Top Things to do in Banff National Park
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies
With Cascade Mountain to the north and Sulphur Mountain to the south, the town of Banff boasts a magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountain setting. Travelers are spoiled for choice by the irresistible combination of luxury lodges, perfect powder, renowned restaurants and energetic nightlife on offer. With both summer and winter appeal, Banff lures visitors to its stores, spas and slopes year-round.
Restaurants in Banff National Park
1. Moraine Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,819 reviews
This beautiful lake nestled in the mountains is best known for its appearance on the back of the Canadian dollar bill.
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Moraine Lake is one of the main sightseeings in Banff National Park, one of the three national parks, which are close with others: Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. Here it is possible to do some different excursions (we did one, the Consolation Lake Trial about 6 km surrounding the lake and go up to a the other lake), really a wonderful excursion with great views of the lake and surroundings.. Near the lake, there are some natural areas of forest, where you can see also very beautiful views. A Top in (West) Canada!!! In fact, the best views are from a little top in front of Morraine Lake, from where you can see incredible views of the lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks. (See also Banff National Park, Minnenwanka Lake, Consolation Lake, Louise Lake, Herbert Lake, Hector Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Johnston Canyon, Mistaya Canyon, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Glacier, North Saskatchewan River, Valley of Ten Peaks).
2. Bow Summit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
To reach the Bow Summit we had to hike up further from the Peyto Lake viewing platform which was already overcrowded with tourists. It required some more effort and time to get up there but it was well worth the trouble. The view from the summit was one of the best views in the Rocky Mountains we had so far. We got a bird’s eye view of Peyto Lake, the bluest of the lakes, and the surrounding peaks. The Bow Summit was so peaceful with hardly any crowd. We were lucky to have travelled by bus as the parking lot for buses and handicapped cars are the closest to the Peyto Lake viewing platform, and so the walk to the summit is doable.
3. Parker Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 554 reviews
Reviewed By hp_hphan - Ontario, Canada
I was very fortunate to see mountain goats. They were running from one side to the other. It was quite windy at the too but the View was amazing. Definitely recommend this hike.
4. Peyto Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,192 reviews
Reviewed By Mary-Meadows - Hamilton, Canada
Driving back from the Icefield we happened upon this hidden gem. We were able to drive to top parking lot so only a short walk out to the lookout through a pine forest that was so beautiful with the snow on the trees from the snow we received that morning (yes in June!) When you get to the lookout the view of Peyto Lake is breathtaking. The colour is brilliant blue. So glad we found this beauty!
5. Plain of Six Glaciers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By Sophie_12341369 - Saint Jerome, Canada
This is a truly amazing hike that gets you up close to the glaciers with the option to eat a snack at the tea house. The trail itself is challenging but very doable for someone of average fitness. It is uphill but never gets too steep. The views are amazing all the way up. Highly recommend
6. Temple Mountain
7. Saddleback Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By ahewkojpeg - Ottawa, Canada
Beautiful hike, we went right after the rain and were the first people going up at 8am. Didn’t need/use any poles but saw other people with them. Was consistently steep the whole way, and when we were given the choice to take one of the two paths, we chose the steep one! On another dat we’d like to go back up and try one of the continued paths like Paradise Valley or Fairmont. Stunning views the whole way.
8. Little Beehive Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By 184patm184 - Wausau, United States
We hiked this section of the trail after stopping at Lake Agnes tea house. It’s only another short hike to the top, and well worth the effort. Views were spectacular. I would say it takes about 3-4 hours round trip from Lake Louise, but stopping at the tea house makes it all the more pleasant.
9. Lake Agnes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 480 reviews
Tiny lake only a couple of kilometers away from Lake Louise; a great hiking destination.
Reviewed By cathyw156 - Ottawa, Canada
We arrived at 9:45 on the first monday in October and there were still spots left in the main lot (although they were filling up quickly). The trail is well marked. We hiked to the Lake Agnes Teahouse first. From there we went up to the Little Beehive and then retraced our steps to the Teahouse. We had a quick lunch before hiking up the Big Beehive trail. There was a short section where it switchbacks up that I found a bit uncomfortable not being the best with heights but it would likely not bother most people. We returned by the trail through the forest that joins up with the Highline trail. This takes you back to Mirror Lake. I think this route was longer than if we had gone back to the Teahouse and down from there but I preferred that to doing the switchbacks back down. Loved the views at Lake Agnes and from the tops of both beehives!
10. Lake Minnewanka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,734 reviews
There’s no comparing the emerald green waters of Minnewanka with any urban landscape. Mountain ridges stretch as far as the eye can see, eventually blurring into a blissful cascade of colours.
Reviewed By bhavnaandshahaan - Mumbai, India
This place has my heart forever... so beautiful, serene and quiet.... was in love with the natural beauty ... do take the scenic drive after the boat experience and soak in the magic ... on our boat tour we met Mr Tim Cook the ceo of apple which was a total surprise .... for more pics and reviews from our trip to banff follow us on instagram @ bhavnaandshahaan
