Banff Travel Guide: Best things to do in Banff and Lake Louise

Discover the best things to do in Banff and Lake Louise while on a road trip to see the stunning natural beauty of the area. Our Banff Travel Guide will help you plan an unforgettable adventure, including the best things to do, as well as provide some essential trip advice and ideas for your visit.

The drive through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies from Banff along the Columbia Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic in the world. Check out the nearby areas of Revelstoke National Park Meadows in the Sky Parkway or into the Shuswap Lake area.

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Road Trip to Banff National Park and Area

Banff National Park is the first and oldest National Park in Canada. It ‘s also a designated UNESCO World Heritage site as part of Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. First stop: drop by the Banff Visitors Centre to pick up maps, brochures and up-to-date information.

Alert: From June 20 to September 2, 2025, enjoy Parks Canada: Free admission for all visitors to national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada and a 25% discount on camping fees. The Canada Strong Pass lets you explore the country’s richness—from museums to nature to railroads.

Just visit participating locations! The Canada Strong Pass is not a physical pass that you need to purchase, sign up for, or collect. Visit any participating Parks Canada site, museum, gallery, or VIA Rail to benefit from free admission or discounts. Learn more about the pass eligibility details.

Note: After that date, explore this great natural wilderness, visitors need to purchase a National Park Pass.

Plan ahead to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most visited spots in Banff National Park. The heavily trafficked area has more than 1 million vehicle visits each year.

Go to Banff Now for live park information. 

IMPORTANT – Advanced planning is necessary to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Cars are banned from Moraine Lake Road all year.

But, there are multiple ways to visit these two attractions and reservations are required on all Parks Canada shuttles. Find out more about reservations. 

During peak season, from May 15 to the middle of October, Lake Louise Shoreline and Morraine Lake parking lots are full by sunrise and reservations are required on the shuttle. If you stay in the Banff area, you can take advantage of Roam Public Transit to various attractions. Check schedules here.

Accommodations and camping facilities sell out quickly and are usually booked up months in advance.

Consider visiting this area in early May or in late September when the attractions and trails are less busy. Taking a guided tour in the area is also a great option.

How many days do you need to spend in Banff National Park?

Two days are fine, but three to five days would be ideal to take full advantage of all the must-visit sites and recreational options available. Consider extending your stay to include Jasper National Park.

Best things to do in Banff and Lake Louise

1. Explore Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Take a tour to see the hot bubbling turquoise waters of the mineral pools, view the cave, walk along the upper and lower boardwalk and Marsh Loop.  See the 1914 Bathing Pavillion. Consider taking a Parks Canada Tour to find out more about the biodiversity of the wetland area surrounding the Cave and Basin. or take a quick introduction tour of the cave and basin.

2. Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax in the thermal waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs. Admission to the hot springs includes Cave and Basin, which have been open since 1886 and are the highest operating, elevated hot springs in Canada. You can even rent a historic bathing suit to wear for those Instagram shots.

Reservations can’t be made and entry is available only on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Bow Valley Parkway

Scenic 48-km Bow Valley Parkway runs between Lake Louise and Banff, parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway. A travel restriction is in place along a 17-kilometre section of the road from the Canyon Campground to the Fireside Picnic Area. The road is closed between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. from March through June 25, to protect wildlife in the area.

4. Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Take a one-hour cruise on Lake Minnewanka or rent a boat, canoe, or kayak. The lake is about a 15-minute drive from Banff, and parking can be a problem. If taking a cruise, arrive two hours early to ensure you can find parking or one hour early if taking Hop on Roam Transit’s Route 6 service. Show your cruise ticket to the bus driver to get a free ride.

5. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is world famous for its glacier-fed emerald coloured waters. Parking lots fill up fast before sunrise and remain that way until sunset. Plan to take a shuttle. The iconic luxury hotel Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise overlooks the lake.

The stunningly beautiful emerald green waters of Lake Louise. Photo: Canva

6. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is another glacier-fed lake with vivid green coloured waters. This lake sits at a very high elevation and usually remains completely frozen until sometime in June. It is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The lake is located 14 km from Lake Louise, and the road is closed from October to early June. Cars are banned from Moraine Lake Road all year, so use the available shuttle service.

Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Photo: Canva

7. Johnson Canyon Trails

Johnson Canyon trails to the waterfalls are extremely popular. Try visiting in the early morning to avoid the rush of hikers. Parking is limited. Plan to bike or take the Roam Transit, Route 9, non-reservable bus.

Hiking Johnston Canyon on the Bow Valley Parkway. Photo Credit: Travel Alberta, Paul Zizka©

8. Banff Gondola

Take in stunning mountain views of six mountain ranges from the Banff Gondola.  See their live webcam views.

9. Columbia Icefield

Take time to see the Columbia Icefield. It’s an adventure of a lifetime. Experience walking on the ancient Athabasca Glacier, then go out on the glass-bottomed Skywalk for incredible views. Do not cross barriers on the glacier — they are there for your protection. People have lost their lives falling into deep, hidden crevasses. Be sure to make a reservation at this attraction. Find out more.

The Columbian Icefields – One of the top 10 things to do in Banff, Lake Louise area is explore the Columbia Icefields. Photo Credit: Mike Seehagel

Columbia Icefields Parkway

You will not want to miss this extraordinary adventure! The drive through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper, along the Columbia Icefields Parkway, is one of the most scenic drives in the world. If you plan to make the trek, start the day early and consider staying one or two nights in Jasper.  Book a guided full day tour leaving from Banff.

The distance between Jasper and Lake Louise is 233 kms and will take almost three hours without stops. Don’t rush through this spectacular area and allow at least one full day to explore it. Take advantage of viewpoints and other stops along the way. In our opinion, it’s much more scenic driving from the north to south.

Note! If you go, drive the parkway in daylight hours. Make sure your gas tank is full and check your tires and water levels. There are limited services available along the Columbia Icefields Parkway.

10. Banff Town Centre

Larger than Lake Louise, visitors from around the globe come to the town of Banff to check out the numerous restaurants, galleries and shops that line its main street. They also come to take that memorable Instagram photo with Mount Rundle in the background.

Banff’s most Instagramable street in the town centre. Robert Massey: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism©

Other suggested lakes to explore near Banff

Vermillion Lakes

Close to the town of Banff, the three Vermillion Lakes are easy to get to by biking or walking the 2.4 km trail. The lakes are perfect for watching a sunset or taking in the beautiful reflection of Mount Rundle.

Sunset at Vermillion Lake with views of Mount Rundle. Photo: Shannon Martin©

Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake is a perfect spot to paddle with the stunning backdrop of Mount Rundle. The lake is located 11 km from Lake Louise.

Paddler at Two Jack Lake near Banff. Photo: Shannon Martin©

Important reminders for exploring Banff National Park:

• Always check for the latest health updates and safety regulations.
• Remember to turn the clock ahead one hour. Alberta is on Mountain Standard Time.
• The weather can change quickly. Dress in layers, wear weather-proof clothing, and wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with a good non-slip grip.
• Always be cautious of wildlife on or near the highway.
• Do not feed or approach wildlife and stay at least 30 meters away from all animals. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Elk are aggressive and dangerous between May and October. Parks Canada says to keep a minimum of three bus lengths away from elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats and 10 bus lengths away from bears, cougars and wolves. Read more about wildlife safety on the Parks Canada website.
• Do not wander beyond marked boundaries.
• This is a high mountainous area, always check on road and hiking trail conditions. Some areas do not open until the end of June.

Where to stay in Banff and Lake Louise

Hotels

Two of our favourite luxury hotels in the area are the five-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It sits majestically overlooking the emerald green waters of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. The iconic castle, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, is near Banff at the base of Rundle Mountain.

Search for accommodation to meet any budget by using Booking.Com and any commissions earned will help keep this website running. Or search the official Travel Alberta website.

Motorhome Park and Camping

There are 13 Parks Canada camp sites, which offer a variety of accommodations from RV camping, camping, fully equipped campsite already set up, and an oTentik option. These A-frame oTentik cabins blend the camping experience. Each cabin sleeps 6. Book a campsite reservation in the National Park.

Here are some of the popular sites to choose from:

• Lake Louise Campground – 1 km from Lake Louise Village.
• Johnston Canyon Campground – near Johnson Canyon and 25 kms from Banff.
• Tunnel Mountain Campground – 2 km from Banff.
• Castle Mountain Campground – 34 km from Banff.

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