What to do When You’re in Banff National Park

Recently Banff has been one of those destinations that’s really gained popularity over a short period of time. It seems like everywhere I look someone is in Canada gazing over those pure blue waters or hiking up the rocky mountainside. And I can’t say I’m too upset about it! Its really time that Americans realize that there is so much beauty and nature in our northern neighbor. In a mere 3 hour flight from Houston, I was able to reach Calgary (a surprisingly Western town) and in another hour of driving I was in the middle of the town of Banff surrounded by adorable wooden buildings with the biggest mountain as the backdrop. While I love exploring Asia and Europe, its nice to know that adventure can await you close to home. Banff is probably one of the most beautiful and vast destinations I’ve ever been. The terrain includes so many unique hikes, large mesmerizing blue lakes, and the most gorgeous mountain ranges. My family and I spent 10 days wandering through this National Park and each day was filled with wonderful surprises. As Banff is seriously HUGE and there are so many things to do, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites. Plan to spend at least a good 5 days in the Park exploring at a leisurely pace because all the physical activity will make you tired! Tip- make sure to buy your National Park entrance fee online in advance because although the park rangers don’t always stop you to check, they will come up to you in parking lots when you’re preparing to go on a hike and ask to see your entrance passes. Plus, your entrance fee goes towards maintaining the Park and keeping it organized and clean for future visitors. Trust me, you’ll want clean toilets!

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is the most famous and most obvious spot on this list. That iconic big blue lake is a must see in Banff! But beware, everyone and their mother will be visiting this lake at some point on their trip and as a result it gets insanely crowded. INSANELY. As in there won’t be enough parking or shuttle bus tickets if you arrive too late. If you want to park directly at the lake, I suggest arriving around 5-6am. If you’re ok with paying some money and taking the shuttle bus over (there is a lot more parking available at the overflow lots), I suggest arriving by 8am because tickets sell out and you’ll have to wait for a late afternoon/night shuttle. A simple (but expensive) way to get around the crowds issue is to stay at the Fairmont Chateau which overlooks the Lake and provides its guests with free parking. Lake Louise is also the starting point for several popular hikes, including Agnes Teahouse and Plain of Six Glaciers (mentioned below). So if you’ve made it past the crowds to the Lake, you might as well combine your Lake photoshoot and blue water gazing with a moderately difficult, but beautiful hike.

Agnes Teahouse Hike

This was by far my most favorite hike of the entire trip. Mainly because it combined two of my favorite activities- hiking and drinking tea! After you hike for about 1.5 hours, you’ll reach a wooden teahouse that has hundreds of different tea flavors and a few options of homemade desserts. Its the perfect resting spot to just take in your surroundings while drinking some delicious hot tea. I loved the opportunity to sit outdoors and enjoy the serenity at the teahouse. The teahouse’s employees actually hike up supplies to the teahouse every morning and hike down with the day’s trash at the end of the day. They take volunteers too so if you’re interested in helping them hike down trash be sure to let a waiter know! After the teahouse you can continue on to see the Beehives or you can venture back down the mountain to the Lake. Just beware that the hike is pretty steep (and tiring!) so bring sturdy hiking boots!

Lake Morraine

Some say that Lake Morraine is arguably more beautiful than Lake Louise. I say that they are both big beautiful blue lakes, but Lake Morraine is significantly less crowded and that makes it the better choice in my book. A shuttle bus can drop you off at Lake Morraine as well so be sure to get your tickets early too- it’s not as crazy as Lake Louise, but it is still pretty crazy. The best viewing platform to see the Lake involves a short hike up a rock pile. Once you reach the top, you’ll see why Banff has everyone drooling all over it. The beauty is simply amazing and words truly aren’t enough to describe it. I strongly suggest canoeing on the Lake to get a different vantage point- this is something I really wish I had had time for. The hikes around Lake Morraine aren’t anything too great so I would say head somewhere else to hike after you’ve finished canoeing and viewing the Lake.

Plain of Six Glaciers Hike

Another hike that is located at Lake Louise and a little treacherous to say the least. There are a few hairpin turns and paths where you’ll have to take turns with the people going the opposite way. The mountainous views all along the hike are amazing and can be seen the whole time (unlike the Agnes Teahouse hike where you mainly just see trees while hiking). This is also where we saw snow in the middle of July! Crazy right? Unfortunately, it was raining steadily on the day I went to this hike so we weren’t able to finish- the paths just got too slippery and muddy to feel safe. So definitely go on a sunny day! There is supposedly also a teahouse on this hike, although not as cute as the Agnes Teahouse. I would have still stopped and drank some tea though had I reached the teahouse because who doesn’t want to sit and enjoy nature?

Johnson Canyon Hike

This was another beautiful, but very touristy hike. Its a lot easier to climb than the other two hikes and the paths are paved very well so naturally its also a very crowded hike. This hike gives you the chance to walk on suspended walkways over rushing waters between two canyons. Hold on to your belongings tightly and make sure to bring a raincoat! The Johnson Canyon hike takes you past two waterfall viewing points, at which point most people will stop hiking. If you' wish to continue, the hike can last another hour and take you up to a scenic (and noncrowded) area called the Inkpots, which is basically pools of beautiful water.

I’ve realized that I’ve used the words “gorgeous” and “beautiful” now a million times… but I didn’t know what other words to use! Those are truly the most accurate words to describe everything at Banff. Sorry if I’ve bored you with my babbling on and on about how attractive everything is at Banff- you’ll need to go yourself to see how honest I’m being!