Just a beautiful experience. This is a place that people can tell you about, like I am, but you will not appreciate the true beauty and vastness of this park until you visit for yourself. Everywhere you look the sights are breathtaking. At times I found myself just staring taking in the view being lost in nature.

The most beautiful place myself and family have been. Truly wonderful, peaceful, and a majestic testimony to God the creator. Canadian Rockies are so vast! Amazing colors to glacier-fed rivers and lakes. See actual glaciers as they descend from waterfalls to streams to lakes and to rivers.

Visiting Banff National Park is one of the most unforgettable trips that you will ever experience. To start, the 4 hour drive from Calgary will provide you with a road trip and scenery that is jaw-dropping, and that's just the "tip of iceberg" of what you will see once you arrive at the park. I HIGHLY recommend that you do not stay for less than a week because there is SO much to see, visit, walk, canoe, cable car, and drive that you will do yourself a disservice. The countless trails to hike, lakes to visits, animals to see (including grizzly bears), and mountain tops to climb will leave you stunned. The clear forest air, sounds of wildlife, rushing rivers, and waterfalls are things you will not forget. A rental car is an absolute must, with plenty of accommodations to be had, depending on where you want to visit and how much you want to drive. And drive you will do in order to get the full experience. The topography is unlike anything you have seen, as you drive through closed canopy forests, open fields, amazing canyons, and even glaciers. You will see wildflowers of so many varieties and colors that your eyes will dance with excitement. You will wish you had a hammock to tie between trees or a comfortable blanket to lay in the massive fields of tall grass to enjoy a nap that you've probably never experienced or will. Go and do your heart, mind, and soul some good. Please respect the untouched beauty and throw your trash away in designated places.

An absolutely breathtaking park. This whole area of Canada has some of the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen. Getting around is easy, all highways lead to Banff. Make sure you buy a park pass ahead of time. I spent 7 days here and it wasn't enough to experience everything Banff has to offer. There are so many lounges and hotels to stay in, book way in advance since they fill up quickly.

Stunning landscapes with so much natural beauty. A photographer's dream. One of the most gorgeous places on earth we have visited. The turquoise color of water is unbelievable. Great infrastructure, well maintained highways. Have visited both in Summer and Winter.

My husband and I went to Banff with our toddler 9/18-25/24. It was chilly, and in the mornings, it sometimes got to below freezing. I wore leggings, a t-shirt, and a heavy fleece jacket with a beanie and it was enough to keep me warm! Wear layers so you can peel off as you hike. We wore trail runners and those were adequate for hiking. We stayed in Canmore and drove into Banff, which really wasn’t too far. *NOTE: Get a bus pass to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. We weren’t able to get the Parks Canada shuttle, so we went with a private company, Fairview Limousine Shuttle. It was CA$25 for Lake Louise and CA$35 for Moraine Lake per person, but if you wanted to do sunrise, it was like 3x the price. We did the shuttle to Moraine Lake at 7:15 am, so we got there just after sunrise, at 7:45. It was so cloudy that day that being there for sunrise wouldn’t have been worth it anyway. Thursday, 9/19 - Peyto Lake (.8 miles total) - Got there at 1:30 pm, there were enough parking spots. Took less than 30 minutes total, including stopping for pics. Stay on the trail! The trees are incredible and smell amazing!! Absolutely stunning views. They have toilets with no running water in the parking lot. - Bow Lake - Walked around a bit, didn’t really hike. We heard there’s a nice hike, which we would’ve done if we hadn’t started so late in the day! - Mistaya Canyon (.7 miles total) - Took 20 minutes, pretty!! Friday, 9/20 - Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls (3.4 miles total) - Got there at 8 am on a rainy and cold day, so there was plenty of parking. By the time we got down at 10:40, parking lot was full. Bathrooms with running water at the start. Because it was rainy and cold, the trail was almost empty. Very pretty! Took us a little over 2 hours, including stopping for lunch. We would’ve loved to do Ink Pots, but the toddler was cranky. - Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park - Got there at noon and it was packed, had to park far away. Stroller-friendly boardwalk. Amazing views. Little cafe and bathrooms without running water. We were there for about 30 minutes, but there are plenty of trails if you choose to hike! - Natural Bridge - Got there at 1 pm, found a parking spot. Bathrooms without running water. Quick stop, very cool. Saturday, 9/21 - Tunnel Mountain Summit from Upper Parking Lot (2.6 miles total) - At 8:45 am, plenty of parking. Very cold—below freezing. Took us 50 minutes to get up with stops and pictures, spent 30 minutes at the top but it was just so cold. Took us less than 30 min to get down. The elevation gain was challenging. - Two Jack Lake - Very pretty viewpoint! Go down the gravel path and look on either side for lovely views. - Lake Minnewanka - Eh, skip it. - Johnson Lake - Plenty of parking at 12:45 pm. Easy hike around the lake. Not worth it. Sunday, 9/22 - Took Fairview Limousine Shuttle to Moraine Lake. - Moraine Lake: Rockpile Trail (.8 km loop): Got to the lake at 7:45 and the shuttle left at 9 which was more than enough time. Quick walk up to take pics, hung out up there to pass the time until the bus came back. - Lake Louise: Lake Agnes Tea House Trail (3.4 km one way): Lake Louise was STUNNING. Completely uphill hike to tea house with stairs at the end. We stopped a lot of times and drank a lot of water. Took 1:15 on the way up. Lake Agnes was fine, but nothing compared to Lake Louise. Spent about an hour at the tea house, the wait really wasn’t that long. Got tea, vegetable soup, biscuits, a cookie bar. Took an hour to get down. Much easier going down, but hard on the knees. Monday, 9/23 - Hoodoos - Fine, pretty short. We followed the sign someone had written on and didn’t go past where the trail ended because there were. no views past it. If you don’t have time, this is fine to skip. - Bow River - We stopped at the Bow Falls Viewpoint for a picnic lunch. It was so peaceful. We didn’t do the trails, but I’m sure it would’ve been lovely. Even just stopping there for lunch was so nice. Highly recommend! Banff was incredible. Don’t pass it up!

Absolutely magical. I was able to spend 4 days here: 1 day visiting the touristy lakes, 2 days hiking, and 1 day cycling. The down sides are the overwhelming number of people that are here and the speed at which people drive on the main road, which I noticed everywhere in Alberta. Neither are the fault of the park so no reason to lower the rating, but it does mean this was probably the only time I’ll visit. I highly recommend Sunshine Meadows for a fantastic hike with less people!

Just a beautiful experience. This is a place that people can tell you about, like I am, but you will not appreciate the true beauty and vastness of this park until you visit for yourself. Everywhere you look the sights are breathtaking. At times I found myself just staring taking in the view being lost in nature.

The most beautiful place myself and family have been. Truly wonderful, peaceful, and a majestic testimony to God the creator. Canadian Rockies are so vast! Amazing colors to glacier-fed rivers and lakes. See actual glaciers as they descend from waterfalls to streams to lakes and to rivers.

Visiting Banff National Park is one of the most unforgettable trips that you will ever experience. To start, the 4 hour drive from Calgary will provide you with a road trip and scenery that is jaw-dropping, and that's just the "tip of iceberg" of what you will see once you arrive at the park. I HIGHLY recommend that you do not stay for less than a week because there is SO much to see, visit, walk, canoe, cable car, and drive that you will do yourself a disservice. The countless trails to hike, lakes to visits, animals to see (including grizzly bears), and mountain tops to climb will leave you stunned. The clear forest air, sounds of wildlife, rushing rivers, and waterfalls are things you will not forget. A rental car is an absolute must, with plenty of accommodations to be had, depending on where you want to visit and how much you want to drive. And drive you will do in order to get the full experience. The topography is unlike anything you have seen, as you drive through closed canopy forests, open fields, amazing canyons, and even glaciers. You will see wildflowers of so many varieties and colors that your eyes will dance with excitement. You will wish you had a hammock to tie between trees or a comfortable blanket to lay in the massive fields of tall grass to enjoy a nap that you've probably never experienced or will. Go and do your heart, mind, and soul some good. Please respect the untouched beauty and throw your trash away in designated places.

An absolutely breathtaking park. This whole area of Canada has some of the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen. Getting around is easy, all highways lead to Banff. Make sure you buy a park pass ahead of time. I spent 7 days here and it wasn't enough to experience everything Banff has to offer. There are so many lounges and hotels to stay in, book way in advance since they fill up quickly.

Stunning landscapes with so much natural beauty. A photographer's dream. One of the most gorgeous places on earth we have visited. The turquoise color of water is unbelievable. Great infrastructure, well maintained highways. Have visited both in Summer and Winter.

My husband and I went to Banff with our toddler 9/18-25/24. It was chilly, and in the mornings, it sometimes got to below freezing. I wore leggings, a t-shirt, and a heavy fleece jacket with a beanie and it was enough to keep me warm! Wear layers so you can peel off as you hike. We wore trail runners and those were adequate for hiking. We stayed in Canmore and drove into Banff, which really wasn’t too far. *NOTE: Get a bus pass to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. We weren’t able to get the Parks Canada shuttle, so we went with a private company, Fairview Limousine Shuttle. It was CA$25 for Lake Louise and CA$35 for Moraine Lake per person, but if you wanted to do sunrise, it was like 3x the price. We did the shuttle to Moraine Lake at 7:15 am, so we got there just after sunrise, at 7:45. It was so cloudy that day that being there for sunrise wouldn’t have been worth it anyway. Thursday, 9/19 - Peyto Lake (.8 miles total) - Got there at 1:30 pm, there were enough parking spots. Took less than 30 minutes total, including stopping for pics. Stay on the trail! The trees are incredible and smell amazing!! Absolutely stunning views. They have toilets with no running water in the parking lot. - Bow Lake - Walked around a bit, didn’t really hike. We heard there’s a nice hike, which we would’ve done if we hadn’t started so late in the day! - Mistaya Canyon (.7 miles total) - Took 20 minutes, pretty!! Friday, 9/20 - Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls (3.4 miles total) - Got there at 8 am on a rainy and cold day, so there was plenty of parking. By the time we got down at 10:40, parking lot was full. Bathrooms with running water at the start. Because it was rainy and cold, the trail was almost empty. Very pretty! Took us a little over 2 hours, including stopping for lunch. We would’ve loved to do Ink Pots, but the toddler was cranky. - Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park - Got there at noon and it was packed, had to park far away. Stroller-friendly boardwalk. Amazing views. Little cafe and bathrooms without running water. We were there for about 30 minutes, but there are plenty of trails if you choose to hike! - Natural Bridge - Got there at 1 pm, found a parking spot. Bathrooms without running water. Quick stop, very cool. Saturday, 9/21 - Tunnel Mountain Summit from Upper Parking Lot (2.6 miles total) - At 8:45 am, plenty of parking. Very cold—below freezing. Took us 50 minutes to get up with stops and pictures, spent 30 minutes at the top but it was just so cold. Took us less than 30 min to get down. The elevation gain was challenging. - Two Jack Lake - Very pretty viewpoint! Go down the gravel path and look on either side for lovely views. - Lake Minnewanka - Eh, skip it. - Johnson Lake - Plenty of parking at 12:45 pm. Easy hike around the lake. Not worth it. Sunday, 9/22 - Took Fairview Limousine Shuttle to Moraine Lake. - Moraine Lake: Rockpile Trail (.8 km loop): Got to the lake at 7:45 and the shuttle left at 9 which was more than enough time. Quick walk up to take pics, hung out up there to pass the time until the bus came back. - Lake Louise: Lake Agnes Tea House Trail (3.4 km one way): Lake Louise was STUNNING. Completely uphill hike to tea house with stairs at the end. We stopped a lot of times and drank a lot of water. Took 1:15 on the way up. Lake Agnes was fine, but nothing compared to Lake Louise. Spent about an hour at the tea house, the wait really wasn’t that long. Got tea, vegetable soup, biscuits, a cookie bar. Took an hour to get down. Much easier going down, but hard on the knees. Monday, 9/23 - Hoodoos - Fine, pretty short. We followed the sign someone had written on and didn’t go past where the trail ended because there were. no views past it. If you don’t have time, this is fine to skip. - Bow River - We stopped at the Bow Falls Viewpoint for a picnic lunch. It was so peaceful. We didn’t do the trails, but I’m sure it would’ve been lovely. Even just stopping there for lunch was so nice. Highly recommend! Banff was incredible. Don’t pass it up!

Absolutely magical. I was able to spend 4 days here: 1 day visiting the touristy lakes, 2 days hiking, and 1 day cycling. The down sides are the overwhelming number of people that are here and the speed at which people drive on the main road, which I noticed everywhere in Alberta. Neither are the fault of the park so no reason to lower the rating, but it does mean this was probably the only time I’ll visit. I highly recommend Sunshine Meadows for a fantastic hike with less people!

Beautiful lake with amazing colorful mountains surrounding the lake. Wildlife are often seen near or around the lake. This is a huge tourist attraction as there is a boat launch where you can take boat rides around the lake. The drive up to Lake Minnewanka is stunning in the fall when all the leaves are in full color. There are trails for walking, rocks for sitting and soaking in the beauty. One of the must visits when in the Banff area.

Very pretty lake, beautiful views, you can soak in the nature, breathe in and take nice pictures. The parking lot is decent,there’s washrooms and short walk so definitely must try!

Spending a day at the lake was a refreshing escape from the rush of daily life. The calm water mirrored the blue sky like glass, creating a picture so serene it almost didn’t feel real. Gentle waves lapped against the wooden dock, and every sound — from birds calling across the water to the rustling trees — blended into a natural symphony that melted away stress. What stood out most was the feeling of balance: moments of silence followed by laughter as families paddled by in canoes or kids skipped stones near the shore. The air felt cleaner, cooler, and full of life. Sitting close to the edge, I could see tiny fish darting through the shallows, while sunlight flickered on the surface like silver sparks. Whether walking along the path, taking photos of the sunset, or simply sitting still, the lake offered something rare — genuine stillness. As the evening came, golden light touched the treetops and the reflection deepened into shades of amber and blue. It was the kind of view that made you pause and breathe differently, aware of how healing simple beauty can be. Overall, my visit to the lake felt like a quiet reset button for the mind and soul. It reminded me that peace doesn’t always require distance — sometimes it’s waiting beside the water, asking only that you stop long enough to notice.

Wow!! Boat ride worth the travel and price! We were there the last weekend (11-13 oct 25) the boat was not pack like summer, it snowed the day before so was a little chilly but fine. Poor girls ( captain and guide) they told us that on the last day, they have to jump in the lake, its a tradition !! We also did one of the trail, amazing view, please bring bear spray and have at least a group of 4 for some trail.. we did not encounter any but with the snow the urgency of finding food become an obsession.. be aware

Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park is a beautiful getaway that’s surprisingly welcoming for dogs — as long as you follow the rules. The trail and day-use areas offer stunning views of the glacial lake framed by rugged mountain ridges, making it a scenic and peaceful experience for both you and your furry friend. One of the best things about visiting with a dog is simply walking along the lakeshore: there are quiet spots to stop, take photos, or enjoy a picnic. The clean, well-maintained trail makes it accessible for a relaxing stroll without feeling too wild. But be careful — during the summer (from July 10 to September 15), dogs are not allowed beyond Stewart Canyon on the Lake Minnewanka Trail.  When your dog is permitted, they must be kept on a leash and under physical control at all times.  This rule protects wildlife like bears and elk — and it’s enforced by Parks Canada.  Also, make sure to pick up and properly dispose of their waste.  Be aware that there is a real wildlife risk: bears have been spotted along the trail, and advisories recommend keeping pets close and carrying bear spray if you’re exploring.  Overall, Lake Minnewanka is a fantastic spot to bring your dog — provided you stay on leash, respect seasonal trail restrictions, and treat the area responsibly.

I went on a stargazing tour and visited this lake, and it was absolutely stunning at night! You could see so many stars! It was one of those once in a lifetime opportunities for me, and I was greatful to be able to grab a few beautiful pictures of the night sky! I also went on a boat tour, and was able to capture the beauty of the lake as well!

Lake Minnewanka is a beautiful and peaceful spot to visit near Banff. The lake is huge, with stunning mountain backdrops and clear blue water that makes for amazing photos. There are boat tours, hiking trails, and plenty of spots to just sit back and enjoy the view. It’s a great place to spend a few hours and soak in the Rockies’ beauty.

Its a beautiful place for sure but very busy and outrageously expensive. There were so many people that it was hard to get a picture without strangers in it.lol But the staff members in the hotel and coffee shop were wonderful. They truly cater to people with class and kindness. Adding 2 stars to my review.

The Lake Louise Summer Gondola is a fantastic way to enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies without a strenuous hike. I recommend riding in the open seats during summer to fully experience the fresh air and scenic vistas. While I didn’t spot any wildlife during my ride up or down, the view from the top is still incredible. Once you reach the summit, there’s an easy trail that winds down, offering more amazing perspectives of the mountains and valley below. It’s a relaxing and visually rewarding experience, perfect for photographers and anyone who wants to enjoy the Rockies with minimal effort. Tip for visitors: Try to ride in the open-air seats during summer for the most immersive experience and bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

I liked the view when I went to the top but to be honest, this whole gondola thing was very normal. View was great but could be a possibility that I went in July and it looks better when snow is around. There is a photo booth where you can take a picture.

The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola is one of Banff National Park’s most versatile and photogenic destinations, offering year-round opportunities for spectacular mountain photography. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the resort provides sweeping views of Lake Louise, the Bow Valley, and the imposing peaks of Mount Temple and the surrounding ranges — all accessible within minutes by gondola. During summer, the Lake Louise Gondola is a photographer’s dream. The 14-minute ride ascends through lush alpine forest to an elevation of over 2,000 meters, where breathtaking panoramic vistas unfold. From the upper station, visitors can capture the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise framed by rugged mountains and glaciers. The viewing platforms and short trails near the summit offer ideal vantage points for sunrise and sunset, when golden light touches the peaks and deepens the blues of the lake below. Wildlife photography is another highlight. The area around the gondola is prime grizzly bear habitat, and sightings from the safety of the lift are common in summer. Photographers can also encounter elk, marmots, and golden eagles, making it an exceptional spot for nature and wildlife shots without venturing deep into the backcountry. In winter, the resort transforms into one of Canada’s premier ski destinations. Snow-covered slopes, alpine lodges, and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Temple create postcard-perfect winter scenes. The crisp mountain light, combined with the interplay of snow and shadow, makes for stunning high-contrast photography. A ride on the gondola or chairlift provides aerial views of the skiers below and the vast white wilderness stretching in every direction. Whether blanketed in snow or glowing under summer sun, the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola offers photographers a chance to experience the Rockies from above — capturing the scale, color, and wild beauty that make Banff National Park one of the world’s most photogenic landscapes.

[Summer Gondola] - don’t believe the haters! And don’t go up with expectations to see wildlife. This was an absolute delight, and I’d recommend making time for it - especially if you’re already parking there for your trip up to Lake Louise/Moraine. The whole experience was peaceful, a cool perspective of Lake Louise, and provided beautiful views of surrounding mountains. We kept an eye out for wildlife, but knew we weren’t visiting at a time when they’re expected to be out and about. It’s really just a lovely ride, especially in the open chairlift (vs enclosed gondola).

We take the gondola and lunch bundles ride . On both ways ( up and down ) we seen two deer under our gondola ride . The views from the top are amazing . The mountains and all those glaciers are stunning ! The burgers combo we have ordered are delicious too.

Beautiful views and they have a restaurant at the top (don’t remember the name) where food is delicious!! A bit expensive but totally worth it for the views !! A must do experience

It was a relaxing stay. We appreciated the activities planned throughout the day for our daughter including kids check-in, pumpkin decorating, and smores-making. Great location as it was right next to Lake Louise, however, further from town than we anticipated. Parking is not validated for dining at the hotel. We truly appreciate the efforts of the housekeeping team in making our stay comfortable. Bell staff was very helpful and efficient. Overall, wonderful experience from start to finish.

Came to this location for our 10 year wedding anniversary. The hotel staff were extremely generous with us - even had a handwritten card with a lovely message on it. Who writes a hand written card these days? So lovely! Further, at the Lakeview Restaurant, server Will was fabulous. As well as the lovely bald man who was perhaps a manager there? I didn’t get his name, but he was also tremendous and made sure we had a great dinner for our anniversary. We felt so special and we don’t have a lot of times we are able to go out these days. This was our first time traveling without our young kids, and the generosity of the staff made it so memorable for us. Everything was fabulous. Hopefully we can come back soon. Thank you!

Lake Louise is an absolutely stunning location! My wife and I stayed several days as part of a larger group event. The staff is kind, welcoming, and hospitable. Big thank you to the hotel team. Personal shout out to Mark at concierge! After a conversation regarding hotel activities, unfortunately, the activity we wanted to participate in was full. When we had returned to our room there was a personalized note and some vouchers from Mark. This is one of many examples of kindness. We really appreciated how the staff went over and above, exceeding expectations each day! Can’t wait to visit again.

Stayed here for me birthday! They upgraded our room to Lakeview and there was a bottle of wine waiting in our room! The basin glacier experience is well worth it as there isn't much to do in the hotel other than eat or hike especially since the sun sets earlier now. I highly recommend making reservations for lunch AND dinner or you might risk going on the wait list. Steak tartare was really good!

What an unforgettable birthday experience from start to finish! My stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was truly magical from the moment I arrived. Everything about my stay felt luxurious and thoughtfully curated. The breathtaking views, the warm atmosphere, and the exceptional service made this birthday trip one I will never forget. The setting alone is breathtaking—waking up to the turquoise lake and surrounding mountains felt like stepping into a postcard. The rooms were beautifully appointed, comfortable, and spotless, offering breathtaking views that made every moment feel special. The staff were always warm and attentive, consistently going the extra mile to make the experience extraordinary. Jade warmly welcomed me, checked me in and made me feel truly appreciated. A massive thank-you to Sam, who went above and beyond by surprising me with a special birthday treat delivered to my room—along with a beautifully signed card from the staff. It was such a thoughtful touch and made me feel genuinely celebrated. Even checking in at the gate, I was wished Happy Birthday! Breakfast at Louisa was another highlight. Patricia and Candy were absolutely wonderful and full of positive energy. They made each morning feel extra special with their kindness and exceptional service. Every part of the stay was elevated by the people who work there. I left feeling appreciated, pampered, and eager to return! I highly recommend the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to anyone looking for a truly memorable experience.

Amazing view from the 8th floor lake view king room. We were so grateful to have been upgraded to this floor upon check in. Prior to check in I requested a higher floor room and we were thrilled and surprised they gave us the top floor with a view right down the middle of the lake! The check in process was very smooth and informative and they let us check in a couple hours early as well which was fantastic. It was such a dream to wake up and go to sleep overlooking the lake. The rooms are quite small though but very nice. Loved the Nespresso machine in the room. Amazing front desk help and concierge help. I loved the text option for contacting concierge with questions. Took the free mixology class taught by Brock which was SO much fun and we highly recommend signing up for that if you are visiting. Roasted complimentary s'mores at night on the fire and also utilized the hotel pricing for canoes. Yes the hotel is a splurge but such a stress free and luxurious way to visit Lake Louise. We also completed the Big Beehive hike the day of checkout and it was of course fantastic. We dined at Alpine Social for dinner and it was tasty and also the biggest chicken sandwich I’ve ever had haha.

Absolutely Heaven on Earth! The staff went above and beyond to make this birthday trip extra special. They left decorations, flowers, prosecco and sweets to surprise us. Our lake view room was nothing short of spectacular. I can’t remember ever having seen a more beautiful view. The spa treatment was lovely and relaxing. The food was excellent and interesting. Antoine, our server, was friendly and knowledgeable. We would recommend this beautifully appointed hotel to anyone and everyone!

Visit : July 1, 2025 Amazing wooden trail that leads to lower and upper falls. Total distance may be 2.5-3 hours. Lower falls are amazing with breathtaking views. Small cave at the end with excellent positions for excellent photos. If you don’t want more hike up and down then at least you reach the lower falls. Good parking area but if you’re there after 4 PM then for sure you will find a spot in parking lot A or B.

Tucked away in a serene canyon, this trail is a gem for anyone craving a few hours of nature’s embrace. The path meanders alongside the soothing rush of water, creating a tranquil soundtrack for a refreshing hike. Two stunning waterfalls punctuate the journey—one lower, one upper—each a breathtaking reward. The full 5.5 - 6 km loop through the canyon is a delight, though a shorter 2–5 km trek to the lower falls is perfect for a lighter outing. For those willing to push a bit further, the upper falls are an absolute must-see, capping off a scenic and soul-rejuvenating adventure. Highly recommend!

Love this stop from our two day tour bus! We only had time for the lower falls hike but it was so worth it! Well paved, well fenced way to either lower or higher falls. Just the combination of mountains and the water is magical. The cool weather made it easier. It rained and snowed on our second day of the tour but nothing dampened the days as a matter of fact, the weather just gave it a different perspective of beauty!

It is cool to be on the hike and lower falls is the first one you would see a queue (that was the long weekend and some people skipped the line and ran all the way when people were waiting for their turn…) It is rather quite an easy hike and it is worth to going in and see However, our experience is don’t stop your hike just at lower falls! Because you shall go further up to the upper falls (no queue) and ink pots (magical and funny cold springs)

We had a wonderful family hike at Johnston Canyon to the Lower Falls! The trail was easy, well-paved, and perfect for kids, which made it stress-free and enjoyable for everyone. The walk along the canyon is beautiful, and the Lower Falls are absolutely worth the short hike. It’s a great family-friendly adventure that I’d highly recommend to anyone visiting Banff!

A good hike especially if weather is cool. Takes about 1-2 hours return. Slight elevation. There’s a little cave where you can go in to see the lower falls up closed! There’s a queue on the bridge to get into the cave. Good negative ion with the water fall and river flowing through. (See google map for more info on Johnston Canyon and upper falls)

Beautiful hike with amazing views to the lower falls. Prepare to wait in line to go inside the "cave". You can still get a view of the falls outside.

Beautiful, cascading falls close to the Banff Springs Hotel. Easy walk from anywhere in town along the Bow River Trail. I highly recommend walking the entire Bow River Trail when you go. It has spectacular scenery of all the surrounding mountains with well done art walk along the way.

It's nice and neat to see the rock under the water and hotel. You can get good photos from either side of the falls. There are better falls though but good to see if your in Banff for the day.

Bow Falls is a beautiful and powerful waterfall located just a short walk from downtown Banff. It's an easy and accessible spot, perfect for a quick visit or a peaceful stroll along the nearby trails. The surrounding mountain views add to the charm, especially during sunrise or sunset. While not a very tall waterfall, its width and force make it a must-see attraction in Banff.

So cool to walk along the art walk on our way to the falls! There were tons of people around but nothing ever felt crowded because there’s so much space. A beautiful place you gotta see!

Great parking space. It got chilly and windy but the falls was so far the widest though shortest I’ve seen. The sound of the falls just couldn’t be beat regardless! Great stop!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bow Falls is an absolute gem that showcases the natural beauty of Banff without requiring a strenuous hike. Located just a short walk from the Banff Springs Hotel, these cascading falls offer stunning views year-round, though they're particularly impressive during spring runoff when the water volume is at its peak. The paved pathway makes it accessible for visitors of all ages and mobility levels, which is wonderful for families. The viewing areas provide excellent photo opportunities, especially with the iconic Banff Springs Hotel creating a dramatic backdrop. The sound of rushing water creates a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for a moment of reflection. While not as towering as some of the region's other waterfalls, Bow Falls has a charm all its own. The wide, multi-tiered cascade creates beautiful patterns in the rock, and the surrounding forest adds to the scenic appeal. It's an ideal spot for a quick nature break if you're staying in town or exploring the Bow River area. The only minor drawback is that it can get quite busy during peak tourist season, so early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be more peaceful. Despite the crowds, it remains a must-see attraction that captures the essence of the Canadian Rockies in an easily accessible setting.

Easy enough walk from & back to Banff Centre. Lovely outdoor art installations by local Bow Valley artists, part of the 'Art in Nature Trail' on display along the trail.

My favourite lake in all of Canada, nothing compares to this incredible shade of blue! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. This place feels truly special and simply being there is a beautiful reminder of how amazing it is to be alive.

⭐ Spectacular! Moraine lake and the ten peaks. So beautiful it is a MUST visit. No regrets! Some said the view on the morning is stunning with the sun shining on the peaks. Am happy to be there in the late afternoon as it is less crowded. Can walk on the beach but lots of pebbles and stones. Will need to book and take a shuttle to Moraine Lake as it is off limits to vehicles unless staying in the lodge.

Decided to walk along the road of Morraine Lake today , weather is sunny and not too cold .The view is stunning ,has flowing river and small water fall ,12 KM walk ,it took us 3 hours to the lake and 4 hours back due to issue related to hiking shoes.

Very pretty lake, beautiful views, you can soak in the nature, breathe in and take nice pictures. The parking lot is decent,there’s washrooms and short walk so definitely must try! Top tourist spot so it does get busy, there’s a cute bakery shop and yes it does sell samosas! Also, the bathroom’s smell super bad so please be careful!

Amazing lake. No parking lot on the area. You should take the shuttle from the Louise Lake or the sky resort. Purchase shuttle tickets in advance.

Absolutely stunning lake with crystal clear blue waters. Arriving early is going to give you the best views and allow you to enjoy the scenery without the crowds. Can be a little difficult to figure out the Park Canada Shuttle but recommend Moraine Lake first in the morning. The 2 day advance shuttle tickets are a great way for late planners to join the fun.

Beautiful and magical place! You can enjoy a peaceful ambient with fresh air. Unfortunately the kayaking company there charges you a fortune ($160 USD).

Really great views and really great food if you eat in the Sky Restaurant Buffet. Food was really good as long as you get the food that looks fresh. Gondola ride was super short, only about 8 minutes so I think the price was high. Once at the top though there’s lots to do like shop and read more about the area. On the roof/sky deck there’s also little fire pits and an igloo that’s heated that you go in and warm up. I really loved it here and definitely worth seeing it once.

This is one thing you should definitely experience if you're in Banff. The ride itself is bloody amazing. We were four folks. On a busy day, the queue for the ticket can be long but they have many counters so it moves quickly as well. We hardly had to spend more than 10-15 minutes to get our turn. The gondola is quite expensive but the experience is worth the price. They give you a time slot for the onwards as well as the return journey in Gondola. We had two hours available at the top which is slightly less than required but you still can manage to do a lot upon the top. However, it's also tricky if you want to come down early. That can only happen if there is no queue on the top - otherwise, you wait for your time slot to come back down. On a busy day, that might almost be impossible. The staff was great - very friendly. The guy at the ticket counter was from Ireland and had come here for summer, which is incredible. There's a cafeteria right next to the ticket counter with Starbucks and a few other shops.

We visited in July 2020 and had the most fantastic experience. The beauty and the hospitality were top-notch. I'm luxury hotel trained in customer service, and the crew at this tourist attraction were some of the most kind and hospitable people I've ever met! They really did care about those they interacted with. It was outstanding the experience. I will definitely be back next time I'm in Banff! Highly recommended when in the area!

What an incredible experience!! If your around here, you MUST do this! Even if it's once in a lifetime, it'll be so worth it! Come in the winter months as it's not busy at all, and the cold dry crisp air is super refreshing! There's fire pits to warm up in top of the roof. And the outpost at the end of the trail offers the most amazing view of the Rocky mountains! Complimentary tea/hot chocolate. Stay till its dark and view the stars on a clear night. The gondola ride up is quite fun itself. Coming down at night with the view of Banff is super cool too.

My husband and I got the package with the dinner. It was our favorite experience in Banff. The views are amazing, impressive and beautiful, they gave us a blanket as it was extraordinary cold that night. Once on top, we got out to the deck to enjoy the views, it was too cold to stay out. Dinner was perfect and food amazing, we sat by the window, the view of the Rockies was just enjoyable and impressive. Service was friendly, professional and after dinner, we went to the deck to get s'mores made in the fire pits installed on the deck. There was also live music and telescopes to look at the stars. We took the last gondola, and one more time going down was a great experience, as the views of the city and mountains were amazing. We absolutely recommend this activity!

A MUST SEE!! fantastic view from the top. Take a full day to enjoy this place, have lunch at the restaurant on the mountain top. Just a gorgeous nature God created. Canada is so blessed to have this. The ride up is approximately 10 minutes, sit on the left side facing down the village as you climb. Lovely view. Great facility. Highly recommended!

You can not miss this tour! Wonderful place and very easy to get to ... Take the municipal bus on Caribou Street, and in a short time you arrive at the station. The ticket to the gondola is not expensive, the wonderful view of the mountains pays off. The place is very well kept and clean. Great restaurant. And the staff is very kind.

The Paint Pots are such an amazing and unusual place to visit. The mineral springs turn the water and soil into a vivid orange color, so it feels like the whole area is painted in ochre. It’s really impressive and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The trail is not too long and easy to walk, and when you arrive, the view is absolutely worth it. A unique and beautiful spot in Kootenay National Park!

The Paint Pots trail is an easy walk through forest and over little bridges to these vibrant orange mineral pools used by Indigenous peoples for ochre. Super interesting geology and history all in one short hike. The colors pop, especially in the sunlight. Trail was a bit muddy in spots when we visited in July 2025, but totally manageable with good shoes. Great for families and anyone looking for something different from the usual waterfall or mountain view.

Very neat place for a hike. The paint pots are brightly colored and the hike quite pleasant and not at all strenuous. Glad we stopped.

This is a very easy 900m walk from the parking. There is nothing spectacular here, but it is a nice way to stretch the legs. There is a relatively new boardwalk in place ... I suspect it would gave been a pinch muddy without it.

Honestly more of a 3.5 stars - the trailhead said it was only 1.5km - but there is NO way - it was quite a long hike with a lot of uphill to the painted pots and when we got there, we were like whaa?? Is this it?? Another family there was staring at it also and had the same thoughts. The only reason why I thought it was worth doing was the long windy boardwalk thru the yellow muddy fields - that was gorgeous. My dad didn’t enjoy this hike at all though and said he wished we skipped this one and spent more time at Johnston Canyon instead .. oh well!

The pots were nice to see, but my favorite was the colorful stream that came from the pots. It was nice to get away from busy Banff and enjoy a little Kootenay National Park.

Very easy hike and beautiful the whole way up and the path is very well maintained. The Paint Pots at the top are beautiful and just draw you in! Worth the stop.

The river and views were beautiful, of course.. it’s the Kootenays. The staff were polite and made the experience fun. However, they were not trained, they did not know the area or any information about the mountains, the river, history of the landscapes, etc. and although they did pretty good at being guides, many of them had no raft guide experience. There were no wet suits provided, which was a first for me. We were rafting in glacier waters and were told that we wouldn’t be cold. We froze, everyone on the rafts were complaining about being freezing cold. Wouldn’t recommend going unless it is 30+ temps or you will be so cold that it’s not enjoyable, specially a full 8 hour day! Communication between customers and the company was poor to none… Photos are provided for free because majority of them are terrible quality, however, we did get a couple of good ones, and I guess any photo is better than none! We did our best to have a good time and enjoy the trip since we paid for it and the guides were good people. We will raft again, but definitely not at this location and possibly not with this company again! Hard to write a mixed review, explains the 3 stars. If it wasn’t for the guides doing their best to make it a positive experience and the location, then it would have been less stars. Edit: Increasing the star rating due to thorough and kind response from the company.

White water rafting was an absolute blast! The scenery was stunning, the laughs were nonstop, and the splashes kept us cool!! Such a good day full of adventure and memories. 🛶🌊 the guide we had she was amazing! Funny and all around made it such an incredible experience and highly recommend!😊

My wife and I went on the full day Kooteney River Whitewater rafting tour on 31 August 2025. This trip was worth every dollar spent. The company is a fantastic raft tour company and Tyler. Our trip leader was energetic, friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining. We have no complaints with this trip and would absolutely do it again and recommend it to all our friends. You should absolutely do the full day trip as there is a stunning waterfall down the river after the half day takeout. You don’t want to miss that.

We had an amazing time rafting on Toby Creek with Kootenay River Runners. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. The staff were great - super friendly, funny, and made everyone feel comfortable. Highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a memorable adventure!

Highly recommended family activity - excitement and fun for almost all ages. We chose the 1/2 day extended option on the Kootenay River. It is the 2nd half of the day with substantially more hours than the morning 1/2 day option, a visit to a beautiful falls, and a great lunch including some very nice cookies. This was our first white water experience, and likely will not be our last.

I chose to do the full day Kootney river adventure as well as the Golden Kicking Horse extreme rafting. On both trips the guides were fantastic. A shout out to Ryan, Bill, and Curtis (Kicking Horse) OUTSTANDING JOB!!!! Also a shout out to Emma (Kootney River) Terrible joke telling but tons of fun facts were shared. GREAT JOB!!!!! I would recommend this for couples families and singles. Super fun and makes for good memories.

Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Ty and Kootenay River Runners deliver the ultimate white-water thrill! From heart-pounding rapids to stunning mountain views, every moment is pure excitement. Ty’s energy and expertise made us all feel safe and turned the ride into an epic experience you won’t stop talking about. If you're craving fun, adrenaline, and a splash of wild beauty — this is the ride of your life. Don’t miss it! 🥰

They do not have any RMT’s so they are unable to provide ID numbers. If you are going to be trying to reimburse your massage through your insurance policy, it will not be approved. Be warned about this service

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had such a wonderful experience with Casey! She’s not only skilled and meticulous with her work but also incredibly warm and easy to talk to. My feet have never looked or felt better — she paid attention to every detail and made the whole appointment relaxing and enjoyable. Casey clearly takes pride in her craft and genuinely cares about her clients’ comfort and satisfaction. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending her to friends. Thank you, Casey, for such a great pedicure! 💅✨

Guys you wont have a regret checking this spot out, its definitely one of the best hot spring experiences, and guess what, you can finally dive in a hot spring, how amazing?

I called ahead to inquire on accessing the pools if we booked a few appointments (the pools are not open to the public) and was told it would be no problem if we were purchasing spa services. My step daughter and I arrived and were greeted by a rather curt front desk person (working AM of December 16). This is not a spa but rather a retail space in the corner of the front lobby. It is not inviting, welcoming or calming. When I inquired about using the pools, I was told that we did not purchase enough to gain access (and this was delivered in a manner that made us both feel like we were trying to get away with something). I was not pleased. There was absolutely no one else at this spa and the resort was practically empty (and this was not mentioned on the phone when I called ahead). As there was only one staff, I had to wait my turn. As I mulled over the terrible service and lack of access to the facilities, I returned to the spa to pay for my step daughter's massage ($82 for 30 minutes with a non certified person?!)and I cancelled my mud wrap (which I discovered was WELL over $100). The front desk person was once again curt, but I truly did not care at this point. I was sincerely disappointed in the complete lack of effort to make our experience enjoyable. The prices of the spa services are not exactly affordable so you would think they would go above and beyond to make your experience as wonderful as possible - not treat you like a criminal when you ask to use the pool. Please do not waste your money here!

Don't bother calling if you're pregnant. Basically none of their services are safe. For the few that are (Mani, Pedi, facial) I was told on the phone that they do not make any specials accommodations to help with comfort (lying on back etc.) I honestly felt like they were telling me not to come. There's a great place in Invermere called Fusion that is far more kind and welcoming to pregnant people.

Received a manicure and pedicure from Dawn at the spa and from the beginning was disappointed. I was very excited to show her a small design that I wanted and she rudely stated "I am a nail painter not a nail artist". While getting my nails painting there was no divider place between us and with mask being worn, she coughed directly on my hand she was painting and made no effort to cover her mouth. While painting my toe nails did the exact same thing again. I was truly disgusted by this behavior since I was paying a large amount. I barely received a smile from her through out the whole 2 hour appointment, and she was very prying about scars on my body that made me uncomfortable. When she did try to make conversation, I explain I was getting my nails done for Calgary Stampede since I have never been before and her response "You have to be stupid for wanting to go there" and continued "It is so stupid to go to Stampede" all because the lines are too long for her. As a paying customer, I should not have been called stupid and dealt with what I did. I will not be recommending this place to anyone and hope to see better service the in the future.

Bought a package for my wife for her birthday. She was extremely pleased with the massage, facial and pedicure. She’s already talking about making this an annual pilgrimage. Thank you to the staff who were polite, pleasant and professional.

There's a 1km walk down/up a steep hill. The path is well maintained with a nice handrail. Once you reach the bottom there are numerous large boulders to traverse to get into the pools. Unfortunately some visitors with mobility issues couldn't pass the landing to enjoy the pools and as such have given this a 4 out of 5 The first one closest to the side of the hill is the hottest and the one furthest away was the coldest as the stream laps through the pools to cool them down. There were dogs running around without leashes and some over crowding but overall it was a great experience. You can't beat free! It's a (unpaved) forestry road with some very rough and tight patches so drive with caution

It was a really nice spot, a little crowded when I visited, but we were able to find some room. Good range of temps. Somewhat strong smell of sulphur, but that is just about every hot spring I am aware of

Lussier Hot Springs is definitely worth a visit! It can get pretty crowded, so be prepared for that, but the natural setting makes it a really cool spot to experience. A unique and worthwhile trip if you’re in the area.

We went September 25/25 with the family. The water was beautiful. Just amazing adventure. 10/10 recommend. Please do yourself a favour bring proper fit wear this rocks are SLIPPERY. We brought our puppy he loved it. There was a small hint of cool water very faint, made it the most comfortable relaxing I’ve ever had at a hot spring

We went there on a Saturday morning around 8 a.m. and there were already four people in the pool, but there was still enough space for us. There were three pools, but only one was warm, so most people stayed in that one. The road there was a bit annoying since it wasn’t paved, but overall it was a great experience and we would definitely go back. :)

Amazing, natural thermal hot springs located within nature. A small path leads you down to the oasis of paradise. On the morning we went there were only 2 only people soaking (8am) but they were locals and said during the high seasons they’ve seen as many as 25 people crammed inside.

Very beautiful, sitting in nature. The road leading there was kinda scary when there was lots of snow. But definetly do it again.

This was a great day. We chose Fort Steele because it was something different from the other sightseeing we had been doing and was closer to where we were staying. It was great. A great place to go and see how things used to be and why the area was settled and how they survived. There are tours available. We did the archive one which took us to their storage area (1 of many) to see everything that is donated, cataloged and then used in the displays. They have a schoolhouse, with teacher, newspaper/print office with printer and working press, bakery with delicious cookies, a few churches, pharmacy, dentist office etc. There are cast members walking around. It was not busy. Highly recommend this.

This place is BIG! There's lots to see, so give yourself plenty of time to do it in. The staff were very friendly, especially in the seamstress and gold panning sections! We had great conversations with the gentlemen at the gold panning station, and one of them even followed us with some gold we'd missed in our pan! Excellent experience!

Absolutely loved it! We took a guided tour and the two guides were dressed in period clothing. They knew their subject matter and gave indepth descriptions of life in the Fort and surrounding area. Overall this was a great choice!

Really great displays of a heritage town, pack a lunch/snack and spend the day walking around in and out of all the buildings, lots of information on everything there. Take good walking shoes. There's a horse drawn carriage if you want to see the sights on a tour. Worth spending the day exploring

A step back in time. The town is a great historical site with lots of information for people to read learn and enjoy. The Clydesdales were beautiful. The theatre was a step back to your childhood showing old films like the three stooges. The schoolmistress was charming and very friendly and took her role to heart.

Had a nice time with the family here. There was a lot more to see here than we expected. Our favorite things to see were the demonstration of making haybails, the tinshop, waterworks building, and snacks at the International Hotel. It was fun that all the employees there stay in character and are excited to chat. We didn't give ourselves enough time here, we didn't give ourselves enough time to see everything, it's definitely an all day event.

We got here on a Sunday afternoon a few hours before closing so some building where closed, but still a lot to see and do. Tried panning for Gold only found some pyrite but it was an experience. The staff all wear costume period clothing and play their roll, from school teacher to tanner, to gold panner. Great place to stop and visit, the train was being repaired so not able to ride that but the horse drawn cart was running and a cowboy walking the boardwalk.

Great hill for skiing. Lots of runs. Good elevation. Very helpful staff. I was impressed.

Love the spring skiing here! Always so nice! Loads of different trails of difficulty.

Just returned to Kimberly after a ski trip in Fernie and the difference between the two locations is great. OK on the third day in Fernie we had a dump of snow and it was good powder, and amazing. Hard to beat. Nevertheless, Fernie was much better prepared on the runs. And the variety of lower runs in Blue and Green allows for a fun day. While Kimberly has the long North Star quad chair lift, and the blues and a few greens are long and converge on the bridge to the start of the lift. So a real bottleneck. And after the bridge to run down to the lift is not green.. Once up the North Star you can move over to the backside, but they are not always well groomed runs. In fact I was on Vimy Ridge and the run surveyor was having a real argument on the phone with the director about opening runs. It would also be nice if somebody took a brush cutter to the pines growing on the runs. The RCR staff at the locations seem to come from different planets, the Fernie staff are great friendly and helpful. And the ski patrol is on the ball. You can't say that of Kimberly at all. Except being for the cafe staff they are friendly..

Great ski hill for beginner to intermediate skiers. If you’re looking for something a bit more interesting try going to the far north side and jumping in beyond the patrol lines. We found some fun fresh snow in there !

Great hill, even better when it gets dumps of snow. The hill has a good variety of different runs with varying skill levels. The hill is well maintained with the green runs groomed while most blues and blacks aren't.

Awesome family ski resort with excellent runs for all levels, and fun stuff for little skiers to build their confidence and skills on. Stay on the resort if you can, so much easier to ski-in, ski-out for lunch and breaks, and after the kids are done you drop them back at your suite and do a couple Mom & dad power runs to round out your day!

I've skied here my whole life, I love this family friendly hill. Its a hidden gem with great snow, friendly staff and short lines. This was my 1st time taking my 6yr old daughter here. Sophie (or Sophia maybe?) was working the top of the magic carpet ride and was such a ray of sunshine! Wearing an elf hat, smiling, singing and chatting with everyone. She even encouraged my daughter when attempting the pilons. When she went on lunch break my daughter even asked when she'd be back. She really made the day special for us, and deserves recognition.

Nice trails for biking or hiking. Maps provided at the conservation office located here.

Pretty green valley with ponds,the Kootenai River. A nice drive and walking area.

Mosquitoes hatchery’ it was the worst hike I’ve encountered’

After a long day of driving and before having dinner, we spent a couple hours at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Center. Although the Center itself had closed for the day, we enjoyed wandering the trails, watching the birds and seeing the beautiful scenery.

Best ever!!! Amazing area and well maintained. Great birding and a great place to get away for a few hours

First time taking the long way around! So worth it! Fall colours, frogs, beavers, otters, birds, fresh air, and friends! Highly recommend.

Great place to go with the family. Fun setups for the kids. Canoe tours are awesome. So much learning here. Great walking paths. Stroller friendly and all well designed and easy to walk on.

Today I stopped by the front desk about 230 pm to modify a reservation I had for the weekend. My wife and I are celebrating our anniversary there this weekend. She was so polite and helpful. She's a real asset to the Casino and I'll come back because of her caring attitude. I really appreciated that. Thank you again.

Beautiful riverside of the Kootenai safety! Beautiful views, Lots of ducks. BNSF trains go by atleast once an hour. So if you like trains like I do its awesome.. Rooms are clean and maintained well, Quiet! Workers are all friendly and helpful. Food was OK, but not great! Was my only issue. They have three separate casino rooms! I dont gamble, but sat and watched football. Stayed three nights, Entry doors to sleeping areas as well as rooms are key card access for safty!

Every now and again we are lucky to find a diamond in the rough on our motorcycle trips and we sure found one here with the Best Western Plus in Kootenai River Inn. We were greeted by Julie at the front desk and she put in motion the foundation of a great stay and experience. Our dining experience was great with good food and our server Heather was exceptional. Overall....fantastic.

Please for the love of god do not put regular non dog owners in a pet friendly room. Room 111 on the main floor smells of dog piss. Even worse is the combination of carpet deodorizer, cold air conditioning and dog piss - gross. Not to be nasty but the whole lower floor smells of dog piss, there are too many old seniors that leave there dogs in the room to pee. On a positive note, the House keeping staff needs to get a raise, other than the dog piss smell everywhere on the main floor your staff keep the property very clean. Everything from the bathrooms, linens, beds, walls, and pool and outdoors is great.

We've been on a camping 🏕 vacation for a few days. After numerous looks of annoyance from my wife. I called to check on a room for the night. Connor was quick to answer my questions about amenities, food, pool, breakfast availability etc. I told him I would call back. Maria answered this time & took my info with swift efficiency. Upon checking In Heidi multitasking checked us in & gave us the rundown. We ate at the in house Spring restaurant. Our server had curly hair and glasses & was phenomenal givin the friday night rush. We cleaned off the camp fire & headed to the Casino to make our donation to the county 😆. Stephanie & Anna at the Casino bar were attentive & kept us drinking & gambling. Jeremy stood out to us as being on the ball with clean ash trays & removed empty glasses. We're from Bismarck ND & this was our 1st time. We will definitely be back for the service & the views.

I arrived weary and tired from a wonderful but overall long day wheeling in BC, Canada. I am dirty head to toe and the wonderful staff upgraded my to a river view jacuzzi suite. It sure made my evening. Then the casino took my money 🤑🤣

Very clean and lovely rooms. We don't visit the casino but the breakfast in the spring restaurant was beautiful with Kootenai river views. We really were impressed during our stay.

SOULLESS CORPORATE SKI MTN Skiing was fun. Mountain felt corporate and soulless. Paid $400/night for a room with a window that leaked so much that ice formed. Good food and vibes at The Outback. Ops employees like lifties, ski school, and ski patrol all super dialed and on point. Too bad Schweitzer went corporate and sold out, used to be cool but now they're generic and bland like the rest.

The experience at Schweitzer was awesome. This mountain was perfect for a beginner to learn. The blues were not too steep. The snow was not so great, the first few days were corn snow slush that got refrozen and then reworked the next day. But WOW the scenery was crazy beautiful. I’ve never skied somewhere with a lake visible. It was awesome views , even on the green slopes haha. The shuttle bus from the bottom of the mountain to the village was a game changer, what a huge asset. So helpful. The crowds were sparse, not long wait times at lifts, were assuming all the locals stayed home because of the snow conditions. Overall, the mountain was awesome. Very beautiful and had a lot to offer, wish we got more time and some fresh snow.. next time!

A summertime MUST DO! We only rode the lift to the top and hiked around, then ate at the restaurant, but can't wait to go back and ride bikes all over! There's also zip lines, horseback rides, and so much more.

We called an hour before arriving with plans to take the tram to the top for lunch. We were told by Karen who had confirmed with her boss Jessica that i would be able to take my service dog on the tram. I unhooked my trailer and left it parked below in a parking lot and drove 20 mins to the top. When i got to the front desk I was told vehemently that no dogs "of any kind" were allowed on the tram. Even got Karen on the phone to talk to the front desk lady Diane only to find out that Karen had been misinformed. wasted almost two hours because they can't train their phone people who are answering questions the correct answers.

Great small town atmosphere with a fairly extensive array of slopes and lifts on a big mountain. Friendly staff makes for a fun day. Most popular slope on front side faces sun so get there early if the snow is deep so you don’t get caught in deep chop and chunks.

Beautiful resort with excellent terrain and lift system. The resort sits at a fairly low elevation and we have had a fair bit of wet weather. Not sure if this is typical. Good skiing and good vibes.

Oh man, I liked Steamboat a lot, but this might be my new favorite. Not only is there a lot of terrain, it’s also VARIED terrain. The trails are also rated inverse to Sun Valley’s - in other words, trails are easier than they might seem. I never felt like a black diamond was too challenging. Despite now being an Alterra property, the food is a good deal and Cabinet Coffee is a must-have.

This lake is so beautiful! Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes walking on trails and seeing good views! There was a lot of kids at the Bay area with paddle boards, seems like a very good spot for families.

Absolutely stunning place ❤️

Such a big beautiful lake with lots of exploring. It's nice to go somewhere on the water with your boat and not feel like you are crowded. There is plenty of places to swim on the shore as well.

Lake Pend Oreille is a very big and amazing lake with immense beauty and very much to do all the way from Bayview to Sandpoint and along the north and eastern shore all the way to Clark Fork. Fishing, camping, hiking, boat tours, beaches and every type of water front activity all in one. It is a very deep lake at 1150 feet and still supports a Navy Submarine base that dates back to WWII. Bring your camera and batteries.

Lake Pend Oreille is one of Northern Idaho's deepest lakes at 1158'. The lake is over 43 miles long and has long been used as a submarine testing site that began many years ago during the war. To this day, if you’re lucky enough to be in the right spot at the right time, you might catch a glimpse of one. The lake was formed thousands of years ago by the glaciers that used to cover this area. The area surrounding this beauty is full of things to do for the outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, backpacking, fishing, skiing (summer and winter) camping, sightseeing, hunting, swimming, photography, you name it, and you will find it here. As always, leave it better than you found it and enjoy 😉.

A Northern Idaho Must-See!! I had the pleasure of exploring this lake during a visit to the area. I had been to Northern Idaho many times and always wanted to see the lake. I have been close many times but always pressed for time. This time around I devoted a whole day to explore the lake. I started off in Bayview and checked out as much of the lake as the trails would allow. It was raining off and on that morning so many of the trails near Bayview were muddy and slippery. I didn't want to waste time so I headed up to Sandpoint and stopped at many of the lookouts off the highway around the lake. There are many vantage points for viewing and boat launches as there are several homes, cottages, Inns and campgrounds around the lake. If you are a hiker there are several well-maintained trails around the lake and local outfitters and tour guides can take you many places around the lake. This scenery and views around this lake are priceless. You could spend a few hours or a few days taking in its splendour. This is a must-see destination in Northern Idaho and I can't wait to get back.

Anyone would love that lake and the hills and woods. The campgrounds, not so great . NO camp host around. They gave me the worst lot in Snowberrey. I have a Tioga! She told me, lotsa luck. U have to back unto a tiny drive with a big rock border! 35 bucks for a senior with no pass. No hook up to elec..the whole place is bulldozed so they can make a ton more money renting out those too close sites to peepl who like camping in a city atmosphere.

Great State Park with several campgrounds within. Each has clean bathrooms and hot showers. More than 40+ miles of trails for fun hiking and mountain biking. The lake is beautiful for kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and boating. Love it.

We visited the state park on a Thursday. We arrive around noon so we couldn’t check-in to our campsite. We decided to drive around and see what it had to offer. We were completely surprised at how big the park is. Once 2 o’clock came we headed back to the visitor center and checked in. Our campsite was spacious. Dry camping only, in our loop. There was a bathhouse and toilets centrally located.

We loved our site we had 2 companion sites and were able to bring our pontoon, kept it on the camp site, we had amazing meals, hikes, and enjoyed some great times fishing can’t wait to go back next year!

Beautiful campground, friendly staff, close to town. Make sure your pets don't get off leash though, as you will get scolded, not very nicely by camp host. All in all, a very family friendly place and beautiful scenery.

This state park is absolutely gorgeous! The lake is stunning, and the swimming was awesome—such a perfect spot to cool off and enjoy the outdoors. The campgrounds are spacious, clean, and really well-maintained, which made the whole experience even better. Everything about the park feels cared for and inviting. I would highly recommend visiting, and I’ll definitely be coming back!

HUGE state park. There are a lot of great features! Favorites were: Beaver bay day use area - good swimming bay. You can't paddleboard in the bay itself, but you can launch and explore from there. Food is available for purchase at Wet Willie's, and there are rentals also. We packed in our own boards. Super busy, the parking lot was packed but it was still beautiful! Disc Golf - there are 5 courses to explore! Brig Museum - we spent so much time there and enjoyed it! We loved it and want to come back someday! It's worth noting that you can't hang hammocks from the trees while you're camping, which is a little sad. But the trees are probably better off, I suppose.

Lots of room at the campsites, quiet, great places to get in the lake, trails for hiking/biking, and not far from Athol if you need groceries or something. We loved our weekend here!

Was great! Spent 2 days in the parks at end of June, not too busy at all. Clean, so many rides and everyone was friendly. The preloaded wristband was good for the teen to get eats as he needed, no need to carry cash with.

Great experience at Silverwood this weekend! Visited from Montana and this amusement part was easily found with navigation. The line in moved quick. $10 parking, longer parking lanes to walk. Checked in at a bag/purse check area. Walked a running under to main road to get to the park. Entering the ticketing area was quick, buy your tickets online (you can even load cash to a wristband). Oh, don’t forget to bring a credit card or debt card with you “verify your online purchase”… The park map was helpful and easy to read. Overall, the park felt safe. Which is important! Plenty of staff and easy to get around. Great kids space with quiet areas for little ones. Consider bringing a change of clothes (socks) just in case you get wet in the raft/log rides. There were some demo coaster chairs at some entrances for trial, because not all body types work with all rides. That was considerate! The lines in general weren’t miserable but be prepared with sunscreen and to practice some patience. Have fun, hope our little review helps!

September was definitely a perfect time to go to Silverwood. Parking was easy. Short walk through the tunnel to the parks entrance. Tickets cost less when fall starts. Pizza was great while we got to watch the magic show. Lines were practically nonexistent. Got to go on all the rides and some multiple times because the lines were so short. Spent the whole day there from open to close and had a great time. Definitely going back next year.

I visited Silverwood Theme Park for the first time to experience Scarywood—and it was totally awesome. Riding roller coasters in the back, in the dark, was a completely different experience. As a thriller author, I naturally look for thrills. I’m not a full-on adrenaline junkie, but the characters I write definitely live for the rush. We spent more time riding coasters than exploring the haunted houses. People later said the haunted houses were amazing, but the lines were over an hour long. I wasn’t up for that kind of wait. It was also freezing. Even though I’d bundled up, I wish I’d worn fleece pants. Not a ding on the park—just a heads-up. If you go at night in northern Idaho, be prepared for cold. Food options were solid. Parking was a bit of a bottleneck. There were still open spots, but traffic getting in was hectic. Once inside, ride lines averaged about thirty minutes, which felt reasonable. Stunt Pilot was epic. I’d ride it again in a heartbeat. Looking forward to my next visit.

The pass gets you unlimited rides, access to both the water park and the theme park. On the weekday the lines were reasonable. The weekend and warmer weather brought longer lines. Everything is well maintained and in food operating order. The water slide that takes you uphill is a blast. Definitely recommend during the week for shorter lines. Really fun rollercoasters and train rides.

Everything was beautiful, pleasant and clean, including the parking lot and rest rooms! The staff were polite and respectful. Come on a weekday, not weekend. Our huge family had a wonderful time. If you attend with 15 or more guests, you qualify for a group rate, which needs to be booked ahead of time, & is so worth it! I only have one small complaint: the music was too loud. My family had to shout over each other to have a conversation. Kudos to their lifeguards, I can tell they're highly trained and take their jobs seriously. (I'm a certified lifeguard) Thank you Silverwood, we can't wait to come again next summer.

Just so so good. What an awesome time had by everyone in our group. We went with a big (200+) group. We got unlimited beverages and an included supper at the ChuckWagon. From the staff to the grounds to the rides, everything was super impressive and well thought out. Loved the coasters- so well designed.

Tubbs Hill is worth driving over from Spokane for a hike. Depending on which trail you take, there are different levels of terrain difficulty. It is a long trek around without a bathroom. Go before you start your hike.

Awesome place to start the hike on the east side. Parking in a lot and on the street. Can hike to the quiet beach or complete the loop around Tubbs Hill.

Nice little hiking area. We covered most of the trails in an hour. They seem newly built and could probably use a few more switchbacks on the summit trails but it's definitely not a touch hike overall. The main loop is very easy. We parked in the east lot and had not trouble finding parking at 11am on Friday. Weekends are probably pretty busy though.

Nice neighborhood family-friendly trail park. Great for hiking or running. The trails are well marked. Elevation gain to the summit is manageable and doable for really almost everyone! Some bird watching and lots of deer roaming in the park.

Great place to go with kids dogs and kayaks!

Nice little trail with views of the lake and some swim spots. Busy. Dog friendly. Parked on the opposite side of town so I didn't have to pay.

It was amazing, but I'm very tired. A few trails for everyone 😁, we chose the loop trail, the whole trail was up or down, but the views were fantastic. We took many photos, nature is beautiful. There were many small and large rocks, bridges, the trail led among conifers but sometimes you walked in the sun without a bit of shade 😁. It was worth it although I had the moment that I could not cope, I would not come 😳. I came, I overcome fatigue 😀

Absolutely beautiful. Lots to do and see around the lake.

Our absolute favorite place to getaway to! So many water activities that are offered (you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, peddal boats, and more!) And downtown area is walking distance, always something fun going on!

Beautiful lake and a must-see at some point in your life. Would love to come back with the family and explore more.

Beautiful and great family fun. A must do when anywhere in the area.

Lake Coeur d'Alene was beautiful and huge there are small towns around the lake many with docking... restaurants and bars. We rented a pontoon for a fair price...it was the best way to see all areas and a few towns. We spent the whole day on the lake it was a great time!

Beautiful Lake! Amazing place to vacation. The lake and watersports, seaplane rides, and biking/multi-use trails around the lake. Coeur d'Alene is a great little downtown to walk, with Huckleberry everything, good restaurants. Take a short boat ride from Coeur d'Alene resort to the golf course and have an amazing breakfast on the patio overlooking the floating green

If I win the lottery I'm buying a home here, beautiful lake, with the forested hills surrounding the lake, love it, very friendly people here in Idaho!!!

I have played Circling Raven before a couple time. But I forgot how great this course really is. The front 9 is good. But the back 9 is magical. As the course wanders through the trees and up and down the rolling hills, it is one of the most beautiful settings of any coarse. It is so remote that you don’t see or hear anyone. It feels as if you are alone in the wilderness. Now the course is in great shape. There were no dead spots or imperfections. The greens ran fast and true. Probably close to 11.5. The bunkers had light fluffy sand. Some of the best I have hit out of. If you are in the area, it is a must play.

My perspective on Circling Raven will probably be a bit different than most posts, as Kim and I were the 'ride alongs' on the boys golf day! We do this regularly on vacations and have seen many beautiful courses, HECK we live on a golf course with views. ALL staff were very friendly, welcoming, helpful and displayed a sense of humor which was a much appreciated added bonus. Circling Raven itself was a cut above most courses and absolutely breathtaking, every single hole. The way they have married the course to the natural beauty surrounding and throughout the course is exceptional and you never know what you'll see around the next bend or over the next hill. The added beauty of aged wooden bridges, old train tracks, tunnels, blooming crop fields, native wildlife (and on OUR day, those huge fluffy clouds) make this a course we'll be more than happy to crash on any future trips as well. Oh... and least I forget, the boys said the course was in top condition, challenging and made for some hilariously colorful self commentary along the way. Wonderful memories all around.

Excellent layout, fast undulating greens. If you want to eat b4 ur round, show up early. They are in no hurry to get food out at the course restaurant.

Just an awesome experience. Every golf fan needs to experience Circling Raven at least once. Of course, be warned that once you play, you'll be planning your next outing or at least thinking about it. Played here June 5 and conditions were spectacular. Greens are lightning fast. The pin setter needs to be reminded that most of us are tourists and not professionals. I'm guessing that over half the pins were on the edge of the greens with very little room for error. It's probably going to add a few extra strokes to your game, but still, we walked away with a sense of euphoria.

We were there to watch our daughter play in the high school state tournament. The course was beautiful! The variety on the holes was impressive. The course is long, would highly suggest a cart. The carts have nice features like a small cooler, club and ball wash station, and GPS screens you can order from. I really appreciated the course hosting the tournament. It was an incredible opportunity for our daughter. We will definitely plan to go back and play as a family!

The scope a size of this course is enormous. I love that the course is in front of you. No blind/trick shot necessary. Generous fairways for a short hitter like me. Played from white tees it was less intimidating for a first time player. Good distances between holes. Very fair price.

Wow! All I can say is wow! This course was amazing! The groundskeepers did an OUTSTANDING job! The clubhouse was amazing and Jordan at the front desk of the clubhouse was very helpful! Can’t wait to come back! Seriously haven’t golfed in over 10 years and I had such and amazing time! The carts were pretty awesome, the service ON the course was epic and it was just an all out Amazing opportunity, Connie Jacobs, thank you so much for helping us experience this wonderful time!