Discover the incomparable beauty of Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. At 6,641 square kilometers, its vast expanse is filled with dramatic panoramas of rugged peaks, emerald lakes and magical glaciers. From soothing hot springs and gondola rides to hiking trails and scenic drives, the park is a year-round playground for explorers. In winter, the park is a wonderland for snow sports with world-class skiing. In Banff National Park, you are guaranteed a Canadian wilderness experience you will always remember.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: Banff National Park is within easy reach, just 130 kilometers (80 miles) west of Calgary. Fly into Calgary International Airport and rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.
• Getting Around: Because of the park's size, cars are a convenient option for flexibility. However, public transportation, including buses and shuttles, is readily available to fight congestion and be more environmentally friendly and can get you to most major attractions.
• Where to Stay: A wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, cabins, and campgrounds, are available in and around the park. Accommodations fill up quickly during the high season, so book in advance.
• How Long to Visit: Plan at least three days to enjoy the park's highlights, but stay a week if you want to explore the vast wilderness in more depth and enjoy a greater variety of activities.
• When to Visit: Banff National Park is breathtaking all year round. Summer (June to August) is ideal for hiking and lake activities, while winter (December to March) is perfect for skiing. Visit in the fall for a beautiful display of fall colors or in the spring to witness the blooming flowers.
• Safety: Bring bear spray and research other measures to enjoy the wilderness safely.
• Similar Destinations: Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park and Kootenay National Park offer similar wilderness experiences in the Canadian Rockies.

Highlights:

The Lakes:

Lakes are a significant highlight of Banff National Park, each with a unique charm. The park's most famous is Lake Louise, with emerald waters set against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and a grand chateau. Stroll on one of the shoreline boardwalks, or hike the lakeside trails. Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is just as beautiful but less well-known. Fed by glaciers, the lake is a stunning turquoise that changes in intensity during the summer months as the glaciers melt. The nearby Rockpile Trail is one of the most iconic views in Canada - so iconic that it once was featured on the nation's twenty-dollar bill. The smaller Lake Agnes has a more intimate setting and tranquil ambiance. The trail leading to it takes you through lush greenery, and the teahouse at the end of the trail gives the place a quaint, historic feel. Try their famous mountain berry tea while enjoying the serene lake views. You can take a scenic boat cruise on the largest lake in the park, Lake Minnewanka. These cruises set you on a journey around the lake, telling stories of the region's native history while showcasing the mountainous landscape. Finally, Two Jack Lake offers a kayaking experience. The calm waters of this lake, paired with stunning sunrise or sunset views, create an unforgettable paddling trip.

Scenic Drives:

The Scenic Drives through Banff National Park show you the grandeur of nature, with each bend and turn revealing a different scenic facet of the park. One such iconic drive is the Icefields Parkway. Considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, this 232-kilometer (144-mile) highway connects Lake Louise to Jasper. You will pass soaring mountains, sweeping valleys, thundering waterfalls and wildlife along the way. Stop about halfway through the drive and discover the Columbia Icefields. Join an Ice Field Explorer tour to experience the ancient ice of the Athabasca Glacier up close. This colossal river of ice was formed during the Ice Age and will leave you in awe of nature's power and endurance.

Another drive worth mentioning is the Bow Valley Parkway, which takes you alongside the Bow River. One of its main highlights is Johnston Canyon. Its well-maintained trails lead you past cascading waterfalls, overhanging rock paths and finally to the colorful mineral springs known as the Ink Pots. The diverse scenery and the opportunity to explore it closely make this a must-do in Banff National Park.

Hiking:

The hiking in Banff National Park is legendary. Fairview Lookout Trail, though short, reveals sweeping views of Lake Louise and the magnificent Fairmont Chateau. On a clear day, the reflections on the water and the majestic glaciers in the distance make for a spectacular scene. The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail combines forest, lake, and water views with the park's icy giants. At its end sits another picturesque teahouse, which is the It's the perfect place to refuel while taking in the grandeur of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. On the Sundance Canyon Trail, you can experience another facet of Banff's wilderness as you hike through a lush forest and along a bubbling creek. The path passes cascading waterfalls and finally leads into Sundance Canyon.

Banff:

Banff, the only town within the national park, is a picturesque settlement that maintains its alpine charm. Besides being the starting point for countless outdoor activities, Banff has two major attractions: the Banff Gondola and the Upper Hot Springs. The Banff Gondola provides an exhilarating ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you can admire the surrounding mountain ranges, the Bow River and the town itself. Then, take a dip in the Upper Hot Springs, located on the same mountain, with steamy, mineral-rich waters ideal for a relaxing soak, especially in the winter months.

Skiing:

When winter covers Banff in a blanket of snow, the park turns into a skiing paradise. Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of the premier ski destinations in North America. Its slopes cater to all skill levels, from beginner green runs to expert black diamond trails. Even in the summer, the resort doesn't lose its charm. The ski gondola transforms into a sightseeing lift, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, forests and mesmerizing Lake Louise.