Banff National Park

Canada's oldest national park featuring dramatic Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. It's essential for hiking, scenic drives, and experiencing pristine wilderness that defines the Canadian Rockies.

Things to do

• Lake Louise Hiking — Explore turquoise glacial waters and surrounding peaks via trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging alpine routes.
• Moraine Lake Scenic Drive — Drive to this iconic emerald lake nestled in the Valley of Ten Peaks, offering stunning photography and moderate hiking options.
• Bow Falls Walk — A short, accessible trail leading to the powerful waterfall where the Bow River cascades over a limestone cliff.
• Icefields Parkway Drive — Travel the scenic 93 North highway connecting Banff to Jasper, featuring pullouts at Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and Crowfoot Glacier.
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola — Ride the chairlift to the summit for panoramic Rocky Mountain views and access to the historic Banff Springs Hotel viewpoint.
• Horseback Riding Tours — Experience the Rockies on horseback through meadows and forests with guided outfitters operating throughout the park.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs — Soak in naturally heated mineral waters surrounded by forest while gazing at mountain vistas.

Food to try

• Alberta Beef Steaks — Savor premium locally-raised beef prepared at upscale restaurants like The Maple Leaf or Coyotes Deli & Grill throughout Banff townsite.
• Wild Game Dishes — Try locally-sourced venison, elk, or bison featured on menus at fine dining establishments celebrating Rocky Mountain heritage.
• Trout from Local Streams — Fresh Canadian Rocky Mountain trout, often pan-seared or grilled, appears on menus at lakeside lodges and restaurants.
• Bannock Bread — Sample this traditional Indigenous flatbread, sometimes served with local berry jams or as part of cultural food experiences.
• Mountain Picnics — Pack provisions from local shops to enjoy lakeside dining with views of glacial peaks and alpine scenery.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Wildlife Distances — Keep at least 100 meters from most animals and 25 meters from smaller wildlife; never feed animals as it endangers both visitors and creatures.
• Leave No Trace Ethic — Pack out all waste, stay on marked trails, and avoid picking plants or disturbing natural features to preserve the wilderness for future visitors.
• Check Weather and Road Conditions — Mountain weather changes rapidly and some roads close seasonally; always verify current conditions with Parks Canada before traveling, especially in winter.
• Indigenous Land Acknowledgment — Banff sits on traditional territories of the Stoney Nakota, Kainaiwa/Bloodline, and Tsuu T'ina peoples; respectfully learn about their ongoing connection to the land.