sure anything else can match that. - Moraine Lake - right next door to Lake Louise. Parking is a nightmare. Do the Rockpile Trail for awesome views. The lake is really colorful and the rugged mountains hang on top of you. Unbelievable setting! - Another side daytrip to Yoho National Park. - Start driving magnificent Icefields Parkway. - Herbert Lake - Quick stop. Quiet lake. - Crowfoot Glacier - Gorgeous! - Bow Lake - The stops keep getting better! - Peyto Lake - 6/10's of a mile walk to terrific observation point. Continue on to Bow Summit Lookout for even high views - but this adds 3 extra miles each way. And I'm going to end here. At this point in time you're on the heart of Icefields Parkway and far enough away from Downtown Banff. Welp...I wanted to get in all the landmarks, sights and attractions of Banff Town and Banff NP that I got to. What an unforgettable experience. read more

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Yelpies I swear these pix were not taken in front of a 'green screen!!!' All thanks & praise go to iPhone 12 & Samsung S10!!! I had a Nikon camera as back up & an extra SD card. Come prepared to endlessly snap away non-stop uncontrollably!!! So stunning I was almost an emotional wreck from the stunning beauty of it all! Literally took my breath away I almost required an oxygen tank!!!!! Banff National Park (located in the province of Alberta) is all that & a bag of Flamin' Hot Limón Cheetos!!! Established in 1885, BNP is Canada's oldest park! I've never been so stunned before by nature! There's a reason BNP is listed as a National Historic Site by Canada! The monumental Canadian Rocky Mountains, colourful forests, beautiful lakes, vast wildlife make this park one to absolutely not skip out on!!! Heads up Alert ... make sure to purchase a Day Pass or Discovery Pass (access to over 100 parks) & stick it onto your car window or dash! Required for all parks regardless of signage of which there was none & zero warning! Got fined a huge ticket but took it to the Visitors Info Centre downtown Banff & wiggled it down to $20! Hee! Heads up ALERT #2 - Avoid feeding the cute cuddly chipmunks! They will bite your finger tip & you will become patient #10786 checking into hospital! Seriously!!! Heads up ALERT #3 - plan your trip to Banff National Park with this in mind ... what will the forest fire situation in the Pacific North West be like when you travel!?? The effects of the wildfire smoke could seriously affect your pictures & more so your health!!! The last few summers have been utterly brutal to the point one couldn't even see Cascade Mountain from downtown Banff Ave! Reccomend summer travel towards the end of June & early July then perhaps the end of August to early September! Good luck! Oh & a small highlight ... while driving by Two Jack Lake, I came across a herd of Bighorn Sheep! Yahoooooo I saw wildlife!!! See pix! Didn't see a grizzly, deer or moose but maybe next time cause I'm definitely going back to super amazing Alberta, in the near future! read more

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Beautiful national park. Pack some good walking shoes & be prepared for weather changes, wildlife. Be sure to check out the Indigenous-owned shops and Parks Canada Office on Main Street for some locally made items (always check the product for those details). read more

It feels a little weird to be writing a review for a national park, but here I am because...YELP! ;) My husband & I just got back from our 2nd trip to Banff, and let's just say, we're already talking about the next time we go! If you've done even a tiny bit of research or even seen a single photo of Banff, then you know this place is absolutely gorgeous! Sometimes the scenery around you is so pure, so brilliant, and so wild, that it almost seems fake (like a perfectly Photoshopped backdrop), but it is in fact real and all around you! There are endless things to do and see throughout Banff National Park, so go ahead...choose your own adventure! Here's a simple little "pro tip:" purchase your Park Pass online. It will save you from having to wait in a long line of cars at the entrance. Everyone is required to have one FYI, and they're sold as Day Passes or a Discovery Pass (annual pass) for one person or a family/group. The funds go right back into helping keep Banff as beautiful as it is, and help support visitor services & facilities. The website helped us to even figure out which option was best for the 6 days we needed it, and it was more cost effective to purchase a group/family 6-day pass rather than get the annual pass. If we were staying 7 or more days, the annual pass then makes the most sense! Also, we puechased online after we picked up our rental car (because they need the license plate number) and we didn't have access to a printer, so if this happens to you, you can drive straight to the Banff Visitor Center on Banff Ave and ask them to print it for you (you have to have it printed and displayed on your dashboard). Hope that helps! Here's the website: www.banfflakelouise.com read more

Amazing park with lots of options to either drive up to or hike. But do plan with backups. The weather can change quickly and vary significantly in different parts of the park and different elevations. In the summer it can be very busy with limited parking at popular spots like Lake Louise. Best to get your park passes in advance online at https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/passer-passes read more

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I am in love with this majestic park. I have wanted to visit this beautiful place since I was a little girl. This is Canada's oldest national park. It was everything I wished and more. You could spend a lifetime here and never be done exploring. There is so much to see and experience. I don't know where to begin. So all I have to say is, if you love animals, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, trees, star lit nights, serenity, nature, this is it. While the Rocky Mountains extend all throughout North America, each section is vastly different. What I witnessed here is completely different from the Coloradan Rockies, the Alaskan Brooks Range, etc. Each section is beautiful in its own unique way. I plan to make more trips in the future. read more

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Lake Louise by Vic A Evora It was the longest day of the year Solstice in the northern hemisphere We stood at water's edge, in silence Marveling at the surreal atmosphere Though afterglow's still an hour away The slanting rays of the sun, setting on cue Transformed the ice-cold water of the lake Into a metallic mirror of greens and blue The lake itself was a grand amphitheater Tranquil; a shimmering turquoise surface, A painted ice rink; and any time soon Speed skaters could appear to start a race On both sides, towering, chiseled mountains Covered by evergreens like hands in prayer The hilltops hidden by low-lying clouds Simply spectacular in the afternoon sun's glare Across the lake, directly in front of us Tall peaks, snow covered even in early summer And in the middle of our Maker's masterpiece A relic from our distant past, Victoria glacier The sun's behind us, and its blinding rays Reflected on the glacier between the hills But with sun glasses, shielding our eyes We witnessed a panorama that gave us chills We stayed at water's edge until nightfall When shadows wiped out the breath-taking view Glad to have seen a memorial from another age Before it vanishes, because of what men do... read more

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What an awesome national park! I will say, the crowds are pretty bad, but if you do some more serious hikes, you can get away from most of the tourists. We saw: Johnston's Canyon, Bow Falls, hoodoos, Stewart Canyon, Lake Louise, Lake Agnes (Mirror Lake), Plain of Six Glaciers, Lake Moraine, Eiffel Lake, Herbert Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Mistaya Canyon. My favorites were Plain of Six Glaciers, Lake Moraine, Eiffel Lake, Herbert Lake, and Peyto Lake. This was closely followed by Mistaya and Johnston Canyons. Parking in the Lake Moraine and Lake Louise area fills up quickly. We got to both just after 6 am and managed to get a spot but I think both were full before 7. You can park in the overflow lot and take the shuttle, but this will definitely add some time. There are tons of other hikes that we didn't have time to do. The hiking here is not for the faint of heart. As you would expect, the easier the trail, the more people there will be on it. We stayed in Canmore instead of Banff and this was a great decision. It was less crowded, had better food, and was cheaper. It's only about 20 minutes south of Banff. Come for the blue lakes, stay for the mountain views. read more

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Definitely a nice place to be in. It's one of those destinations that is a must when you're all about the instagram, make your friends jealous type of spot. I swear, there is not a bad angle when taking photographs here. Everything is totally well kept. The village is pretty lively. Specially during ski season,, I could only imagine the summer season. Tons of hikers running around the city as well. Plus there are plenty of things to do here. The gondola, the hot springs, shopping, eating, drinking, skating, etc. We stayed in the village which is a great base area for running around going to places at the mountain. Lake Louise is 40 minutes drive away. Johnston Canyon is 40 minutes away. I feel like everything is right around roughly 40 minutes away. Make sure your phone battery and you camera can keep up. Bring a portable battery pack because you will be taking tons and tons and tons and tons and tons of pictures though out the day. Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope this helps with your decision making experience. Enjoy your awesome yelptastic day! read more

Banff National Park - (",) - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

This is a lovely region of Canada with plenty of gorgeous scenery and quaint towns. If you're driving in, you have to stop and purchase admissions decals for your car. Driving around mountains, rivers and lakes was lovely. We also noticed overpasses for the wildlife to cross the highways without being struck. We stayed in Lake Louise and Banff and also enjoyed visiting Canmore. We're not skiers but know there are plenty of ski resorts in the park as well. Definitely a natural treasure. read more

Banff is just breathe taking! Even for a city person like myself that are not into nature. I would highly recommend to at least visit once in your lifetime. Just driving through the highway surrounded with all these snow capped mountains is something I would always remember! Since the Park is huge, do some research before you visit! Staying inside the Park might be quite expensive so you do need to plan accordingly. There are campsites if you are into camping or you can go 5 stars at some of the Fairmount resort hotels. Just go and experience and go WOW just like I did every time when I visit Banff! read more

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The most beautiful park I've ever been to. Boasting majestic lakes, massive mountains, wild bears everywhere (we saw them multiple times!), thick foliage, refreshing waterfalls and so much more. Rent a car and drive through the park, making stops at Lake Louise, Lake Agnes, Sulphur Mountain, Lake Minnewanka, and so many more. We went in the spring, which is one of the most popular times to visit. While the temperature was perfect, it was also the most crowded. We'd love to go back in the winter for skiing and hot springs. You can't go wrong here! read more

Absolutely one of the prettiest places I've been to on this earth it is so so big I primarily stayed nearby the town of banff and just kind of did activities around there so I didn't actually get to go through the entire national park but the portion of it that I was in was absolutely gorgeous I could not possibly recommend any further for anybody else to go. we went in the late summer around mid August and it wasn't too hot it was really pleasant weather but lots and lots of mosquitoes!! read more

Gorgeous park to see! I have so far only seen it in the winter, and cannot wait to come see it again in the summer/fall!! The main highway through banff was very clear of snow/ice to drive on, even with the recent 3 ft ish of snow they got the day I got there! The ramps getting on and off hwy, were a little less clear in some places. The city roads in town were a-lot more snowy, very well plowed, but the speed limit is very slow in town. So getting around with my own 4WD and snow tires was very manageable. They have a visitors center in town to help you plan some trips! They were very friendly there! Plenty of places you can walk to in town from your hotel! Highly recommended u park at hotel and walk in the evening especially when it is a busy season!! Most places outside of Banff in the park were closed but still accessible with 4wD at this time, it was late December. Some roads though were way too snowed in, and deep they do not plow everything. read more

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Gorgeous Scenic Canadian Rocky Mountain Wonder! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/banff-national-park-banff?select=akpotvl8Wj69Tqrm5l_VLA&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w SITREP I got to spend this weekend here and I am so happy I made the trip from California. In case you didn't know, we don't get much snow in the state....EVER (unless someone is lucky enough to live at the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevadas. THE SETUP One of the first things I did before I even flew up to Canada was a few weeks before, I went online and ordered my Banff National Park pass. It's really easy, but it helps time-wise to have pre-registered before you make your trip. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/banff-national-park-banff?select=9ByQwsEnqRcl7ad4fS4P3Q&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w THE HIKE! The pinacle of my Banff National Park experience had to be climbing Sulphur Mountain. Let me just say, I'm STILL in recovery mode from that trek! But I DID IT. I FINISHED IT. And I emphasize that point because it was doubtful! And the first clue that something is tough is when park management makes you sign a WAIVER that you do this at your own risk. The 2ND clue is when you have to tie clampons onto your shoes because there are ice sheets on the mountain trails leading to the top of where the gondola house is. But I did it. PHOTO OPS There are plenty along the way. I even got a couple shots of my trail buddy who was excited to see snow again. ;) https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/banff-national-park-banff?select=J2YNOsE7fEPANdZgXhEjWw&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w THE LOWDOWN Whether just coming to catch the scenery, to enjoy the snow, or actually to participate in activities such as hiking, skiing and snowboarding, Banff National Park has a lot for you to enjoy! read more

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Canadian National Park in the province of Alberta. Banff is about a 1.5 hour drive from Calgary. It is $20 Canadian to get into the park. They take cash or credit cards. Downtown Banff is only a 20 minute drive from the east entrance. The park is absolutely gorgeous during the summer. The views of the mountains were spectacular. We hiked Tunnel Mountain which was about 3 miles round trip and 1,000 foot climb. I can't wait to return in the winter. read more

Banff, Alberta, Canada. OMG~! Words can't express the beauty when peering at the glaciers, listening to the river stream across, embracing the woody scents and being lost within the deepest part of the soul as I meandered a puny fraction of the millions of acres. Banff NP of Canada has it all... From snow sports, water sports, to shopping, native history, caves, museums, historical sites, bears, elk, bison, more elk, moose, all types of wildlife and big birds to pristine blue rivers and avalanche warning signs. The majority of the park does not have cell service so travel safely and prepared. There are more hiking/biking/camping/trekking trails for multiple lifetimes. One does not have enough breath to unsheath Banff NP.... And even if you did... There is still Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho to unravel... Not to mention... The Areola Borealis can be experienced within Banff NP's borders on clear nights which will be rare. Access/Roads: Depends where you go. The main roads are paved. Parking: Plenty. Distance: Depends where in Banff NP you go. Calgary is appx 70 miles and Los Angeles is appx 1,700 miles away. Costs: I forgot what I paid. I believe it was appx $23 USD per car. Nearby Attractions: Aside from camping, boating, mountain biking, bird watching, wildlife watching, hunting, driving, skiing, fishing, riding horses, mountain trekking, canoeing, golfing, ice skating, rowing, kayaking, scuba, dogg sledding, jet skiing, swimming, photography, paddling or just eye-humping the sheer size of the glaciers... There isn't much nearby. I can't wait to return and explore~!!! Travel safely my friends... @cigarcpa www.cleeshyun.com read more

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Yelp winter break in Banff? Seriously yelpers, you MUST go! There's no better place more fitting for yelpers to meet up and spend winter other than Banff! Located in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, I was so lucky to have lived in Alberta and be able to spend so many wonderful summers and winters here. Thanks to numerous trips I made here with family and friends, I know this place just like the lines in the palm of my hand. There's so much to do and see. For sightseeing, explore Lake Louise, Morraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Vermillion Lakes, Lake Minnetonka. See the falls at Johnston Canyon and Bow River. See the Hoodoos at Tumnel Mountain. Enjoy a hot bath at the NaHot Springs. Take the gondola ride to sulphur mountain for a 360 degree view of beautiful places as far as your can see. Go skiing at Mt Norquay, Lake Luisa or Sunshine Village. Snap some pics with deers, moose, elks. Go shopping or dining at Banff Avenue. Now, I can't stop going down memory lane. Not sure how many camping trips I made here, or posed with the ice sculptures in Lake Louise. The place is so breathtaking whatever time of the year it is. Needless to say, this is one of my favorite places on earth. read more

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Buy your park pass before coming if driving. July busiest month of the year so get ready to just go with it if visiting.

Second only to Yosemite National Park in California, this might be my favorite place on earth. Banff in December made me a winter lover. It's true. I have a whole new appreciation for the beauty of snow. The stunning snow-capped mountains, the ski resorts, the fluffy snow-laden trees, the frozen over lakes, the elk, deer, and rams wandering around adding to the natural wonder of it all....it's all pretty stellar. Growing up in flat SE Michigan has made me absolutely smitten with mountains, a terrain I was really not familiar with, and I am just in heaven every time I can go to them. Banff was no exception. I was in awe the entire time. The town of Banff is located right in the heart of the mountains, which means that something as simple as going out for a coffee is a sight to behold. It's the perfect blend of natural wonders and comfortable lodging and nightlife. My first time skiing, my first time hiking to the top of a mountain in the ice and snow, my first rooftop hot tub surrounded by incredible mountain ranges, delicious food and breathtaking views....it all happened within the confines of Banff National Park. I'm already counting the days till I can return. And next time I'm renting a car so I can go out and explore everything. The ice walks to the frozen waterfalls of Johnson Canyon are calling my name! read more

Banff National Park - View from downtown Banff. - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

This is the most beautiful place I've ever been to in my 30 years on this earth. Sometime last year a saw pictures of Lake Lorraine and knew that this was going to be my destination to celebrate my 30th birthday. I came with a group of 15 friends from all over the United States. Each and every one of us was speechless at the beauty that we saw. My favorite lake was Morraine Lake, you literally can't make up that shade of blue. It was an unbelievable experience. We went on a guided tour of the park and were able to see Lake Lorraine, Morraine Lake, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, the Hoodoos, Bow Falls, and more! The parks are extremely well maintained despite the number of visitors. Even the restrooms are clean and stocked with toilet paper. I will definitely be back! read more

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The most beautiful collection of lakes. In terms of pure beauty, Yosemite sits at the top (for me anyway). In terms of diverse scenery, you can't beat Yellowstone. But if you want to see the most beautiful lakes, I believe they are in Banff. It is simply impossible to capture the beauty of the lakes with a camera. You simply have to visit the area to understand why tourists from all over the world come here every year. IMHO, Moraine Lake is easily the most beautiful sight here. It's probably best to save this one for last so you will appreciate the other places more. Finally checked this one off my bucket list. read more

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I'm tempted to go back and downgrade every other 5 star review I've written, so that this place can stand alone. I knew there would be a few scenic spots, but I was dumbfounded by something new and spectacular every few kilometers as we explored the park. I've got separate reviews for individual lakes, but needed to check in here because it was the enormity of this park, and the sum total of all the things to see that made this an amazing trip. Expect crowds, but if you head off on a short hike at most places, you'll leave the selfie crowd near the parking lot, and can enjoy the quiet, and the views, on your own. Just FYI - Johnston Canyon and Peyto Lake are two places where it's hard to avoid the crowds, since everyone is following the same path, at least until you reach the first of the sights to see. Also, don't neglect Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, which are connected to the west border of Banff National Park. Thank you, Canada, for sharing this magnificent place with the world. read more

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