Banff and the Rockies

Sights

• Lake Louise – A turquoise glacial lake beneath the Victoria Glacier.
• Moraine Lake – A brilliant blue lake below ten peaks – best reached by shuttle.
• Icefields Parkway – One of the world's most scenic drives, between Banff and Jasper.
• Banff Gondola – Up Sulphur Mountain, with a boardwalk along the ridge.
• Johnston Canyon – Catwalks along a narrow canyon to waterfalls.
• Peyto Lake – A wolf-head-shaped, milky blue lake on the Icefields Parkway.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs – A hot spring pool with mountain views, even in winter.

Food & nightlife

• Alberta beef – Steaks from Canada's cattle province.
• Bison and game – Bison burgers or elk on many menus.
• Pubs on Banff Avenue – Après-ski and a beer after the hike.
• Maple syrup and poutine – Canadian classics for breakfast or as a snack.

Day trips

• Jasper – A quieter national park with the Columbia Icefield and Maligne Lake.
• Yoho National Park – Emerald Lake and the towering Takakkaw Falls.
• Calgary Stampede – A big rodeo and western festival in July.

Good to know

When to go

January–February, June–September

Getting around

About an hour and a half from Calgary by car or shuttle; the national parks require a Parks Canada pass. Shuttles serve the popular lakes in summer.

Tipping

15–20% is expected in restaurants.

Power

Plug type A/B, 120 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Plan your trip to Banff and the Rockies together

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

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More in Canada

• Vancouver
• Montreal