Helping you find the sights you came for, and uncover the stories you didn't expect
~ 20 minute read ~
1) Moraine Lake
Arguably Canada’s greatest landmark and one of the most recognisable images on the planet, a trip to Moraine Lake is for many a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and trust us; it lives up to the hype. The views themselves require no explanation, but to add a local’s top tip; yes climb the rockpile for the iconic view (using the paths, please), but also walk the paths beside the lake. Within minutes you will find the crowds diminish, the quiet returns, and you can find solitude in the sanctuary of the woods, the water, and the mountains. Make the extra effort; it will be worth it.
Getting to Moraine Lake (and Lake Louise) can be quite confusing with the ‘new’ shuttle system introduced to reduce overcrowding. Read our blog ‘Visit Moraine Lake in Summer 2026‘ for information on how to get there. Please remember to pick up bear spray plus other hiking equipment from the Juniper Front Desk before hiking in Banff.
As a further insider’s tip – the shuttle allows you plenty of time up at the lake, and while most visitors climb the rockpile, take THE photo and then return to their bus, there is an opportunity for further exploration. For active adventurers, the hike to Sentinel Pass is a phenomenal trek up the steep side of the valley and out into the alpine following the trail through infamous Larch Valley (a fall hiking favourite) and up the switchbacks to the pass. From there it’s a long 10-hour-plus hike out through Paradise Valley so most hikers return the same way. A further detour or an easier alternative from Moraine Lake is the trail to Eiffel Lake. This path splits off from the Larch Valley Trail well before Sentinel Pass and gives you panoramic views over Moraine Lake, Eiffel Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Book ahead to avoid disappointment either online (links in our blog ‘Visit Moraine Lake in Summer 2026‘) or via the Front Desk if there are any shuttle spots remaining.
2) Lake Louise
Possibly even more famous and almost as iconic is the lakeshore of Lake Louise. Those turquoise waters, stretching into the distance, tall mountains flanking either side and the glaciers forming a bowl at the end of the lake. Unmissable, truly.
Similar to Moraine Lake (which is only 15 minutes away from Lake Louise by shuttle), peak season brings large crowds to this epic destination. Unlike Moraine Lake, you can’t simply walk along the lake to leave them behind, though the lake side walk is worth doing and the crowds will at least thin.
Absolutely worth doing at Lake Louise are some of the hikes: Lake Agnes (2-3hrs rtn), Lake Agnes to Plain of Six Glaciers Loop via the Highline Trail (5hrs rtn), and Saddleback Pass (3-4hrs rtn). Remember to borrow bear spray, hiking poles, backpacks and more from the Juniper Front Desk.
To get to Lake Louise (and Moraine Lake shuttles) you can take a bus from town or drive to Lake Louise Ski Resort. From there you can take your pre-booked shuttle up to the lakes.
Book ahead to avoid disappointment either online (links to shuttles for both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in our blog ‘Visit Moraine Lake in Summer 2026‘) or via the Front Desk if there are any shuttle spots remaining.
3) Sunshine Meadows
Time to stretch the legs a little with a moderate yet relaxed (2-4hr) stroll atop the mountains with 360-degree panoramic views of the Rockies. Do you have to climb a mountain to get there? No, and that’s the beauty of this special experience. A 30-minute drive from the Juniper or the free Sunshine Express bus from downtown takes you to Sunshine Village Ski Resort and its summer gondola. Park or jump off the bus and embark on a fabulous gondola ride up from the valley and into the alpine. From the top of the gondola, grab a snack from the lodge or head straight onto the Standish Chairlift to the top of Mt. Standish.
The walk from the chairlift is a fantastic loop along forested paths and the edges of spectacular alpine lakes. The views from here are among the best in Banff and not to be missed. If you’re lucky and visiting during wildflower season (late spring / early summer), you may just find yourself on one of the most picturesque and charming walks in Canada, with entire slopes covered in gorgeous flower displays.
Reminder: whenever you hike or bike in Banff, there is always the chance of a wildlife encounter. Keep your distance, respect that these are wild animals, and carry bear spray that can be borrowed at the Juniper Front Desk.
4) Lake Minnewanka Scenic Cycle
This wonderful half-day’s ride takes in four of Banff’s most scenic lakes along a road often teeming with wildlife. Rent your complimentary e-bikes from the Juniper and get directions from the Front Desk. Your ride will take you along cycle paths to Cascade Ponds – your first stop and an iconic photo opportunity on one of the red walking bridges with enormous Cascade Mountain in the background.
Top tip: your return journey will come by Cascade Ponds and it’s the warmest of the lakes for a post-ride dip!
Your journey now continues past meadows where elk often feed – keep your distance but jump off your bike and spend some time watching these majestic creatures. A hill climb later (thank you e-bikes) and you’re into the cool forest for the stretch before either turning off for the Johnston Lake detour, or continuing on to Two Jack Lake. Johnston Lake is a short detour but there is an easy 1-hour walk around the lake that is worth the extra effort. Continuing on to Two Jack, you can park up again and walk down to the lake, or continue cycling up and just above the lake for some more of the best views in Banff.
From there it’ll be hard to believe but your journey is only going to get better. This stretch takes you past cliffs where Bighorn Sheep can be seen, around the corner to the viewpoint where you get your first glimpse of vast Lake Minnewanka, and over the dam to the car park. Honestly, this kilometer of riding will take your breath away – perhaps pull over instead of not watching the road or failing to breathe. While at the lake there are opportunities to take a cruise on the lake or rent kayaks, or walk the shore path to little beaches and inlets with further astounding views.
Return via the shorter route out of Minnewanka car park to complete the loop back to Cascade Ponds, or take the scenic route again. Don’t rush; see the lakes in a different light; take a swim in Cascade Ponds; and get yourself a celebratory Caeser Cocktail on the patio back at the Juniper Bistro when you’re done. Congratulations; you’ve completed one of the top activities in Banff.
5) Cave and Basin National Historic Site
For more than ten thousand years, Cave and Basin National Historic Site has held deep significance for Indigenous Peoples – a connection that continues today. In 1883, railway workers Frank McCabe and brothers Tom McCardell and William McCardell discovered the thermal springs, setting in motion events that led to the creation of Banff National Park – Canada’s first national park.
Today, the site remains a place for gathering and reflection, where stories of conservation and the relationship between people and the land are shared. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch short films, take part in seasonal experiences, spot the endemic Banff Spring Snail, and take in sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains.
Top tip: The trails around the historic site are excellent for bird watching, especially the 40-minute Marsh Loop. The Upper Boardwalk is also worth 15 minutes above the bathing pavilion as it passes the cave vent and you can see two smaller springs bubbling from the mountainside and the pools filled with pink bacteria. From here you can also hike or bike to Sundance Canyon, a lesser known but excellent trail along the Bow River with views across to Norquay Mountain before you reach the water-filled canyon.
Cave and Basin, the Marsh Loop, and Sundance Canyon are all easily reachable via the Banff River Trail from the Juniper Hotel. Bike or e-bike recommended, especially to Sundance Canyon (30-minute cycle / 2-hour walk). Remember to borrow bear spray and other gear from the Juniper Front Desk.
6) Johnston Canyon
There are several canyon hikes in and around Banff National Park, and Johnston Canyon is both the most spectacular (like really, really spectacular) and the most overcrowded. This easy 2-3hr hike is a favourite for every tour group coming through Banff, so you should try to go early in the morning or late afternoon. It’s quite incredible how peaceful this gradually ascending trail can be just a few hours either side of midday – you can hear the birds, languish at the viewpoints, read the information signs about wildlife and history, stride through the narrow sections, and you may even not have to queue to go through the cave overlooking the waterfall. Yes, that’s right, there’s a cave through to a waterfall.
So go early, or go late. If you’re confident and you have head torches, go really late!
Johnston Canyon can be reached via a bus from town or via a beautiful cycle along Vermilion Lakes and the Bow Valley Parkway. You can easily get to the Parkway from the Juniper, with Johnston Canyon around a 1.5hr cycle on the complimentary e-bikes. Driving is possible, but the Johnston Canyon car park fills very quickly. Plus you’re here for adventure and the outdoors, so get outside!
7) Excursions to the Icefields Parkway, Kananaskis, Kootenay and Yoho
You could easily spend a couple of summers exploring all the trails and activities available in Banff National Park, but if you’re looking for something further then we fortunately have another three National Parks and several Provincial Parks surrounding us.
The Icefields Parkway – a day’s drive will take you along one of the world’s most incredible roads, where views of glaciers, rivers, lakes and marching mountains genuinely leave you breathless. Don’t miss Peyto Lake (1hr gentle return hike), and consider Saskatchewan River Crossing the natural turnaround point (4hrs return from Banff not including all the stops and exploring, and still within Banff National Park).
For highlights of the other Parks, visit Kananaskis, Kootenay, and Yoho Tourism sites.
8) Sulphur Mountain Gondola & Summit Hike
An easy afternoon activity takes you to Banff Gondola, up over the treetops and to the peak of Sulpher Mountain. Actually not quite the peak – for that you need to get out onto the boardwalk and climb a few steps up to the summit, with mighty views over Banff as far as Lake Minnewanka on one side and the Bow Valley stretching out towards Sunshine Village on the other. Oh what a task! This ~30 minute walk and the eye-watering views over Banff are really up there, literally and figuratively.
To get to Banff Gondola you can take the bus from town, e-bike, or hike. Walking there from Banff Ave is a pleasant but not particularly interesting uphill trek of about an hour. By e-bike is around 15 minutes. Do not drive. The small car park is hideously expensive to disuade visitors from driving up and causing congestion. This will fail to disuade certain groups and the car park is likely to be full, forcing you to turn the car around, drive back to Banff and attempt to find parking in town – no mean feat! Get the bus, e-bike, or if you’re very eager, hike!
9) Sleeping Buffalo / Tunnel Mountain Hike
From wherever you are in Banff, look up and find the lowest, nearest peak on the skyline. Does it resemble a sleeping buffalo? If so, you’ve spotted what the Stoney Nakoda Nation call Sleeping Buffalo. Later named Tunnel Mountain in 1880, it offers a 2-hour return hike with sweeping views over town and Mt Rundle.
Top tip: sunrise or sunset is often a quieter time to hike the trail but also the most spectacular. For runners the hill offers a good challenge with a soft, wide, relatively gentle, acending trail (this from a runner staff member at the Juniper, so blame them).
10) Banff Downtown
Yes, we’re packing quite a few ‘best of Banff’ activities into this one, but all could be done in a day with a can-do attitude and a midday powerup at Wild Flour! Across the bridge from the Juniper Hotel begins the Bow River Trail. Wind your way along the turquoise waters before parking your bike in downtown for a coffee and a snack, take in the shops, the iconic views from Banff Ave and Bear Street, grab your souvineer Maple Syrup, then continue along the river to Bow Falls and the castle-like Fairmont.
Still got energy? Head to the Canoe Club dock for a paddle on the Bow River – group tours are available as well as hourly rentals of kayaks and canoes.
A gelato back on Banff Ave is a good way to end a memorable day in Banff. Rest day? This is what locals call an active rest day.
Going beyond Banff's 'Top 10'
Banff National Park is a year-round paradise for addventurers and explorers of every ability and inclination. While the majority of visitors spend much of their time experiencing the Top 10, there is still so much more to see and do. Many activities depend on the season – if you visit November to April you have four world class ski resorts – or visit in September you can hike among the incredible colours during Larch Season.
Read our Going Beyond Banff’s ‘Top 10’ here.
Need further ideas or more detail?
Reviews sometimes tell us that a guest’s favourite memories come from places they heard about from our team. These moments offer a deeper experience of Banff: a recommendation scribbled on a map, a shared story about life in the mountains, or an unexpected suggestion that leads to a highlight of the trip. Chat to the Front Desk for personalised recommendations matching your schedule and preferences.
For further information use the Banff Lake Louise Tourism: Trip Builder for more detail on things to do in Banff.
We acknowledge that Banff National Park is within the present-day territories of the Treaty 6, 7, and 8, Nations as well as the Métis Homeland. The lands and waters of Banff have been used by Indigenous Peoples for sustenance, ceremony, trade, and travel. We thank them for their continuous stewardship and for sharing the land with us.