Banff National Park — Attraction in Alberta

My husband and I went to Banff with our toddler 9/18-25/24. It was chilly, and in the mornings, it sometimes got to below freezing. I wore leggings, a t-shirt, and a heavy fleece jacket with a beanie and it was enough to keep me warm! Wear layers so you can peel off as you hike. We wore trail runners and those were adequate for hiking. We stayed in Canmore and drove into Banff, which really wasn’t too far.

*NOTE: Get a bus pass to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. We weren’t able to get the Parks Canada shuttle, so we went with a private company, Fairview Limousine Shuttle. It was CA$25 for Lake Louise and CA$35 for Moraine Lake per person, but if you wanted to do sunrise, it was like 3x the price. We did the shuttle to Moraine Lake at 7:15 am, so we got there just after sunrise, at 7:45. It was so cloudy that day that being there for sunrise wouldn’t have been worth it anyway.

Thursday, 9/19 Peyto Lake (.8 miles total) - Got there at 1:30 pm, there were enough parking spots. Took less than 30 minutes total, including stopping for pics. Stay on the trail! The trees are incredible and smell amazing!! Absolutely stunning views. They have toilets with no running water in the parking lot. Bow Lake - Walked around a bit, didn’t really hike. We heard there’s a nice hike, which we would’ve done if we hadn’t started so late in the day! Mistaya Canyon (.7 miles total) - Took 20 minutes, pretty!!

Friday, 9/20 Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls (3.4 miles total) - Got there at 8 am on a rainy and cold day, so there was plenty of parking. By the time we got down at 10:40, parking lot was full. Bathrooms with running water at the start. Because it was rainy and cold, the trail was almost empty. Very pretty! Took us a little over 2 hours, including stopping for lunch. We would’ve loved to do Ink Pots, but the toddler was cranky. Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park - Got there at noon and it was packed, had to park far away. Stroller-friendly boardwalk. Amazing views. Little cafe and bathrooms without running water. We were there for about 30 minutes, but there are plenty of trails if you choose to hike! Natural Bridge - Got there at 1 pm, found a parking spot. Bathrooms without running water. Quick stop, very cool.

Saturday, 9/21 Tunnel Mountain Summit from Upper Parking Lot (2.6 miles total) - At 8:45 am, plenty of parking. Very cold—below freezing. Took us 50 minutes to get up with stops and pictures, spent 30 minutes at the top but it was just so cold. Took us less than 30 min to get down. The elevation gain was challenging. Two Jack Lake - Very pretty viewpoint! Go down the gravel path and look on either side for lovely views. Lake Minnewanka - Eh, skip it. Johnson Lake - Plenty of parking at 12:45 pm. Easy hike around the lake. Not worth it.

Sunday, 9/22 Took Fairview Limousine Shuttle to Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake: Rockpile Trail (.8 km loop): Got to the lake at 7:45 and the shuttle left at 9 which was more than enough time. Quick walk up to take pics, hung out up there to pass the time until the bus came back. Lake Louise: Lake Agnes Tea House Trail (3.4 km one way): Lake Louise was STUNNING. Completely uphill hike to tea house with stairs at the end. We stopped a lot of times and drank a lot of water. Took 1:15 on the way up. Lake Agnes was fine, but nothing compared to Lake Louise. Spent about an hour at the tea house, the wait really wasn’t that long. Got tea, vegetable soup, biscuits, a cookie bar. Took an hour to get down. Much easier going down, but hard on the knees.

Monday, 9/23 Hoodoos - Fine, pretty short. We followed the sign someone had written on and didn’t go past where the trail ended because there were. no views past it. If you don’t have time, this is fine to skip. Bow River - We stopped at the Bow Falls Viewpoint for a picnic lunch. It was so peaceful. We didn’t do the trails, but I’m sure it would’ve been lovely. Even just stopping there for lunch was so nice. Highly recommend!

Banff was incredible....

The park is characterized by rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, dense forests, alpine meadows, and turquoise-blue lakes. It is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Banff is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, wolves, and mountain goats. Visitors often have the chance to spot these animals in their natural habitat.

Popular activities in the park include hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and fishing.

Iconic attractions within the park include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the town of Banff, the Icefields Parkway, and the Columbia Icefield. These attractions draw millions of visitors each year.

Conservation efforts in Banff National Park focus on preserving the natural environment, protecting wildlife habitat, and maintaining the ecological integrity of the ecosystem.

There are several visitor centers within the park, including the Banff Visitor Centre, Lake Louise Visitor Centre, and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where visitors can learn about the park's history, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

Banff National Park was established in 1885, making it Canada's first national park and the third national park in the world. It was established to protect the hot springs and surrounding wilderness area.

The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway played a significant role in the park's early history. The railway brought increased accessibility to the area and facilitated tourism, leading to the development of hotels and resorts.

Banff quickly became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who came to admire the stunning mountain scenery, explore the hot springs, and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

Over the years, infrastructure was developed within the park to accommodate the growing number of visitors. This included the construction of roads, trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers.

Throughout its history, Banff National Park has been a focal point for conservation efforts. Initiatives have been undertaken to protect wildlife, preserve fragile ecosystems, and maintain the park's natural beauty.

In 1984, Banff National Park, along with several other national and provincial parks in the Canadian Rockies, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance.

The park is also home to significant cultural heritage sites, including Indigenous archaeological sites and historic landmarks such as the Banff Springs Hotel and the Cave and Basin National...

Banff National Park in Canada is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes. As Canada’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

One of the park’s most iconic features is the majestic Rocky Mountains, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the picturesque lakes, dense forests, and alpine meadows. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are postcard-perfect gems, with their turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.

The park is a haven for outdoor activities year-round. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking trails that range from leisurely strolls to challenging mountain ascents, providing opportunities to spot wildlife such as elk, bears, and bighorn sheep. The scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway offer breathtaking vistas at every turn.

During the winter months, Banff transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. The Banff and Lake Louise ski resorts offer world-class slopes and stunning mountain vistas, while activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding add to the winter charm.

Banff Townsite, nestled within the park, offers a charming blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Visitors can explore boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. The Banff Upper Hot Springs provide a relaxing way to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Overall, Banff National Park is a natural paradise that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Its awe-inspiring landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless recreational opportunities make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of the...