Exploring the Highlights of Banff National Park

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Rosanna Bravo
Curated By

Rosanna Bravo

  • Nature Escapes

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Banff

  • Canada

  • Outdoors

Exploring the Highlights of Banff National Park
Curator’s statement

Visiting Banff, Canada, was extraordinary! This destination is truly breathtaking and relaxing, and truly a great way to unwind and appreciate creation in every way. Every corner was just a beautiful sight to see and a picture-perfect moment!

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Where to stay in Banff

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Fairmont Banff Springs was an exceptional hotel. Nestled in Banff National Park, this hotel offers many amenities, great customer service, and extraordinary views. One highlight we enjoyed on this property was the afternoon tea in the Tea Room Lounge. This service was very relaxing. You can enjoy some of the finest teas, assorted Victorian scones, and desserts while enjoying the scenery. And not to mention, the service was impeccable!

Afternoon tea with amazing views

Downtown Banff

One of the highlights of our Banff trip was one of the tours we booked, which featured all the main highlights of Banff. The tour was amazing and very convenient because it provided transportation from downtown Banff to the most popular nature sights, including Bow Valley Parkway, Johnston Canyon Waterfall, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. As it was a hop-on hop-off tour, guests could either select their favorite sight and stay as long as they are instructed to or explore all the sights within the same day.

Enjoying Lake Louise

Johnston Canyon Upper Falls

Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen with my own two eyes—beautiful turquoise-colored glacier water surrounded by the 10 peaks of Banff. The pictures do not do it justice! The hike is a very moderate hike with stairs leading you to a viewpoint of the lake.

Our tour was also on a yellow school bus—the only yellow school bus offered on any tour in Banff, which made it super fun and easy to spot. The tour guides also shared a lot of interesting things about the area. This was the perfect way to enjoy Canada’s beautiful scenery, stress-free!

Lake Louise

Touring on the yellow school bus

If you are a nature lover, Banff National Park is the place for you! You can spend a day hiking, enjoying the natural springs, exploring the town, or simply enjoying the amenities in the hotel. And make sure to keep your eyes out for wildlife because you will see some animals!

Horseback riding tour

Bow River

Need to know

How do you get to Banff?

Banff National Park is located in Alberta, Canada. It is about a two-hour drive from Calgary International Airport, which is the airport travelers will arrive in when visiting Banff. Shuttle buses are available at the airport and they offer one-way and round-trip tickets. Downtown Banff has many shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums. It is a very family-friendly and picturesque town.

What is the weather in Banff?

One thing to keep in mind and do research on is on the climate during the time you would like to visit, as Canada is known for its extreme winters. I visited Banff in mid-June and it can average from the low 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the early mornings to low 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. I would strongly recommend visiting during the end of June to early September to fully take advantage of desirable weather conditions.

What type of travelers visit Banff?

Anyone! From solo travelers to couples to families and, most importantly, nature lovers! Banff is also very accessible to those in wheelchairs. Many sights do not require active hiking or climbing.

Is Banff safe?

Yes! Many tourists visit each year and it is known for its friendly residents and peaceful surroundings.

What are some other things to do in Banff?

Horseback riding tours, natural hot springs, museums, glacier tours, and day and evening cruises of Lake Minnewanka. Canmore and Calgary are other nearby towns to explore.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Banff page.

Rosanna Bravo

Travel Advisor

Rosanna Bravo

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