Planning a Summer Escape to Banff
Inexpensive Options
1 - Moraine Lake — Hands-down the most iconic and sought after location dans le parc. Arrive before 7 am for parking or take the shuttle from the Trans-Canadian Highway (~$15/person). Climb on top of the boulder pile (there’s a trail that leads up the back) or splurge for a canoe. Grab a coffee at the trailhead and sip while you watch the light change on the peaks.
2 - Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass — This is a great half-day hike starting from Moraine Lake. Some of the more iconic, reflective photos of the Ten Peaks are taken from the upper portion. Be prepared for steep elevation and loose rock. https://www.theoutbound.com/canada/hiking/hike-to-sentinel-pass
3 - Lake Louise — Arrive prior to 7 am for parking. The lot is larger than Moraine, but it still fills up quickly.
4 - Lake Agnes Teahouse — This is a lovely afternoon jaunt that ascends to a teahouse perched just above Lake Louise. Bring cash as they don’t accept credit card. Group restrictions may require no fewer than 4 people/group due to Grizzly activity in the area--particularly in the late summer/early fall. https://www.theoutbound.com/canada/hiking/hike-to-the-lake-agnes-teahouse
5 - Plain of Six Glaciers — Haven’t done this one yet, but it continues from Lake Agnes to a more remote, up-close view of the glaciers that feed Lake Louise. Ice gear required during certain times. https://www.theoutbound.com/canada/hiking/hike-the-plain-of-six-glaciers
*You can rent bear spray at the Fairmont Lake Louise or at Wilson Mountain Sports.
5 - Drive the Icefields Parkway — Some of the best moments are unplanned. Grab your camera and mosey up the Icefields Parkway as far as you like. There are plenty of pull-offs to explore. Make sure you leave with plenty of fuel.
6 - Peyto Lake — The least touristy place in the park—if you know where to look. “Hike” the paved trail up to the overlook and keep walking. Don’t even stop to elbow your way in for a selfie. Follow the loop to the southwestern most point and you’ll see an unofficial trail make it’s way to the south end of the lake. Follow that to a rock outcropping with much more panoramic, and unobstructed, views of the lake.
7 - Vermillion Lakes — Don’t forget the local gems. Just a couple minute drive outside of the town of Banff, you’ll find quiet docks and huge reflections of Mt. Rundle.
A secluded rock outcropping overlooking Peyto Lake along the Icefields Parkway.
Treat Yo Self
Banff is insanely expensive. Plan to pick one (maybe two) splurges for the trip to round out the experience:
1 - Canoe Moraine Lake (~$99/hr) — This is a pilgrimage for Canadians and Instagrammers alike. An alternative is Lake Louise. The Fairmont handles the rentals (which can be over an hour wait), but Moraine is much more intimate and iconic in my opinion.
2 - Banff Gondola — Experiences are offered at a variety of price points. If you have the time, take the gondola up in the early afternoon, plan to dine at Sky Bistro, and stick around for the sunset before the last ride down. There are lots of boardwalks and stairs at the top, and the wind can be excessive. https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola/
3 - Stay a night at the Fairmont Lake Louise — Summer rates exceed $700/night but the off season can see a drastic reduction.
4 - Hire a Helicopter — This is probably the biggest splurge in the park, but it can get you to remote areas of the park miles away from the nearest selfie stick and back fairly quickly. Canmore or Jasper.
5 - Via Ferrata — Italian for ‘iron road,’ via ferrata‘s origins date back to the early twentieth century when the local Italians used cables to quickly traverse the Dolomites. Take a half-day and gain some serious exposure on these cable routes. No previous climbing experience required.
Tips—
Admission to the park is required (~$9.80/person/day) I’d consider an annual pass.
You’ll need bear spray if you’re hiking. You can rent it for around $10/day at the Fairmont or most of the retailers in Banff or Lake Louise. Watch out for wolf warnings as well. Sometimes, it’s better to find another couple to hike with.
Check trail conditions, closures, and weather before heading out.
Plan stuff in the early morning and in the late afternoon/evening and rest midday while the lighting sucks.
Stay in Canmore during peak season. It’s charming and less crowded than Banff. Also, there’s a Safeway and a Starbucks.
Check out the local art scene. This is one of the global centers for adventure filmmaking.
Again, pick one or two touristy things to do and spend the rest of the time exploring on your own.
Consider driving all the way up to Jasper or Mt. Robson if you have time. Another closer option for fewer crowds is Yoho NP, BC.
Budget a little time on either end of the trip for Calgary. It’s remarkably inexpensive to stay downtown. I recommend the Fairmont Palliser. Check out the new world-class library or take a walk down 8th Street.
Resources—
https://www.banfflakelouise.com
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff
https://www.theoutbound.com/canada/alberta/banff-national-park
