The Ultimate Guide to Banff National Park: Best Sights, Trails, and Waterfalls
- Dre
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is one of the world’s most spectacular natural destinations. As Canada’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff is celebrated for its turquoise lakes, towering peaks, abundant wildlife, and a trail network that seems to lead straight into a postcard.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, planning a scenic road trip, or hiking through alpine meadows, Banff offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the best sights, hiking trails, and waterfalls in Banff National Park, along with useful tips and estimated travel costs.
Getting to Banff National Park
Banff is easily accessible from Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive away. Shuttle services like Brewster Express, car rentals, or guided tours are popular options.
Car rental: CAD $60–$120 per day
Shuttle from Calgary: CAD $70–$90 one-way
Parks Canada Pass: CAD $10.50/day per adult, or CAD $21 for a family/group
Top Sights in Banff National Park
1. Lake Louise
Arguably Banff’s most iconic destination, Lake Louise is famous for its emerald green waters and glacier backdrop.
What to do: Rent a canoe in the summer (CAD $145/hr), skate on the frozen lake in winter, or hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House.
Best time to visit: June–September for water activities; December–March for snow sports.
2. Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is a stunning glacially-fed lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. It’s often considered even more beautiful than Lake Louise.
Access update: As of 2023, the road to Moraine Lake is closed to personal vehicles. Book a shuttle or guided tour.
Activities: Sunrise photography, short hikes like the Rockpile Trail, and canoeing.
3. Banff Townsite
The charming town of Banff is more than just a base for adventuring. You'll find museums, cafes, local shops, and hot springs.
Don’t miss: Banff Upper Hot Springs (CAD $17.50), the Banff Park Museum, and the Banff Avenue boutiques.
4. Lake Minnewanka
A large glacial lake just minutes from Banff, Lake Minnewanka offers boat cruises, shoreline trails, and picnic spots.
Boat tour: CAD $65/person for 1 hour
Activities: Biking, hiking, and spotting bighorn sheep.
5. Sulphur Mountain & Banff Gondola
Take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Bow Valley.
Gondola cost: CAD $65–$75 per adult
Optional: Hike the 5.5 km trail to the summit if you’d rather save money and get a workout.
Best Hiking Trails in Banff National Park
Banff is home to hundreds of hiking trails, ranging from easy scenic loops to full-day backcountry adventures.
1. Johnston Canyon Trail
Distance: 5.2 km round trip to Upper Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Suspended walkways, waterfalls, and shaded forest paths. Very family-friendly.
2. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
Distance: 13.8 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Begins at Lake Louise and ends with glacier views and a cozy tea house.
3. Tunnel Mountain Trail
Distance: 4.5 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Short hike from Banff town with sweeping views of the Bow River Valley.
4. Larch Valley / Sentinel Pass
Distance: 11.6 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights: Golden larch trees in fall, alpine meadows, and stunning mountain views.
5. Sunshine Meadows
Access: Via shuttle from Sunshine Village
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Why go: Often called one of the best alpine meadow hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
Top Waterfalls in Banff National Park
Banff’s waterfalls range from towering cascades to gentle mountain streams. Here are some of the most picturesque:
1. Bow Falls
Location: Just outside Banff town
Accessibility: Easy walk from Banff Avenue
Tip: Visit early morning for fewer crowds
2. Johnston Canyon Upper and Lower Falls
Feature: Boardwalks and bridges bring you close to the falls
Photo tip: Try long-exposure shots early or late in the day
3. Silverton Falls
Distance: 1.8 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Near Castle Junction, this lesser-known gem is perfect for a quiet stop
4. Takkakaw Falls (technically in nearby Yoho National Park)
Height: One of the tallest waterfalls in Canada at 373 meters
Distance: Just a short detour from Lake Louise (30 minutes by car)
Wildlife Watching in Banff
Banff is a wildlife-rich park, home to animals like elk, grizzly bears, moose, bighorn sheep, and even wolves.
Tips: Visit early morning or near dusk for the best chances of sightings.
Safety: Always carry bear spray and give wildlife space (at least 30 meters for most animals, 100 meters for bears).
Best Time to Visit Banff
Season | Highlights | Considerations |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | Hiking, canoeing, wildflowers | Busy, higher accommodation prices |
Fall (Sep–Oct) | Larch trees, fewer tourists | Cool weather, trails may close |
Winter (Nov–Mar) | Skiing, snowshoeing, festive lights | Cold weather, but magical snowy scenes |
Spring (Apr–May) | Wildlife sightings, shoulder season | Snow lingers on higher trails |
Where to Stay in Banff
Budget:
HI Banff Alpine Centre: Dorms from CAD $45/night
Mid-range:
Banff Caribou Lodge: Around CAD $180–$250/night
Luxury:
Fairmont Banff Springs: CAD $500–$800+/night, iconic “castle in the Rockies”
Estimated Costs for 2 People (3 Days in Banff)
Item | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
Accommodation (Mid-range) | $600–$750 |
Parks Canada Pass | $63 |
Meals (3 days) | $300–$450 |
Activities (e.g., Gondola, canoe rental) | $200–$350 |
Transportation (Car rental + gas) | $300–$400 |
Total | $1,463–$2,013 |
Pro Tips for Visiting Banff
Book early: Accommodations and shuttles sell out quickly in summer.
Start early: Parking lots at Lake Louise and trailheads fill up by 7–8 a.m.
Use Roam Transit: Affordable public transit in the Banff area.
Layer up: Mountain weather changes fast—bring waterproof gear even in summer.
Final Thoughts
Banff National Park is a place where nature truly takes center stage. From reflective lakes to breathtaking trails and majestic waterfalls, this park offers endless opportunities to connect with the great outdoors. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the beauty of Banff never gets old.
Stay tuned for our follow-up guide to Jasper National Park, another gem of Alberta with its own unforgettable highlights.