Banff & Lake LouiseCanada
natureadventurephotographyhikingroad-trip
The Canadian Rockies at their most dramatic — turquoise glacial lakes, jagged peaks, and wildlife from grizzlies to elk. Banff National Park is outdoor paradise whether you're hiking, skiing, or just soaking in hot springs.
Best Time to Visit
June to September (hiking), December to March (skiing)
Daily Budget
$100-200/day
mid-range tier
Weather
Mountain climate. Short warm summers (15-25°C), long cold winters (-15 to -5°C). Snow October-May. Sunny days are brilliant at altitude.
Top Things to Do in Banff & Lake Louise
- Lake Louise — impossibly turquoise glacial lake backed by Victoria Glacier
- Moraine Lake — the "twenty-dollar view" surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks
- Johnston Canyon ice walk — frozen waterfalls in winter
- Banff Gondola — ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain
- Icefields Parkway — 230km drive between Banff and Jasper, one of the world's great road trips
Travel Tips
- 1.Arrive at Moraine Lake before 6am in summer — the parking lot fills by 7am and closes
- 2.Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers all national parks for a year
- 3.Watch for wildlife on roads at dawn and dusk — elk, bears, and mountain goats cross regularly