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.

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.

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).

You need to book transportation here in advance. I recommend booking through a third party as tickets with park Canada goes really fast. Despite it being extremely busy it is worth the visit. It’s so beautiful it’s a must stop for sure.

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.

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.

★★★★★ A stunning natural wonder just minutes from downtown Banff! Bow Falls is an absolute gem—an easy-to-access, breathtaking spot that showcases the raw beauty of the Rockies. The powerful cascade of water, set against a backdrop of towering mountains and pine forests, is a sight to behold. You can hear the roar of the falls before you even see them, and once you do, it’s mesmerizing. The walking trails around the falls are scenic and well-maintained, offering great viewpoints for photos and peaceful moments by the river. It’s a perfect stop for all ages—whether you’re looking for a short stroll, a photo op, or a quiet place to soak in nature. Its location so close to Banff townsite makes it super convenient, yet it still feels like a wild, untamed corner of nature. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning again, Bow Falls never fails to impress. A must-see when in Banff!

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.

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.

Very picturesque, laid back and peaceful. The boat ride was well worth going on. The lake looks beautiful, we were so lucky to have had the weather on our side.

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!

One of my absolute favourite spots in Banff!! The views are unreal and there’s so much to do around the lake!! Probably my favourite spot to go swimming as well…if you can brave the cold!

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!

Absolutely beautiful lake with breathtaking mountain views. If you walk around the fence and go just below the bridge, you’ll get an incredible view from above — totally worth it! The lake itself is stunning, and seeing it from that height makes it even more magical.