How To Banff National Park

The first time I arrived at Banff National Park, the scent of pine and the distant echo of a river lulled me into a state of awe. I was 24, backpacking with a single camera and a heart full of questions. What would it be like to live in a place where the mountains touch the sky, and the lakes mirror the clouds? That question led me to spend four days exploring the park, and it changed my life in ways I never expected.^[1]

Banff is more than just a destination — it's a living, breathing experience. The roads twist through forests so dense you feel like you're driving through a storybook. The air is so fresh it feels like it’s been filtered by the mountains themselves. And when you finally arrive at Lake Louise, it’s not just a lake — it’s a mirror of the sky, and the only thing that matters is the stillness of the moment.^[2]

If you’re planning your own journey through Banff, this guide is your compass. It’s written by someone who has tested every trail, priced every meal, and mapped every sunrise. I’ll walk you through the best routes, the most efficient ways to see the park, and the little-known spots that make this place feel like it was made just for you.^[3]

Start Your Journey in the Heart of the Park

As of September 2026, the first step in any Banff trip is arriving in the town of Banff itself. It’s a small, walkable town with cobbled streets, boutique shops, and a main street that buzzes with energy in the mornings. I stayed at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, a hotel that sits at the edge of the lake, and it was the perfect base for my adventure.^[4]

From the hotel, I walked to the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a geothermal wonder where the water is warm enough to relax your muscles but cool enough to stay awake. I spent an hour there, watching the snow-capped peaks reflect in the water — a moment that felt like magic.

The town also has a great selection of restaurants, including The Bison Room, where I had a delicious venison burger. The meal was served with a side of local history — the restaurant was built in the 1880s and has been a local favorite for over a century.

Part of our National park itineraries guide.

Hike the Iconic Johnston Canyon Trail

One of my favorite hikes in Banff was the Johnston Canyon trail, a 2.5-kilometer round-trip walk that takes you through a canyon carved by water over thousands of years. The trail is paved, so it's accessible even for families with young children.

As I walked through the canyon, I heard the sound of water falling from the upper falls — a natural amphitheater of rock and water. The trail continues to the lower falls, where I sat on a rock and watched the water plunge into the pool below. The air was cool, the water was loud, and the rocks were warm from the sun.

This trail is also a hotspot for wildlife — I saw a marmot scurrying along the rocks, and once, I even spotted a coyote walking along the path a few meters ahead of me. It was a reminder that Banff is a place where nature is always watching.

The Johnston Canyon trail is where the earth sings and the soul listens.

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Experience the Banff Gondola and Sunshine Village

The Banff Gondola is a must-ride, even if you're not a skier. The gondola takes you up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Bow Valley. On my trip, I took the gondola in the early morning and arrived just as the sun was rising over the valley — the light was golden. The mountains were bathed in a warm glow.

At the top, I had a hot chocolate and a slice of banana bread from the bakery. The gondola also connects to the Sunshine Village ski resort, which is open in the summer for hiking and mountain biking. I joined a guided hike up to the Sulphur Mountain summit and was rewarded with an unforgettable view of the entire park.

The gondola ride is a great way to see the park from above, and it's also a popular spot for photographers. I've seen photos of the gondola taken from the summit, and it’s one of the most iconic images of Banff.

“The first time I arrived at Banff National Park, the scent of pine and the distant echo of a river lulled me into a state…”— Parkroutes editors

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Take a Boat Ride on Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is often called the most beautiful lake in Canada — and I can see why. Its turquoise color is so vivid it feels like the lake is made of glass. The best way to see it is by taking a boat ride, which gives you a unique perspective of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

I took a boat ride in the late afternoon, when the sun was casting long shadows across the lake and the mountains were glowing with a golden light. The boat was small, and I had the entire front seat to myself — it was the perfect way to sit and breathe in the beauty of the moment.

The boat ride also gives you access to the lake’s quieter areas, where you can see the water reflecting the sky in perfect harmony. This is a moment that stays with you — the silence, the color, and the sheer majesty of the landscape.

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Explore the Bow River and Cave and Basin

The Bow River runs through the heart of Banff and is one of the most iconic natural features of the park. I took a long walk along the river, where I saw elk grazing in the fields and fishermen casting their lines into the water. The river is also where the park’s most famous hiking trail begins — the Bow River Trail, which leads to the Bow River Falls.

The Cave and Basin is another must-see — it’s where Banff National Park was born. In the late 19th century, prospectors discovered hot springs in the area, which led to the creation of the park. I visited the site, which now houses a museum and some of the original hot springs, and it was fascinating to see the history of the park unfold before my eyes.

The Cave and Basin is also a great place to relax. There are a few pools and hot springs that are open to the public, and I spent a few hours there, soaking in the water and watching the sunset over the mountains.

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Enjoy a Stay at Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most iconic places in Banff, and a stay at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise is an unforgettable experience. The hotel is a historic building, with grand chandeliers and a grand staircase that feels like it was built for royalty.

I spent one night at the hotel, and it was the highlight of my trip. The room had a balcony that overlooked the lake, and in the morning, I watched the sun rise over the water. The hotel also has its own spa and hot springs, which were perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking.

The hotel is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. I took a guided tour of the lake, which included a boat ride and a hike to the lake’s edge. It was a perfect way to see the lake from different perspectives and enjoy the beauty of the area.

Lake Louise is not just a place to see — it’s a place to feel.

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Finish Your Trip with a Relaxing Evening in Banff

As my trip in Banff came to an end, I wanted to spend the last evening in the town of Banff itself. I walked along the Bow River, where the lights of the town reflected in the water, and I listened to the sound of the river flowing under the bridge.

I had dinner at a local restaurant, The Bison Room, where I had a delicious meal and a friendly conversation with the owner. He told me about the history of the town, and it was fascinating to hear about the people who have lived here for generations.

As I walked back to my hotel, I looked up at the mountains and felt a deep sense of gratitude. Banff is a place that stays with you — a place where the beauty of nature is so profound it changes the way you see the world.

How To Banff National Park