Adventure in the Canadian Rockies: Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada

Sightseeing

• Lake Louise: This lake will leave you speechless with its clear-blue water. It has a hiking trail called Lake Agnes Trail that leads you to Lake Agnes Tea House (originally built in 1901, has some cool history).

• Moraine Lake: Along with Lake Louise, Moraine Lake has captivating blue water with amazing views atop Rockpile Trail.

• Cave and Basin: A natural-made thermal spring within a cave and is the birthplace of Canada’s national parks.

Hiking

• Johnston Canyon (lower falls, upper falls): A beautiful scenic trail for everyone due to man-made walkways and bridges. You will also find a mesmerizing view of a waterfall at the end of lower falls trail (shorter trail) and upper falls trail (longer trail).

• Tunnel Mountain Summit: Within a 15-minute walk from downtown Banff, you can reach the trailhead of Tunnel Mountain Summit. This trail guides you to the top of the mountain, resulting in breathtaking views.

• Bow River Trail: An easy trail located close to downtown Banff that allows for a slower pace to take in the beauty and sounds of the flowing river.

Activities

• Banff Upper Hot Springs: At 5,200 feet elevation, relax and enjoy the amazing views Banff has to offer while soaking in water from the natural hot springs.

• Gondola: Takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain at 7,486 ft above sea level, and has stunning panoramic views of Banff and the mountain range.

• Horseback Riding: If you want to see some “off the beaten path” areas of Banff National Park but don’t want to walk or go alone, horseback riding is a fun way to do just that.

• Lake Minnewanka Boat Tour: Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Lake Minnewanka with a cruise across the water while learning some stories about the area.

Day trips

If you want to see more national parks in addition to Banff, Yoho National Park is a 45-minute drive and Glacier National Park is a 2.5 hour drive from Banff. Both of these could be made into day trips.

Breakfast

• Whitebark Cafe: This cafe has a variety of coffees, teas, cold-pressed juices, alcohol, light breakfast options and pastries. This place is great whether you are on the go or want to sit back and relax.

• Good Earth Coffeehouse: A popular coffee shop that offers light breakfast options, with delicious coffees and pastries. Everything is made fresh and in-house, which is a plus.

• Melissa’s Missteak: Yes, a steakhouse for breakfast, but don’t let that deter you. Their “Big Breakfast’ was phenomenal, and this place has been locally owned in Banff for 45 years. That says something about this place!

Lunch

• Eddie’s Burger and Bar: Located in the downtown area, and a great place to stop during a shopping day. Must try the Poutine (a popular Canadian dish).

• Banff Ave Brewing Company: This pub-style restaurant has a casual atmosphere with options such as sandwiches, pizza and more. I recommend the buffalo chicken sandwich if you like that kind of thing or to look at their drinks menu if you label yourself a beer connoisseur.

Dinner

• Zyka Elevated Indian Restaurant: If you love Indian food, then you must visit this restaurant while in Banff. The butter chicken is highly recommended!

• Sky Bistro: If you choose to eat anywhere out of all my recommendations, this is the top place I recommend. Imagine eating a delicious meal (specifically the duck) on top of a mountain with staggering views — that is what this restaurant entails. You’ll take the Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where the restaurant is located.

• Grizzly House: Well-known for their steaks and cheese fondue, this restaurant provides an experience like no other. This is a must for visitors to Banff.

Dessert

• Cow's Ice Cream: If you love ice cream, you must visit Cow's Ice Cream. You can only get it in Canada. Don't let the line out the door scare you away. They move quickly and it's just that good!