Extended Travel Guide for Summertime in Banff National Park
If you’re considering a trip to Banff, Alberta…DO IT! If you’ve already booked, prepare to experience one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I had the privilege of living in Banff for 6 months and am thrilled to share with you the highlights and hidden gems that this incredible National Park has to offer. As a freelance photographer, I was truly living in a photographer’s paradise.
*Please note: aside from the occasional photo taken by friends or family, all photos were taken by me: Monica Healy Photography*
Banff Travel Recommendations:
RENT A CAR! There are great distances to travel; having a car will save you time and give you the freedom to make stops along the way…some of my best photos have been shot at impromptu moments along the road.
Where to stay: Make sure to book your accomadations well in advance as Banff is super busy all-year round. Please note, there are no Airbnb’s in Banff National Park. I highly recommend staying at the Juniper Hotel, it has a stunning view of the town, a fantastic restaurant, and an outdoor hot tub that overlooks the mountains. If you have a bit more room to splurge, I highly suggest the magical Fairmont Banff Springs. If you’re having trouble finding somewhere to stay, take a look at hotels or Airbnb’s in Canmore (located a 20 minute drive from Banff). If you’re new to Airbnb, click here to get a $45 credit.
Banff Packing List:
Prepare for different seasons as the weather changes quickly in the mountains! It can snow anytime between September and May. From June to August it can be sunny and warm, however, it tends to get cool at night…sweaters and pants are necessary.
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Reusable water bottle
Running shoes/hiking boots
Portable charger
A camera/GoPro (Heads up: Banff National Park is a no drone zone)
Where To See Wildlife:
While you’re in the car, always keep an eye out for animals; they’re often roaming around in wooded areas and open fields. If there are multiple cars pulled over on the side of the road, chances are there may be wildlife nearby. FRIENDLY BUT SERIOUS REMINDER: Do not get out of your car if you are close to wildlife, remember these are wild animals and they are unpredictable. Respect their space and enjoy the moment.
*If you’re on foot and you encounter a bear, be prepared and learn what to do ahead of time by clicking here.
My Suggestions
Lake Louise:
Lake Louise is world renowned - this is a must see during your Banff voyage. It’s a 45 minute drive from downtown Banff. There’s many activities to choose from: hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing to name a few. Canoeing on Lake Louise can be pricey, but it’s totally worth it - I paid $105 CAN for 3 adults for a one-hour rental. I would also suggest doing the polar dip in Lake Louise. Yes, it is FREEZING, but it is so much fun!! You won’t be able to swim more than 30 seconds, but you will come out feeling rejuvenated. I went in when I was hungover (don’t judge me), and I swear it cured my hangover. Also, don’t forget to explore the Fairmont Chateau.
Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike at Lake Louise:
The Lake Agnes hike is a favourite of mine and a popular trail, but remember to bring your bug spray. You must also stop at the Lake Anges Teahouse for some tea and delicious snacks. The Teahouse is open from 8am-5pm and you can pay with CAD or USD cash; credit and debit is not accepted. The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete!
Moraine Lake:
Moraine Lake is absolute paradise and in my opinion it’s more spectacular than Lake Louise. When visiting it’s important to go early to avoid the large summer crowds as Moraine Lake is only open during the summer. Parks Canada will close the road to Moraine Lake when the parking lot reaches capacity (can last a few hours), thus I would recommend a sunrise or early morning visit. There’s many activities to do here including climbing the rock pile or hiking the trail to the lookout. If you didn’t get a chance to canoe at Lake Louise, I would suggest going here.
Peyto Lake:
Visiting Peyto Lake is highly recommended as the lookout is absolutely incredible. It is a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Banff. You won’t need to spend too much time here (I’d say no more than 30 minutes), as the lookout is a 10 minute walk from the parking lot.
Recommended Itinerary For Covering Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, & Peyto Lake
Plan your day as such:
Moraine Lake for sunrise or early morning
Canoe on Moraine Lake
Drive to Lake Louise and explore the area
Lake Anges Teahouse Hike
Head to Peyto Lake
*If you decide to do a day trip to Jasper (see my suggestion later on), I would save Peyto Lake for then as it is directly on the way to Jasper
Emerald Lake:
I suggest heading to Emerald Lake which is actually located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. It makes it fun to cross over into BC and Emerald Lake is really something special. Emerald Lake is only an hour and 8 minutes from Banff and you only need to visit for an hour or two here, but if you want to stay over night, there are accommodations options such as Emerald Lake Lodge.
Johnston Canyon:
Johnston Canyon is another tourist hotspot because it’s a quick 20 minute drive from downtown Banff and is family-friendly. It’s more of a walk rather than a hike as there are guided paths. Johnston Canyon is on my list of suggestions because of a beautiful hidden secret; you can explore a cave and get close to a magnificent waterfall. It’s located after the lower falls, and located close, but BEFORE the upper falls. You’ll need to go off the path and climb down a muddy wall. It’s hard to locate, so watch for others walking down or scope out of the big rock and waterfall in the photos. This view will be less crowded and more spectacular! You should allow roughly 2.5 hours to stop at both the lower and upper falls, as well as the hidden cave/waterfall.
Cascade Ponds:
I seriously LOVE visiting Cascade Ponds! That’s because it’s relatively tourist free and you get a stunning view of Cascade Mountain. It’s less than a 5 minute drive from downtown Banff and located right past the Trans-Canada Highway. There are picnic benches, cool bridges to cross the ponds, and beautiful scenery.
Lake Minnewanka:
After visiting Cascade Ponds, stop by Lake Minnewanka. It’s a 9 minute drive between the two locations and the drive is gorgeous. I actually had to stop my car one time as a massive grizzly bear walked directly in front of my car. On another trip to Lake Minnewanka, I saw a mama black bear grazing with her two cubs playing in the trees. Upon arrival to Lake Minnewanka there are plenty of places around the lake to explore away from the crowds. It’s a great place to relax by the water, take photos, enjoy a picnic, and even rent a boat or go on a boat cruise.
Johnson Lake:
This lake is one of the rare non-glacier fed lakes in Banff, which means you can go SWIMMING! The water is warmest in July and August. Families hangout and swim fairly close to the parking lot, but if you walk on either side of the lake for about 5-10 minutes, you’ll find where the locals hangout. There’s a rope swing on one of the trees that will take you back to your childhood! Once you park and walk towards the lake, turn right and walk around the lake for about 10 minutes. You’ll most likely hear or see people by the rope swing. Spending a few hours here can be fun and relaxing. Don’t forget snacks, some (alcoholic) beverages, and a football/volleyball/frisebee.
Banff Avenue:
You’ll want to explore Banff Ave. and hit the shops, enjoy some ice-cream or beaver tails, try some restaurants, and/or grab a drink on a rooftop patio. If you’re looking for a souvenir I would recommend Cool As A Moose on Banff Ave. as they have a fun and eclectic Banff themed clothing collection. There’s also a Roots store where they have an exclusive Banff Collection that you can only buy at this location.
Banff Farmer’s Market:
The Banff Farmers Market is SO much fun and a place I would visit every week when living in Banff. There are so many incredible and unique vendors; you can buy delicious food, tasty coffee (my favourite is from the Rocky Bean Co van), fresh fruit, flowers, jewelry, vegan ice cream, popsicles, plants, purses, soaps, lemonade, and much more. The market also has live music and tables to sit at to enjoy the great atmosphere.
Details
Location: West parking lot of Central Park
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday, May 24 - Oct 04
Surprise Corner:
The Surprise Corner has a stunning view of the Fairmont Banff Springs. This lookout is close to town. There isn’t a sign for the Surprise Corner, but there will be a little parking lot on the right hand side once you reach the destination. After parking, walk across the street to the stairs that lead to the viewing platform.
Fairmont Banff Springs:
I have never stayed overnight in the Banff Springs because of the price, although it is on my bucket list! If it is out of your budget, I still do recommend coming here for at least a couple of hours to explore! I love anything that looks like a castle and it has some fascinating history behind it. Legend has it the hotel is haunted, so I recommend reading up on the stories beforehand and then roaming around the property once you arrive on the grounds. Marilyn Monroe even stayed here. The Rundle Lounge has tasty food and drinks and it’s reasonably priced. The lounge is close to the balcony that overlooks the mountains, so be sure to check out the pretty view. The spa is *chefs kiss*.
Vermillion Lakes:
This spot is only a 5-10 minute drive from downtown. Turn left off Mt. Norquay Rd. onto Vermillion Lakes Rd. and drive for about 5 minutes until you find the docks. I would suggest coming here to watch a sunset (don’t forget a blanket, your camera, and some wine).
Mount Norquay:
Mount Norquay has a large opening with a grassy field; it’s a popular lookout for all of Banff. You can see Sulphur Mountain, Mount Rundle, Vermillion Lakes, and downtown Banff. I suggest renting mopeds from Snowtops Backtrax in town and driving them up there if you don’t already have a car. You’ll need to take Mt. Norquay Rd. past the Trans-Canada highway, drive up the mountain on a very windy road towards the Norquay ski area. If the Northern Lights are visible during your visit, I would recommend heading there to see them as it’s less crowded and it’s away from the light pollution, increasing the visibility of the Lights. I was lucky enough to see the Northern Lights in mid-May here, which is quite rare because they occur more frequently in the winter time. The lights can, however, be active in the summer so make sure to sign up to receive alerts once the Aurora becomes active by clicking here: Aurora Watch.
Day Trip To Jasper:
If you have enough time on your trip to spend a day driving from Banff to Jasper, make sure to go! It’s roughly a 3 hour drive one way, but I promise you, it will not disappoint. In my opinion, the best part is the spectacular drive along the Icefields Parkway. You’ll want to make many stops on the way, so give yourself extra time.
Here’s a list of stops form Banff:
Bow Lake - Take a look at the beautiful lake and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Peyto Lake
Big Hill & Big Bend - a nice lookout
Columbia Icefield
Athabasca Falls
While you are in Jasper, here are a few things to do or see:
Jasper Skytrax
Edge of The World - Located on Marmot Basin Rd., at the last bend just before the Marmot gates - there is no official parking. It is under a 5 minute walk to the edge
6 Glaciers Helicopter Tour - a 20 minute ride for $195
Walk around town and grab a bite
Get ice-cream from Grandma’s Place
*Driving Home: I would avoid driving from Jasper to Banff in the dark because it’s a 3 hour drive with no cell service and no street lights. This can be scary especially with so much wildlife in the area. During the summer, the sun sets pretty late (sometimes as late as 10pm), so just make sure to check your weather app while planning timing.
Things To Do In Canmore:
Grassi Lakes Hike/Trail - I suggest this quick and easy hike
Hangout at Quarry Lake - you can go swimming, have a picnic, and there’s even an off-leash dog park
Grab lunch or dinner at Rocky Mountain Flatbread - the pizza here is DELICIOUS! It’s always busy here for good reason, so you may have to wait a bit, but I’ve never waited more than 20 minutes
Hikes:
I decided not to give too many suggestions for hikes, only because there are so many places to go hiking in Banff that all vary in length, difficulty, distance, elevation, route type, etc. There are many websites that list hikes and give you all the information you need. For a trail condition report, be sure to check out the Parks Canada page. I would suggest bringing bear spray and/or a bear bell during hikes, as I have encountered a grizzly bear on trail, which is obviously terrifying and something you should be prepared for.
Restaurants:
Many come to Banff for the nature, but let me tell you, there are some amazing restaurants in Banff.
Burgers: Eddie Burger Bar
Pizza: High Rollers or Bear Street Tavern
Mexican: Magpie & Stump
Steak: Saltlik or Chuck’s Steakhouse
Vegetarian/Vegan: Nourish Bistro
Brunch: Juniper Hotel Bistro or Tooloulous
Sushi: Banff Sushi House - the sushi is delivered on toy trains
Rooftop Patios:
Elk & Oarsman Kitchen & Bar
El Patio (Magpie & Stump’s open-air rooftop taco bar)
Rose & Crown
Bars:
High Rollers: this is where I worked while living in Banff. High Rollers has New York-style pizza, 48 craft beers on tap, a bowling alley, fishbowl cocktails, and live DJs some evenings
The Devil’s Gap
Rose & Crown
Wild Bill’s
Hoo Doo Lounge & Nightclub
Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub
Dancing Sasquatch
For food & drink daily specials, check out Taxi Mike’s Guide to Restaurant Specials in Banff.
Thank you for taking the time to read my extended travel guide. Feel free to pass it along to any of your friends or family who will be visiting Banff in the future. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions!
Banff holds a special place in my heart, so I truly hope these recommendations will help you while plan the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy your time in The Canadian Rockies!
-Monica Healy