List Of Places To See In Banff National Park

My thought of this place is that when God showered natural beauty, he gave it all to Canada. Seriously!!!

From glaciers to snow- capped  jagged rocky mountains, crystal clear blue lakes and waterfalls, this place is blessed!  I consider it at the top of my List of Places To See. You know, before I die. 🙂 And I did just that…

Having visited Alberta, Canada on 2015 – I have compiled herewith the best places to see while in Banff National Park.

1. Lake Louise – it snowed for about two days when we were there. Just enough to make it look like a winter wonderland. Starting at the town named Lake Louise to the lake itself,  this video will make you wish you are there. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaddCFM5Rn4

Amazing is an understatement. Imagine the awe and the jaw-dropping expression on  my face, the ahhs… and the ohh’s… And that silly grin you will see in all of my photos there. ha ha… Gee, the wonderment and the astonishment I felt that time. It has been a year and the memory still makes me happy.

2.  From there, we drove towards Moraine Lake. This video will show you what I cannot express in words. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkhuFyucVHE

3.  Lake Minnewanka – another glacially fed lake with the rocky mountains as its backdrop.  See what I mean? God showered Canada with all the natural blessings, indeed!

Looking at my pictures above, make me feel like going back there. Now! ha ha And I just got back from a vacation. Canada oh Canada…..

4. Near Lake Minnewanka, there is another beautiful spot called Two Jacks Lake. It has a campground there with facilities. So if you’re planning on camping in Banff National Park on summer or spring, make your reservations early as this gets full easily.

5. Sit or don’t sit. The choice is yours. But this landscape awaits you at the Tunnel Mountain.

In 1882, the plan was to build a tunnel under this mountain  for the railways. But they found a better route which shortened the railway by a mile and saved two mountains. Thus, saving this beauty infront of us now. 🙂

That “almost major blunder” would have ruined this panoramic vista! And that would have been a pity right?

Following a trail nearby, you will find several hoodoos that were formed hundreds of years ago.

Called a tent rock, fairy chimney or earth pyramid – it is a tall, thin spire of rock that protrudes from the bottom of an arid drainage basin or badland. Hoodoos, which may range from 1.5 to 45 metres (4.9 to 147.6 ft), typically consist of relatively soft rock topped by harder, less easily eroded stone that protects each column from the elements. They generally form within sedimentary rock and volcanic rock formations. (Wikipedia).

If you continue walking, you will be gifted with a beautiful view of Bow Valley and the Bow River.

6. Bow River Trail – whatever you do, do not miss this trail. Start early in the morning because this is a long walk from the town of Banff going to Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It hurt our feet for days but it is so worth the effort and time. 🙂

 

Get your best hiking boots and start walking! 🙂

7. Bow Falls.  At the end of the Bow River Trail before hiking towards Banff Springs Hotel is this beautiful waterfalls. I told you, do not miss the bow river trail. It’s an awesome walk. That , coming from me, who hates walking. 🙂

8. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This luxury hotel is a tourist destination by itself. This was opened to the public on June 1, 1888 as part of the railway hotels. Looking at it from the outside, its imposing presence is very impressive. It’s like gazing at a castle rather a hotel! 🙂

 

I had the honor to meet the hotel’s resident artist, Mr. Brent Lynch.  His paintings are amazing…

http://www.mountaingalleries.com/lynch-bio

9. Vermillion Lakes.  Going there and back is relaxation to the max. With the birds,  ducks and geese , I’d stay here forever if I can….

10. Canada Parks Office. Without them , there is no Canada Parks. I hate to think what would have happened if Rocky Mountains and the rest of their scenic views haven’t been protected. Thank you for the works that you do.

11. Speaking of Canada Parks, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the start of it all. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the birthplace of Canada’s National Park system, which began here in 1885.

12. The Town of Banff.  While I consider it to be a tourist trap,  is one trap you can’t go without. The town of Banff is the base when you are visiting Banff National Park. This is where hotels , restaurants, shops , banks and malls are located.

Like I mentioned above, there are numerous restaurants there. But my most favorite is The Balkan which offers  Mediterranean/Greek food. Do not leave Banff without trying it.

Banff National Park is located in Alberta, Canada.

Now you understand why National Geographic made this place their top destination to visit in 2017.  Tourists flock here all the time. It is beautiful any time of the year. But  I suggest that you visit Banff on September, when the weather is cooler and the crowd is lesser. Their fall foliage adds a kaleidoscope of amazing colors to an already gorgeous setting….