Top 10 Must-See Spots in Banff National Park

Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 6,500 square kilometers of mountainous terrain, crystal-clear lakes, glaciers, ice fields, and dense forests, it's no wonder Banff attracts millions of visitors each year from around the globe.

As experienced guides who've spent countless days exploring every corner of this magnificent park, we're excited to share our insider knowledge of the 10 must-see spots that should be on every visitor's itinerary. While some are well-known landmarks, others are hidden treasures that many tourists miss.

1. Lake Louise

Often referred to as the "Jewel of the Rockies," Lake Louise is arguably Banff's most famous attraction. The emerald-colored water, surrounded by towering mountains and the majestic Victoria Glacier in the background, creates a scene that appears almost too perfect to be real.

While at Lake Louise, consider hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers trail (13.8 km round trip), which takes you to a charming tea house with panoramic views of multiple glaciers. During winter, the lake transforms into one of the most scenic ice skating rinks in the world.

2. Moraine Lake

Though smaller than Lake Louise, Moraine Lake's intense blue color and the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks backdrop make it equally breathtaking. The distinctive blue hue comes from rock flour (fine rock particles) carried into the lake by glacial melt.

The view of Moraine Lake from the Rockpile Trail is so iconic that it once appeared on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill. This short but steep trail takes only about 15-20 minutes to climb and rewards you with what many consider the most spectacular vista in all of the Canadian Rockies.

3. Johnston Canyon

An engineering marvel of catwalks and bridges, Johnston Canyon offers an accessible yet adventurous journey along a deep canyon carved by Johnston Creek. The trail leads to two main attractions: the Lower Falls (1.1 km from the trailhead) and the Upper Falls (2.7 km from the trailhead).

The Lower Falls feature a tunnel through the canyon wall that leads to a viewing platform mere meters from the rushing water. The Upper Falls, nearly 30 meters high, are equally impressive and offer two viewing platforms—one at the base and another at the top of the falls.

4. Peyto Lake

Shaped like a fox and colored an intense turquoise blue, Peyto Lake offers one of the most photographed views in the Canadian Rockies. Located along the Icefields Parkway about 40 km north of Lake Louise, the lake is best viewed from Bow Summit, the highest point on the parkway.

A short paved trail (approximately 15 minutes each way) leads from the parking area to a wooden viewing platform that overlooks the lake. The vibrant blue color, particularly intense in July and August when glacial melt is at its peak, creates a stark contrast against the surrounding green forests and grey mountains.

5. Bow Lake

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Bow Lake offers equally stunning scenery without the crowds. As one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park, it sits at the base of Bow Glacier and serves as the headwaters of the Bow River, which flows through Banff and eventually Calgary.

The historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, with its distinctive red roof, stands on the northern shore and provides a picturesque foreground for photographs. For the adventurous, the Bow Glacier Falls Trail (approximately 9 km round trip) leads from the lodge to an impressive waterfall cascading from the Wapta Icefield.

6. Vermilion Lakes

Located just a five-minute drive from the town of Banff, the Vermilion Lakes provide some of the most accessible natural beauty in the park. A series of three shallow lakes, they offer spectacular reflections of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

The Vermilion Lakes Road runs alongside the lakes, with numerous pullouts for photography and wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, beavers, and a variety of bird species that frequent these wetlands.

7. Lake Minnewanka

At 21 km long, Lake Minnewanka ("Lake of the Water Spirits" in the local indigenous language) is the longest lake in the mountain parks of the Canadian Rockies. Located just 15 minutes from the town of Banff, it offers activities ranging from scenic cruises to scuba diving—the latter allowing visitors to explore the submerged remains of Minnewanka Landing, a resort town flooded in 1941 when a dam was built.

The Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail follows the northern shore of the lake, with the first 3 km offering relatively easy hiking and spectacular views. More ambitious hikers can continue all the way to the far end of the lake (approximately 20 km one way).

8. Sulphur Mountain

For panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding mountains, a trip to the summit of Sulphur Mountain is a must. While the Banff Gondola offers a comfortable 8-minute ride to the top, hiking enthusiasts can take the Sulphur Mountain Trail, a 5.5 km trek with numerous switchbacks that gains 655 meters in elevation.

At the summit, a boardwalk leads to Sanson's Peak, named after Norman Sanson, who hiked to the summit to take weather readings for 30 years. The summit complex features interactive exhibits, multiple dining options, and a 360-degree observation deck with truly spectacular views.

9. Bow Falls

Just a 15-minute walk from downtown Banff, Bow Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in the park, but its width and the dramatic setting where the Bow River cascades down a natural drop make it an impressive sight. The falls have appeared in several films, including the 1953 Marilyn Monroe movie "River of No Return."

Multiple viewpoints allow visitors to admire the falls from different angles, and the surrounding area offers easy walking trails along the river. The falls are particularly impressive during the spring runoff in May and June when the water volume is at its highest.

10. Sunshine Meadows

Often described as the most beautiful alpine setting in the Canadian Rockies, Sunshine Meadows offers a unique opportunity to experience high-alpine terrain without strenuous hiking. Located at the Sunshine Village ski resort, the meadows are accessible via a shuttle bus during the summer months (late June to late September).

Once there, a network of trails meanders through vast meadows exploding with wildflowers in July and August. The trails offer views of three pristine alpine lakes (Rock Isle Lake, Larix Lake, and Grizzly Lake) and stunning mountain vistas, including Mt. Assiniboine, "the Matterhorn of the Rockies."

Planning Your Visit to Banff National Park

Banff National Park is open year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm. Summer (June-August) brings warm temperatures and peak accessibility to most attractions, while fall (September-October) offers fewer crowds and spectacular foliage. Winter (November-April) transforms the park into a snowy wonderland ideal for skiing and ice activities, and spring (May-early June) features rushing waterfalls and emerging wildlife.

To truly experience the best of Banff, we recommend a minimum stay of 3-4 days, though a week would allow you to explore at a more leisurely pace and venture into the neighboring parks of Yoho and Kootenay.