Here's why you should go to one of the most visually stunning places on the continent of North America.
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It's highly likely that at some point, you've come across images of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The Canadian Rocky Mountains attract visitors from across the world throughout the year. From skiing in winter, to hiking in summer, the outdoor activities are endless and so are the views.
As avid hikers, we planned our trip for August to ensure decent weather and couldn't wait to see what this area had in store! Boy, did Banff deliver!! It was warm enough for shorts during the day and I needed a light jacket at night. One rainy day though, the high was only 55F so pack layers just in case.
To begin our adventure, we flew into Calgary, rented a car and headed west. The journey to Banff is about 90 minutes of ever changing landscape which just gets more beautiful by the mile. The town of Banff is actually located inside the National Park and when you reach the entrance, there will most likely be a line of cars waiting to pay a fee per day of their stay. So pack your patience because there's going to be a lot of people just like you, ready to be blown away by the most stunning vistas your eyes can stand.
Banff's history is rich and diverse. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, it later became known for its thermal hot springs, which attracted attention from European settlers. In the late 19th century, the area's natural beauty led to the establishment of Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and the world's third. The Canadian Pacific Railway played a significant role in promoting tourism to the area, leading to the development of Banff as a resort town. Today, Banff is a thriving tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, and cultural heritage.
Upon arrival in downtown Banff, once you pick your jaw up off the ground from taking in the surrounding majestic mountain scenery, you will be enchanted by various shops, boutiques, and galleries lining Banff Avenue. Boasting everything from outdoor gear to locally made souvenirs and artwork, the window displays alone are show worthy. Then you must dine at one of the many local restaurants, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale establishments. You can't really go wrong at any restaurant here and the options are plentiful. Each day, we hiked, ate too much and enjoyed local craft beers!
During our first trip, we stayed at Elk + Avenue because it lies within walking distance to the main part of town. The hotel restaurant, Farm & Fire was a culinary delight as well. When we returned a second time, the closest we could get to downtown was the Fox Hotel & Suites where we enjoyed a lodge type stay with spacious rooms and great amenities. The crown jewel of accommodations is at the Fairmont Banff Springs which is definitely worth a walk through because it is stunning.
There are plenty of local events, festivals, and performances always going on in downtown Banff, which celebrate the area's heritage and arts scene. One of the most unique being Skijoring at the Snowdays Festival. This exhibition involves teams of horse riders performing ski stunts and trick-riding all along snow covered Banff Avenue just steps away from onlookers. Beyond world class skiing and snowboarding, there's also opportunities for dog sledding and ice climbing for those adventure seekers amongst us. After you've had your fill of thrills then relax in the Hot Springs where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while enjoying the endless mountain views. Also, make sure you leave time to ride the Banff Gondola and see the most amazing panoramas especially at sunset. You can have a cocktail or dine at one of their restaurants while at the top.
HIKES
A short walk from downtown, you can find the Hoodoos Trail which takes you right beside Surprise Corner with the perfect view of the Fairmont, see above picture. Following along the Bow River, you will likely find wildlife (so be aware) and stunning photo opportunities during this fairly easy jaunt.
One of the best waterfall hikes I've ever been fortunate to experience can be found at Johnston Canyon. Only a half hour from downtown Banff, this popular hike is accessible to all, at least to the Lower Falls which is 1.2 km one way. Nestled amongst the trees, in the heat of summer it's the best hiking option for shade and cool mist from the many waterfalls. There were also wildfires happening while we were there so scenic mountain views were limited and this seemed like the perfect option.
We continued past the Lower Falls where there was a line to get the perfect waterfall shot and carried on for another 1.5 km through the forest along the clear stream. I knew there was a Lower and Upper Falls but had no idea there were so many other waterfalls along the way! We stopped at the Upper Falls and decided to skip the Ink Pots which would have been another 3 km. Our round trip was the perfect amount for the day and well worth it to encounter this uniquely beautiful trail via suspended catwalks!
Probably the most recognizable spectacle can be found at Lake Louise with its emerald glacier water against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Lake Louise is located about 45 minutes from Banff, so we spent the last couple nights at Deer Lodge. This rustic, historic lodge takes you back in time and encourages one to disconnect with technology and reconnect with loved ones. Their Mt Fairview Dining Room was top notch with delicious dishes and we kept coming back for more. While visiting the lake, check out the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Built in 1882, this elegant hotel is far too expensive for my pocket book but well worth a walk through. On our last day, we hiked to Lake Agnes Tea House which holds such interesting history and is seasonally open with light fare to delight hikers after a hard earned climb.
Another recognizable view can be found at Moraine Lake which is only 20 minutes from Lake Louise, however, it can only be accessed by reservation via bus transit as cars are no longer allowed so plan accordingly if this is a bucket list spot for you. With over 1,600 km of trails, depending on your abilities the stunning views are limitless in Banff National Park.
No doubt, we only scratched the surface of what this area has to offer. One of the most scenic drives in the world can be found via the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper National Park and let me tell you, it is not to be missed! In another post, I will share about how we had to go back to continue exploring and appreciating the beauty of nature. So glad the National Park Service is preserving and maintaining these treasures for generations to come!
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