Exploring the Canadian Rockies & Banff

What’s the first thing you picture when you hear the words “Banff National Park”?

If it was images of endless, glacier capped mountains or turquoise lakes fed by winding rivers you’d be correct. If your first thought was “little Switzerland” in the Canadian Rockies I’d agree with you. And if you said tourist choked viewpoints and bus tours I wouldn’t say you were wrong, but Banff can be so much more!

Some of the best-known mountain scenery in the world is encompassed by a set of seven parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The mere mention of the word Canada in much of the world evokes images of the snow-capped peaks, emerald lakes and mountain chateaus that Banff National Park is famous for.

For those who are unfamiliar, Banff is a small, picturesque mountain town nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. A jewel of a wilderness preserve and also Canada’s oldest national park –founded in 1885−. It is the best known of the five national –Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay & Waterton Lakes− and three provincial −Mount Robson, Hamber & Mount Assiniboine− parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the focus of this post.

Getting to Banff – A Rocky Mountains Roadtrip

Driving through Canada’s Rocky Mountain parks should be something on everyone’s bucket list. A travel must do. Stunning roadside vistas, hidden mountain treks and epic photographic locations await those with their own transportation and a road tripping spirit −which as it is, would be my recommended method of visiting the park−. Keep your eyes open, you might just spot some wildlife!

Staring from Calgary, AB, I rented a car at the airport and headed west out of town and into the foothills. Soon the landscapes changed. Rolling prairies become wooded hills. Soon hills turned to mountains and I passed the park boundary at small town of Canmore. 2017 being Canada’s 150th birthday park admissions are offered free for the year. And upon my arrival the town of Banff was bustling.

Banff Townsite & Culture

With national chains pushed off the Main Street and small business abundant Banff exudes a small town feel dripping with mountain goodness. Cascade Mountain dominates the skyline in town and sets and impressive bar for the scenery to follow!

In town you’ll find a multitude of shops and restaurants to explore. A burgeoning foodie scene with local craft beers, wine and spirits guarantee’s pleasant nightlife in town and local wild game shows up on more than one menu –well worth trying-.

For a mountain town Banff has some real big city culture. Summers bring wine tastings, art showings, concerts and more. The fall and winter bring snow sport clinics, artist residencies and the world renowned Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival.

Once you’re done in town it’s time to see Banff from a whole new perspective. Mt Norquay, one of the the local ski hill’s provides an amazing local viewpoint. Following the switchbacks, a roadside alpine meadow provides panoramic views. The Banff town site, Mt Rundle, Cascade Mountain and Sulfur Mountain rise in the distance. If you’re up for it a better view can be had by continuing to the ski area and either hiking or riding the chairlift to the top!

Another way to get high in Banff (no pun intended, this is Alberta after all, not BC) is to take the Banff Gondola. The gondola runs from the Banff Springs Hotel to the summit of Sulfur Mountain. And the views from the mountaintop boardwalks are stunning. If you’re feeling active the trails back down to are a scenic stretch worth your time.

After your hike back down the mountain you’ll be tired and tight. What better way than to finish the day and relax than a dip into the world famous Banff Mineral Hot Springs?

The town of Banff and the immediate area hold tons of great attractions no doubt. However, the top sights to see around Banff are without question, Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake & Lake Louise.

Must See Attractions in Banff National Park

I will caution potential travelers that visiting the ‘iconic’ spots in Banff National Park can be hectic. It’s best done before the tour buses start running –pre 9:00am− or once they finish for the evening –post 6:00pm−. Conveniently, this means you’ll be free to shoot sunrise and sunset without playing tourist pinball. During the day patience must be exercised. Typically taking a step back and waiting 10 minutes will let the next wave of bus bound tourists take their iPad selfies, return to the bus and leave.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon, located along the icefields parkway between Banff and Lake Louise, is an awesome spot to stop and stretch your legs for a few hours. The hike up the canyon isn’t long –about 5km− or difficult, it certainly is beautiful though. Walking through pine forests and along walkways fastened to sheer vertical cliffs above the raging river. With views around every turn this hike has something for everyone –even if they aren’t packing a camera−