Canadian Rocky Mountains Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Things to do Road Trip itinerary

Things to Do in Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Road Trip

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Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Road Trip

Alberta Canada is beautiful and there are so many things to do in Banff National Park! The area offers a perfect road trip opportunity of snow-covered mountain peaks, pine fresh air, distant glaciers, brilliant turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, and a charming resort town.  Banff National Park is in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It is the oldest of Canada’s National Parks and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. This is Grizzly Bear country. Get excited if you are driving and traffic suddenly stops; start looking for grizzlies along the side of the road.

READ Fairmont Banff Springs Afternoon Tea in the Rockies
READ Calgary Stampede The Greatest Show on Earth

Bow River Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Things to do Road Trip itinerary
Bow River

Things to Do in the Town of Banff

Banff is a small resort town within Banff National Park. 3 million people visit this charming town yearly and it is a great base with many things to do when visiting the area.

Take a city sightseeing tour

Shop for souvenirs along Banff Avenue

Take a bike ride to Minnewanka Lake

Go for a covered wagon ride and enjoy a cookout

Hike up Tunnel Mountain

Go canoeing in the Bow River

Take a gondola up Sulphur Mountain for impressive views

Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs

Take a ghost tour

Take a walk along the Bow Falls Trail and relax by the river

Explore Fairmont Banff Springs, the Castle in the Rockies

Have Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs

Banff Main Street Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Things to do Road Trip itinerary
Main Street Banff

Walk the Johnston Canyon Trail

Johnston Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park and no Alberta Canada road trip would be complete with a stop here. The trail leads through a pine forest to a series of catwalks attached to a narrow deep rock canyon. As you follow the catwalk Johnston Creek’s crystal clear turquoise water rushes beneath you, it is breathtaking. The best view of the lower falls is from the bridge. Cross the bridge, duck under a tunnel, and find yourself on a small metal platform directly in front of the falls. You will be amazed by the power of the falls, and you will get wet!

Johnston Canyon Trail Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Things to do Road Trip itinerary
Johnston Canyon Trail

There are three popular hikes at Johnston Canyon Trail.  The Lower Falls trail is a simple 30-minute walk. Continue on to the upper falls for a moderate hike with incline. The falls can be viewed from the base or above. The third hike takes you to the inkpots; seven jewel-colored, cold mineral springs, and a meadow. Be sure to wear hiking shoes and layers, the area is shaded and can be cool. There are no services in the area, bring water and snacks. Arrive early, the area is popular and the parking lot is small. Be prepared to get wet! Do not veer off the path. If you slip and fall into the creek you will be swept away.

Johnston Canyon Trail Falls Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Things to do Road Trip itinerary
Johnston Canyon Trail Falls

Canoe Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of Ten Peaks and is surrounded by pine trees and snowcapped mountains. The lake is fed by glacier water and is bluest after the glacier begins to melt in June and July. This is a great spot to relax and spend an afternoon canoeing on the lake. Be sure to take the Rockpile Trail for gorgeous views. There are many well-marked hiking trails in this area. Observe the signs and bring bear spray!

Moraine Lake Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Things to do Road Trip itinerary
Moraine Lake

Hike Lake Louise

Lake Louise is an icon of the Canadian Rockies. The beautiful Fairmont Chateau sits at the foot of majestic snow-covered mountains and Victoria Glacier is in the distance feeding the turquoise lake. Explore the upscale Fairmont Chateau and canoe on the lake. Take the 4.5-mile hike to Lake Agnes Tea House for tea above a waterfall or hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House for tea with a view. The Lake Louise Station Restaurant is a great place for lunch while watching the trains go by.

Lake Louise Banff National Park, Alberta Canada Things to do Road Trip itinerary
Lake Louise

Have more time in the area?  Plan your visit during the Calgary Stampede or drive along Icefields Parkway to Jasper to view the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk.

Check the Banff National Park website for current events

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