There’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes as you’re traveling through the Canadian Rockies! Banff in particular has so many within an hour’s drive or less, you almost need a checklist to make sure you don’t miss any of them.
Let’s dive in and go over the most famous landscapes in Banff, as well as some of the lesser known ones.
For more inspiration, check out our landscape photography gallery!
Table of Contents
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is one of the most famous lakes in the Rockies, and for good reason. In our opinion, it even tops Lake Louise with how picturesque it is.
Moraine Lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, pictured above. The most popular shot is from the rock pile next to the parking lot, but if you take the path along the Lake you’ll be rewarded with even more beautiful views.
The only downside to Moraine Lake is that private vehicles are no longer allowed to drive to it. (Parking was becoming an issue with so many visitors arriving early in the morning just to see the lake.)
Instead several different companies have arranged shuttles up to Moraine Lake that should be booked in advance, especially during the busy summer season. There is even a Sunrise Shuttle that photographers can take advantage of.
This Lake is also only accessible from June 1st to mid-October, because the road up becomes an avalanche hazard during the winter.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is possibly the most famous lake in the Canadian Rockies, and nearly everyone who visits the region will visit at some point. It is also home to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel, a huge castle that might interest you if you like architectural photography too!
Like other lakes in the Rockies, the water at Lake Louise is glacial fed. Minerals in the water reflect the light, giving it the famous turquoise blue and emerald green tones. This lake is best photographed between late May to mid October, before it freezes over.
Peyto Lake
This wolf-shaped lake is a bit less crowded than either Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, but has been becoming just as famous over the last few years.
Located on the Icefields Parkway about 20 minutes away from Lake Louise, you can easily grab all three of these photo spots in one day if you’re just passing through.
The view from the observation deck is perfect for grabbing a quick shot of Peyto Lake, which looks stunning in just about any weather conditions and time of day.
But if you walk a little past the viewing area, you can capture interesting perspectives like the one above. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike the trail to the Bow Summit which gives several different gorgeous viewpoints of Peyto Lake.
Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to Peyto Lake, so you will have to rent a car or find a ride share from Banff.
Morant’s Curve
Morant’s Curve is another very famous photography spot just down the road from Lake Louise and Peyto Lake. This spot is located on the Bow Valley Parkway, where you’re also very likely to see wildlife like bears and coyotes.
The curve is a distinctive section of train track that forms an S shape against the beautiful Bow River and a towering mountain range. It’s a rare opportunity to capture part of the railway, a stunning feat of engineering in its time, intertwined with a breathtaking natural backdrop.
On weekdays, up to 30 trains pass by. So your odds are very good of catching the train if you have 30-90 mins to spare at this location.
Bow Lake
The Bow Lake is a very underrated little photo spot just up the road from Peyto Lake. Home to the Bow Lake Lodge (formerly Num-Ti-Jah), it’s possible to stay the night at this location.
With the distinctive Crowfoot Mountain in the background and many very picturesque viewpoints, this is also a choice location for spotting grizzly bears.
Castle Mountain
Castle Mountain is a famous mountain in Banff with a very distinctive and recognizable shape. It’s visible from the Trans Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise, but it’s easier to get a good photo of it if you turn off at Castle Junction.
You’ll have to park on the side of the road and go through a wildlife gate (make sure to close it behind you!) to find this spot next to the river with many good vantage points of Castle Mountain.
Rundle Mountain
Rundle Mountain is easily the most famous mountain in Banff! It’s the one you see as you’re driving in from Calgary, and it’s visible from most of the Town of Banff as well. It kind of resembles a sleeping dragon with spikes all down its back.
Rundle Mountain is actually part of a range that spans all the way to Canmore. The tail end can be seen from Canmore as well (or is it the head? Hard to tell…) Good vantage points of Rundle Mountain include Vermillion Lakes and by driving up Norquay Mountain a short way.
Three Sisters Mountain
Located in the Town of Canmore, this mountain is technically just outside the Banff National Park borders. But it’s only a 20 minute drive away, and well worth the trip.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can bike from Banff to Canmore using the bike trail next to the Highway.
This iconic and photogenic mountain can be seen from most of Canmore, but one of my favourite spots to photograph it from is Policeman’s Creek, where you get a bit of reflection in the water.
