Breathtaking Banff Beckons

What are the most breathtaking regions you have ever visited where incredible natural beauty extends for miles and miles? For many, the Canadian Rockies top the list. If you have not been there, let me introduce you to the region and its crown jewel, Banff National Park.

Banff and three adjoining national parks are a scenic wonderland of jagged rocky mountains, river valleys, glacial lakes, alpine vegetation, wildlife, and more, offering an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Several years ago, I visited this region with my son. After experiencing its exceptional natural beauty, I knew I had to return with my wife, which I did just last month. I’m here to share my love for this area and encourage you to visit it.

I will describe three popular attractions to showcase this region: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Icefields Parkway.

Moraine Lake

To savor the lake, we trekked the one-mile Lakeshore Trail, which offers views of the lake’s changing colors as sunlight shifts. The trail ends at a modest boardwalk where waters from the lake’s primary glacial sources stream into the lake.

We climbed the steep quarter-mile Rockpile Trail for a more panoramic view and beheld one of Canada’s most viewed and photographed vistas.

Canoeing is popular here, but I avoid such activities because I can barely swim. My excellent swimmer wife had knee pain and didn’t insist we canoe.

Many visitors prioritize seeing the sunrise at Moraine Lake, but we couldn’t summon the energy for a pre-dawn visit.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise, the Park’s most visited attraction, lives up to its reputation with its shimmering waters and picturesque and tranquil surroundings that have a soothing effect.

The area offers several trails, including a short, steep climb to an overlook. Although the climb left me winded, the view was well worth the effort.

While admiring Lake Louise, I reflected on its name, honoring Queen Victoria’s daughter, Louise, and the name, Victoria, of the glacier that feeds the lake. The thought that these beautiful places bear the names of the heads of the British Empire, which subjugated and economically exploited people around the world for centuries, was jarring to me.

Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway, stretching about 144 miles from Lake Louise in Banff National Park to Jasper town in Jasper National Park, is celebrated as one of the world’s most scenic drives—and for good reason! This journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies transitions from towering mountains to sweeping plains as it approaches Jasper.

With no cellular service along the way, it’s the perfect opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in nature,  enjoy the spectacular scenery, and find some inner peace.

Several specific attractions are off the Parkway, including the wolf-head-shaped dreamy Peyto Lake, a short but steep climb from the road.

The Parkway gets its name from Columbia Icefield, which comprises six interconnected glaciers. The most prominent one is the Athabasca Glacier, which you can walk up to from the Parkway without restrictions.

The Columbia Icefield straddles the border of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Traveling the entire Icefields Parkway past the Icefield is best, combining the Banff visit with a trip to Jasper.

Unfortunately, during this visit, Jasper Park was indefinitely closed due to wildfires.

Banff Town

Most visitors stay in charming Banff, a small, safe, and neatly laid-out town within the Park or nearby Canmore. Banff offers a variety of eateries for every budget and exudes a relaxed holiday atmosphere that complements the area’s natural splendor. In July, the sun sets at 10 p.m., so downtown is alive late into the night.

Just Do It!

A vacation in Banff National Park and its surroundings will rejuvenate you and inspire your soul in ways few other places can.

This region isn’t just to be seen—it’s to be experienced. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts especially.

Whether you’re seeking adventure on rugged hiking trails, longing for the serenity of pristine alpine lakes, or wanting to work magic with your camera, there is something for everyone.

As for me, I’m already looking forward to my next visit! I hope my experience motivates you to visit this remarkable region and be awed by its stunning beauty, just as I was.

Notes

• Peak Season: June through August.
• Travel: Fly into Calgary, 90 miles from Banff, and rent a car for convenience. Rental cars are readily available even during peak season.
• Accommodation: Tight and overpriced during peak season, so book well in advance.
• Shuttles: Personal vehicles are not allowed at Moraine Lake. Book Park Canada shuttles weeks in advance, or opt for the more readily available commercial shuttles, which cost much more. Park Canada sets aside spots on its shuttles for reservation two days before the visit date, so check this option if you can’t book in advance.
• Parking: Parking in downtown Banff can be tight. Free parking is available at the train station, which is a short walk from downtown. Lake Louise has ample paid parking. All other attractions have free parking.
• Weather: The weather can be fickle, so bring warm clothing and rain gear even in summer. Check the region’s weather forecast before departure.
• Entry Fee: There is a daily entry fee for the Park. Pay online or at the entrance.
• Advisories: Check for park closures or travel advisories before planning your trip. We learned about Jasper’s closure after booking nonrefundable air tickets.
• Accessibility: Not all attractions are accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Note: Some pictures in this post are stock photos