A Banff Vacation for Magnificent Mountain Views
One of the most gorgeous places to go in Canada is Banff National Park with is its magnificent mountain views. When arriving on a Banff vacation, most opt to fly into Calgary and drive the Trans-Canada Highway. Along the drive to the park, you will closely follow the National Pacific Railway across Canada and into the Canadian Rockies. Either way, as you leave the rolling hills leading to the Rocky Mountains, the road and railway wind through the Bow Valley following the Bow River lined with pine trees and majestic snow top mountains on either side.
The town of Canmore
One of the first established areas you come to is the beautiful town of Canmore. This is a great place to stay for the night or just stop for a bite to eat. Canmor’s main street is lined with restaurants, quaint coffee shops, and outdoor supply shops. The town is surrounded by many walking trails with views of the Three Sister’s Mountain peaks and other mountains ranges. Bikes and kayaks are available to rent in the summer. Downhill and cross-country skis are available to rent in the winter
Visit Banff for a Banff vacation
Drive further through the valley and you will come to the delightful town of Banff. The town is the cornerstone of the Banff National Park because of the historical significance of the Banff Springs hotel, one of two premier hotels in the area. The Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise Hotels were built shortly after the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed, in the late 1800s. The railway and hotels were designed to bring tourism to Banff National Park. Both hotels are owned and operated by the Fairmont luxury brand and are extravagant places to stay. They both feature enticing spas and top of the line restaurants and other fabulouse options for your Banff vacation.
Banff, like Canmore, has plenty of restaurants and shopping along Banff Ave in the main part town. Surrounding the town there are plenty of walking and hiking trails along Bow River, Bow Falls, and up Tunnel Mountain. A short drive from the city center will bring you to the Banff Gondola where you can take a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to see majestic mountain views, tour the museum, and have lunch in one of the two restaurants. To explore further around Banff, there are bikes, canoe, and kayak rentals available.
Explore Johnston Canyon during your Banff vacation
If you are up to a little driving, there is plenty more to see further down the Trans-Canada Highway. Johnston Canyon is a great place to bring the family and hike to the Lower Falls. Hike further up to the Upper Falls to see the Ink Pots, pools of green colored mineral springs, in an open meadow nearby. Although the cascading ice and water may be impressive in the winter months, bear in mind the path near the falls may be icy.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with clear blue-green water from glacial run-off, are not too far apart. Both have magnificent glacial views, waterfalls, and rock formations. There are plenty of hiking and walking trails open through-out the peak seasons (May to October). The fabulous Chateau Lake Louise Hotel is also worth a walk through during your Banff vacation. Keep in mind, Moraine Lake is closed for the winter (October to late May) because of the heavy snowfall and the avalanche risk. Lake Louise may have limited trail access during the same time frame.
Take a ride to the Glaciers
Although there are many glaciers in the area, a must-see is the Columbia Icefields. The Columbia Icefields are the largest icefields in the Canadian Rockies. They feature six glaciers that are surrounded by the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies. Tour options include a walk on the most popular glacier, Athabasca Glacier, after a short ride in an all-terrain ice explorer bus.
Conclusion
Dress warm and bring your hiking boots! Not only can you enjoy the magnificant views during a Banff vacation, but you can hike and explore the surrounding towns for other scenic views of waterfalls and glaciers.
Do you need help packing? Check out our 10 Vacation Packing Hacks.
Looks like a wonderful trip idea! Beautiful pictures. What time of year is best to go to miss crowds but still get good weather?
Hi Karen!
I would suggest traveling to Banff in late May through the end of August. I am not sure you can help the crowds, but there can still be snow and the potential for avalanches as late as May. Most activities open up in late May or early June.
Great article!