Central Park — Attraction in Banff

10 Things to Do in Banff this SummerWhether it’s waking up early to catch a sunrise, taking in the pristine views while out day hiking, paddling your way through turquoise coloured waters, or simply laying by the river with a book in hand - there’s something for everyone here in Banff National Park! Located just a short 90 minute drive from Calgary, Banff is a perfect day trip destination to escape the city buzz.1. Catch a sunrise and/or a sunsetWhether you’re a photographer, a nature lover or just someone who loves to take in the simple pleasures in life, sunrises and sunsets here in Banff will not disappoint. Why not start the day with a hot cup of coffee and watch the day unfold (Evelyn’s Coffee Bar located on Banff Ave do delicious drinks early in the morning). Or finish the day watching the sunset while reflecting on your day exploring the park. With mountain peaks in every direction it’s hard not to find a good location but Two Jack Lake and Vermillion Lakes are certainly two favorites.For those of you with an adventurous side, why not combine a sunrise or sunset with a hike? The end result is a lot more satisfying when you know you have worked to achieve it!Vermillion Lakes 2. Take a scenic drive along the Icefields ParkwayIf you only have a day to spend here in Banff and you want to see as much as possible, then a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway will leave you speechless. The Parkway takes you along Highway #93 from Lake Louise to Jasper and offers scenery like no other. If it’s endless mountain ranges, ancient glaciers and turquoise coloured lakes you’re after then this is the road for you. If you don’t plan on driving all the way to Jasper then a good turn around point would be Peyto Lake. From the start of the road to Peyto Lake you can admire Herbert Lake, Hector Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and The Lodge at Bow Lake that sits on Bow Lake shoreline.Remember to stick to the speed limits! Not only do you want to slow down to take it all in but Banff is home to a lot of wildlife which you may be lucky to encounter. Be sure to check the Parks Canada website for proper wildlife etiquette.Icefields Parkway 3. Canoe on Lake Louise or Moraine Lake Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of Canada’s most iconic lakes. On a warm summer day the lakes are a perfect place to visit. But don’t be fooled! As enticing as the water looks, glacial water is very cold so swimming is not an option. Instead, rent a canoe for a couple of hours. Canoeing allows you to be out on the water, absorbed by the beautiful vibrant colours while seeing the area from a new perspective. If time permits, there are endless hiking trails around the lakes too. At the end of your activities, a cool refreshment awaits inside one of the eateries at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Lodge. Check the transit and shuttle schedule for Banff National Park before visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Personal vehicles are no longer allowed to access Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise parking is limited and in high demand during the summer months.Canoe on Lake Louise. 4. Bike the trailsBiking is a perfect way to explore Banff National Park and, whether you’re an avid mountain biker, road biker, or simply riding to unwind, there are trails for all.  The Banff Legacy Trail is a local’s favorite. The 26.8km paved trail starts from the Bow Valley Parkway and runs all the way to the Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre located on the edge of Canmore. The trail was built in honour of Banff National Park’s 125th Anniversary and the interpretive information signs, rest stops and picnic areas make it a fun, leisurely trail to ride on.Banff Legacy TrailBiking in Banff. 5. Go hikingThere’s no better smell than the smell of pine trees on a warm summer’s day! If you’re a lover of the outdoors who worships spending time in nature, then hiking the trails in Banff is probably high on your list. Depending on what you want to gain out of your hiking experience (meadows, wild flowers, waterfalls, lakes, summit views), there are trails...

Love this park. It’s small and quaint but grows and improves every few years. It’s near the centre of town and has a lovely, relaxing vibe. It is near the water so early mornings and late evenings, one can sit and watch deer, and sometimes Elk drink from the river’s clear waters. The clear water is also populated by ducks and lots of Cobra Chickens. The park offers benches and a traditional white, octagonal Gazebo to sit in the shade. I have seen musicians use it in the past. Views of the surrounding mountains, from the park are, as expected, beautiful. This week, when we passed through, there was a “Farmers Market” attached to it in the parking lot. It offers some very nice local, artisanal items at some not very good prices but hey, many people are only in Banff once and the art is nice so… There are restrooms right next to the park, although I am unsure if they are open year-round; most likely are, as they are heated and air conditioned. There are also lots of businesses near by that offer trinkets and food to munch on while slowly meandering through the park. Just hang on to your food as the Whiskey Jacks love dive-bombing and the squirrels are...

Banff's beautiful "Central Park", wrapped in a captivating curve of the Bow River, which flows in tranquil blue-green colours from the glacier-fed Bow Lake, north of Banff, Alberta. Just a magical place to spend some quiet moments taking in the majesty of Canada's Rocky Mountains. Watch for busy magpies, curious red squirrels and other small friends. The park has a wonderful, natural playscape for kids. Follow the Bow River along the path on the outside of the park. Ask for a local guide to take you on a walking tour to learn more about the complex and intriguing heritage of this quiet park. The nearby Bow River Bridge can bring you closer to amazing views of the Bow Valley just...