Banff National Park Travel Guide: Alpine Lakes, Wildlife and Hiking

Banff National Park in Alberta is the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies, famous worldwide for glacier-fed lakes that radiate intense shades of turquoise and cyan.

Iconic Lakes & How to Visit

1. Lake Louise

Surrounded by towering peaks and the hanging Victoria Glacier.

• Top Hikes: The 7.2 km round-trip Lake Agnes Tea House hike (serving loose-leaf tea since 1905) and continuing to the Plain of Six Glaciers.
• Canoeing: Rent iconic red canoes from the boathouse for a memorable paddle across the glacier-fed waters.

2. Moraine Lake & Valley of the Ten Peaks

Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks.

• Transit Access: Private vehicle access is prohibited on Moraine Lake Road. You must book Parks Canada Park-and-Ride shuttles (from Lake Louise ski resort) or commercial transit operators in advance.

3. Peyto Lake (Icefields Parkway)

A short paved walk leads to a viewpoint overlooking this wolf-head-shaped lake, whose vivid turquoise color comes from glacial rock flour suspended in the meltwater.

The Town of Banff & Surroundings

• Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain): Takes you to a 2,281-meter observation boardwalk overlooking six mountain ranges.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs: Soak in natural geothermal mineral waters with views across Mount Rundle.
• Wildlife Viewing: Elk frequently wander through town; drive the Bow Valley Parkway at dawn or dusk to spot bighorn sheep and black bears safely from your vehicle.