Banff National Park
The town of Banff is the most central for exploring the entire area and as expected it can get very busy during peak season. Situated in the middle of Banff National Park, you’ll find most attractions near or in the town of Banff. With so much to explore nearby you’ll want to give yourself at least a few days around Banff.
- Buy a Parks Canada pass for every day you’re in the park
- Summer parking fills early; use shuttles or Roam Transit
- Best town viewpoints: Surprise Corner, Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain
- Book popular restaurants and activities in advance in July–September
- Wildlife is common; keep distance and never feed animals
Canmore
Canmore is a quaint mountain town located just outside the Banff park gates and a short drive from the town of Banff. You’ll find more options for apartment style rentals in Canmore, it’s quieter than Banff and still has the same stunning mountain scenery.
- No park pass needed in the town of Canmore, but a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is needed for nearby hikes.
- Stunning walking paths from town include Policeman’s Creek, Bow River pathways, and Three Sisters pathway
- Grassi Lakes and Quarry Lake are close to town and popular
- Excellent grocery options for self-catering trips
Lake Louise
Lake Louise Village and the famous Lake Louise are found in Banff National Park just 45 minutes west of the town of Banff. While the village is small, there are so many incredible places to explore nearby including Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway and Yoho National Park.
- Shuttles are the best way to visit Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
- Top hikes at Lake Louise are Fairview Lookout, Lake Agnes Tea House, Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
- Top hikes at Moraine Lake are Larch Valley + Sentinel Pass and Consolation Lakes
- Canoe rentals are pricey and first-come first-serve; go early or late
- Visit early morning or evening for fewer crowds
Icefields Parkway
This drive still gives me goosebumps, even after years of living here. Glaciers, waterfalls, and some of the most stunning mountain scenery make it a full-day experience. Make sure you fill up with gas, packs snacks, download your maps, and stop wherever the scenery takes you!
- Must-see stops include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls
- Drive time without stops is about 3 hours but plan 6–10 hours with sightseeing
- Weather changes fast so pack warm layers even in summer
- Start early to get parking at the most popular viewpoints
- Respect roadside wildlife and pull over only in safe areas
- Plan for no cell service and long stretches without any services
Jasper National Park
Jasper feels wilder and more spread out, with wildlife on the roads and lakes five minutes from town. You’ll love the quieter atmosphere in Jasper. Give yourself time between sights, build in extra driving time and watch dusk for your best chance for seeing wildlife.
- Distances between sights are larger than Banff
- Highlights include Maligne Lake, Medicine Lake, Pyramid Lake, Edith Cavell area, and Jasper SkyTram
- Maligne Lake boat cruise is worth it; book ahead in peak months
- Excellent chance of wildlife sightings at dawn and dusk
- Winter is prime for dark skies since Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park sits just over the border in British Columbia and packs a lot into a compact park. Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Wapta Falls are all must-sees. Parking is limited at peak times, so go early or late for the best experience.
- Top places to stop include Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, and Takakkaw Falls
- Don’t miss Wapta Falls (easy hike) and Iceline Trail (full-day hike)
- The Yoho Valley Road to Takakkaw Falls is seasonal and narrow
- Parking fills quickly at Emerald Lake in summer; go early or late
- Field is the tiny gateway village with limited services
Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park runs between Banff and Radium and is great for quieter stops and hot springs. Paint Pots, Marble Canyon, and the Stanley Glaciers hike are top of the list. It works well as a scenic detour or a day trip with fewer crowds.
- Don’t miss Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, and Radium Hot Springs
- Fewer crowds than Banff or Yoho
- Parks pass is required within the park
- Stanley Glacier hike is amazing for glaciers and waterfalls
- The drive from Banff to Radium is scenic with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife
Kananaskis
Kananaskis Country is where locals disappear on weekends for ridgelines, lakes, and picnic spots that aren’t as busy as what you’ll find in Banff National Park. It’s wilder than Banff and you’ll notice the quiet right away. Don’t forget your Kananaskis pass, bear spray, and a camera.
- Kananaskis Conservation Pass required for parking anywhere in Kananaskis
- Best easy hikes are Grassi Lakes and Troll Falls
- Popular hikes and day-use areas fill early on weekends
- Cell service is limited; tell someone your plans
Golden
Golden is another nearby mountain town with quick access to Kicking Horse and Yoho. Prices are often cheaper than the towns in the national parks. It is an ideal base if you want rafting, biking, and day trips into multiple parks.
- Golden is close to Yoho, Lake Louise area and Glacier National Park (Canada)
- Top sights in Golden include the Golden Skybridge, Kicking Horse Gondola and via ferrata (which operate seasonally)
- Lodging is generally better value than park towns in peak season
- There are plenty of outdoor activities in Golden including mountain biking, canyoning and white water rafting
