If you just started planning your trip to Banff, you’re in for such a treat! Banff National Park is easily one of the most beautiful places in Canada – and maybe even the world. There are so many sights to see, places to stay and things to do – any time that you can spend here is so worth it. From the iconic Lake Louise to the charming town of Banff itself, we’ll explore the …
Lake Minnewanka is one of Banff’s most easily accessible lakes, just a 15-minute drive from the Banff townsite. Unlike some of Banff National Park’s more remote lakes, Lake Minnewanka is easily accessible by public transit and offers year-round activities for visitors. It’s the only lake in the Rockies where motor boating is allowed, and visitors can even go scuba diving to see the underwater resort town that lies beneath. The name “Minnewanka” comes from the …
Nestled in the heart of Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is one of the Canadian Rockies’ most stunning treasures. While Lake Louise might get more attention in the travel magazines, Emerald Lake is only a twenty minute drive away and is also gorgeous in its own right! The lake lives up to its name, with waters that shimmer between deep emerald and turquoise depending on the light. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the President …
The Boss Bear – also known as Bear 122 – is the most famous grizzly bear in Banff National Park. If you’ve spent any time in the Park, you’ve already heard about him. He’s one of the biggest, baddest and largest grizzly bears in the Park. Known for being struck by a train (twice!), fighting with his rival bear Split Lip, and even snacking on smaller black bears, the Boss has become one of most …
As of 2023, it’s no longer possible to drive the road to Moraine Lake in your own vehicle – with two exceptions. (You can drive yourself if you have a parking pass for people with disabilities, or book a night at the Moraine Lake Lodge.) Parks Canada closed the road to private vehicles because visitors were arriving as early as 4 a.m. just to get a spot at this famous lake! Parking was always at …
Bow Lake is by far one of the easiest lakes near Banff to get to. There’s no 10-minute walk up a trail like at Peyto Lake, and no shuttles to book like at Moraine Lake. It’s just a simple pull-off from Highway 93 (the Icefields Parkway.) In fact, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake are only about a 5-minute drive from each other. But the water is no less blue! Bow Lake is fed by the …