Suggested itineraries

Banff National Park

 Keep in mind, the park is especially busy from May through September. Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.
Hit the spots in town
  • Start your day with a relaxing soak in the warm mineral waters of the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs
  • Be inspired by award-winning exhibits at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site – the birthplace of Canada’s national parks
  • Take an afternoon stroll through the flower-filled Cascades of Time Garden, then listen and watch the rushing river along the trail to Bow Falls

These sites are accessible by Roam public transit, bike, car or foot.

Four extraordinary afternoons
Family time on Minnewanka Loop
  • Picnic with the kids by Lake Minnewanka reservoir then walk the twisting shoreline trail to Stewart Canyon.
  • Explore the history and remnants of an old coal town on the Lower Bankhead Trail.
  • For a truly Canadian experience, book a comfortable Equipped Campsite at Two Jack Main Campground where your tent is ready and waiting.

Roam public transit route 6 services most areas of the loop.

Take the scenic route
  • Drive the 230 km Icefields Parkway (93N) past glaciers, sparkling waterfalls and turquoise lakes on your way from Lake Louise to Jasper.
  • Hike to view ancient ice at Parker Ridge and Bow Glacier Falls.
  • Snap unforgettable panoramas at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and Herbert Lake.
  • Try a unique adventure: take the David Thompson Highway (Hwy 11) to Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site to explore the archeological remains of four fur-trade forts during the day and experience the life of a fur trader by sleeping in a tipi or Metis trapper tent at night.
Banff's iconic landscapes
  • A slow, scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway winds through sun-speckled forests and past the tiered pinnacles of Castle Mountain.
  • Walk alongside waterfalls in the summer and glittering ice in the winter at Johnston Canyon.
  • Stroll along the shoreline of Lake Louise  or in the summer, hike to two historic teahouses surrounded by glaciers (bring cash for tasty treats). In the winter, play on skates, skis and snowshoes.

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon are some of the most popular locations in the park. In the summer, park your car and take Roam public transit  from Banff to Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon. For Moraine Lake, Parks Canada shuttles are available from the Lake Louise lakeshore.

Related links

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