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!

Peyto Lake is an absolutely mesmerizing lake, with a brilliant turquoise colour that looks beautiful in any season. The main viewpoint is a very short hike from the parking lot. You can also hike down to the lake, but is harder than the viewpoint. The atmosphere is unforgettable whether it’s foggy, snowing, raining, or sunny.

Beautiful view. Easy short hike. For best view, go there in the late morning or early afternoon before the sun goes behind the mountain and shadow the mountain covers the lake.

The trail was a very steep trail but easy very short hike, its a bit challenging for new trailblazers so recommend support or slow route option. Definitely worth the view, look is so blue and pretty and shaped like a wolf.

This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful lakes in Alberta and in all of Canada. The short hike to the viewpoint is absolutely worth it, offering stunning scenery and photo opportunities. It can get quite busy, so it’s best to arrive early to fully enjoy the experience in peace.

I loved Peyto more than Lake Louise. Blue water surrounded by mountains was breathtaking. Pretty normal hike (<1km) that leads to the deck to view this beauty. Parking available.

Peyto Lake was one of the most beautiful lakes I visited during my trip to Banff and Jasper. The short hike up to the viewpoint was absolutely worth it — the turquoise color of the lake is breathtaking and looks almost unreal. A must-see stop if you’re exploring the Icefields Parkway!

Peyto you have my heart ❤️. Around 700m hike from parking lot. Its hidden gem. Peyto lake looks very beautiful. Parking lot is big, washrooms on site. Observing Deck is great spot to enjoy this beautiful turquoise lake. Family friendly environment. If you are travelling to Columbian Icefield or Jasper its a quick scenic stop.

Awesome hike! 6 km roundtrip out and back, a few inclines but overall the trail is pretty moderate and flat. You move across the plains and into some forest/shrubs, then into a beautiful thick forest. Trail runs along the river for quite some time, super refreshing! View at the end is totally worth it.

Moderate 6 km walk. Starts on a wooden pathway, cross over the river on a suspension bridge and then a well groomed pathway. Couple of steep hills but manageable. Gorgeous views of canyons and the waterfall is impressive.

Low effort. High reward. I would recommend this hike to anyone passing through the area. A short walk with minimal elevation gain takes you across two bridges, a boardwalk on the plain, and a great waterfall. Not to mention the amazing spot next to the falls where you can have a snack. The first falls are only a 45min walk. You can take the trail a little further (10min) and see another fun formation with raging water. The second and third set of falls are more of a hike. Be prepared for more effort. Commit to another 3 hours to get there and back to the first falls. Precarious ridge trails along the gorge, steep inclines, and forest paths. There is enough tree coverage to create shade for much of the hike. Some of the trail is not for the faint of heart, but the third set of falls is impressive as you can get right down to the riverbank. Total trip time from the parking lot and back was 5 1/2 hours (with a 30min lunch). Highly recommend the first waterfall. Super easy walk and suitable for kids.

Easy in and out trail. Gorge lookout before falls is awesome. Falls are small but mighty. This is a great hike. Carry bear spray. Keep dogs on leash. Upper Falls - The trail past the main falls is more difficult. But worth the walk for the views. Not suited for elderly, out of shape or young children as it’s steep, has tricky traverses across steep, rooted, slopes and canyon edge. Hiking poles recommended. If you make it to the rock wash DO NOT go turn left on the edge of this creek bed. Stay right / straight then drop down through the bush (if it looks bad you’re in the right place) you will see the trail above the creek bed on the opposite side. You have to climb around and over water stream and slippery rock. Continue on trail for another 2 klm or so up the Siffleur River Canyon. At the end there is a very steep muddy drop off down to the rivers edge and another small waterfall. 🙂

I saw these animals within 1 km of the parking lot entrance. Beautiful hike even for smaller children.

It was gorgeous just like that entire area its so beautiful.hurry up and go see it because last friday i have never seen so many people there its horrible its becoming slowly like Banf.. to many noisy people. Garbage and loud music ect. Go on a monday or tuesday.

Went there on a whim. Its aboout 2hr drive from Abrahams Lake. The trail is too long and not very comfortable apart from those bridges. Have to cross 2bridges and then there is about half hour steep hike. In the end it was all worth the sweat. The time is for back and forth. The view from up top was beautiful. Must visit especially before sunset and take that beauty in from there! Parking is free. Restrooms are where you park and nowhere else. The trail mostly is dog friendly but make sure they have comfortable shoes on feet for hot ground and lots of water.

⭐ Beautiful tranquil Emerald lake, which takes its name from the lovely green color reflected from the sediments in the lake. There’s a flat walking trail that we could take to walk round the lake, but it is quite a big lake. There are also bear signs/ sightings around the area so need to be careful if walking the trail. Can also rent a canoe 🛶 to go around the lake but it is rather expensive. Pix were taken in early June in the late afternoon.

Visited in early October and the lake was a mesmerizing emerald green. Renting a canoe is a must! the red boats against the green water create a beautiful, striking contrast. Absolutely spectacular scenery. Highly recommend

Emerald Lake is one of the most breathtaking spots in Yoho National Park. True to its name, the water shines in brilliant shades of emerald green, especially on sunny days, and the surrounding peaks reflect beautifully off the surface. The lake is easily accessible, with a flat walking trail that loops around the shoreline, offering peaceful views from every angle.

One of the prettiest places in all of Banff! Get there early so you can enjoy the peace and quiet before the buses show up (also for parking). I highly suggest canoeing if you can. It’s absolutely stunning from the water! There’s a path to walk and a boardwalk/road for those who can’t with beautiful views too!

Emerald Lake is one of those rare places that instantly makes you fall in love with nature all over again. Nestled among majestic mountains and evergreen forests, the lake lives up to its name — its waters shimmer with the most enchanting shade of emerald green, so clear and calm that you can see the reflections of the peaks above like a perfect mirror. The moment I arrived, I was captivated by the peaceful energy that surrounded the place. It feels untouched, pure, and timeless. The walking trail around the lake is easy and scenic, making it perfect for a quiet stroll or photo adventure. Every step reveals a new angle of beauty — crystal waters, wildflowers, and the soothing sound of nature in its purest form. I especially loved the view from the wooden bridge; it’s picture-perfect and gives you a full view of the lake framed by the mountains. It’s no surprise this spot is one of the most photographed places in the region. Canoeing across Emerald Lake was the highlight of my visit. Gliding gently over the calm, jewel-toned water felt magical — like floating in a dream. The silence, broken only by the soft splash of the paddles, was deeply relaxing. There’s also a cozy lodge nearby with a café that serves warm drinks and local food — the perfect way to end a day of exploring. The staff were friendly, and everything felt peaceful and well-kept. Emerald Lake is not just beautiful; it’s healing. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and feel grateful just to be alive. I left with my heart full and my mind calm. A truly five-star natural wonder — serene, stunning, and unforgettable.

Absolutely beautiful lake. Very crowded and not a lot of places to picnic or sit by the lake at all. Still so gorgeous and worth the stop.

A mesmerizing lake with a true wow factor! It’s one of those rare places so stunning it feels like it could change your brain chemistry. The views are absolutely breathtaking perfect for photoshoots, picnics, hikes and enjoying nature

This park is absolutely stunning! The color of the lake is breathtaking. There is an easy scenic trail around the lake with beautiful views of the mountains and wildflowers. It can get overcrowded so it’s best to visit early in the morning or after 3 PM for a more peaceful experience. Otherwise, it is hard to get a parking spot. June and July are the ideal months to witness the beauty at its peak. A must-visit for nature lovers!

The emerald lake was picture perfect place to visit! Emerald green lake, green tree, well-maintained and pretty place. The cafe is cute. The service was nice. I went in with my family while it was raining hard outside (which doesn’t impact the beauty of the lake). Apparently, my family didn’t want anything since ut’s close to the dinner time but the server was very nice and still took a good care of us despite we only order one cocktail—rose sangria which was delicious. I would recommend this place for anyone.

This is such a beautiful place. I didn't get much time in this park. But everything I've seen is absolutely stunning. I love how beautiful Mother Nature can be. ( the creator)

One of the absolute best national parks! Emerald Lake with its highly accessible, indescribable beauty. Takkakaw Falls, Natural Bridge…just couldn’t be better. Slightly less crowded than neighboring Banff, but still crowded at popular spots in the summer.

The park was beautiful… at least the bits we could see! Went at the end of May and almost lot of the major attractions were still closed. This seemed unnecessary given the lack of snow at this time of year. Lake O’Hara busses services weren’t running yet and would have had to walk 11km each way to see it. Takakkaw falls were closed entirely. Only really got to see emerald lake which was super busy. I’m sure it would have been a beautiful 5-star park had we been able to see some of it.

So gorgeous. By far the prettiest place on earth I've been in my life. Please visit if you get the chance, visit all four of the neighboring national parks, they're well worth it.

Amazing scenery at this national Park. Dog friendly trails which is great. Parking is limited at Emerald Lake so get there before or after lunch bus crowds. Nature's bridge is fantastic, small parking lot though

A gorgeous lake with stunning views year round. Each season offers something different. Quite peaceful and serene in the winter, vibrant in the summer. Atmosphere is beautiful, definitely worth a stop.

Beautiful lake that perhaps has a less dramatic viewpoint than Peyto Lake but still worth a visit. Do note that it is more difficult to get out to the lakeshore when it’s wet as the foreshore area turns into mud.

It's a really nice lake, even if it's not as well-known as Louise or Moraine. Definitely worth checking out, but the parking and facilities weren't great.

Alberta has many big and beautiful lakes. Lake Bow is also a great lake! It gives me relaxation and comfort. I recommend you to go if you have a chance.

Personally, I prefer Bow Lake to Lake Louise. Bow Lake has fewer people, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere amidst beautiful natural surroundings. It’s only about a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise to Bow Lake, making it a worthwhile destination. If you enjouy hiking, there are several impressive trails, such as my favorite trails, The Onion and Iceberg Lake.

Bow Lake is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. Laying at the base of Bow Summit, you can observe beautiful mountain scales set with this gorgeous lake. Bow lodge, once a private residence and sold in 1996, has a “Provisions” area and small patio where you can enjoy a sandwich, coffee or dessert. They have a parking lot and it’s a very short walk to the lake.

Easily reached by car with roadside parking and a viewing platform Bow Lake is a must-stop for any Icefields Parkway journey. Its striking glacial colors, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility make it ideal for both brief visits and extended exploration. Whether you’re snapping a quick photo, paddling the turquoise water, or hiking toward the glacier, it’s a highlight that outshines its roadside appearance.

Lovely, easy hike in, about 5km round trip on mostly flat though rooty track. Can't go wrong for path finding. Luckily under the trees as it was over 30 degrees. The falls are amazing. Super Luckily we arrived late afternoon and pretty much had it to ourselves.

July 24,2023. Lovely trail, was a random stop otw for our road trip Banff to Vancouver. We feel lucky we stopped here. There are washrooms and parking spaces there. But a gravel road with pot holes. Good luck. We got absolutely soaked when we walked towards the waterfall. We had an absolutely wonderful sunny day and got to see rainbows. We did have to change clothes since we got soaked 😂. My phone somehow survived the wetness of that waterfall.

Get here early and no one will be in your shot. Great 3 mile hike that is easy until the last bit where it’s straight down to the fall then straight back up. I’d be careful with young children. We spent a couple hours with the kids exploring the rocks at the bottom and hiking and were here about 9-1130a which was perfect. Only a couple of other people were here at first but the parking lot had filled up by the time we hiked back.

We really enjoyed our hike out to the waterfalls on this trail despite it being a dreary, drizzly morning. The trail can be a bit slick in these conditions and there are a few mildly treacherous spots, but as long as you're wearing hiking boots and not flip flops like a few fools were doing you will be fine.

The trail is super easy to follow from the trail head car park. The only hard bit for people unsteady on their feet is the up and down to the river bed. Great photos to be had . About 2 hours total.

Nice trail but very muddy with any rain. About 391 ft of elevation of you go down the lowest viewing location. All the elevation is near the end at the falls so it can be easy if you only go to the first viewing. They have pit toilets if you need one😁

Absolutely gorgeous place to sit and look at the beautiful falls and mountains that surround it. This course starts easy but I caution those with small children to think hard before going there. It gets pretty tricky when you get close to the falls so I don't recommend this trail for small children.

A wonderful rapid mountain river, with a so-called natural bridge made of stones, surrounded by forest and mountains. You can walk and relax, admiring the beautiful scenery. There is a large parking lot.

It's just a stop off the road but probably one of my favorite ones. You can walk right up to the waterfall, although some are probably braver than they should be as they get too close ... or even walk over the rock bridge!!! It's truly amazing watching the water and it's calmer upstream. My daughter even made a little sand structure with the silt.

The Natural Bridge is an amazing stop in Yoho National Park. The Kicking Horse River has carved right through solid rock, creating a powerful natural arch with rushing water beneath—it’s fascinating to see up close. Easy to access with short walking paths and viewpoints, so it’s perfect for a quick stop on the way to Emerald Lake. Beautiful, unique, and worth a visit!

Visiting Natural Bridge was an awe-inspiring experience that reminded me just how powerful and artistic nature can be. Tucked away in a landscape of towering pines and rushing rivers, this geological wonder is absolutely mesmerizing. The bridge itself — formed naturally by centuries of water carving through solid rock — stands as a symbol of strength and timeless beauty. It’s one of those places that leaves you speechless the moment you see it. The sound of the roaring river below adds to the thrill, as turquoise water rushes powerfully through the stone arch. The contrast between the deep, clear water and the rugged rock formations creates a dramatic scene that’s both humbling and breathtaking. Standing at the viewing platform, I felt a mix of peace and wonder — it’s hard not to be amazed by what nature has sculpted here. The area around Natural Bridge is easy to explore, with well-maintained walkways and several scenic viewpoints that allow you to see the bridge from different angles. Each view reveals something new — swirling rapids, moss-covered rocks, and sunlight dancing through the mist. The energy of the place is powerful yet calming, perfect for anyone who loves photography, hiking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the earth. The nearby trails and picnic areas are clean and well-marked, and the staff and park rangers are friendly and knowledgeable. It’s a great spot to visit in any season, but especially stunning in summer and early fall when the colors and light make the entire area glow. Natural Bridge is not just a sight — it’s an experience. It reminds you that true beauty doesn’t need to be built; it’s already here, carved patiently by time and water. A perfect five-star natural wonder — majestic, powerful, and unforgettable.

Very beautiful. It’s just off the highway on the way to Emerald lake, so it’s a two for one attraction.

Free to visit, with a small car park. No specific RV parking, but we parked our 30ft'er on the side of the car park fine. Got busy by 11am. Nice place to stop after Emerald Lake, as along the same road.

The bridge is located in BC, walking through it offers you a beautiful panoramic view for the river and the fall, I went there for a short time by a touristic bus, me and all members of the group enjoyed the place.

I don't have words to explain the beauty of this place. Its must visit place stunning view around the falls, breathtaking scenery and beautiful running water . when you park the car you can't imagine whts next . Just walk towards the bridge and enjoy the water fall at the end. Note: Baby stroller can easily Go there. Note: Washrooms are not that standard, no water access so just sanitizer. Try to avoid to use.

It was an amazing sight, very simple and accessible on the way to this waterfall. You can see it from afar, and it looks majestic, huge, and tall. When you arrive, you have very easy access to the waterfall itself, and you can truly enjoy the view. There are quite a lot of people, and the parking lot gets full, but you can park a little further away and take a short walk. A wonderful place for kids, adults, and seniors. Absolutely stunning!

A must-see destination for all nature lovers! This is the second tallest waterfall in Canada and it’s absolutely breathtaking. The area is pet-friendly! Be sure to dress for the weather, the water is extremely cold, and you’ll definitely catch some mist but the views make it completely worth it.

Pretty cool falls that you can walk right up to. Short walk along the river and across a tiny bridge then another short walk to the base. Turn around when you arrive as the views of the surrounding mountains are almost as good as the falls themselves. Come early as parking lot fills up quick! Don't follow the signs for the toilets as they don't make sense (they are to the right of the parking lot, by the river). Well worth a visit.

Had a wonderful experience exploring takkakaw falls..though to get there was bit of a ride ( some part of the road is narrow) we went there last august after a hot drive and canoeing,it was an amazing view and the water from the falls splashing in our face was refreshing and help us cooled off. Will explore the whol3 area nexr time

The falls were quite loud and powerful rushing over the cliff. As you're driving down you can see it from the road, bouncing off the rocks and creating a beautiful mist. Parking was a challenge and we thankfully found a spot on the side of the road. There were a lot of people but we were able to maneuver around most of them. There are pit toilets at the start and the walk to the falls is an easy, flat .50 mile. Be prepared for crowds.

This is a MUST DO on your Banff trip. The walk to the falls is paved so very easy to make. If you want to approach the falls, do so in boots because the incline is great and the surface is very loose and rocky. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Lake louise is indeed a tip of our best holiday. The mountain range, the clear blue water, and super nice weather on september will be memorable

Amazing view! If you visit Lake Louise you must go to this place since the view from here is amazing and distance from the lake is not that much, around 20 minutes one way. The color of the lake is better from 11am to 2pm since the sunlight makes the lake appear a deep turquoise color.

This is a breathtaking viewpoint that demands a visit! Just be aware that despite the "easy" rating, the trail is steep and relentlessly uphill, requiring a bit of exertion. The true highlight of our visit, though, was an absolutely amazing and rare sighting of a Lynx right along the path! The views and the wildlife make this stop unforgettable.

Beautiful look out with well defined trail and signage just off the parking lot. If you plan on going Oct-Mar being some boot ice cleats and walking/hike poles. The snow pack turns to slick ice fast and makes the climb difficult. It's possible with just winter boots, but it's challenging and easy to take a fall.

I’m so glad we decided to go ahead with our plan, even though there was a light snow forecast (30%) the night before. The Fairview Lookout hike is short and easy, especially with proper shoes or boots, and using cleats and trekking poles during the snowy weather. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, and around an hour total for the round trip. Once you reach the lookout, you’re rewarded with a magical panoramic view of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the turquoise lake below.. absolutely breathtaking!

Quite a steep walk up, but the view of Lake Louise from above is beautiful. Need some stamina and some climbing through uneven footpath. The lake looks very turquoise and huge from above.

The Fairview Lookout is about a 90 minute return easy hike, from the end of the lake by the Hotel to a viewpoint of the lake and hotel. Going is mostly uphill, so it can be a challenge for persons without a moderate to good level of fitness. As an older couple we required a few pauses. When we arrived at the loookout we noticed young women still carrying their starbusck coffeees, and a mother carrying a 6 week old baby. I use the word “easy" with them in mind. It was a good option in October, since the original plan to the Old tea House was a no-good as the tea house had already closed for the season.

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!

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 our family's first time to visit Lake Louise Ski resort and we had to book our daughter for a day of childcare at the resort's daycare. Booking my daughter was a breeze, Kate and the other ladies were very responsive to my inquiries. When its time to drop my daughter at dc, the lady at the front was very accommodating, let me in and was greeted by Kate. My daughter started crying as it was her first time meeting the ladies but Kate reassured me that my daughter will be fine. My daughter was sleeping when I went to pick her up, the ladies gave me an update on how my girl's day went and even tracked her sleep time. My toddler was happy and even told me that she liked playing with the other babies. I was amazed and impressed at how the ladies took care of my daughter and the kids at daycare in general. They are knowledgeable and well-trained and I would highly recommend this daycare. I can see myself as a repeat customer in the near future. Thank you so much for the awesome service!

Thank you for this wonderful experience. Our son really enjoyed the 2 days in this daycare and this was his first experience being in a daycare. I definitely recommend this daycare where the stuff is professional and positive. We enjoyed 2 days of ski with our older son, knowing that our toddler is doing just fine in a warm and welcoming environment. We know where to go next year again 👌

Skied and snowboarded for the day! snow was fabulous-short lift lines. Our daughter had a snowboard coaching session with Cameron from the snow school and she thoroughly enjoyed it-she is an intermediate/advanced snowboarder. Food at Whiskey Jack lodge was excellent-they had 3 different types of buffets available. Everything was fresh and tasty, not your typical skihill track food. Highly recommend A family ski vacation.

BEWARE! The daycare: They overfed my 2 year old son (and the lady in the front desk admitted so) and he had, according to the same lady, a small vomit, to the point they didn’t even change his clothes at all because it didn’t even get dirty. When I picked him up I was informed about the situation, I asked a few questions and talked to the lady and we concluded that it was because he ate too much. She told me that if he had another vomit during the rest of the day/night, I wasn’t going to be allowed to drop my son off the next morning (which totally made sense to me). That night we went to a restaurant and had dinner. We also had breakfast at the hotel the next morning. My son ate a big dinner and breakfast, had plenty of liquid, normal BMs and no fever, very active and ZERO signs of being sick AT ALL. The next morning the lady wasn’t there and I had to talk to a different lady who claimed she was the manager of the childcare and the one “who makes the decisions in there” and she completely refused to take my son that day because “he was sick”. I told her everything that I mentioned here and she gave me an absolute NO, which pissed me off because we were travelling from overseas and we were going to ski for only 2 days in the entire vacation. The previous day we only had time to do 3 runs as the place was COMPLETELY AND RIDICOULOSLY PACKED, TO THE POINT THAT WE SPENT TWO HOURS MAKING THE LINE TO RENT THE SKI EQUIPMENT, after dropping the kids off at the childcare and booking their ski lessons. We started skiing that first day at 12:30pm and we had arrived the place at 9:30am. The like to get on the ski lift was ridiculous as well. We spent money in a hotel and also the ski rental for the second day only to find out that this brainless “manager” was not going to take my son even though HE WASN’T SICK AT ALL, just because she has mental problems and believed that agreeing with me to take him was going to mean that she wasn’t going to be the one “making decisions” in the childcare and also because the lady is a total racist and discriminates little children (2 years old) just because!!!!!!! My niece (3 years old) came back home saying that she didn't like the daycare because they were not nice with her and she was crying when we dropped her off the second day. After she came back, she made the same comments and added that the teacher spilled some soup on her clothes. A minute after we arrived to pick the kids up, they returned her pants to us right after putting them in the dryer (they didn't wash the pants, just put the dirty pants in the dryer). My daugter (also 3 yo) was also unhappy to stay at the daycare the second day. She kept saying that she didn't want to go to that school anymore. As I mentioned, the line to rent the ski gear was TOTALLY RIDICULOUS! It took us TWOOO COMPLETE HOURS to get the equipment. After that, we had to make another line on a different building/register, to buy the ski lift tickets! Ski store had 25 people in line waiting to pay at the register! We didn’t even bother trying to buy water or coffee and even less food during the day because the lines were ridiculous and forget about an empty table to seat with the family. We booked the ski lessons for my little daughter (3 years old) 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon, and I couldn’t feel more like I TOTALLY WASTED MY MONEY on that TOO. They didn't pay attention to her and she spent more than 50% of the time literally sitting by herself and waiting for the instructor to come back and talk to her. She only went down the hill ONE time in the 40 minutes I was there watching and the rest of the time ALL BY HERSELF sitting on the snow or standing WITHOUT THE SKIS!!! The WHOLE MOUNTAIN was covered in HARD ICE and wasn't nice to ski like that. DO YOURSELF A HUGE FAVOR: DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY IN LAKE LOUISE AND EVEN LESS IF YOU LEAVE OVERSEAS. PLAN A TRIP TO OTHER SKI RESORTS IN THE UNITED STATES WHICH ARE FAR BETTER, WELL MAINTAINED AND ENJOY STAFF MEMBERS WITH THINKING CAPABILITIES.

A very positive experience with helpful staff, who particularly made the booking & registration easy. My little one enjoyed her day & we certainly enjoyed our day skiing too. Thank you

Too busy. A bit disorganized. Stuff are not friendly.

Seriously great

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).

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.

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!

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.

Spend an entire summer day here!! A couple of hours was not nearly enough!! The gondola gives you helicopter views of the mountains in a safe and calm way. Then you can take a chair lift even higher! You can take multiple hikes and the views are stunning! It’s not too crowded and the staff are all really knowledgeable, helpful, and care deeply about the local environmental treasures. Bring bear spray, food, water, and layers. It’s an awesome way to be in, on, and with the mountains, lakes, and wildlife. Gorgeous!!

Amazing gondola experience including chair lift to see alpine meadows. We went at the end of summer so only a few flowers left but beautiful autumnal larch trees starting to go yellow. Can do shorter or longer walks to suit fitness level/ desire to explore. Much quieter than the Banff Sulpher Mountain gondola and better experience in my opinion.

Absolutely amazing- We loved the natural snow and the staff was super friendly- Almost everyone we met had a smile or a word of encouragement for the kids. The lines were a bit long on some of the more popular runs but there was lots of lifts to chose from and we just ended up learning to avoid the longer lines by choosing lifts that had better wait times. 10/10 for customer service at this resort.

Amazing scenery and staff! The gondala experience was really awesome they stopped it for us to get off and on with a chair. They gave us champagne for our anniversary which was so nice. They also accommodated us with a golf cart to get back and forth from the hotel to gondala but thank goodness we had an electric chair to help get around. Husband has mobility issues. Room was so hot the first night. No AC. Only fans. Beds were ok... No hand held shower but a beautiful tub difficult for accessibility to get in and out... due to high walls. They did provide a shower chair. The rails are to high and block view if you want to enjoy the deck unfortunately. The chimney restaurant was sub par and cost a fortune! Stick to trappers cabin the food was great and atmosphere welcoming. The experience of gondala, bellhop service and staff made this place amazing. Thank you!

The Sunshine Village gondola ride was out of this world, just when you think it’s over it goes around a corner and carries on. We got to the top then took the chair lift up to an area to start a 3 hour easy hike that took in Grizzly Lake, Laryx Lake and Rock Isle Lake. Not busy, lovely staff, good trail and the Sunshine Meadows are just so beautiful. You don’t have to book the gondola or get there super early, we arrived at 10am and parked around three rows back and walked straight on. Fabulous. The views were amazing. Can’t praise this enough.

for any new skiers do your research and take ski lessons. i don’t know it would be this difficult but i still enjoyed my time. if you’re going to fall just let it happen. don’t try to do it with your arms out you’ll break your legs.

We started at this trailhead to hike the Healy Pass trail. It is an 18km hike (about 6 hours out and back). The first 2/3 are a steady climb with not too many views, but once you get closer out of the treeline it gets a bit steeper. Since we went at the beginning of August, we were able to see lots of beautiful wildflowers! Before you turn around, you will also have a nice view of the Egyptian peaks.

A small center with limited items to purchase, but with a lot of helpful personnel to help with the great variety of things to do in and around the town of Banff. It's actually in a good location, just about in the center of the downtown area. They have free restrooms with many of the local busses with stops within a block or so. A very good place to start out with your visit.

Lots of information for local attractions, hikes and activities. There’s souvenirs you can purchase where. Maps and brochures available here and at local hotels and restaurants around Banff. Clean facilities with washrooms. If you bring your own bottle there’s a water refill station. Staff are friendly and helpful.

OK for a Canada parks location. If you are from Quebec don't go here, nobody really wants you freeloaders. For everybody else it's a good stop to get park info on hikes, and local park info. They have restrooms here if you need them. Not much else here but a gift shop if you need at short or decal. Give this review a like 👍♥️ if you like national parks or if your not from Quebec.

This review is for the town. One of the Prettiest town in the world. Lots of shops and restaurants. Vibe is good. Sometimes, the roads are packed, its best to park the car near cascade gardens or nearby parking area by avoiding banff avenue road. Lots of things to do. Must visit.

Unfortunately the workers seemed uninterested, bored. I understand they are inundated with hoards of confused international travelers. I also understand how challenging it must be to guide visitors willing to spend > $500-$1,000 per day for lodging: food and transportation vs someone on a budget looking for affordable campsites: transportation: food :hike bike opportunities. There was not one single chair to sit down in while trying to figure out the park system.. For a confused/ traveler visiting Canada for the first time it is confusing which services are offered by the park, which by the public transport ( roam bus) and which by predatory private tour companies at 10 times the price . No effort was made to distinguish this . I appreciate they are trying to save paper by only giving maps when asked. Better information was offered at the train station which offers internet and free parking . We did do reasearch before we left buying travel books from Amazon and getting travel maps from AAA , still: its confusing . After a week we figured it out. And will be back to visit this amazing park

Best place in Canada ! Hands down . I lived here for 4 years and it was the best time of my life . So much nature , northern lights , bears , glaciers , mountains, elks, snowboard and campfires . I always have this place in my heart 🖤

Took 5 minutes to grab a map. We were told we needed to check all the first- come without reservation parks before staying only 1 night in overflow park, but we found out you didn't need to check with any parks.

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful, family-friendly hike! I visited Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail yesterday and it was such a lovely experience. The trail is well marked and not too difficult, making it great for families, casual hikers or anyone looking to enjoy nature without a super strenuous climb. The views along the way are stunning, especially when you reach the crystal clear turquoise lakes at the top. There are two route options. The easier path is perfect if you are with kids or want a steady stroll, while the more challenging route rewards you with waterfalls and extra scenery. Both are worth it. Parking can get busy, so I recommend going earlier in the day if possible. Overall, it is an absolute gem in Canmore and one I would happily do again.

Just outside of Canmore is this neat hidden gem worth hiking to! The path markers are wrong as far as distance so anticipate a little more. The hike to the Lake is all up hill but coming back is all downhill. GPS will take you past it to the wrong spot to Whiteman’s Lake so when you see the sign for the parking lot take it! Port a potty’s have no sinks so bring wipes or sanitizer. This gem is worth the hike, people complain about it being busy but of course. It’s a tourist area and people come here. So don’t let that discourage you! We thoroughly enjoyed this. Took about 2 hours to hike up to it, see it and come back. We did spend a good amount of time there too!

Beautiful lakes and lookout points! The clarity of the water mixed with the stunning blues and greens of the sky’s reflection, mineral silt, and moss are well worth the hike up the trail. The hike was slightly more challenging than we thought it would be, as it does get a bit steep. But the lakes, the waterfalls, and the views are well worth breaking a sweat for.

A chill hike with stunning views. Personally for me the interpretive trail was easier- gradual incline with a push towards the end on the stairs, but you wont feel it as the views will have you make frequent photo stops. Then make the loop to go down through the other side, which would be a steep incline all the way (and no views) if you choose to go up this way.

Great views. Lots of trails around the lakes. Walked 9km. Beautiful and clear early morning . Easy route bypasses a lot of scenery but allows all levels of hikers access to the two lakes .

We took the unpaved road to go up to see this pretty lake from top, view was breathtaking but the road was super scary and steep and narrow so veey hard if 2 cars go up the same time, wish we had taken the lower parking to just see it but we wanted to see it from up so took that road, other than that 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!

Beautiful location, went around 4pm in the week at the end of August. Had no trouble parking. We went the easy hike up the loop as we were tired from other hikes, then after viewing the lakes we went down the steeper side by the waterfall. Gorgeous views although if it was rainy or soggy out may be slippery on the rocks and scary on the steep side of the trail. I'm a bit scared of heights and likely would have been quite stressed if it was slippery. All in all, not a crazy long hike for some beautiful views, and it wasn't horribly busy when we went which was very nice.

The tour was more intense than I expected and I loved it! I've done a cave tour in New Zealand and it was nice, but mostly walking. We did the Adventure tour which had some polished climbing sections , a rappel, and some optional very tight squeezes (The second photo is in the optional Laundry Chute, which was tight but super fun!). This tour was definitely worth the cost and I totally recommend it for someone with at least moderate fitness

Canmore Cave Tours is SO much fun! I brought a group of 7 to do the Adventure Tour. Our guide Annie was so knowledgeable and kept us calm and safe while exploring the caves. I highly recommended doing a tour with them, I gained so much confidence in myself and it was such a good way to bond with my friends (who are all different body shapes & sizes). When we left the cave, my friends and I all said we want to go AGAIN or maybe even take a caving course with them!! Additionally, if you have any hesitations or questions, their admin was super helpful and informative.

Amaaazing adventure 🫶! Loved it! I took the Adventurous Tour — we started around 10:15 am and finished about 4 pm. We met at the office, tried on our overalls and gloves, grabbed our gear, drove a short distance, and then hiked about 30–40 minutes up Grotto Mountain. At the shelter, we had some snacks, got fully geared up, and headed off to the caves. We spent about 3.5 to 4 hours inside, and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted! We rappelled about 20 meters into the dark, squeezed through the “Laundry Chute,” and explored so many cool spots. It was so peaceful and full of great memories. Since it was shoulder season, there were only five of us — we had the whole cave to ourselves! Our guide, John, was patient and full of amazing stories about wildlife and geology. Wouldn’t change a thing. Highly recommend — thank you!🫶🫶🫶

What an incredible experience this adventure with Canmore cave tours was. My sister, my son and I went on an epic cave tour of the rats nest cave by Canmore. Holy moly!! I can’t say enough good words! Our cave guide Annie was super amazing!! She was very friendly, knowledgeable, and very encouraging! She definitely helped us push our limits today. It was just an all around super day!! Thanks so much!! 20/10 experience. 10 stars, five isn’t enough!!!!

We did the adventure tour with Brent. It was our first time in a cave, and it was the best outdoor (indoor?) experience of my life. Brent was an amazing, highly knowledgeable, and friendly guide. He was attentive to everyone’s safety without ever being overbearing. He motivated us to push our limits and offered encouragement when needed. The cave itself was stunning, and I only wish we could have stayed longer and explored more. I’m deeply grateful for the experience and can’t wait to one day be back in a cave!

Took my 3 boys today. Very fun experience. Our guide John was friendly and knowledgeable. Fairly challenging scrambling at times, with some sections requiring safety rope.

Amazing, awesome, and incredible!! Our group was amazing and our guide Annie was amazing and so friendly! Even when someone in our group dislocated her shoulder (not at all anyone's fault, it's an old injury), Annie was very calm and reassuring and she and John helped her slowly back up and got her out! Anyways very good very fun, we all had an amazing experience!! 10000/10 stars, would do again!!

The true mountain hiking experience here ...I do not know why it is not popular and people prefer fast food peak like MacDonald...what is special is the different landscape , exposed view throughout the hike , and no scrambling on the peak...it is long very steep hike..do not take cougar passage trail since there us sign of bear there. Take the trailhead and enjoy

By far one of my favorite hikes! I've done this one twice! Very challenging (requires skill, and endurance). I'd only recommend it to experienced hikers. Absolutely breathtaking views though... Remember, even if it's hot at the base, it could be below 0 at the summit. Pack accordingly. Due to proximity to Canmore, cell reception is available as long as you have line of sight to the city (which is virtually everywhere above the tree line).

Whoever built this trail has heard of switchbacks, it would seem, and early attempts at their creation were promising. As the unnamed switchback creator tired from the climb, I can only presume, their work started to get sloppy, the switchbacks resembling random drunken stumbles from side to side more than the designs of an intelligent mind. It was steep, steep as the cost of loving in this broken world. But as the sun broke o’er the horizon as we traversed the final ridge, all felt right with the world once again. Until we had to go back down those ——— switchbacks.

Didn’t expect the continuous steep trail. If you like challenge do this trail. The view at the peaks are worth it. If possible use a hiking sticks and hiking shoes u really need it when going down . Difficulty: very hard

This hike is a leg killer! I started from the hard route all the way up and ACC route going down. If you really wanted a leg workout this is your absolute wish list. At the summit you get spectacular views around Canmore and exshaw. If you're on a roll alot of Big Horn sheep on the ridge. Always pack alot of water and don't underestimate the mountain conditions it will change like your mood.

It was a hard hike for sure. Very steep. It would have been beautiful but smoky on Aug. 14/21.

Beautiful 360 views! A scramble and steep trail with 1400 meter gain!

Amazing easily accessible trail. Not the largest waterfall but for an easy hike near the Kananaskis mountain lodge, it's unbeatable. Great for all ages and plenty of parking.

🌲 Troll Falls Trailhead Review Troll Falls is one of those perfect family-friendly hikes in Kananaskis that everyone can enjoy. The trail is easy, well-marked, and mostly flat, which makes it ideal for little ones, strollers, or even grandparents. The hike itself is short—about 3.5 km round trip—and takes you through a peaceful forest with plenty of shade and fresh mountain air. The main highlight, of course, is the beautiful Troll Falls waterfall at the end. Kids especially love it because it feels like a little hidden gem tucked away in the trees. What makes this trail so great for families is how accessible it is. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it, and it’s a wonderful introduction to nature for children. There are benches along the way to rest, and the trail is wide enough for groups to walk together comfortably. For those looking for a bit more adventure, you can extend the hike beyond the main falls to Upper Troll Falls, which adds a bit of uphill climbing and rewards you with even more views. ✅ Final Thoughts: Troll Falls Trailhead is the perfect “easy win” hike in Kananaskis—friendly, safe, and fun for all ages. If you’re looking for a stress-free outing with family and little ones, this is definitely a go-to spot.

Great conditions at Troll Falls - Hay Meadow Trail. Not too busy. Was a bit cool to start but soon warmed up as we hiked. Did the lower falls as did not have cleats for the upper falls in the event we encountered ice. Only downside, the bathrooms at the start of the trail could be cleaner.

This is a greta easy file for anyone including families with little ones. Very sog friendly also. But do remember you are in the wilderness and to pack Bear spray that is accessible. We have e seen a bear out here on the trail before. Over great hike. The water fall is exchange there is an option to hike to the top of the falls also. Instead of going back on the trail in you can take a left o. Your way out and hike through the grassy meadows that will take you along the river and back to the parking lot. Enjoy 😉

Very easy hike. Even to the upper falls, I thought it was longer, but not much further than the lower falls. Once past the lower falls, the elevation change is drastically different, but only for a short while. Once on the way back, we somehow made a wrong turn and walked through the field/dirt road, and not the way we came. Wasn’t longer, just less scenic, so pay attention to which way you came from and take the scenic route. We arrived around 10am and there wasn’t too many people, we took our time at the falls and sat around a few spots, but on the way back around 1pm it was getting pretty busy.

Lovely little hike! Not strenuous - great for kids! You will see lots of kids and packs of people on this trail on the weekends. Even in the winter! To see it in the summer is beautiful and the walk takes you on a forest trail with many beautiful trees and wildflowers.

A beautiful moderate hike. Well worth the travel. Surprisingly there was cell service for the entire hike to the upper waterfall area