ATTRACTIONS in BANFF
Lake Minnewanka: 20 min north of Banff on the Minnewanka loop. The Stoney-Nakoda First Nations knew this lake as the “the Lake of the Water Spirits”. The area is a great place to relax by the water, picnic, dive, mountain bike, hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe.
Banff Legacy Trail: From Banff east gate to the Bow Valley Parkway. Paved trails and roadways span for 26 kilometres from Banff National Park’s East Gate to the Bow Valley Parkway, Enjoy views, picnic areas, the townsite, and a variety of rest spots and trail connectors.
Johnson Lake: Hike the 3 km loop of Johnson Lake or canoe, fish, kayak on its waters.
Vermilion Lakes: 5min west of Banff on the Vermillion road. Discover the important wetlands of Vermilion Lakes while enjoying wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Bow Valley Parkway (1A): scenic heritage road offers viewpoints, picnic sites, trails, and roadside interpretative panels, as well as quaint cottage accommodation along the way. The road is narrow and curvy; slow down for cyclists and wildlife.
Johnston Canyon: Feel the spray of waterfalls from catwalks that cling to the canyon walls: 1.1 km (20 min) to the Lower Falls: 2.7 km (1hr) to the Upper Falls.
Lake Louise – the Lake: The emerald hues and glacial backdrop of Lake Louise have wowed visitors since the 1890s. The lake offers photographic moments, a lakeshore stroll, canoeing and horseback riding. Best time to visit is before 11 am or after 5 pm.
Lake Agnes Trail: One of the most hiked trails in the area, the 6.8 km return trail gains 385 m elevation gain to a mountain teahouse. The trail takes you past Mirror Lake to enjoy a steeped cup of ‘high’ tea with a stunning view of Lake Louise.
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail: Glaciers, vaulting peaks, avalanche paths, wildlife and a mountain teahouse are all part of this classic hike. This famous Lake Louise hike offers great satisfaction for a moderate 10 km effort.
Moraine Lake: Known as the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this area offers hiking, paddling, and dramatic photographic opportunities. Best time to visit is before 11 am or after 5 pm. The road is closed between mid-October and mid-June.
Bow Summit and Peyto Lake: Bow Summit is the height of land between the Bow River system, flowing to Banff, and the Mistaya River system. Reach Peyto Lake after a short uphill walk and enjoy views of the brilliantly turquoise, glacial fed lake.
Crowfoot Glacier: A century ago when this was named, three “toes” of the ice clung to the mountainside. Since then the lower toe has melted and the middle toe is slowly disappearing.
Bow Lake and Bow Glacier: Bow Lake is one of the more scenic and accessible lakes for fishing. The turquoise blue water is the source of the Bow River. From here you can view the majestic Bow Glacier.
Upper Hot Springs: one of Banff’s most famous attractions, discovered in 1884. You can relax in the comfort of soothing natural hot springs where travellers have come to "take the waters" for more than a century.
The Columbia Icefield Glacier: located on Canada’s most scenic mountain roadway; The Icefields Parkway. This is the route to over one hundred visible glaciers, turquoise lakes, rushing waterfalls and numerous hiking trails, picnic spots and campgrounds.
More information about activities and attractions in Banff:
https://www.banfflakelouise.com/
https://www.explorerockies.com
https://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/brochures.aspx
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g154911-Activities-Banff_Banff_National_Park_Alberta.html