There’s no better place for a picnic than somewhere surrounded by incredible mountain scenery or beside a stunning blue mountain lake. Banff National Park has some of the most scenic picnic spots that are perfect for a warm summer day. Summer in Banff is the ideal time to gather some great food and a few friends, then plan a day at one of these Banff picnic areas.
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Quick Picks for Banff Picnic Areas
- Best overall picnic area: Cascade Ponds
- Best lakeside picnic spot: Johnson Lake or Two Jack Lake
- Best picnic area near a boat cruise: Lake Minnewanka
- Best picnic area in the Banff townsite: Central Park
- Best family picnic area: Sundance Park
- Best picnic stop while biking: Valleyview, Cascade Ponds, or Muleshoe
- Best quieter picnic areas: Baker Creek, Corral Creek, Sawback, or Fireside
- Best picnic area with nearby hiking: Upper Bankhead, Lake Minnewanka, Sawback, or Fireside
Best Banff Picnic Areas
While we love hiking to a scenic spot for a picnic, we also love planning a full day around one of these Banff picnic areas. It’s not just about the picnic. Many of these Banff day use areas also have hikes, bike trails, lake access, or other things to do nearby.
Not every Banff picnic area has fire pits, and fires are only allowed in provided metal fire rings or wood stoves where available. This means you may need to get creative with your picnic lunch or pack a camp stove. Always check for open fire restrictions on the Banff National Park bulletins before making plans.
1. Cascade Ponds Picnic Area
Cascade Ponds might just be one of the best Banff picnic spots. Cascade Ponds is easily accessed from the Lake Minnewanka Loop, just off the Trans-Canada Highway near Banff. There is plenty of parking, and you won’t have to walk far from your car to snag a picnic table.
The Cascade Ponds picnic area has over 40 picnic tables, firewood, several options for parking, toilets and shelters with wood stoves. Cascade Ponds is also one of the few picnic areas in Banff with fire pits. The downside of Cascade Ponds is that it gets busy, so arrive early on a hot summer day.
With stunning scenery and plenty of space, you might decide to spend the day reading a book near the water. But there are plenty of things to do at Cascade Ponds.
Cascade Ponds is home to a set of Banff’s red Adirondack chairs, with Cascade Mountain as the backdrop it’s the perfect photo opportunity. Trails around Cascade Ponds take visitors over two bridges and make for a nice stroll in one of Banff’s scenic spots.
Kids will enjoy playing in the water and a few brave ones might even go for a swim.
From Cascade Ponds, either walk or bike to the nearby Bankhead ghost town where you’ll be transported back in time to Banff’s coal mining days. Kids love the ghost town and they’ll enjoy this 2 km short and easy kid-friendly bike trail in Banff.
Cascade Ponds is also an excellent place to stop for a picnic while cycling the Legacy Trail.
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2. Lake Minnewanka Picnic Area
Another of the best Banff picnic spots is the Lake Minnewanka picnic area. Found along Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, the Minnewanka day use area has picnic tables and toilets.
On a calm day, head out on the water either on a scenic Lake Minnewanka boat cruise or on an approved lakeshore kayak rental (personal paddling watercraft are currently prohibited on Lake Minnewanka).
There are many enjoyable Lake Minnewanka hiking trails, including the nearby Stewart Canyon hike. This is an easy hike that’s well worth it, but if you have more time don’t miss the incredibly scenic Aylmer Lookout hike.
The Lake Minnewanka parking lot will fill quickly in the summer, so make sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Note that Banff National Park requires a Self-Certification Permit for any non-motorized watercraft, fishing equipment and aquatic recreational equipment.
3. Upper Bankhead Picnic Area
The Upper Bankhead picnic area is not far from the Lake Minnewanka day use area. The Upper Bankhead picnic area has toilets and approximately 20 picnic tables. There aren’t any fire pits, but there is a picnic shelter with tables inside.
Upper Bankhead picnic area offers some mountain views, shaded areas and it’s less busy than the nearby lake picnic areas. This is the perfect place to stop for lunch after hiking C-Level Cirque (one of the best hikes in Banff) which leaves from the same parking lot.
Upper Bankhead is a good alternative if the Lake Minnewanka picnic area is feeling overcrowded.
4. Muleshoe Picnic Area
The Muleshoe picnic area is found along the Bow Valley Parkway (or Highway 1A). This picnic area has a large parking area, picnic tables and toilets.
With plenty of aspen trees surrounding the picnic area, there are some shady spots for those warm summer days. The CPR train passes nearby on the other side of Muleshoe Lake, which train-loving kids may enjoy watching during lunch. The Banff red chairs at Muleshoe are the perfect spot to sit and take in the scenery.
In spring and fall of each year, Parks Canada closes this section of the Bow Valley Parkway to public vehicles to allow car-free cycling. During these closures the Muleshoe picnic area is much quieter and an ideal spot to stop when cycling the Bow Valley Parkway.
Cycling on the Bow Valley Parkway without vehicle traffic is a cycling opportunity like no other in Banff National Park.
5. Johnson Lake Picnic Area
The Johnson Lake picnic area is the perfect spot to spend the day and one of our favorite FREE things to do in Banff. In either summer or winter, there are plenty of things to do at Johnson lake.
The picnic amenities at Johnson Lake include a large parking lot, toilets and approximately 16 picnic tables. While there are no fire pits, there are bike racks for locking up bikes and a washing station for anyone having some fun out on the water.
Some of the picnic tables are right near the water, where parents can watch kids play on the small sandy beach. Other tables are tucked away in the forest offering shade on a hot summer day.
Johnson Lake is a fun place to stand-up paddle board in Banff, plus there’s an easy Banff hike around the lake. The Johnson Lake hike circles the lake, with impressive views of Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle.
Watch our Johnson Lake hike video on YouTube.
If that’s not enough to fill a day, there’s also an easy Banff mountain bike trail that leaves from Johnson Lake past the water tower and back.
6. Two Jack Lake Picnic Area
Two Jack Lake, also found along Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, has a parking lot, toilets and a picnic area near the lake. You’ll also find a set of Banff red chairs at Two Jack Lake for a fun photo opportunity.
Two Jack Lake is home to two popular Banff campgrounds. The Two Jack Lakeside campground is right on the shores of Two Jack Lake with stunning lake and mountain scenery. Across the road is Two Jack Main campground, nestled in the forest.
While you can’t picnic in the Two Jack Lakeside campground, the picnic tables near the Two Jack day-use give everyone an opportunity to eat along the shores of this beautiful mountain lake.
Two Jack Lake is also a perfect spot for water activities like stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking in Banff. On windy days, the canal will be easier than being out in the open water.
There’s also an easy hike along the lakeshore at the Two Jack Lake picnic area.
7. Fenlands Picnic Area
The Fenlands picnic area is found right at the start of the easy Fenlands Loop hike just outside of the Banff townsite. This picnic area has both picnic tables and toilets.
There is some parking right at this Banff picnic spot, but visitors can also park at the nearby Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre and walk over.
The Fenlands Loop hike is a kid-friendly hike in Banff but it’s also good for anyone who wants an easy, short hike in Banff.
A nearby pathway also leads toward Vermilion Lakes Road. Vermilion Lakes is a popular spot for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, and the road itself is shared by vehicles, cyclists and walkers. As a bonus, you can’t beat that view of Mt. Rundle as a backdrop to the lakes.
The continuation of the Banff Legacy Trail from Canmore to the Bow Valley Parkway starts at the end of the Vermilion Lakes Road, making the Fenlands picnic area a good spot to stop to refuel.
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8. Sawback Picnic Area
Also found along the Bow Valley Parkway is the Sawback picnic area. The Sawback picnic spot is much closer to Johnston Canyon and a good spot to stop for a picnic after completing the amazing Johnston Canyon hike.
The Sawback day use area has both picnic tables and toilets. There are 11 picnic tables tucked into the trees with some mountain views across the highway.
Also nearby, as you continue past Johnston Canyon, is the Ink Pots hike. At the Ink Pots, you may be able to find a bench for lunch, or you can make your way back down to one of the picnic areas along the Bow Valley Parkway.
9. Valleyview Picnic Area
The Valleyview picnic area is along the Trans-Canada Highway. If you’re biking the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail, you’ll pass right by this picnic spot, making it a convenient place to stop and refuel.
You’ll find toilets, picnic tables and even a set of Banff red chairs at this scenic picnic spot in Banff.
10. Central Park
Found right in the town of Banff along the Bow River is Banff’s Central Park. The park has plenty of picnic tables and green space to enjoy. There’s also a fun nature playground for kids.
The Banff Farmers Market occurs weekly from late May to September in the Banff Central Park parking lot. The picnic area is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch purchased from the market.
There are also public toilets found at Central Park.
11. Sundance Park (Banff Recreation Grounds)
Across the Bow River from Central Park in the town of Banff is Sundance Park (formerly known as the Banff recreation grounds). Sundance Park is one of the most family-friendly picnic spots in town. Plus, you’ll find a free parking lot in Banff right here.
Besides free parking in Banff (which is always a good find), there is a playground, picnic shelters, picnic tables with fire pits (and firewood), and public toilets. For those looking to get some exercise there are tennis courts and a basketball court. Plenty to keep the whole family occupied for a fun afternoon.
If you are travelling to Banff with kids, you can see more information about the Sundance Park playground; it’s the best one in Banff! There’s also an awesome Banff skateboard park and pump track too!
For those looking to relax, grab a picnic table near the river and enjoy the mountain views!
12. Corral Creek
The Corral Creek Picnic Area is a real hidden gem along the Bow Valley Parkway. This small creekside clearing is a perfect spot for a picnic near Lake Louise. Enjoy the sound of rushing water while you enjoy the views of Mount Temple (3,544 m) through the trees. There is a beautiful stone fireplace next to the river, and many of the picnic tables have charcoal BBQs.
13. Baker Creek
Another hidden gem just across the highway from the Baker Creek Mountain Resort, this picturesque picnic area sits next to the beautiful Baker Creek.
A very shady Banff picnic spot, this is an excellent spot to see wildlife; we saw a majestic bull elk in the forest on our most recent visit. The creek and adjacent meadow are prime habitat for some of Banff’s most beautiful wildlife.
The Baker Creek picnic area has about 8 picnic tables, and a short, paved walking trail along the creek.
14. Fireside
Primarily used as the starting point for the Cory Pass hike, the Fireside Day Use area is also a pretty, well-treed picnic area along a beautiful creek between Mount Edith (2,554 m) and Mount Cory (2,802 m).
There are picnic tables scattered along the river near the parking lot, but there is also a collection of 6 tables near a stone fireplace next to the river, making it a great spot for a Banff picnic for a large group. It’s a beautiful spot indeed, but due to a bridge outage you need to get your feet wet to get there.
15. Lake Louise Gondola
While the Whitehorn Bistro at the top of the Lake Louise Gondola is well worth the splurge, you can also pack your own picnic and enjoy the views from one of the picnic tables. Near the observation platform, you’ll find a few picnic tables that offer some of the best distant views of Lake Louise.
Once you are done with your picnic, you can enjoy the interpretive centre or one of the hiking trails. Remember, this is grizzly bear habitat, so you’ll need to exit the fenced in picnic area to go on a hike. Make sure you make lots of noise and carry bear spray!
Don’t forget to look for grizzly bears on your way up and down the chairlift or gondola.
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Celine Brewer, a local Canmore resident, is the co-owner of Travel Banff Canada. She has a passion for being out in the mountains any time of year. In the summer, you'll often find her hiking or mountain biking. In the winter, she enjoys cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking the most.
As much as she loves the mountains, she also loves travel! When she's not playing outdoors at home, she's either traveling the world with her husband and two kids or working on their other two travel sites: Family Can Travel and Baby Can Travel.
Thanks for the article. We are staying at a hotel, but would like to grill out one night for dinner. Maybe Coral Creek would have an open charcoal grill we could use for that.
If you take a look at the picture of Coral Creek (in the back past the picnic tables) you’ll see a wood fireplace. Other good places are the Recreation Grounds in the town of Banff and Cascade Ponds.