Banff National Park: Must-See Stops, Hikes, and Gorgeous Views

Banff National Park is one of Canada’s most breathtaking destinations, filled with gorgeous peaks, turquoise lakes, and endless adventures.

Whether you’re road-tripping in an RV, car, or bike, this guide will help you plan your Banff adventure. We’ll cover the top scenic stops, hiking trails, campgrounds, and practical tips like permits, parking, and the best times to visit.

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Banff National Park: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Before visiting the park, it’s important to understand the basics of visiting Banff National Park. Anyone visiting the park must purchase a Parks Canada Pass, available daily or the annual Discovery Pass, to access all Canadian national parks. The Discovery Pass is worth the investment if you plan multiple visits or an extended stay.

Fun in Banff National Park

Parks Canada has added red chairs in scenic locations throughout all the parks. These iconic Adirondack chairs offer a perfect relaxing place to enjoy the stunning views and can be found in numerous spots throughout the park.

For families traveling with children, Banff’s Xplorers Club and Activity Booklet provide a fun and educational way to engage with the park. This booklet is available at Parks Canada visitor centers and includes interactive challenges designed to teach kids about Banff’s wildlife, history, and natural features. Once they complete the activities, they can receive a souvenir and certificate to commemorate their time in the park. It’s a great way to entertain kids while helping them learn about the natural world.

Making Reservations & Getting Around

Banff is a highly popular destination, so planning is key to making the most of your trip. Banff campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so book your reservations in advance. A backcountry permit is required if you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry.

For those looking to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, remember that parking is minimal, and the Parks Canada shuttle system is the best way to reach these destinations during peak season. Visitors are encouraged to book shuttle spots in advance, as they fill up quickly. Private vehicles can no longer access Moraine Lake, making the shuttle the only way to reach it.

The Banff Legacy Trail

The Banff Legacy Trail is an option for those who prefer to explore Banff on a bicycle. This paved pathway is 22.3 kilometers, connecting the Bow Valley Parkway to the Banff Park East Gate. From there, it extends an additional 4.5 kilometers to Canmore. It’s an easy ride for cyclists of all skill levels, with just a 30-meter elevation gain.

Exploring the Town of Banff

Banff is more than just a gateway to the national park—it’s a destination worth exploring on its own. Banff Town sits in the heart of Banff National Park, surrounded by stunning peaks, vibrant wildlife, and rich history. You can enjoy shopping, dining, hiking, or soaking in the area’s history (literally in Hot Springs)— Banff has something for everyone.

With over four million visitors yearly, Banff can get crowded, especially on weekends. For a quieter experience, plan your visit between Monday and Thursday.

Parking in town can also be challenging, but you can avoid parking fees by using the free parking at the Train Station and enjoying a short five-minute walk to Banff Avenue. You can also take transit from Calgary to Banff, making it easy to explore without worrying about finding a parking space. The heart of the town, Banff Avenue, is lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, with the backdrop of mountain views.

The Banff Visitor Centre has maps, hiking recommendations, and park updates. The rangers can also provide valuable insights on trail conditions, wildlife safety, and the best spots to explore based on the season.

Where to Stay in RV: Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court

Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court is a great option if you’re looking for an RV park close to town. The campground will accommodate trailers and larger RVs and has full hookups, mountain views, and access to biking and hiking trails. A bus service can take visitors into town, making it easy to explore without driving.

The campground features 321 trailer sites with electricity (15/30 amps), water, and sewage hookups. Additional amenities include showers, flush toilets, and shared double sites. However, campfires are not permitted here. Its popularity makes reservations essential.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site: Where Banff Began

In 1883, railway workers Frank McCabe and brothers Tom and William McCardell stumbled upon thermal springs bubbling from the slopes of Sulphur Mountain. This discovery led to the establishment of Canada’s first national park and, ultimately, Banff National Park itself. Today, visitors can explore the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where it all began.

Plan for 2-3 hours to fully experience the site, including the gift shop, interpretive exhibits, and surrounding boardwalk trails. If you’re short on time, guided tours like the Cave and Basics Tour offer a quick introduction to the highlights. The Natural History Tour dives deeper into the region’s unique geothermal features and ecosystem.

Several boardwalk trails offer stunning views and fascinating glimpses into Banff’s natural history for those looking to explore the area on foot. This short walk above the bathing pavilion leads to the cave vent and the site of the former hotel. Along the way, you’ll see two smaller springs bubbling from the mountainside and pools filled with pink bacteria, white and green algae, small fish, and insects.

The Lower Boardwalk extends below the main building, providing a deeper look into the area’s natural history. It’s an easy and scenic way to explore the thermal springs and surrounding landscape.

This 2.6 km loop encircles a wetland from Sulphur Mountain’s lower slopes fed by hot springs. It’s a peaceful, scenic trail where visitors can spot wildlife, birds, and horses.

Lake Minnewanka—Banff’s Hidden Gem with a Sunken Past

Just ten minutes from Banff Avenue, Lake Minnewanka is the park’s largest lake, stretching 21 kilometers long and 142 meters deep. It’s a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and water activities, and it also plays a key role in powering Banff with hydroelectric energy.

In 1886, the shoreline became home to The Beach House, a log hotel that led to the growth of a resort town with cottages, hotels, and sailing tours. As electricity demand rose, the Calgary Power Co. built a dam in 1912, partially flooding the town. In 1941, a second dam fully submerged the resort, permanently altering the lake.

While the resort may be gone from the surface, it hasn’t disappeared completely. Thanks to the cold glacial waters, much of the town remains remarkably well-preserved underwater, making Lake Minnewanka a one-of-a-kind dive site. Each year, divers visit the lake to explore the submerged remnants of the old town, including building foundations, bridges, and relics from the past.

Bow Valley Parkway an Alternative to Highway 1

For a more scenic drive, skip the Trans-Canada Highway and take the Bow Valley Parkway instead. This beautiful stretch between Banff and Lake Louise runs through the Bow Valley.

It’s a much slower and quieter route than the main highway, making it perfect for sightseeing, photography, and a more immersive experience in nature.

Vermilion Lakes is one of the first stops along the Parkway, just west of Banff. These three interconnected lakes sit in the Bow River Valley at the base of Mount Norquay, creating a stunning reflection of the mountains in the water. Another highlight is Johnston Canyon, one of Banff’s most famous and accessible hikes.

Finally, Morant’s Curve is a must-visit for photographers. This famous railway bend offers stunning views of the Bow River with a backdrop of towering peaks, especially when a Canadian Pacific Railway train winds through the curve. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Banff, and timing your visit to catch a train makes for an unforgettable shot.

Exploring the Lake Louise Area

The Lake Louise Area is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. With its turquoise waters, towering peaks, and glaciers, it’s one of the most photographed places in the world. Moraine Lake offers a stunning setting just a short distance away with its famous Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most popular destinations in Banff, which means planning is essential. Lake Louise fills up quickly in peak season, so it’s best to arrive before 7 AM if you’re driving.

Moraine Lake has even stricter access regulations. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round, meaning you must book a Parks Canada shuttle.

The Icefields Parkway

For those heading north from Banff, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is an absolute must. Often ranked as one of the most scenic drives in the world, this stretch of highway winds through glacier-carved valleys, towering peaks, and pristine alpine lakes, making every turn more breathtaking than the last. If you’re road-tripping through Banff National Park, this is a drive you don’t want to miss.

Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier sit right off the highway, offering a stunning, mirror-like lake framed by rugged mountain peaks. Just a short drive further is Peyto Lake Viewpoint, where a quick hike leads to one of the most iconic views in Banff—a turquoise lake shaped like a wolf’s head.

Another must-see is Mistaya Canyon, a quick and easy hike to a deep, narrow gorge with rushing glacial waters carving through the limestone rock. These stops are just a glimpse of what the Icefields Parkway offers, making it a journey you’ll want to take your time with.

For a deeper dive into this incredible drive, check out our Icefields Parkway guide at thefaiolas.com/136 and thefaiolas.com/137.

Wildlife in Banff

One of the best parts of exploring Banff is spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. With over 260 species of birds and various large mammals, you never know what you might see while hiking, driving, or simply relaxing at a viewpoint.

Both grizzly bears and black bears call Banff home, and their movements shift with the seasons. Large mammals, like moose, elk, wolves, cougars, and bighorn sheep, also roam the park. Elk, in particular, are common sightings, but they can be aggressive during rutting season (late August to mid-October) and when protecting their calves (mid-May to early July). If you see one, admire it from a safe distance to avoid unwanted encounters.

You may notice wildlife bridges and tunnels along the highway through Banff. These animal crossings help wildlife safely cross major roads without disrupting their migration patterns—or putting motorists at risk.

Scenic Drives, Iconic Lakes, and Wildlife Encounters

Banff National Park offers unforgettable landscapes, wildlife encounters, and endless opportunities for adventure. From the scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway to the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, every stop showcases the natural beauty and history of the Canadian Rockies.

Have you explored Banff? We’d love to hear your favorite spots, memorable wildlife sightings, or travel tips! Leave us a voice message below and share your adventure.