The Beauty of Banff: Travel to this Canadian Gem

Banff, Alberta, Canada is surrounded by the stunning Canadian Rockies, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in North America. Filled with incredible views and iconic natural landmarks, Banff offers plenty of things to do and see during your stay there. To help you plan your trip to this Canadian gem, we’ve put together this guide on the best things to do in Banff while you’re there.

Lake Louise

The water is a beautiful blue color and the mountain backdrop is stunning. There are plenty of hiking trails around the lake so you can explore the natural beauty of the area.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife! We saw an eagle on our hike around Moraine Lake. Hiking is great exercise and there’s no better way to take in the natural beauty of Canada than by walking through it! After exploring Moraine Lake, we took a tour at the Fairmont Chateau Hotel where we learned about its art collection which includes pieces from Picasso and Monet.

Art lovers will enjoy their visit here as well as all other visitors who want to get out into nature! Our trip to Banff has been amazing and we’re excited for more adventures on our next trip!

The Mirror Lake

The water is so still that it perfectly reflects the surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. Visitors also often see ice formations on the surface. You can even stay at the Icefields Hotel which has an outdoor rink right outside! Inside, you’ll find other amenities like an indoor pool and hot tubs. At night, guests are treated to a breathtaking view of the Northern Lights through their floor-to-ceiling windows. Located near the Bow River and Sulphur Mountain, many visitors say that the views alone make it worth staying there.

A must do while in Banff is going horseback riding. There are many different trails you can take depending on your skill level, but I recommend doing a sunset ride to catch one of the best views of the Bow Valley at dusk or dawn.

The Moraine Lake

The lake is a stunning blue color and is surrounded by mountains. The best time to visit Moraine Lake is in the summer when the weather is warm and the water is calm. You can hike around the lake or go for a swim. There are also canoe rentals available if you want to explore the lake further.

Along with canoeing, there are lots of other activities at Moraine Lake. You can try your hand at rock climbing, take an interpretive walk through the woods, or simply enjoy some quiet time on the beach! If you’re looking for something more active, head to Johnston Canyon which has great hiking trails and cascading waterfalls. When it’s not busy, you’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife like deer and elk while enjoying nature’s beauty.

Alberta Falls

One of the most beautiful places in Banff is Alberta Falls. The falls are located in the Bow River Valley and offer stunning views. The best time to visit is during the summer when the water is flowing at its fullest. However, even during the winter, the falls are a sight to behold.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking place to visit, add Alberta Falls to your list. It’s one of the many spectacular sights that await you in Banff National Park. When we arrived at the park gates, we were greeted by towering mountains and crystal-clear rivers. We started our adventure with an easy hike through a pine forest to see some historic remains from over 100 years ago.
After our trek back through those lush forests, we headed off to Lake Louise where we could see miles of glacier-covered peaks surrounded by turquoise blue waters. We also visited Lake Minnewanka where we had an up close look at grizzly bears just chilling on the shoreline!

Mistaya Canyon

Situated in Banff National Park, Mistaya Canyon is a must-see for any nature lover. With its towering walls and rushing waters, the canyon is truly a sight to behold. And luckily, there are plenty of ways to experience it! Whether you hike, take a scenic drive, or even just enjoy the view from the comfort of your hotel room, Mistaya Canyon is sure to take your breath away. It’s just one of many beautiful sights found right here in Canada’s gem.
History buffs will love exploring Old Ghost Town, an abandoned mining town turned tourist hotspot. But those who prefer something more modern will find an array of activities at their fingertips as well – including everything from horseback riding to mountain biking. No matter what you’re looking for, Banff National Park has it all.

Icefields Parkway

One of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway connects Jasper and Banff National Parks in the Canadian Rockies. The drive is about 230km long and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth.
You’ll see glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and wildlife along the way. Be sure to stop at some of the viewpoints to really take in the views! If you’re up for a hike, check out Johnston Canyon. It’s only a 20-minute walk from the parking lot and it’s one of the most popular hikes in Canada. Not too strenuous, but not an easy stroll either, it winds its way past cascading waterfalls and into a forest before emerging near a 40m waterfall.
In summer, the falls are impressive as they crash down into the canyon below. In winter, they freeze over creating spectacular ice sculptures that seem otherworldly.

Bear’s Hump Summit

Bear’s Hump is one of the most popular summits in Banff National Park. The trail is short, but strenuous, and the views from the top are incredible. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Assiniboine. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a grizzly bear or two!
Situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Sunshine Village Ski Resort is a true winter wonderland. With its world-class terrain and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why this resort is a favorite among skiers and snowboarders alike. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some winter fun, look no further than Sunshine Village Ski Resort.
Here, you’ll find many groomed slopes perfect for beginners, as well as double black diamond runs that challenge even the most seasoned expert. Plus, there’s plenty of luxurious chalets with cozy fireplaces to keep you warm on those cold winter nights.

Bow Lake

Banff is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and Bow Lake is no exception. This glacial lake is nestled in the Bow River Valley and surrounded by towering mountains, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Whether you’re looking to relax by the water or go for a hike, Bow Lake is the perfect place to explore the natural beauty of Banff National Park. The views will leave you speechless, as the crystal clear waters reflect the breathtaking mountain landscape that surrounds them. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as moose, elk, coyotes and mountain goats while exploring the scenic trails along the banks of Bow Lake!
The area also offers plenty of outdoor recreation including kayaking, canoeing, fishing and horseback riding. For those who want an up-close view of the amazing scenery, there are several lookouts around the lake that offer spectacular vistas.

Sunshine Village Ski Resort

Banff Sunshine Village is a year-round resort located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The resort is situated on 3,500 acres of land and offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or enjoy some world-class hiking.
During the winter months, Banff Sunshine Village is a skier’s paradise with over 85 runs to choose from. And in the summer, you can explore over 100 kilometers of hiking trails. You’ll be able to find an adventure that suits your interests at Banff Sunshine Village no matter what time of year it is! A variety of different terrain makes this one of Canada’s best ski resorts, so there will always be a challenge for you here.
You’ll never have to worry about the crowds here either – especially not when compared to other big name resorts like Whistler Blackcomb or Mt Seymour.