The Best Places to Visit in Banff National Park

Nature lovers will get a real kick out of a visit to Banff national park. This breathtaking park is Canada’s greatest and oldest (and the world’s third oldest), having been established in the legendary Rocky Mountains in 1885. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff boasts a staggering 6641 square km of astonishing mountain scenery, including emerald lakes, thick forests, flower-filled meadows, glistening glaciers, snow-capped peaks and much more.

There is an incredible amount to see and do in the park. Here are a few of the highlights.

• Banff Town – At the south of the National Park you will find the charming town of Banff. A tiny town with epic natural surroundings, Banff is home to a range of restaurants, shops and accommodation. It has a brilliant atmosphere in the summer when it is packed with tourists and skiers.
• Sulphur Mountain – Take the Sulphur Mountain Gondola to the top of the mountain where you are treated to breathtaking views of the valley. There are a few walking options from the top and a mountain-top restaurant.

  Image source Wikimedia

• Lake Louise – Regarded as the “jewel” of the park, Lake Louise has gorgeous turquoise waters and is surrounded by gigantic snow-capped mountains for a sublime and peaceful setting. The lake is best enjoyed with a canoe trip or a walk along the paved trail which runs along the water’s edge.
• Plain of Six Glaciers – There are a handful of wonderful hikes starting from Lake Louise, with the Plain of Six Glaciers being one highlight where you will be treated to postcard-esque vistas.
• Wildlife viewing – The abundance of wildlife in the park is one of the main attractions. Here you can find elk, deer, goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, black bears and dozens more. The best way to see this wildlife is with a tour, which can be arranged by holiday specialists like TrekAmerica.
• Bow Valley Parkway – This alternative route to the Trans-Canada Highway is 48km long and features a number of camping and picnic sites with stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Castle Mountain towers above the parkway at 2,728 metres. Another highlight, Johnston Canyon, is along the parkway. Here you will find a trail through the canyon with two waterfalls and a group of springs.

These are a few of the highlights, but it only scratches the surface of the magnificent Banff national park. Wherever you visit it is sure to be an unforgettable and incredible experience.