Point of Interests:

• Sunwapta Falls

  Explore broad valleys shaped by glaciers

  2.6 km round trip, easy

• Bow Falls

  Rocky canyon turns to rushing falls and then to serene river, gliding off down the Bow Valley. The setting is one made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film The River of No Return, and it’s no less dramatic today.

• Bow Lake

  When it seems like you can’t climb any higher along the dramatic Icefields Parkway, you’ll round a corner and discover breathtaking Bow Lake. High above the lake, the Bow Glacier ebbs and flows with infinite patience, forming the headwaters that flow down the Bow River to Banff and beyond.

  Save time for Bow Glacier Falls. A moderate-rated hiking trail that takes you on the shoreline of Bow Lake to the base of Bow Glacier Falls.

• Cave & Basin National Historic Site

  The cultural significance of the Cave & Basin can be felt from the first steps into the rocky cavern, home to a legendary natural hot spring. Steam rises from geothermally heated waters, and earthy mineral scents fill the air.

• Sunshine Meadows

• The Glacier Skywalk

  Excitement intensifies along with the sweeping vistas that accompany the cliffside walkway leading to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Built directly into the side of the rugged walls of the Sunwapta Valley, these cliffs are home to nimble-footed mountain goats and soaring eagles.

• Cascade Ponds

  If you look beyond the grassy meadows and tranquil waters of Cascade Ponds, you’ll see the strength of natural elements at play. A few years ago, this landscape was transformed by floodwaters that created an entirely new waterway ripe for exploring.

  Wander the pebbled shores and open fields on a meandering trail that wraps around the ponds. As the sun sets behind the mountains, the glow of the firepits warms the cool night air, and a thousand stars appear above.

• Columbia Icefield Adventure

  Crisp air whispers down from the glacier headwall in a cool breeze. Frigid water trickles past along channels of ice so blue they trick the senses. The ancient ice lies up to 300 metres thick underfoot.

  This is the unparalleled feeling of standing on the Athabasca Glacier of the Columbia Icefield. A trip across the glacier on a specially-designed Ice Explorer vehicle is as informative as it is entirely captivating.

• Lake Minnewanka

  For well over 10,000 years, the deep waters of Lake Minnewanka have held the respect and high regard of those who have visited and lived upon its wild shores. Known to the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people as Minn-waki or “Lake of the Spirits,” the lakeshore holds archeological sites with documented artifacts from as long as 14,000 years ago.

  Learn about the human and natural history of the lake on a cruise or simply explore by foot along the lakeshore trail that leads to Stewart Canyon, impeccably carved by the Cascade River that flows into the lake.

• Moraine Lake

  Don't miss a visit to one of Banff's most popular locations, Moraine Lake. This stunning turquoise gem, cradled by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is a sight straight out of a dream. Take in the iconic views from the lakeshore and the rockpile or explore the area further with trails suitable for both seasoned hikers and casual strollers.

  Open from June to October, a shuttle is required to access Moraine Lake. Plan ahead and book your shuttle in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Peyto Lake

  The ambience at Peyto Lake lookout is one of collective awe and appreciation. Everyone here has made the short walk through a sub-alpine forest, heading for a vista overlooking the lake known around the world in photographs.

  The feeling of coming upon that photograph in real life makes this place one of the most special in Banff National Park.

• Lake Louise

  From the vivid turquoise waters to the soaring peaks encircling the lake, Lake Louise is a stunning mountain setting. Fellow adventurers soak in the views from the shore, and bright red canoes float on the glacial waters. It’s hard to resist dipping a hand into the water just to see if it’s actually real.

  Several hikes take off from the lakefront. Begin with the lakeshore trail along the water, pausing to take in a tall waterfall and fearless rock climbers. Glacial creeks converge at the far end of the lake, and every shade of blue imaginable melds together just beyond the shoreline.

  In the colder months, Lake Louise turns into a magical frozen wonderland. Find cross country-skiers gliding across the lake, ice climbers scaling frozen waterfalls and a horse drawn sleigh following the snow-covered shoreline. To top it off an outdoor skating rink welcomes skaters of all abilities with unmatched scenic views and a sparking ice castle.

• Johnson Lake

• Nestled between the rugged skylines of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, the unassuming shores of Johnson Lake are not to be overlooked. Wildflowers of every colour sway in the soft breeze on grassy slopes above the water and beckon to all who wander the lakeside trail.

  The 3 km loop offers a choice of upper and lower trails traversing forested pathways. Every viewpoint is an opportunity for an iconic photo of the lake shining between peaks. Hikers keen to walk further will find views of ancient hoodoos and even a century-old mountain cabin lost in time.

• Two Jack Lake

  The soft crunching of sunbaked pine needles underfoot blends in with the happy calls of lakeside revellers along the Two Jack Lake shoreline trail. The pines give off a soothing scent from the forest and over the lake to the delight of hikers, paddlers and picnickers.

  Across the lake, the iconic summit of Mount Rundle rises serenely above it all. Visit in the evening golden hour to watch as the setting sun illuminates the sky behind Rundle before shifting into rosy twilight.

• Vermilion Lakes

  Just outside of Banff lies a chain of lakes. Standing on the shore offers a peek into a complete mountain ecosystem. Squirrels play in the trees around the lake, muskrats swim through the reeds, geese float on the water, and countless species of birdlife flit amongst the trees and across the water. Aspiring photographers, visit early or late in the day for a chance to share the shores with elusive moose as you soak up the view on the dock. Don’t forget your camera to capture a classic shot of Mount Rundle reflected in the lakes.

  Only 2.4 km from Banff townsite. A pleasant walk links up with Fenland Trail and leads back towards Banff. Or explore by bike, canoe, or standup paddleboard.