The Best of Banff National Park

It’s hard to narrow down the best of Banff because honestly, Banff National Park is so amazing everywhere. However, if you came up to us on Banff Ave and let us know that it’s your first time exploring the park, here is where we would tell you to go and check out. Make sure to check out the best things to do in Banff afterward!

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The Best of Banff National Park

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The Best Lake in Banff – Moraine Lake

It’s hard to mention the best of Banff without starting with Moraine Lake. It is easily the most iconic lake in Canada, and it was even featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill.

The lake’s brilliant turquoise color is set within a natural amphitheater called the Ten Peaks, which tower above it. It is a magnificent sight to see in person, and there is hardly a more soul-stirring scene on earth.

Moraine Lake is about an hour’s drive away from Downtown Banff, and only twenty minutes further than Lake Louise. With its popularity and millions of Instagram location tags you’ll have to arrive to plot out how you’re going to get to Moraine Lake, as parking is not allowed anymore.

My other favorite lakes in Banff

• Lake Louise
• Bow Lake
• Lake Minnewanka
• Our favorite lakes in Banff!

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The Best Mountain View in Banff – Vermilion Lakes

Whenever we want to enjoy some time in the mountains without having to put in the effort of hiking, we head for Vermilion Lakes with a drink in hand. It’s our favorite chill spot in Banff. The lakes are well protected by the winds, and the shallow water means the waters remain calm most days, so it’s an easier place to canoe, kayak, or SUP.

Vermilion Lakes is largely a marsh, so its brilliant blue waters are less dazzling than those of many of the other lakes around Banff. Still, it is an incredible place to enjoy the park and view Mount Rundle.

Some of my other favorite mountain views

• Castle Mountain Lookout
• Morant’s Curve
• Sulphur Mountain

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The Best Sunrise Spot in Banff – Two Jack Lake

If you are looking for an epic sunrise spot in Banff, head to Two Jack Lake. While Two Jack Lake is not a glacial-fed lake and is not nearly as blue as Moraine Lake mentioned above, it’s still a must-visit in Banff.

It’s only a short drive away from Downtown Banff, and besides being a fantastic lake to canoe on, sup on, or even swim in, it’s also one of the most photographed spots in the park. Thanks to its never-ending views of Mount Rundle, photographers flock from all over to get a shot of Two Jack Lake.

Head here for sunrise (or sunset is honestly good, too), and you might get lucky with a cotton candy sky. The best news is you don’t have to try too hard to get a stellar photograph here. Right from the shore, you will have fantastic views and images.

Other great sunrise spots

• Cascade Ponds
• Moraine Lake
• Canmore Reservoir

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The Best Sunset Spot in Banff – Peyto Lake

I love heading to Peyto Lake for sunset and getting views over the entire Icefield Parkway. Peyto Lake is the most visited lake in Banff after Moraine and Lake Louise. It’s another one that is easily accessible and only requires a short uphill hike to reach the viewpoint. It’s a must-stop while driving the Icefield Parkway, especially in the summer when the brilliant display of blue is fed by the Peyto Glacier high above the lake and part of the Wapta Icefield.

The viewpoint is one of the most spectacular in Banff National Park and is a super popular spot for photographers. If you get lucky, you can see an epic sunset with beautiful colors here.

Other great sunset spots

• Vermilion Lakes
• Banff Ave

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The Best Hike in Banff – Mount Bourgeau

There are so many amazing hikes in Banff it’s hard to narrow it down to a favorite. But I’ve thought long and hard about this and have to say that as far as summiting a big mountain over Banff without any scrambling or lots of experience Mount Bourgeau takes the cake.

Mount Bourgeau is a 2,931-metre (9,616 ft) tall mountain in the heart of Banff National Park that promises some extraordinary views. It’s easily accessible from the town of Banff as it’s only a 15-minute drive to the trailhead. This makes it a great hike for those staying in Banff town. While the terrain is not challenging, the sheer length and elevation gain require strong legs.

By saying this is the best of Banff, and a great hike, does not make it easy. To reach the peak, you climb over 1,700 meters, or 5,600 feet, and nearly 22 kilometers in a day. That being said, it’s one of the easiest peaks in the Rockies, as it requires no scrambling or climbing.

However, on the way to the peak, you cross the lovely Bourgeau Lake, witness stunning views from Harvey Pass, and then the whole park opens up from the summit. It’s an expansive view that never disappoints.

Other great Banff hikes

• Johnston Canyon
• Helen Lake
• C Level Cirque
• Cory Pass

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The Best Scramble in Banff – Mt. Jimmy Simpson

If you are a good hiker and want to try something more challenging, try your hand at scrambling. Scrambling is a walk up steep terrain involving the use of one’s hands. Three points of contact with your body are typically needed to classify a hike as a scramble. I love scrambling as it’s more challenging than hiking, and it’s typically required to access some of the big peaks in the Rockies.

It’s a very popular sport in Banff, but it should not be confused with hiking. Some scrambles are dangerous and you should have proper experience with harder hikes and maybe even some beginner scrambling. August is the best time to scramble as most of the snow has melted off the mountain peaks. 

Out of all the scrambles we’ve done, I have to say that Mount Jimmy Simpson has been one of my favorites. The views from the summit are unreal.

Other great Banff scrambles

• Cirque Peak
• The Onion
• Cascade Mountain
• Paget Peak (Yoho)
• Bow Peak
• Observation Peak

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Best Bike Ride in Banff – Bow Valley Parkway

If you enjoy a particular style of biking, you’ll find an abundance of scenic places to ride in Banff in the summer. My favorite road to cycle is the Bow Valley Parkway, especially when it’s low season or Parks Canada closes it to vehicles.

It’s a well-paved road that starts right after Vermilion Lakes and can take you all the way to Lake Louise with astonishing views. You don’t have to ride the whole 60 km, either. When I’m looking for a short ride, I typically just ride to Johnston Canyon and back. Parks Canada restricts vehicle traffic during certain parts of the year, making this a great ride. Read all about cycling the Bow Valley Parkway before you go!

Other great Banff bike rides

• Legacy Trail
• Lake Minnewanka Loop
• Bike to Moraine Lake in May

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The Best Canoe/SUP/Kayak Spot in Banff – Lake Louise

Okay, there are many lakes to paddle on in Banff, but my favorite is Lake Louise. It’s one of the most spectacular scenes in the world. Finding a more stunning scene to paddle through is tough as you look out to Mount Victoria and the hanging Victoria glacier from Lake Louise. There is no need for fancy edits on your photographs; the water in Lake Louise, like Moraine Lake, is truly radiant turquoise blue.

You can pick up canoe rentals at the Lake Louise Boathouse because even if you have your own, you’d have to arrive early in the morning to secure a nearby parking spot to carry the canoe.

If you have your own canoe or kayak, there’s no simple way to get it into the water yourself, though with enough will, you’ll manage to get your kayak or canoe in. The Lake Louise boathouse doesn’t have kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for rent, but they do have canoes.

Other great Banff kayak and canoe spots

• Johnson Lake
• Waterfowl Lakes
• Herbert Lake
• Vermilion Lakes

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The Best Ski Resort in Banff – Lake Louise Ski Resort

There is arguably no ski resort in the world with a better view than the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Lake Louise provides fresh air and stunning landscapes in between runs. Scream down groomers, tackle a bowl, or defy death in a steep chute. There is something for everyone here, with terrain that will thrill even expert skiers.

It happens to be one of our favorite ski resorts in the world and offers a lot of value for visitors skiing in Banff. Not only are lift tickets (slightly) more affordable than comparable ski resorts in the United States, but the exchange rate only tips it more in visitors’ favor. A member of both the Ikon and Mountain Collective Pass, means that pass holders can take advantage of their pass for an affordable ski getaway in Alberta.

Other ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies

• Mt. Norquay
• Banff Sunshine
• Nakiska

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The Best Cabin in Banff – Castle Mountain

Castle Mountain Chalets are located on the Bow Valley Parkway, right at Castle Junction. They are great for those who prefer a more self-catered vacation, as there are no restaurants nearby.

The cabins have all been modernized even though they were built in the 1930s. They are cute and perfect for anyone wanting to live out their mountain fantasies. Although they are modern with full kitchens, a tv, and WiFi, they are rustic and charming. Each cabin has a cozy fireplace to hang out on those chilly nights.

Other fantastic Banff cabins

• Halfway Lodge
• Sundance Lodge
• Baker Creek
• Storm Mountain
• Mt. Engadine

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Best Coffee Shop in Banff – Whitebark Cafe

There aren’t a plethora of coffee shops in Banff, but out of all of them, Whitebark is easily the best coffee shop in Banff. Whitebark has been known to deliver the best coffee in Banff for a while now. On our first trip to Banff, before we made the move here, we stopped by for several top-ups. They serve fair-trade organic coffee from Moja Coffee in North Vancouver and loose-leaf teas from Banff Tea Co.

Other great Banff coffee shops

• Evelyns
• Wild Flour
• Sudden Sally

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